On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Eva Marie Everson, on behalf of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Director and Co-Director, Edie Melson and Edwina Perkins, presented The 2025 Selah Awards on the final evening of the conference. The gala event was held in the Spilman Auditorium at the Ridgecrest Conference Center in Ridgecrest, NC.

Mrs. Everson presented the awards to the following winners:

Amish Fiction
THIRD PLACE (TIE)
A Healing Touch by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell Books
Editor: Andrea Doering

THIRD PLACE (TIE)
Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin
Publisher: Zondervan
Agent: Julie Gwinn
Editor: Becky Monds

SECOND PLACE
Their Surprise Amish Reunion by Jocelyn McClay
Publisher: Love Inspired
Editor: Melissa Endlich

FIRST PLACE
Dating an Amish Flirt by Rachel J. Good
Publisher: Kensington
Agent: Nicole Resciniti
Editor: John Scognamiglio

 

Anthology
THIRD PLACE
Sounds Like a Plan, Deb Elkink, General Editor
Publisher: Mosaic Collection

SECOND PLACE
Strength in the Storm by Andrea Lende
Publisher: Beatitudes Publishing
Editor: Andrea Lende

FIRST PLACE
A Weary World Rejoices, Deb Elkink, General Editor
Publisher:  Mosaic Collection

 

Articles in Print
THIRD PLACE
A Child’s First Christmas Memory by Linda Summerford
Publisher: The Mountaineer
Editor: Denise Loock

SECOND PLACE
More Than a Critique Group by Pam S. Walker
Publisher: Today’s Christian Living
Editor: Michelle Adserias

FIRST PLACE
The Marble Track by Julie Lavender
Publisher: Guideposts
Editor: Edward Grinnan

Articles Online
THIRD PLACE
The Symbolism of it All by Helena Smrcek
Publisher: Christian Life in London
Editor: Rick Vandekieft

SECOND PLACE
Answering God’s Call by Melissa A. McLaughlin
Publisher: Refresh Bible Study Magazine
Editor: Katy Kauffman

FIRST PLACE
How to Survive and Thrive in a Season of Caregiving by Linda Kozar
Publisher: Healthy Living Series Blog
Editor: Susan Neal

Audio Books
THIRD PLACE
Treasure Atop the Mountain by Tonya L. Matthews
Narrator: Christy Lou
Publisher: Haleya Publishing
Editor: Teresa Crumpton

SECOND PLACE
The Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould
Narrator: Kristin Kirby
Publisher: Creekview Press

FIRST PLACE
Farmhouse Devotions by Cheryl Schuermann
Narrator: Emily Norman
Publisher: Cheryl Schuermann

 

Bible Study
THIRD PLACE
The Bible Companion Book 5: Job by Karen Westbrook Moderow
Publisher: Jordanwest Publications
Editor: Christina Miller and Dori Harrell

SECOND PLACE
Experiencing the Word by Joshua J. Masters
Publisher: Kingdom Knight Publishing

FIRST PLACE
Called to Christ by Christy Bass Adams
Publisher: Christy Bass Adams
Editor: Janis Powell

Children’s Literature
THIRD PLACE
Flight of the Falcon by Bryan Davis & Mark T. Hancock
Publisher: Trail Life USA/Worthy Trailmen Press
Agent: Cyle Young

SECOND PLACE
The Compassion Storybook Bible by Crystal Bowman & Sue Schlesman
Publisher: End Game Press
Agent: Karen Neumair
Editor: Victoria Duerstock

FIRST PLACE
Awesome Facts About Space by Mark Wainwright & Dr. Danny Falkner
Publisher: Kids Answers, Answers in Genesis
Editor: Evonne Krell

 

Children’s Picture Books
THIRD PLACE (Tie)
Grandma’s Blessing by Michelle Medlock Adams
Publisher: Good Books
Agent: Shannon Marvin
Editor: Jesse McHugh

THIRD PLACE (Tie)
Hall of Faith by Michelle S. Lazurek
Publisher: B&H Kids
Agent: Karen Neumair
Editor: Lauren Groves

SECOND PLACE
The Dance of Easter by Sally Cressman
Publisher: Wren & Bear Books
Agent: Andy Clapp
Editor: Michelle Medlock Adams

