We are so excited to share the list of the 2020 Selah Award Finalists for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.
The competition was tough this year, with many excellent entries. Congratulations to the finalists and especially to all who entered!
FIRST NOVEL
Title: Jessie’s Hope
Author: Jennifer Hallmark
Publishing House: Firefly Southern Fiction
Title: The Dating Charade
Author: Melissa Ferguson
Publishing House: Thomas Nelson
Title: Her Hope Discovered
Author: Cynthia Herron
Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink
Title: The Secret of Willow Inn
Author: Pat Nichols
Publishing House: Guiding Light
Title: One Woman Falling
Author: Melanie Campbell
Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink
Title: The Zenia Wood
Author: Carrie Looper Stephens
Publishing House: Illuminate YA
Title: Westward Hope
Author: Kathleen D. Bailey
Publishing House: Pelican/White Rose Publishing
MIDDLE GRADE FICTION
Title: Power Up
Author: Jessie Mattis
Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing
Title: Rumor of a Werewolf
Author: Eddie Jones
Publishing House: Illuminate YA
Title: Sour Lemon Strikes Out
Author: Julane Fisher
Publishing House: TouchPoint Press
Title: Fire & Thorn
Author: Mary Vee
Publishing House: Never Give Up Stories Publication
PICTURE BOOKS
Title: Under the Dancing Tree
Author: Chip Mattis
Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing
Title: Daddy & Me
Author: Michele McCarthy
Publishing House: Redemption Press
Title: What is America?
Author: Michelle Medlock Adams
Publishing House: Worthy Kids
Title: How Much Does God Love You?
Author: Michelle Medlock Adams
Publishing House: Worthy Kids
Title: Penguin & Moose
Author: Hannah Hall
Publishing House: Worthy Kids
Title: Easter is Coming
Author: Tama Fortner
Publishing House: B&H Kids
HISTORICAL / BIBLICAL
Title: The Refuge
Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Publishing House: Revell
Title: When Silence Sings
Author: Sarah Loudin Thomas
Publishing House: Bethany House
Title: All Manner of Things
Author: Susie Finkbeiner
Publishing House: Revell
Title: Where I Was Planted
Author: Heather Norman Smith
Publishing House: Ambassador International Publishing
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE (Large Group)
Title: The Art of Rivers
Author: Janet W. Ferguson
Publishing House: Southern Sun Press
Title: Mending Fences
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publishing House: Revell
Title: Stitches in Time
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publishing House: Revell
Title: Remembering Daisy
Author: Dana R. Lynn
Publishing House: Annie’s Fiction
Title: Fall Flip
Author: Denise Weimer
Publishing House: Candlelight Romance
Title: Lake Season
Author: Denise Hunter
Publishing House: Thomas Nelson
Title: Cross My Heart
Author: Robin Lee Hatcher
Publishing House: Harper Collins Christian Publishing/Thomas Nelson
Title: Wooing Cadie McCaffrey
Author: Bethany Turner
Publishing House: Revell
Title: Risking Love
Author: Toni Shiloh
Publishing House: Celebrate Lit Publishing
Title: The Dating Charade
Author: Melissa Ferguson
Publishing House: Thomas Nelson
Title: A Worthy Heart
Author: Sara Beth Williams
Publishing House: Anaiah Press Publishing
Title: Pigtails & a Toolbelt
Author: Janetta Fudge Messmer
Publishing House: Winged Publications
Title: Her Hope Discovered
Author: Cynthia Herron
Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink
Title: Off-Script & Over-Caffeinated
Author: Rhonda Rhea & Kaley Rhea
Publishing House: Bold Vision Books
Title: By the Sea
Author: Claudette Renalds
Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing
Title: A Glitter of Gold
Author: Liz Johnson
Publishing House: Revell
NOVELLA
Title: Taming Petra
Author: Jennifer Uhlarik
Publishing House: Barbour
Title: Restoration
Author: Robin Densmore Fuson
Publishing House: Forget Me Not Romances
Title: In Hot Water
Author: Elizabeth Ludwig
Publishing House: Barbour
Title: Bygones
Author: Mary Davis
Publishing House: Barbour
Title: A Language of Love
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Publishing House: Barbour
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Title: Sand Creek Serenade
Author: Jennifer Uhlarik
Publishing House: Smitten Historical Romance
Title: Nameless
Author: Tamara Leigh
Publishing House: Tamara Leigh
Title: Fearless
Author: Tamara Leigh
Publishing House: Tamara Leigh
Title: The Golden Bride
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Publishing House: Barbour
Title: The Express Bride
