Book of the Year Winners!

This weekend, while most of my writer-friends were away at the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference in Dallas, I was at a booksigning at Hastings in Spokane, Washington (about four hours away from my house).

Three of my writer-friends (who weren’t at the conference) stopped by, and it was great seeing them! While I was there, I signed books and gave a presentation on my novels, and every now and then I would think of my ACFW friends. I asked one of my friends and fellow ACFW member, Gayle, if she heard any news from the conference. I was mainly interested because my novel, Dawn of a Thousand Nights was one of three finalists for Historical Book of the Year. Gayle told me the award’s banquet would be held Saturday night, but that quickly escaped my thoughts.

John and I stayed Friday night in Spokane, then we went shopping the next day. (I bought a few books and a few more clothes–as if I needed either!) We got home Saturday evening wiped out from the drive. A few minutes after walking in the door the phone rang.

I answered it, surprised by a bubbly voice on the other end. “Is this Tricia Goyer the famous author? This is Brandilyn calling.” Brandilyn Collins is my dear friend, and I didn’t make the connect with the banquet. In fact, I forgot all about it.

“What’s up?” I asked. (Yes, I still didn’t remember about the banquet even after I heard her voice! And it’s not like we talk on the phone . . . ever!)

“Tricia, I just accepted the award for you for Historical Novel of the Year. You won, girl!”

“I won?” I asked.

Brandilyn had to repeat herself at least three times for me to get it.

Whoa, I was blown away. Very cool!

I’m still in shock by it all, especially since Night Song won the same award last year. Since I wasn’t at the banquet to give a little speech (a-hem) . . . “I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank the veterans who shared their stories, my agent and editors who believed in the project, and my writer-friends who helped me plot and read through every word offering suggestions. But mostly the glory goes to God who strengths me and guides my words. Thank you.” (Smile.)

So, below is the complete list of winners. Congratulations to my friends and fellow God-seekers! May your words continue to glorify Him!

Contemporary Novella:
3rd place–Reunited by Kristy Dykes;
2nd place–Dear Baby Girl by Jane Orcutt;
Winner–Strawberry Angel by Pamela Griffin

General Fiction:
No 3rd place…
Tie for second place–Circles of Seven by Bryan Davis and The Reveal by Sarah Anne Sumpolec; Winner–Daughter of Prophecy by Miles Owen

Historical Novella:
3rd place–Missing Pages by DiAnn Mills;
2nd place–Marrying Kind by Kathleen Y’Barbo;
Winner–Legend of Mercy by Pamela Griffin

Lits:
3rd place–Kissing Adrian by Siri Mitchell;
2nd place–Hot Flashes and Cold Cream by Diann Hunt;
Winner–With This Ring I’m Confused by Kristin Billerbeck

Long Historical:
3rd Place–The Color of the Soul by Tracey Bateman;
2nd place,–A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist;
Winner–Dawn of a Thousand Nights by Tricia Goyer

Short Contemporary:
3rd place–Under Cover of Darkness by Elizabeth White;
2nd place–Miss Menace by Nancy Lavo;
Winner–Shadow Bones by Colleen Rhoads (Coble)

Short Historical:
3rd place–Renegade Husband by DiAnn Mills;
2nd place–Sooner or Later by Vickie McDonough;
Winner–Beside Still Waters by Tracey Bateman

Suspense:
3rd place–DarkStar by Creston Mapes;
2nd place–Black Sands by Colleen Coble;
Winner–Distant Echoes by Colleen Coble

Women’s Fiction:
3rd place–Potluck Club by Eva Marie Everson and Linda Eans Shepherd;
2nd place–Over the Waters by Deborah Raney;
Winner–The Winds of Sonoma by Nikki Arana

Winner of the BOOK OF THE YEAR award ….
Distant Echoes by Colleen Coble