Alongside the Christy Awards, the Carol awards share the spotlight as a top honor in the realm of Christian Fiction books. I've been a member of this organization since 2001. Hard to believe 25 years have passed since I began my journey in this crazy publishing world. I've been on quite the rollercoaster.
But hard work definitely pays off, and this award honors the dedication and commitment of these authors who stuck to their guns and produced a story readers and industry professionals love.
Without further ado, here are this year's finalists:
2026 Carol Awards Finalists
Contemporary
Before I Go by Marilyn K. Blair
Independent Author
Editor – Kelly Barr
What the River Keeps by Cheryl Grey Bostrom
Tyndale House
Editors – Elizabeth Jackson and Sarah Rische
Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Revell
Editor – Andrea Doering
Historical
The Fourth Magi by Bryan E. Canter
Independent Author
Editor – Ed Marlow
The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee
Tyndale House
Editor – Kathryn S. Olson
Last Light Over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright
Tyndale House
Editor - Sarah Rische
Historical Romance
The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz
Tyndale House
Editor – Kathryn S. Olson
The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White
Tyndale House
Editors – Elizabeth Jackson and Kathryn S. Olson
A Song in the Dark by Kimberley Woodhouse
Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group)
Editors – Karen Ball and Jessica Sharpe
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Midnight Masquerade by Elle E. Kay
Independent Author
Editor –Sarah Hamaker
Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer
Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group)
Editors – Bethany Lenderink and Jessica Sharpe
Innocence Sold by B. F. Randall
Iron Stream Media
Editors – Suzanne Austin and Larry J. Leech II
Novella
Bible and a .44 (part of the From This Moment On collection) by Robin Lee Hatcher
Independent Author
Editor – Deborah Raney
The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M. White
Tyndale House
Editors – Elizabeth Jackson and Kathryn S. Olson
A Star in the West (part of the On a Midnight Clear collection) by Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group)
Editor – Jessica Sharpe
Romance
Before Grace by Anna Daugherty
Black Rose Writing
Editor - Denise Harmer
Small Town Harmony by Milla Holt
Independent Author
Editor – Sara Turnquist
Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon
Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group)
Editors – Jessica Sharpe and Jennifer Veilleux
Meant for Me by Betsy St. Amant
Sunrise Publishing
Editor – Susan Warren
Romantic Suspense
Failed Protocol by Cindy Bonds
Scrivenings Press
Editors – Kaci Banks and Susie Waltner
Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong
Scrivenings Press
Editors –Kaci Banks and Elena Hill
I Can’t Hear You by Vikki Kestell
Independent Author
Editors - Cheryl Adkins and Greg McCann
Protecting You by Robin Patchen
Independent Author
Editor – Ray Rhamey
Short Novel
One Nine by Sara Davison
Independent Author
Editor - Jayci Roek
To Capture a Mountain Man by Robin Lee Hatcher
Independent Author
Editor – Deborah Raney
To Reveal a Reckless Love by Tasha Hackett
Independent Author
Editor – Deborah Raney
Speculative
Forever by Gina Detwiler
Ally Press
Editors – Erin Healy and Kristen Stieffel
Echo Nova by Clint Hall
Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media)
Editor – Lisa Laube
Darkfell by Amanda Wright
Quill & Flame Publishing House
Editors – Brittany Eden and Jennifer Frankovic
Young Adult
Sanctified by V. Romas Burton
Quill & Flame Publishing House
Editors - Stephanie Arujo and Jessica Gwyn
This Isn’t Shakespeare by Stephanie Cardel
WordCrafts Press
Editors – Janelle Leonard and Mike Parker
Truth Cursed by Angie Dickinson
Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media)
Editors – Avily Jerome and Lisa Laube
Debut Author
To Have and To Hold by Deb L. Brown
Independent Author
Editors - Cassie Mae and KaTrina Jackson
Tattooed Woman at the Well by Terri McAdoo
Redemption Press
Editor – Lesley McDaniel
The Tragedy of Oli Ricker by Phillip Snyder
Living Tome Publishing
Editors – Emily Whitten and Leilah Wright
Congratulations to all the finalists!
Winners will be announced at the 2026 ACFW Conference in Memphis, Tennessee August 27-30, 2026.
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