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Publishing House: Barbour
Title: Love’s Kindling
Author: Elaine Marie Cooper
Publishing House: Burnette Young Books
BIBLE STUDY
Title: Feed Your Soul with the Word
Author: Beebe Kauffman & Katy Kauffman
Publishing House: Lighthouse Bible Studies
Title: Pursuing Prayer
Author: Penny Cooke
Publishing House: New Hope Publishers
Title: On Bended Knee
Author: Crickett Keeth
Publishing House: Moody
Title: Seeking Treasures
Author: Donna E. Lane
Publishing House: Bear’s Place Publishing
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE (another large group)
Title: Cold Pursuit
Author: Gayla K. Hiss
Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink
Title: Deadly Christmas Pretense
Author: Dana Mentink
Publishing House: Love Inspired Suspense
Title: Guarding the Amish Midwife
Author: Dana R. Lynn
Publishing House: Love Inspired Suspense
Title: Amish Haven
Author: Dana R. Lynn
Publishing House: Love Inspired Suspense
Title: Edge of Truth
Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson
Publishing House: Sweet Rose Press
Title: Breach of Trust
Author: Rachel Dylan
Publishing House: Bethany House
Title: Justice Mission
Author: Lynette Eason
Publishing House: Love Inspired Suspense
Title: Vow of Justice
Author: Lynette Eason
Publishing House: Revell
Title: Code of Valor
Author: Lynette Eason
Publishing House: Revell
Title: One Final Breath
Author: Lynn H. Blackburn
Publishing House: Revell
MEMOIR
Title: Proverbial Tweets
Author: Alisa Hope Wagner
Publishing House: Marked Writers Publishing
Title: These are the Days of My Life
Author: Deb Haggerty
Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing
Title: Finally Free
Author: Patty Mason
Publishing House: EA Books Publishing
Title: Curtain Call
Author: Lyneta Smith
Publishing House: Wordcrafts Publishing
Title: When Sunday Smiled
Author: Andy M. Davidson
Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing
ARTICLES ONLINE
Title: Five Truths a Man’s Boots Reveal
Author: Melinda Eye Cooper
Publication: Crosswalk.com
Title: Password: Truth
Author: Rhonda Rhea
Publication: Arise Daily
Title: Thinking About Jesus
Author: Kaley Rhea
Publication: Arise Daily
Title: To Know & Make Known
Author: Julie Zine Coleman
Publication: Arise Daily
Title: Politics & Perspective
Author: Leigh Ann Thomas
Publication: Just18Summers.com
Title: How to Use Your Faith vs. React
Author: Bethany Jett
Publication: Crosswalk.com
Title: Why We Should Refuse to Rest in the Battle Against Abortion
Author: Mary Hollomon
Publication: The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission
ARTICLES IN PRINT
Title: Admitting Wrong, Asking Forgiveness
Author: Debby Thompson
Publication: Venue Magazine
Title: Joy in Serving
Author: Deb DeArmond
Publication: Mature Living
Title: Caught by Surprise
Author: Deb DeArmond
Publishing House: Mature Living
Title: Determined Teen Follows Her Dreams
Author: Julie Lavender
Publication: The Statesboro Herald
Title: Volunteers Serve the Community at the Averitt
Author: Julie Lavender
Publication: The Statesboro Herald/Discovering Bulloch Magazine
Title: D’s Friendly Diner
Author: Dana Smith with Julie Lavender
Publication: Guideposts
Title: Word Champion
Author: Julie Lavender
Publication: Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine
Title: The Fonz Visits the ‘boro
Author: Julie Lavender
Publication: The Statesboro Herald
Title: Huge Gift for Hospice
Author: Julie Lavender
Publication: The Statesboro Herald
Title: Companions for Heroes
Author: Julie Lavender
Publication: The Statesboro Herald
Title: Christmas Card Creations
Author: Julie Lavender
Publication: Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine
Title: She Came Alone
Author: Sherry Stacy
Publication: Live Magazine
Title: Care Companions
Author: Edwina Perkins
Publication: Guideposts
Title: Bold and Courageous
Author: Tracy Wilbanks
Publication: Journey Magazine
Title: Heaven’s Path
Author: Louise Tucker Jones
Publication: Angels on Earth
Title: Unlocking the Parent Trap
Author: Emily Wickham
Publication: Homelife
INSPIRATION & GIFT
Title: Encouraging Words for Mothers
Author: Michelle Medlock Adams
Publishing House: Barbour
Title: In Her Shoes
Author: Joanie Shawhan
Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing
Title: Linked for Parents
Author: Linda Gilden & Linda Goldfarb
Publishing House: Bold Vision Books
Title: Heart and Home
Author: Victoria Duerstock
Publishing House: Abingdon Press
Title: Heart and Home for Christmas
Author: Victoria Duerstock
Publishing House: Abingdon Press
Title: Bumper Sticker Be-Attitudes
