The 2025 Selah Awards finalists were announced by a live Facebook telecast on Friday March 7, 2025, by the contest director Eva Marie Everson. The Selah Awards is an industry-wide award contest for published Christian authors within 32 categories. The awards, which began in 2012, were designed to support the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference scholarship fund, ensuring that every capable writer can attend the prestigious conference. This year, Mrs. Everson will present the awards on Thursday May 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. EST during the BRMCWC Awards Dessert Banquet.

 

The 2025 Selah Awards Finalists

 

Amish

A Healing Touch by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell Books
Editor: Andrea Doering

Amish Witness to Murder by Dana R. Lynn
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin
Agent: Tamela Hancock Murray
Editor: Tina James

Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin
Publisher: Zondervan
Agent: Julie Gwinn
Editor: Becky Monds

Their Surprise Amish Reunion by Jocelyn McClay
Publisher: Love Inspired
Editor: Melissa Endlich

Anthology

A Weary World Rejoices, Deb Elkink, General Editor
Publisher:  Mosaic Collection

Sounds Like a Plan, Deb Elkink, General Editor
Publisher: Mosaic Collection

Strength in the Storm by Andrea Lende
Publisher: Beatitudes Publishing
Editor: Andrea Lende

Articles in Print

A Child’s First Christmas Memory by Linda Summerford
Publisher: The Mountaineer
Editor: Denise Loock

More Than a Critique Group by Pamela S. Walker
Publisher: Today’s Christian Living
Editor: Michelle Adserias

The Marble Track by Julie Lavender
Publisher: Guideposts
Editor: Edward Grinnan

Articles Online

Answering God’s Call by Melissa A. McLaughlin
Publisher: Refresh Bible Study Magazine
Editor: Katy Kauffman

How to Survive and Thrive in a Season of Caregiving by Linda Kozar
Publisher: Healthy Living Series Blo
Editor: Susan Neal

The Symbolism of it All by Helena Smreck
Publisher: Christian Life in London
Editor: Rick Vandekieft

Two Reasons Not to Use AI to Write Your Novel by Beth K. Vogt
Publisher: The Write Conversation

Audio Books

Desire of my Heart by Heidi Gray McGill
Narrator: Aimee Lilly
Publisher: Heidi Gray McGill Books
Editor: Claire Kohler, Adam P. Hassel

Farmhouse Devotions by Cheryl Schuermann
Narrator: Emily Norman
Publisher: Cheryl Schuermann

Flashover by Megan Besing
Narrator: Garrett Kiesel
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Agent: Rachel Kent
Editor: Lisa Phillips and Susan May Warren

Healing or Homecoming by Cheryl Liberatore
Narrator: Sandra Huston
Publisher: Redemption Press
Editor: Kathy Ide

The Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould
Narrator: Kristin Kirby
Publisher: Creekview Press

The Persistent Road by Tim Bishop
Narrator: Kim Rasmussen
Publisher: Open Road Press
Editor: Christina Boys, Natalie Hanemann, and John David Kudrick

Treasure Atop the Mountain by Tonya L. Matthews
Narrator: Christy Lou
Publisher: Haleya Publishing
Editor: Teresa Crumpton

Bible Study

Called to Christ by Christy Bass Adams
Publisher: Christy Bass Adams
Editor: Janis Powell

Experiencing the Word by Joshua J. Masters
Publisher: Kingdom Knight Publishing

The Bible Companion Book 5: Job by Karen Westbrook Moderow
Publisher: Jordanwest Publications
Editor: Christina Miller and Dori Harrell

The Bible Companion Book 6: Psalms by Karen Westbrook Moderow
Publisher: Jordanwest Publication
Editor: Christina Miller and Dori Harrell

Children’s Literature

Awesome Facts About Space by Mark Wainwright & Dr. Danny Falkner
Publisher: Kids Answers, Answers in Genesis
Editor: Evonne Krell

Flight of the Falcon by Bryan Davis & Mark T. Hancock
Publisher: Trail Life USA/Worthy Trailmen Press
Agent: Cyle Young

The Compassion Storybook Bible by Crystal Bowman & Sue Schlesman
Publisher: End Game Press
Agent: Karen Neumair
Editor: Victoria Duerstock

Children’s Picture Books

God, How Do You Love Me? By Mary Anne Quinn
Publisher: Fusion/End Game Pres
Editor: Victoria Duerstock