FIRST PLACE
This Special Blessing for You by Eric & Meredith Schrotenboer
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Agent: Karen Neumair
Editor: Crystal Bowman

 

Christian Living
THIRD PLACE
Called to Christlikeness, Not Christianity by Nate Stevens
Publisher: KDP
Editor: Andrea Simmons Merrell

SECOND PLACE
Reflecting His Glory by Kim S. Kinney
Publisher: Pearls of Glory Publishing
Editor: Dr. Justin R. Kinney

FIRST PLACE
Her Battle Strength by Deanne Reid
Publisher: Fusion/End Game Press
Editor: Hope Bolinger

Contemporary Romance
THIRD PLACE
Here with Me by Mandy Boerma
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Editor: Susan May Warren & Tari Faris

SECOND PLACE
Tracy by Jennifer Lynn Cary
Publisher: Tandem Services Pres
Editor: Liz Tolsma

FIRST PLACE
Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Agent: Cynthia Ruchti
Editor: Andrea Cox and Lindsay Danielson

 

Women’s Contemporary
THIRD PLACE
The Difference Between Us by Sheri Zeck
Publisher: Amazon
Editor: Janice Boekhoff

SECOND PLACE
Emma’s Hero by Carrie Walker
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Agent: Tim Beals
Editor: Fay Lamb

FIRST PLACE
The Tangled Tale of the Woolgathering Castoffs by Sharon J. Mondragon
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Agent: Ali Herring
Editor: Janyre Tromp

Devotionals
THIRD PLACE
I Love You, Dad! by Blythe Daniel, William Daniel, & Helen McIntosh
Publisher: End Game Press
Agent: Blythe Daniel
Editor: Hope Bolinger

SECOND PLACE
Trail Ready, Mark T. Hancock, Gen Editor
Publisher: Trail Life USA

FIRST PLACE
Farmhouse Devotions by Cheryl Schuermann
Publisher: Bold Vision Books
Editor: Larry J. Leech II

 

Devotions in Print
THIRD PLACE
The Valley of Blessing by Becky Alexander
Publisher: Kerysso Press
Editor: Carissa Lovvorn

SECOND PLACE
A Chorus of Praise by Julie Lavender
Publisher: Guideposts
Editor: Jon Woodhams

FIRST PLACE (TIE)
More Than a House by Suzanne D. Nichols
Publisher: Kerysso Press
Editor: Carissa Lovvorn with Lisa Worthey Smith

FIRST PLACE
Sweet Adoption by Martha Walker Newman
Publisher: Kerysso Press
Editor: Carissa Lovvorn with Lisa Worthey Smith

 

Devotions Online
THIRD PLACE
This Easter, Find Comfort at the Cross by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Publisher: KHCB

SECOND PLACE
Remember the Treasure in Your Jar of Clay by Lisa Lenning
Publisher: Proverbs 31 Ministries
Editor: Shelby Dixon

FIRST PLACE
Church Leadership by Kristen West
Publisher: Living by Design Ministries
Editor: Sarah Koontz

 

Essays in Print
THIRD PLACE
Shall We Dance? by Michelle Medlock Adams
Publisher: Abundance Books

SECOND PLACE
Hope Remains by Maureen Miller
Publisher: Faith Creativity Life Books
Editor: Michelle Rayburn

FIRST PLACE
Whimpers and Whispered Prayers by Melissa A. McLaughlin
Publisher: Faith Creativity Life Books
Editor: Michelle Rayburn

 

Essays Online
THIRD PLACE
The Giveaway by Joy Dunlap
Publisher: Speaking Joyfully

SECOND PLACE
Windsong by Rachael M. Colby
Publisher: TattooItOnYourHeart.com
Editor: Cecil Murphey

FIRST PLACE
Three Men, Jesus, and Me by Rachael M. Colby
Publisher: HeartofFleshLit.com
Editor: Veronica McDonald

 

First Novel
THIRD PLACE
Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller
Publisher: Revell Books
Agent: Wendy Lawton
Editor: Rachel McRae

SECOND PLACE
When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Agent: Linda Glaz
Editor: Rebecca Germany

FIRST PLACE
Dreamteller by K. D. Shade
Publisher: Independently Published
Editor: Angie Grigaliunas

 

