ACFW 2026 Genesis Finalists

At one time, this contest was called the Noble Theme, back when ACFW was in its early years. I was a finalist myself for 2 years before selling my first novel, so I'm certain the names listed below will soon join the ranks of published authors. And here they are:

2026 Genesis Finalists

Contemporary

Elise Browning - Chasing Light
Kate Mackereth - Binding Vines
Sarah Nichols - All the Ways We Come Home

Historical

Bryan Harsh - The Sign
Terri Miller - The Year They Buried King Cotton
Shannon Skaer - The Prisoner in the Library

Historical Romance

Jessica Gustafson - A Price for Her Hand
Amy King - More Precious than Silver
Megan Southon - Carry Me

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

Marilyn Brandon - Finding Juvie Blue
Will Eason - Endgame Protocol
Jeffrey Friedel - Twelve Words

Novella

Lakeisha Heeringa - A Shard of Truth
Suzanne Montgomery - Storm Waters Rising
Bill Quimby - Ring Walker

Romance

Amy King - The Tempest
Grace Lakin - Considering Calla Lilies
Tiffany Miller - We’re Only Mostly Married

Romantic Suspense

Cherie Fresonke - A Dream Worth Fighting For
Jess Noble - True Believer
Brittney Peek - Cold Case Files: Off the Record

Short Novel

George Brooks - Grit and Greed
Laura Elizabeth Salas - Their Second Chance Family
Dave Sprecher - When Steeples Fall

Speculative

Faith Behrens - The Queen’s Assassination
Kimberly Cornelius - The Healer Prince
Kimberly Cornelius - The Temple Atoner

Young Adult

M. A. Bellers - Into the Rising Sun
Allison Cook - Gems of My Father
William DeWitt - The Memory Room

A huge congratulations to all the finalists!