Goodnight Noah, Goodnight Ark by Eric & Meredith Schrotenboer
Publisher: Fresh Wind Studios
Agent: Karen Neumair
Editor: Crystal Bowman

Grandma’s Blessings by Michelle Medlock Adams
Publisher: Good Books ???
Agent: Shannon Marvin
Editor: Jesse McHugh

Hall of Faith by Michelle S. Lazurek
Publisher: B&H Kids
Agent: Karen Neumair
Editor: Lauren Groves

Moo, Moo, Nap, Nap by Sarah Philpott
Publisher: End Game Press
Editor: Victoria Duerstock

Penny Preaches by Amy Dixon & Rob Dixon
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Editor: Elissa Schaver

The Dachshund Dash by Michelle Medlock Adams
Publisher: End Game Press
Agent: Cyle Young
Editor: Victoria Duerstock

The Dance of Easter by Sally Cressman
Publisher: Wren & Bear/End Game Press
Agent: Andy Clapp
Editor: Michelle Medlock Adams

This Special Blessing for You by Eric & Meredith Schrotenboer
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Agent: Karen Neumair
Editor: Crystal Bowman

Christian Living

Called to Christlikeness, Not Christianity by Nate Stevens
Publisher: Nate Stevens
Editor: Andrea Simmons Merrell

Her Battle Strength by Deanne Reid
Publisher: Fusion/End Game Press
Editor: Hope Bolinger

Hidden Heartache by Jody Allen
Publisher: Bold Vision Books
Editor: Larry J. Leech II

Love Beyond Labels by Barb J. Fox
Publisher: Fox Treks
Editor: Lori Roeleveld

Raising Kids to Follow Christ by LeeAnn Mancini
Publisher: Whitaker House
Agent: Blythe Daniel
Editor: Peg Fallon

Reflecting His Glory by Kim S. Kinney
Publisher: Pearls of Glory Publishing
Editor: Dr. Justin R. Kinney

 

Contemporary Romance

Here with Me by Mandy Boerma
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Editor: Susan May Warren & Tari Faris

Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Agent: Cynthia Ruchti
Editor: Andrea Cox and Lindsay Danielson

Love’s True Home by Lori DeJong
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Editor: Amy Anguish and Heidi Glick

Their Unlikely Protector by Meghann Whistler
Publisher: Harlequin/Love Inspired
Editor: Melissa Endlich

Tracy by Jennifer Lynn Cary
Publisher: Tandem Services Pres
Editor: Liz Tolsma

Wishing for Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher
Publisher: RobinSong
Editor: Deborah Raney

You First Loved Me by Donnie Stevens
Publisher: Warwick House Publishers
Agent: Linda Glaz
Editor: Denise Weimer and Nancy Marion

 

Women’s Contemporary

Emma’s Hero by Carrie Walker
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Agent: Tim Beals
Editor: Fay Lamb

The Difference Between Us by Sheri Zeck
Publisher: Amazon
Editor: Janice Boekhoff

The Tangled Tale of the Woolgathering Castoffs by Sharon J. Mondragon
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Agent: Ali Herring
Editor: Janyre Tromp

Devotionals

Even When by Sara Cormany
Publisher: Dexterity
Agent: Blythe Daniel
Editor: Karen Longino and Diane McDougall

Farmhouse Devotions by Cheryl Schuermann
Publisher: Bold Vision Books
Editor: Larry J. Leech II

I Love You, Dad! by Blythe Daniel, William Daniel, & Helen McIntosh
Publisher: End Game Press
Agent: Blythe Daniel
Editor: Hope Bolinger

Sharpened, Wielded, & Ready by F. D. Adkins
Publisher: F. D. Adkins
Editor: Farrah Adkins and Carolyn Bryant

Some God! by Amanda J. Chambers
Publisher: Credo House Publisher
Editor: Suzanne U. Rhodes

Trail Ready, Mark T. Hancock, Gen Editor
Publisher: Trail Life USA, DBA: Worthy Trailman Press

Devotions in Print

A Chorus of Praise by Julie Lavender
Publisher: Guideposts
Editor: Jon Woodhams

Christmas Eve by Kristen West
Publisher: Guideposts

More Than a House by Suzanne D. Nichols
Publisher: Kerysso Press
Editor: Carissa Lovvorn with Lisa Worthey Smith

Sweet Adoption by Martha Walker Newman
Publisher: Kerysso Press
Editor: Carissa Lovvorn with Lisa Worthey Smith

