by Linda Evans Shepherd, AWSA Founder and Publisher of Leading Hearts magazine
AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) announced the winners of the 2020 Golden Scroll and Christian Market Book Awards at their Virtual Awards Ceremony on Saturday, August 15, 2020. The awards were presented by Monica Schmelter, host of “Bridges,” a daily program on the Christian Television Network (CTN).
This is the 12th year that AWSA has presented the Golden Scroll Awards. The Golden Scroll Awards are open to all 600 members of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.
The Golden Scrolls Book of the Year was awarded to Dr. Michelle Bengtson for “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” (Revell of Baker Publishing Group).
The Nonfiction Book of the Year Award was awarded to Pam Farrel, Jean E. Jones and Karla Dornacher for “Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament: A Creative Devotional Study Experience” (Harvest House Publishers).
The Novel of the Year Award was awarded to DiAnn Mills for “Fatal Strike” (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.).
The Children’s Nonfiction Book of the Year was awarded to two authors: Michelle Medlock Adams for “How Much Does God Love You” (WorthyKids) and Crystal Bowman for “Little Duckling’s Easter Prayers” (Zonderkids).
Second place for the Children’s Nonfiction Book of the Year was also awarded to Michelle Medlock Adams for “Cuddle Up Prayers” (WorthyKids). Third place was awarded to Michelle Lazurek “The Best Gift of All” (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.).
The Children’s Fiction Book of the Year was awarded to Donna Arlynn Frisinger for “Bink and Slinky’s Christmas Adventure” (Progressive Rising Phoenix Press).
Second place for the Children’s Fiction Book of the Year was awarded to Michelle Medlock Adams for “I Love You Bigger Than the Sky” (WorthyKids). Third place was awarded to Michele McCarthy for “Daddy and Me” (Redemption Press).
The Christian Education Book of the Year was awarded to Cynthia L. Simmons for “Pursuing Gold: A Historical & Critical Thinking Curriculum” (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.).
Second place for the Christian Education Book of the Year was awarded to Pamela Christian for “Prepare for the Harvest! God’s Challenge to the Church Today” (Protocol, Ltd.).
The Bible Study Book of the Year was awarded for two books: Pam Farrel, Jean E. Jones and Karly Dornacher wrote “Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Devotional Study Experience” (Harvest House Publishers), and Misty Phillip authored “The Struggle Is Real: But So Is God” (MistyPhillip.com).
Second place for the Bible Study Book of the Year was awarded to Jennifer Smith Lane for “Transformed: Eating and Body Image Renewal God’s Way” (Jennifer Sue Lane). Third place was awarded to Janet H. McHenry for “Stronger Every Day” (First Place for Health).
The Memoir of the Year was awarded for two books: Ginny Dent Brant wrote: “Unleash Your God-Given Healing: Eight Steps to Prevent and Survive Cancer” (WestBow Press), and Luann Mire, with Patti Richter, wrote “Signs of His Presence: Experiencing God’s Comfort in Times of Suffering” (Carpenter’s Son Publishing).
Second place for the Memoir of the Year was awarded to Lisa W. Smith and Thanh D. Boyer for “The Ground Kisser” (Kerysso Press). Third place was awarded to Paula Jauch for “Cross Addicted: Breaking Free from Family Trauma and Addiction” (Redemption Press).
The Christian Living Book of the Year was awarded to Robin Luftig for “God’s Best During Your Worst: Living Under His Umbrella” (Bold Vision Books).
Second place for the Christian Living Book of the Year was awarded to Tina Yeager for “Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory Over the Lies Formed Against You” (New Hope Publishers). Third place was awarded to Lucinda Secrest McDowell for “Soul Strong: 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” (New Hope Publishers).
The Devotional Book of the Year was awarded to Lucinda Secrest McDowell for “Life-Giving Choices: 60 Days to What Matters Most” (New Hope Publishers).
Second place for the Devotional Book of the Year was awarded to Leigh Ann Thomas for “Smack Dab in the Midlife Zone: Inspiration for Women in the Middle” (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.). Third place was awarded to Karen Whiting for “52 Weekly Devotions for Families Called to Serve” (Rose Publishing).
The Inspirational Gift Book of the Year was awarded to Adria Wilkins for “The Joy Box Journal” (Ellie Claire Gifts).
Second place for the Inspirational Gift Book of the Year was awarded to Michelle Medlock Adams for “Encouraging Words for Mothers (Morning & Evening): Daily Devotions for a Mother’s Soul” (Barbour Books). Third place was awarded to Cynthia Cavanaugh for “She Writes for Him: Stories of Resilient Faith” (Romans 8:28 Books: An Imprint of Redemption Press).