Author: Deb DeArmond
Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing
ANTHOLOGIES
Title: The Birth of Hope (From: Remembering Christmas)
Author: Leigh Ann Thomas
Publishing House:
Title: The Inexcusable in Me (From: When Calls the Heart to Love)
Author: Leigh Ann Thomas
Publishing House:
Title: Roommates by Choice (From: Miracles Do Happen)
Author: Robin Altmand with Julie Lavender
Publishing House: Guidepost
Title: Promise of the Nutcracker (From: the joys of Christmas)
Author: Heather Whitlock with Julie Lavender
Publishing House: Guideposts
Title: Teaching Moments (From: the joys of Christmas)
Author: Edwina Perkins
Publishing House: Guideposts
Title: A Rose from the Ashes (Christmas fiction off the beaten path)
Author: J P C Allen
Publishing House: Mt. Zion Ridge Press
WOMEN’S CONTEMPORARY
Title: On a Summer Tide
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publishing House: Revell
Title: The Death of Mungo Blackwell
Author: Lauren H. Brandenburg
Publishing House: Lion Fiction
Title: The Encounter
Author: Robin Densmore Fuson
Publishing House: Forget Me Not Romances
Title: The Bridge Between
Author: Lindsey Brackett
Publishing House: Firefly Southern Fiction
Title: Moments We Forget
Author: Beth K. Vogt
Publishing House: Tyndale House
Title: Grasping Hope
Author: Heather Greer
Publishing House: Mantle Rock Publishing
MYSTERY / SUSPENSE
Title: Murder in the Family
Author: Ramona Richards
Publishing House: Firefly Southern Fiction
Title: Garage Sale Secret
Author: Elizabeth Ludwig
Publishing House: Guideposts
Title: The Gryphon Heist
Author: James R. Hannibal
Publishing House: Revell
Title: The Sleuth’s Conundrum
Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson
Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink
Title: Laine Portland, Retired Spy
Author: Vikki Kestell
Publishing House: Faith-filled Fiction
Title: Hush
Author: Leanna Sain
Publishing House: Lamplighter Suspense
Title: Vigilant
Author: Sara Davison
Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink
WESTERN
Title: Westward Hope
Author: Kathleen D. Bailey
Publishing House: Pelican/White Rose Publishing
Title: The Daughter’s Predicament
Author: Mary Davis
Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink
Title: Under Moonlit Skies
Author: Cynthia Roemer
Publishing House: Mantle Rock Publishing
CHRISTIAN LIFE
Title: Relational Reset
Author: Dr. Laurel Shaler
Publishing House: Moody
Title: Experiencing God’s Love in a Broken World
Author: Roy & Deb Haggerty
Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing
Title: Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters
Author: Blythe Daniel & Helen McIntosh
Publishing House: Harvest House
Title: Heart Cries of Every Teen
Author: Jackie E. Perry
Publishing House: Straight Street Books
Title: When You Need to Move a Mountain
Author: Linda Evans Shepherd
Publishing House: Revell
Title: I Am a Field
Author: Jeff Davenport
Publishing House: Iron Stream Books
Title: Sweet Moments
Author: Shelley Pierce
Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing
Title: Soulspeak
Author: Sue Schlesman
Publishing House: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
Title: Freefall: Holding on to Faith When the Unthinkable Strikes
Author: Rhonda Robinson
Publishing House: New Hope Publishers
Title: The Restored Man
Author: Randy Hemphill
Publishing House: New Hope Publishers
Title: The Art of Hard Conversations
Author: Lori Stanley Roeleveld
Publishing House: Kregel Publications
SPECULATIVE FICTION
Title: Quest of Fire: The Gathering Dark
Author: Brett Armstrong
Publishing House: Mantle Rock Publishing
Title: The Reactionary
Author: Kristen Hogrefe
Publishing House: Write Integrity Press
Title: Sky Light Rises: Whispers Book II
Author: Donna E. Lane
Publishing House: Bear’s Place Publishing
DEVOS
Title: Life-giving Choices
Author: Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Publishing House: New Hope Publishers
Title: The Bengal Believer
Author: Del Duduit
Publishing House: B Y Books
Title: First Down Devotions
Author: Del Duduit
Publishing House: New Hope Publishers
Title: Smack-dab in the Mid-life Zone
Author: Leigh Ann Thomas
Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing
Title: Invincible
Author: Jake McCandless & Rita Halter Thomas
Publishing House: Stand Firm Books
Title: Waiting for God
Author: Xochitl Dixon
Publishing House: Discovery House
Title: They Call Me Mom
Author: Michelle Medlock Adams & Bethany Jett
Publishing House: Kregel
GENERAL NONFICTION
Title: Like Wildflowers, Suddenly
Author: Anne Hamilton
Publishing House: Armour Books