The Most Extravagant Gift by Kristen West
Publisher: Guideposts

The Valley of Blessing by Becky Alexander
Publisher: Kerysso Press
Editor: Carissa Lovvorn

Thomas T. Turkey by Becky Alexander
Publisher: Kerysso Press
Editor: Carissa Lovvorn

Trust the Father by Suzanne D. Nichols
Publisher: Kerysso Press
Editor: Carissa Lovvorn with Lisa Worthey Smith

Devotions Online

Church Leadership by Kristen West
Publisher: Living by Design Ministries
Editor: Sarah Koontz

Five Scriptural Prayers for Joy When Life is Hard by Asheritah Ciuciu
Publisher: Proverbs 31 Ministries
Editor: Shelby Dixon

Parenting a Prodigal by Kristen West
Publisher: Living by Design Ministries
Editor: Sarah Koontz

Remember the Treasure in Your Jar of Clay by Lisa Lenning
Publisher: Proverbs 31 Ministries
Editor: Shelby Dixon

Why did God Reveal Christ’s Birth to Shepherds and Wise Men? By Lana Christian
Publisher: LanaChristian.com

The Ugliness of Envy by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Publisher: KHCP

This Easter, Find Comfort at the Cross by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Publisher: KHCP

Essays in Print

College Fund Miracle by Bettie Boswell
Publisher: Guideposts
Editor: Morgan Beard

God’s Faithfulness to Lead Us by Lisa Lenning
Publisher: Guideposts
Editor: Morgan Beard

Home Sweet Homes by Julie Lavender
Publisher: Guideposts
Agent: Cyle Young
Editor: Edward Grinnan

Hope Remains by Maureen Miller
Publisher: Faith Creativity Life Books
Editor: Michelle Rayburn

Shall we Dance? By Michelle Medlock Adams
Publisher: Abundance Books

Whimpers and Whispered Prayers by Melissa A. McLaughlin
Publisher: Faith Creativity Life Books
Editor: Michelle Rayburn

Essays Online

Euthanasia is not . . . Safe by Ronda Wells, MD
Publisher: Ronda Wells on Substack

The Giveaway by Joy Dunlap
Publisher: Speaking Joyfully

Three Men, Jesus, and Me by Rachael M. Colby
Publisher: HeartofFleshLit.com
Editor: Veronica McDonald

Windsong by Rachael M. Colby
Publisher: TattooItOnYourHeart.com
Editor: Cecil Murphey

First Novel

Dreamteller by K. D. Shade
Publisher: Independently Published
Editor: Angie Grigaliunas

The Difference Between Us by Sheri Zeck
Publisher: Sheri Zeck
Editor: Janice Boekhoff

Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller
Publisher: Revell Books
Agent: Wendy Lawton
Editor: Rachel McRae

When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Agent: Linda Glaz
Editor: Rebecca Germany

General Fiction

Former Things Forgotten by Thomas Trezise
Publisher: Redemption Press
Editor: Denise Weimer

The Desert Between Us by James C. Magruder
Publisher: End Game Press
Agent: Andy Clapp
Editor: Hope Bolinger

The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli
Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers
Editor: Melissa Jagears

What a Wave Must Be by Angela Hunt
Publisher: Focus on the Family
Agent: Danille-Egan Miller
Editor: Jerry B. Jenkins

Wishbones by Donnie Stevens
Publisher: Warwick House Publishers
Agent: Linda Glaz
Editor: Natalie Hanemann and Joyce Maddox

General Nonfiction Books

American Crisis by William D. Howard
Publisher: Ambassador International
Editor: Katie Cruice Smith

Are We Neglecting a Great Salvation? By Mike O’Dowd
Publisher: Westbow Press
Editor: Bob DeGroff

Classroom Tapestry by Lori DeJong
Publisher: Redemption Press
Editor: Kathy Ide

Modern Marxism by Patricia Engler
Publisher: Answers in Genesis
Editor: Gary Vaterlaus

Historical / Biblical Fiction

Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Agent: Bob Hostetler
Editor: Dori Harrell

Sulla’s Fist by Vincent B. Davis II
Publisher: Thirteenth Press
Editor: Susan Cornell

The Ark and the Dove by Jill Eileen Smith
Publisher: Revell Publishing
Agent: Wendy Lawton
Editor: Rachel McRae

These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Agent: Wendy Lawton
Editor: David Long

What I Left for You by Liz Tolsma
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Agent: Tamela Hancock Murray
Editor: Becky Germany and Ellen Tarver