The Western Novel of the Year was awarded to Janet Chester Bly for “Beneath a Camperdown Elm” (Bly Books).
The Historical Novel of the Year was awarded to Jocelyn Green for “Veiled in Smoke” (Bethany House Publishers).
Second place for the Historical Novel of the Year was also awarded to Jocelyn Green for “Between Two Shores” (also from Bethany House Publishers). Third place was awarded to Rebecca Price Janney for “Sweet, Sweet Spirit: One Woman’s Spiritual Journey to the Asbury College Revival” (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.).
The Contemporary Novel of the Year was awarded to Kaley and Rhonda Rhea for “Off-Script & Over-Caffeinated: A Novel” (Bold Vision Books).
Second place for the Contemporary Novel of the Year was awarded to June Chapko for “Legacy’s Path” (Legacy Treasures). Third place was awarded to Deborah Raney for “Chasing Dreams” (Kregel Publications).
The Mystery/Suspense Novel of the Year was awarded to Carrie Stuart Parks for “Fragments of Fear” (Thomas Nelson).
Second place for the Mystery/Suspense Novel of the Year was awarded to Catherine Finger for “Capsized by Death” (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.). Third place was awarded to Lori Altebaumer for “A Firm Place to Stand” (BookBaby).
The Arise Daily Writer of the Year was awarded to Sheri Schofield.
AWSA’s official magazine, “Leading Hearts,” won their seventh straight Evangelical Press Association Merit award. The “Leading Hearts” Columnist of the Year went to Saundra Dalton-Smith for her column, “Healthtracks.” Article of the Year went to Lisa Burns for “Breakthrough the Movie: Exclusive Interview with Pastor Jason Noble.”
The 2020 AWSA Member of the Year Award went to Edie Melson. Edie, an award-winning author of “Soul Care When You’re Weary,” directs the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and serves in several leadership roles in AWSA. AWSA founder Linda Evans Shepherd said, “Edie works tirelessly and gives selflessly for the cause of Christ.”
The Jennifer Kennedy Dean Award went to Janet Holm McHenry. Janet, also a best-selling prayer author, was a close friend and prayer partner of Jennifer’s. Janet continues in Jennifer’s tradition to teach prayer principles to readers.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Stormie Omartian, in honor of her life of excellence in serving the Lord. Her books on prayer, including “Power of a Praying Woman” and “Power of a Praying Wife,” have sold over 40 million copies.
AWSA, the sponsor of the Golden Scroll Awards Banquet, is an outreach of Right to the Heart Ministries and consists of over 600 top women authors who both publish and speak nationally. See www.AWSA.com.
This is the first year to present the all-new Christian Market Book Awards. These awards are open to all authors who publish in the Christian market.
The Christian Market Novel of the Year was awarded to Anne Greene for “Shadow of the Dagger” (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.).
Second place for the Christian Market Novel of the Year was awarded for two books: C. Kevin Thompson for “The Letters” (Mantle Rock Publishing LLC), and Buck Storm and Bill Perkins for “The List” (Compass Publishing). Third place was awarded to Jeanette Morris for “Her Shining Eyes: A Novel” (Bold Vision Books).
The Christian Market Nonfiction Book of the Year went to Lauren Crews for “Strength of a Woman: Why You are Proverbs 31” (Ascender Books).
Second place for the Christian Market Nonfiction Book of the Year was awarded to Rhonda Robinson for “FreeFall: Holding onto Faith When the Unthinkable Strikes” (New Hope Publishers). Third place was awarded to Michelle Medlock Adams and Bethany Jett for “They Call Me Mom: 52 Encouraging Devotions for Every Moment” (Kregel Academic & Professional).
The Christian Market Children’s Book of the Year was awarded to Michelle Medlock Adams for “I Love You Bigger than the Sky” (WorthyKids).
Second place for the Christian Market Children’s Book of the Year was awarded to Amy Houts for “God’s Protection Covers Me” (Beaming Books). Third place was also awarded to Michelle Medlock Adams for “How Much Does God Love You” (WorthyKids).
The Christian Market Book of the Year was awarded to Luann Mire, with Patti Richter, for “Signs of His Presence: Experiencing God’s Comfort in Times of Suffering” (Carpenter’s Son Publishing).
Monica Schmelter and Linda Evans Shepherd, author and AWSA founder, presented the awards and recording artist Cheri Keaggy performed a parody by Martha Bolton.
For more info, please contact Linda Evans Shepherd at LindaReply@gmail.com or 303-772-2035