General Fiction
THIRD PLACE (TIE)
The Desert Between Us by James C. Magruder
Publisher: End Game Press
Agent: Andy Clapp
Editor: Hope Bolinger

THIRD PLACE (TIE)
Wishbones by Donnie Stevens
Publisher: Warwick House Publishers
Agent: Linda Glaz
Editor: Natalie Hanemann and Joyce Maddox

SECOND PLACE
What a Wave Must Be by Angela Hunt
Publisher: Focus on the Family
Agent: Danille-Egan Miller
Editor: Jerry B. Jenkins

FIRST PLACE
The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli
Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers
Editor: Melissa Jagears

 

General Nonfiction Books
THIRD PLACE
Are We Neglecting a Great Salvation? by Mike O’Dowd
Publisher: Westbow Press
Editor: Bob DeGroff

SECOND PLACE
Classroom Tapestry by Lori DeJong
Publisher: Redemption Press
Editor: Kathy Ide

FIRST PLACE
American Crisis by William D. Howard
Publisher: Ambassador International
Editor: Katie Cruice Smith

 

Historical / Biblical Fiction
THIRD PLACE
These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Agent: Wendy Lawton
Editor: David Long

SECOND PLACE
What I Left for You by Liz Tolsma
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Agent: Tamela Hancock Murray
Editor: Becky Germany and Ellen Tarver

FIRST PLACE
Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Agent: Bob Hostetler
Editor: Dori Harrell

Historical Romance
THIRD PLACE
The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano
Publisher: Revell
Agent: Tamela Hancock Murray
Editor: Rachel McRae

SECOND PLACE
The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart
Publisher: Revell
Agent: Wendy Lawton
Editor: Rachel McRae

FIRST PLACE
The Girl from the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Agent: Cynthia Ruchti
Editor: Becky Fish

 

Inspiration & Gift
THIRD PLACE
Heart-Shaped Hope by Kathryn Nixon
Publisher: Fusion/End Game Press
Editor: Victoria Duerstock

SECOND PLACE
Sometimes I Forget by Julie Sunne
Publisher: B&H Publishing
Agent: Dan Balow
Editor: Ashley Gorman

FIRST PLACE
Eat Like a Heroine by Lorilee Cracker & Jenny Williams
Publisher: End Game Press
Agent: Don Pape
Editor: Victoria Duerstock

 

Memoir
THIRD PLACE
Beloved Outcast by Cherie Denna
Publisher: Bold Vision Books
Editor: Larry J. Leech II

SECOND PLACE
A Beautiful War by Amanda Scarborough
Publisher: Redemption Press
Editor: Jennifer Edwards

FIRST PLACE
Giving Up Grace by Robin Gerblick
Publisher: Redemption Press
Editor: Eva Marie Everson

 

Middle Grade Fiction
THIRD PLACE
Road Trip Return by Becca Wierwille
Publisher: Beloved Chronicles
Editor: Jon Tilton, Ellen McGinty, Megan Gerig

SECOND PLACE (TIE)
Between Flowers and Bones by Carolyn Leiloglou
Publisher: WaterBrook
Agent: Keely Boving
Editor: Bunmi Ishola

SECOND PLACE (TIE)
Blast on the Beach by Katrina Hoover Lee
Publisher: Katrina Hoover Lee
Editor: Sara Nolt, Sherilyn Troyer, Gideon Yutzy

FIRST PLACE
The Minor Miracle by Meredith Davis
Publisher: WaterBrook
Agent: Alyssa Eisner Henkin
Editor: Bunmi Ishola

 

Mystery / Suspense Fiction
THIRD PLACE
Number 1 With a Bullet by Vikki Kestell
Publisher: Faith-Filled Fiction
Editor: Cheryl Adkins and Greg McCann

SECOND PLACE
Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Agent: Janet Kobobel Grant
Editor: Rochelle Gloege and Luke Heinrich

FIRST PLACE
Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Agent: Janet Kobobel Grant
Editor: Rochelle Gloege and Luke Heinrich

 

Novellas
THIRD PLACE
In the Dark by Lynette Eason
Publisher: Revell Publishing
Agent: Tamela Hancock Murray
Editor: Kelsey Bowen

SECOND PLACE
The Angel and the Sky Pilot by Naomi Musch
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Agent: Linda Glaz
Editor: Ellen Tarver