While Rome Burned by Vincent B. Davis II
Publisher: Thirteenth Press
Editor: Susan Cornell

Historical Romance

Among the Kindled Embers by Candace West
Publisher: Lost Creek Pres
Editor: Sara Turnquist and Erin Howard

His Treasured Bride by Patti Stockdale
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Editor: Jody Hedlund and Lindsay Harrell

The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart
Publisher: Revell
Agent: Rachel McRae
Editor: Wendy Lawton

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano
Publisher: Revell
Agent: Tamela Hancock Murray
Editor: Rachel Mcrae

The Girl from the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Agent: Cynthia Ruchti
Editor: Becky Fish

To Trust a Heart by Lynne Lanning
Publisher: Lynne Lanning
Editor: Keelie Mann

Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller
Publisher: Revell Books
Agent: Wendy Lawton
Editor: Rachel McRae

When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Agent: Linda Glaz
Editor: Rebecca Germany

Inspiration & Gift

Eat Like a Heroine by Lorilee Cracker & Jenny Williams
Publisher: End Game Press
Agent: Don Pape
Editor: Victoria Duerstock

Grace Period by K. L. Johnston
Publisher: Westbow Press
Editor: Georgette Gallo

Heart-Shaped Hope by Kathryn Nixon
Publisher: Fusion/End Game Press
Editor: Victoria Duerstock

Sometimes I Forget by Julie Sunne
Publisher: B&H Publishing
Agent: Dan Balow
Editor: Ashley Gorman

Memoir

A Beautiful War by Amanda Scarborough
Publisher: Redemption Press
Editor: Jennifer Edwards

Beloved Outcast by Cherie Denna
Publisher: Bold Vision Books
Editor: Larry J. Leech II

Giving Up Grace by Robin Gerblick
Publisher: Redemption Press
Editor: Eva Marie Everson

Middle Grade Fiction

Between Flowers and Bones by Carolyn Leiloglou
Publisher: WaterBrook
Agent: Keely Boving
Editor: Bunmi Ishola

Blast on the Beach by Katrina Hoover Lee
Publisher: Katrina Hoover Lee
Editor: Sara Nolt, Sherilyn Troyer, Gideon Yutzy

Road Trip Return by Becca Wierwille
Publisher: Beloved Chronicles
Editor: Jon Tilton, Ellen McGinty, Megan Gerig

The Minor Miracle by Meredith Davis
Publisher: WaterBrook
Agent: Alyssa Eisner Henkin
Editor: Bunmi Ishola

The Secret Door by Christy Bass Adams
Publisher: WordCrafts Press
Editor: Yvonne Mackay

Mystery / Suspense

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Agent: Janet Kobobel Grant
Editor: Rochelle Gloege and Luke Heinrich

Number 1 With a Bullet by Vikki Kestell
Publisher: Faith-Filled Fiction
Editor: Cheryl Adkins and Greg McCann

Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Agent: Janet Kobobel Grant
Editor: Rochelle Gloege and Luke Heinrich

The Women of Wyntons by Donna Mumma
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Agent: Linda Glaz
Editor: Becky Fish

Transactions We Exposed by Chelsea Michelle
Publisher: Chelsea Michelle
Editor: Amanda Tero and Anita Heath

Novellas

Explosive Reunion by Dana R. Lynn
Publisher: Dana R. Lynn
Editor: Emily Rodmell and Bethany Jamison

In the Dark by Lynette Eason
Publisher: Revell Publishing
Agent: Tamela Hancock Murray
Editor: Kelsey Bowen

Love Across Time by Helena Smreck
Publisher: Fab Four Press
Editor: Sara Davison

Mistletoe and Mayhem in the Rockies by Darlene L. Turner
Publisher: Fab Four Press
Agent: Tamela Hancock Murray
Editor: Sara Davison

Sinflowers by Jason William Karph
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing
Editor: Mary W. Johnson, Cristel Phelps, and Deb Haggerty

The Angel and the Sky Pilot by Naomi Musch
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Agent: Linda Glaz
Editor: Ellen Tarver

Where My Heart Belongs by Melanie Stevenson
Publisher: Fab Four Press
Editor: Sara Davison

Podcasts

Best Interview Podcast Finalists
A Writer’s Day Podcast – Host Ruth A. Douthitt
Christian Historical Fiction Talk – Host Liz Tolsma
Christian Parent/Crazy World – Host Catherine Segars 
Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality – Host Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes
Read Clean YA with CJ – Host CJ Milacci
UnPerfect: Strengthen Faith and Connect with God – Host Shelly Snead