Title: I Am Cyrus
Author: Dr. Craig von Busek
Publishing House: Iron Stream Media
Title: Covered Glory
Author: Audrey Frank
Publishing House: Harvest House
YA FICTION / NONFICTION
Title: The End of Calico Jack
Author: Eddie Jones
Publishing House: Dry Bones Publishing
Title: Playing on Higher Ground
Author: Ray Santiago III
Publishing House:
Title: The Zenia Wood
Author: Carrie Looper Stephens
Publishing House: Illuminate YA
Title: The Chieftain’s Daughter
Author: Alisa Hope Wagner
Publishing House: Marked Writers Publishing
Title: The Means That Make Us Strangers
Author: Christine Kindberg
Publishing House: Bellflower Press
The Conversation
Congratulations to ALL the finalists. But I’m just crowing that Iron Stream Media and its imprints (New Hope, Iron Stream Books, Firefly, Illuminate, Guiding Light, LPC, etc.) account for so many of the finalists. SO proud of these authors.
Congrats to all the finalist!
We at Mountain Brook Ink are so proud of the seven books/finalists representing our company! What an amazing line up for authors and books for all the finalists. We can’t wait for the finals!
I just finished going down through your list and noticed that there were only 3 in General Nonfiction. I was wondering why Breaking Anxiety’s Grip by Dr. Michelle Bengtson was not listed in that category. I have read her book and I was certainly expecting it to be there. Are you sure a mistake hasn’t been made? I am truly disappointed.
Karen,
It is up to the authors to choose their category. Dr. Bengtson did not choose General Nonfiction, but rather Christian Life, which was a VERY large category. We also cannot determine how our judges will score, but I can tell you that the judge is one of our very best. I can also tell you that the book scored high, but it came in just under what is determined in advance to be the “bottom score” for that genre.
There are so many books that come in that I root for, but in the end, it is not my decision but the scores of the judges. We maintain integrity at The Selah Awards; this is but one way we do so.
I am sure that Dr. Bengtson’s book is doing great things for God’s kingdom outside of this one award. Your rooting for it shows just how much God will do with it. Thank you for that.
Eva Marie Everson
Contest Director
I’m sad to see that Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim The Peace God Prmises by Dr Michelle Bengtson didn’t mand this list.
Shelley,
I invite you to read my comments above.
Eva Marie Everson
Contest Director
I love how so many new authors to me are included in this list alongside many familiar to me. I was anticipating seeing the book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip by Dr. Michelle Bengtson on the list and am greatly disappointed it was not included in your General Nonfiction category.
Gina
It is up to the authors to choose their category. Dr. Bengtson did not choose General Nonfiction, but rather Christian Life, which was a VERY large category. We also cannot determine how our judges will score, but I can tell you that the judge is one of our very best. I can also tell you that the book scored high, but it came in just under what is determined in advance to be the “bottom score” for that genre.
There are so many books that come in that I root for, but in the end, it is not my decision but the scores of the judges. We maintain integrity at The Selah Awards; this is but one way we do so.
I am sure that Dr. Bengtson’s book is doing great things for God’s kingdom outside of this one award. Your rooting for it shows just how much God will do with it. Thank you for that.
Eva Marie Everson
Contest Director
As a member of Michelle Bengtson’s Launch team, I will agree with comments that it is an excellent book. But I’m betting there were a lot of amazing books that didn’t make it to the list. I can think of some. But, speaking as a regular judge for some other large contests like Selah in the industry, making or not making a list can come down to one point sometimes. The books are read by several people, not just one, and the scores of the three used for the selection. In some contests, it could come down to.1 because they ask for that fine of a score to keep from ties. Judges choose their categories, so someone wouldn’t be reading a category they don’t like and score it low. While I’m sad, too, that some of my friends’ names aren’t listed on here this year, I’m excited and cheering for those that did.i sure wouldn’t want to make them feel they don’t belong on the list.
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