And they are ALMOST HERE!! While I've never attended the actual award ceremony (definitely on my bucket list), I've sat in on the live feed they broadcast from a desk right in the thick of the action. Suh-weet!!
This year Rachel Hauck is the guest commentator and I know she's going to be hooting and hollering for Susan May Warren when she wins the Christy Award. (Yes, let's just face it, I want this book to win. It's sooooo good!)
This novel made my best of 2011 list at the VERY top and is one of those books I never, ever, ever wanted to end. I wasn't a bit surprised when I saw it made the list.
Susie has the ability to craft characters that literally LEAP from the page. I could totally see this book as Hallmark movie, it has so much depth to draw from. I think it's her best to date.
Gina Holmes writes the kind of books I want to write someday. That serious edge that keeps me invested in the characters and cheering for their happy ending. Strong edge of women's fiction and I'm just SO thrilled that Gina has been nominated for the second book in a row! Pretty awesome!!
Ginny Yttrup is someone I would love to meet in person. I honestly did not think I would like her debut novel when I picked it up. Um...(no pun intended), I ATE those words. I've heard many reviews state she isn't afraid to delve into the tough and gritty, but does so with incredibly grace and finesse. Amen! I'm looking forward to discovering her second novel.
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I've got to admit I'm biased and I hope these are the titles that win. We won't know until July 16th! There are other books on the list I've read and would cheer if they won, but my post would go on and on and on if I posted on every single on. And I'm not as creative as Melissa Tagg to do a vlog post about each one. ;-)
So check out the list and BE SURE to join the live video presentation. You can even ask for a reminder day or or before. Hope I can make it too!
Contemporary Romance
My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House Publishers)
Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig (Barbour Publishing)
Contemporary Series, Sequels, and Novellas
The Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould (Harvest House Publishers)
Dancing on Glass by Pamela Binnings Ewen (B&H Publishing Group)
The Touch by Randall Wallace (Tyndale House Publishers)
Contemporary Standalone
Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes (Tyndale House Publishers)
Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Words by Ginny Yttrup (B&H Publishing Group)
First Novel
An Eye for Glory by Karl Bacon (Zondervan)
Southern Fried Sushi by Jennifer Rogers Spinola (Barbour Publishing)
Words by Ginny Yttrup (B&H Publishing Group)
Historical
Forsaking All Others by Allison Pittman (Tyndale House Publishers)
Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Historical Romance
A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
To Die For by Sandra Byrd (Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster)
Suspense
Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins (B&H Publishing Group)
Pattern of Wounds by Mark Bertrand (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
The Queen by Steven James (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Visionary
The Chair by James L. Rubart (B&H Publishing Group)
Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee (Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Group USA)
Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan)
Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren (David C Cook)
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So, of course, I want to know which title you want to see win! No rotten tomatoes fights, please...
**Oh, btw...I've been interviewed! You can check it all out at Aizess's ritzy book blog. Thanks!**
I read "My Foolish Heart" and loved it!
ReplyDeleteI also read "Words" and that was excellent as well, very sad. I have never read the other one but have heard of it.
It was a sad novel, but ended with such hope. How exciting for your debut novel to be nominated twice!
DeleteYes, yes, yes! My Foolish Heart NEEDS to win. And I NEED to read Words! Seriously! Great picks, Casey. Thanks for the shout-out, too. :)
ReplyDeleteIf it doesn't, I just might cry. That book is SO, SO, SO good!!
DeleteI haven't read that one by Susan but I loved the other Deep Haven books.
ReplyDeleteOh my Anne, what you are missing. Have you RSVP'd for my party yet? I have this novel to give away and you might win it. ;-))
DeleteHi Casey! I SO agree with you about "My Foolish Heart". Those characters have stayed with me for so long after the book.
ReplyDeleteIn the Historical Romance category, I'd have to say for me it's a tie between "A Lasting Impression" by Tamera Alexander and "The Maid of Fairbourne Hall" by Julie Klassen. BOth are excellent!
I'm going to try and watch the live feed too if possible!
Thanks!
Sue
P.S. "The Shadow of Your Smile" by Susie was REALLY GOOD, too!
I've read it twice now and plan on reading it at least that many more times as well. It is just one of THOSE stories. I know what you mean...there were so many books I loved on the list, but I could only highlight so many and still my readers visiting. ;-) Hehe.
DeleteHello, I am partial to Allison Pittman so will say wish she wins, what a line up of good authors though, I see many that I read.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing
Paula O(Kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Pol, I LOVED Allison Pittman's Mormon series. Really, really good. She really got into the head of the character and the their situations. Excellent two book series, I wish there were more to it.
DeleteFun post! I agree, Words is a great read. I haven't read My Foolish Heart yet, so I'm sorry to say that I'm kinda...cheering against you in this one, Casey. I'm hoping Wolfsbane wins! :-P
ReplyDelete