Best Solo and Co-Hosted Podcast Finalists

Be the 25 – Host Dr. Sharon O’Hara
Burst of Hope – Co-Hosts Kim Stanley and Martha Wilson
Finding Fantasy Reads – Host Karyne Norton
Seeds of Hope – Co-Hosts Del Bates and Penny Cooke
The Romantic Side of Suspense – Host Sarah Hammer
Un-Cluttered: Shaping Your Heart & Home for What Matters Most – Co-hosts Angie Hyche and Liana George 

Poetry

20 Tots Trotted to School by Pamela Woodson
Publisher: RockSolid Publications

Salad Blessing by K. L. Johnston
Publisher: Westbow Press
Editor: Georgette Gallo

Which Pet? By Maureen Miller
Publisher: Faith Creativity Life Books
Editor: Michelle Rayburn

Romantic Suspense

Abandoned Shores by C. J. Milacci
Publisher: Journey Perspective Publishing
Editor: Becca Wierwille

Double Take by Lynette Eason
Publisher: Revell Publishing
Agent: Tamela Hancock Murray
Editor: Andrea Doering, Barb Barnes, and Jessica English

Every Bird that Falls by Sara Davison
Publisher: Mosaic Collection
Editor: Deb Elkink

Finding You by Robin Patchen
Publisher: JDO Publishing
Editor: Ray Rhamey

Hidden Mountain Secrets by Kerry Johnson
Publisher: Love Inspired/Harlequin
Agent: Ali Herring
Editor: Caroline Timmings

One Final Target by Janice Cantore
Publisher: Tyndale Publishers
Agent: Wendy Lawton
Editor: Jan Stob and Erin Smith

Rescuing You by Robin Patchen
Publisher: JDO Publishing
Editor: Ray Rhamey

Sheltering You by Robin Patchen
Publisher: JDO Publishing
Editor: Ray Rhamey

Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen
Publisher: SDG Words
Editor: Julie Agen

The Glory of Light by Hannah Hood Lucero
Publisher: Skeeter Hawk Library Publishing
Editor: Jennifer Q. Hunt and Heather Wood

Short Stories in Print and Online

Long Black Veil by Samuel L. Blumenthal
Publisher:  Redemption Press
Editor: Jennifer Edwards and Dori Harrell

Hello in There by Samuel L. Blumenthal
Publisher:  Redemption Press
Editor: Jennifer Edwards and Dori Harrell

The Royals by Lauren Brandenburg
Publisher: The Writers Sanctuary
Editor: Bridgette O’Hare

Speculative Fiction

A Time for Redemption by Brett Nelson
Publisher:  Brett Nelson
Editor: Alex Coheeney

Dreamteller by K. D. Shade
Publisher: Independently Published
Editor: Angie Grigaliunas

Hazel Atlas and the Doorway to Ohr by Emily Spencer Kane
Publisher:  Redemption Press
Editor: Rachel Overton

The Raven by Carrie Cotten
Publisher:  Carrie Cotten
Editor: Sarah Stasik and Jennifer Q. Hunt

The Viking by Carrie Cotten
Publisher:  Carrie Cotten
Editor: Sarah Stasik and Jennifer Q. Hunt

Water’s Break by Sophia L. Hansen
Publisher:  Enclave Escape
Editor: Lisa Laube

Western Fiction

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer
Publisher:  Bethany House/Baker Book
Agent: Janet Kobobel Grant
Editor:  Jessica Sharpe and Kate Deppe

Heidi’s Faith by Jill Dewhurst
Publisher:  Jill Dewhurst
Editor: Cindy Bower and Holly Talley

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer
Publisher:  Bethany House/ Baker Books
Agent: Janet Kobobel Grant
Editor: Jessica Sharpe and Kate Deppe

Mail-Order Stonemason by Lynne Lanning
Publisher:  Lynne Lanning
Editor: Keelie Mann

Young Adult Fiction

A Storm of Doubts by JPC Allen
Publisher:  Mount Zion Ridge Press
Editor: Michelle L. Levigne

Enemy of Talionis by C. J. Milacci
Publisher:  Journey Perspective Publishing
Editor: Becca Wierwille

Island Gambit by Felicia Bridges
Publisher:  Felicia Bridges
Editor: Mary Beth Dahl

This concludes the list of finalists for the 2025 Selah Awards.