FIRST PLACE
Explosive Reunion by Dana R. Lynn
Publisher: Dana R. Lynn
Editor: Emily Rodmell and Bethany Jamison

 

Podcasts
Best Interview Podcast 

THIRD PLACE
Christian Historical Fiction Talk – Host Liz Tolsma

SECOND PLACE
UnPerfect: Strengthen Faith and Connect with God – Host Shelly Snead

FIRST PLACE
Christian Parent/Crazy World – Host Catherine Segars

Best Solo & Co-Host Podcast

THIRD PLACE
A Burst of Hope – Co-Hosts Kim Stanley and Martha Wilson

SECOND PLACE
Finding Fantasy Reads – Host Karyne Norton

FIRST PLACE
Be the 25 – Host Dr. Sharon O’Hara

 

Poetry
THIRD PLACE
Salad Blessing by K. L. Johnston
Publisher: Westbow Press
Editor: Georgette Gallo

SECOND PLACE
Which Pet? by Maureen Miller
Publisher: Faith Creativity Life Books
Editor: Michelle Rayburn

FIRST PLACE
20 Tots Trotted to School by Pamela Woodson
Publisher: RockSolid Publications

 

Romantic Suspense Fiction
THIRD PLACE
One Final Target by Janice Cantore
Publisher: Tyndale Publishers
Agent: Wendy Lawton
Editor: Jan Stob and Erin Smith

SECOND PLACE
Abandoned Shores by C. J. Milacci
Publisher: Journey Perspective Publishing
Editor: Becca Wierwille

FIRST PLACE
Hidden Mountain Secrets by Kerry Johnson
Publisher: Love Inspired/Harlequin
Agent: Ali Herring
Editor: Caroline Timmings

 

Short Stories in Print and Online
THIRD PLACE
The Royals by Lauren H. Brandenburg
Publisher: The Writers Sanctuary
Editor: Bridgette O’Hare

SECOND PLACE
Long Black Veil by Samuel L. Blumenthal
Publisher:  Redemption Press
Editor: Jennifer Edwards and Dori Harrell

FIRST PLACE
Hello in There by Samuel L. Blumenthal
Publisher:  Redemption Press
Editor: Jennifer Edwards and Dori Harrell

 

Speculative Fiction
THIRD PLACE
The Raven by Carrie Cotten
Publisher:  Carrie Cotten
Editor: Sarah Stasik and Jennifer Q. Hunt

SECOND PLACE
The Viking by Carrie Cotten
Publisher:  Carrie Cotten
Editor: Sarah Stasik and Jennifer Q. Hunt

FIRST PLACE
Dreamteller by K. D. Shade
Publisher: Independently Published
Editor: Angie Grigaliunas

 

Western Fiction
THIRD PLACE
Heidi’s Faith by Jill Dewhurst
Publisher:  Jill Dewhurst
Editor: Cindy Bower and Holly Talley

SECOND PLACE
If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer
Publisher:  Bethany House/ Baker Books
Agent: Janet Kobobel Grant
Editor: Jessica Sharpe and Kate Deppe

FIRST PLACE
Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer
Publisher:  Bethany House/Baker Books
Agent: Janet Kobobel Grant
Editor:  Jessica Sharpe and Kate Deppe

 

Young Adult Fiction
THIRD PLACE
Island Gambit by Felicia Bridges
Publisher:  Felicia Bridges
Editor: Mary Beth Dahl

SECOND PLACE
A Storm of Doubts by JPC Allen
Publisher: Mount Zion Ridge Press
Editor: Michelle L. Levigne

FIRST PLACE
Enemy of Talionis by C. J. Milacci
Publisher:  Journey Perspective Publishing
Editor: Becca Wierwille

 

Selah Books of the Year 2025

Each year, the Selah Books of the Year are chosen from those books with the highest scores in each of the three categories. This year, the winners are:

Children (Board Books to Young Adult)
Awesome Facts About Space by Mark Wainwright & Dr. Danny Falkner
Publisher: Kids Answers, Answers in Genesis
Editor: Evonne Krell

Nonfiction
Giving Up Grace by Robin Gerblick
Publisher: Redemption Press
Editor: Eva Marie Everson

Fiction
Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Agent: Janet Kobobel Grant
Editor: Rochelle Gloege and Luke Heinrich