Introducing the 2020 Selah Award Finalists!

We are so excited to share the list of the 2020 Selah Award Finalists for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

The competition was tough this year, with many excellent entries. Congratulations to the finalists and especially to all who entered!

FIRST NOVEL

Title: Jessie’s Hope

Author: Jennifer Hallmark

Publishing House: Firefly Southern Fiction

 

Title: The Dating Charade

Author: Melissa Ferguson

Publishing House:  Thomas Nelson

 

Title: Her Hope Discovered

Author: Cynthia Herron

Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink

 

Title: The Secret of Willow Inn

Author: Pat Nichols

Publishing House: Guiding Light

 

Title: One Woman Falling

Author: Melanie Campbell

Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink

 

Title: The Zenia Wood

Author: Carrie Looper Stephens

Publishing House: Illuminate YA

 

Title: Westward Hope

Author: Kathleen D. Bailey

Publishing House: Pelican/White Rose Publishing

 

MIDDLE GRADE FICTION

 

Title: Power Up

Author: Jessie Mattis

Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing

 

Title: Rumor of a Werewolf

Author: Eddie Jones

Publishing House: Illuminate YA

 

Title: Sour Lemon Strikes Out

Author: Julane Fisher

Publishing House: TouchPoint Press

 

Title: Fire & Thorn

Author: Mary Vee

Publishing House: Never Give Up Stories Publication

 

PICTURE BOOKS

 

Title: Under the Dancing Tree

Author: Chip Mattis

Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing

 

Title: Daddy & Me

Author: Michele McCarthy

Publishing House: Redemption Press

 

Title: What is America?

Author: Michelle Medlock Adams

Publishing House: Worthy Kids

 

Title: How Much Does God Love You?

Author: Michelle Medlock Adams

Publishing House: Worthy Kids

 

Title: Penguin & Moose

Author: Hannah Hall

Publishing House: Worthy Kids

 

Title: Easter is Coming

Author: Tama Fortner

Publishing House: B&H Kids

 

HISTORICAL / BIBLICAL

Title: The Refuge

Author: Ann H. Gabhart

Publishing House: Revell

 

Title: When Silence Sings

Author: Sarah Loudin Thomas

Publishing House: Bethany House

 

Title: All Manner of Things

Author: Susie Finkbeiner

Publishing House: Revell

 

Title: Where I Was Planted

Author: Heather Norman Smith

Publishing House: Ambassador International Publishing

 

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE (Large Group)

 

Title: The Art of Rivers

Author: Janet W. Ferguson

Publishing House: Southern Sun Press

 

Title: Mending Fences

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publishing House: Revell

 

Title: Stitches in Time

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publishing House: Revell

 

Title: Remembering Daisy

Author: Dana R. Lynn

Publishing House: Annie’s Fiction

 

Title: Fall Flip

Author: Denise Weimer

Publishing House: Candlelight Romance

 

Title: Lake Season

Author: Denise Hunter

Publishing House: Thomas Nelson

 

Title: Cross My Heart

Author: Robin Lee Hatcher

Publishing House: Harper Collins Christian Publishing/Thomas Nelson

 

Title: Wooing Cadie McCaffrey

Author: Bethany Turner

Publishing House: Revell

 

Title: Risking Love

Author: Toni Shiloh

Publishing House: Celebrate Lit Publishing

 

Title: The Dating Charade

Author: Melissa Ferguson

Publishing House: Thomas Nelson

 

Title: A Worthy Heart

Author: Sara Beth Williams

Publishing House: Anaiah Press Publishing

 

Title: Pigtails & a Toolbelt

Author: Janetta Fudge Messmer

Publishing House: Winged Publications

 

Title: Her Hope Discovered

Author: Cynthia Herron

Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink

 

Title: Off-Script & Over-Caffeinated

Author: Rhonda Rhea & Kaley Rhea

Publishing House: Bold Vision Books

 

Title: By the Sea

Author: Claudette Renalds

Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing

 

Title: A Glitter of Gold

Author: Liz Johnson

Publishing House: Revell

 

NOVELLA

 

Title: Taming Petra

Author: Jennifer Uhlarik

Publishing House: Barbour

 

Title: Restoration

Author: Robin Densmore Fuson

Publishing House: Forget Me Not Romances

 

Title: In Hot Water

Author: Elizabeth Ludwig

Publishing House: Barbour

 

Title: Bygones

Author: Mary Davis

Publishing House: Barbour

 

Title: A Language of Love

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Publishing House: Barbour

 

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

 

Title: Sand Creek Serenade

Author: Jennifer Uhlarik

Publishing House: Smitten Historical Romance

 

Title: Nameless

Author: Tamara Leigh

Publishing House: Tamara Leigh

 

Title: Fearless

Author: Tamara Leigh

Publishing House: Tamara Leigh

 

Title: The Golden Bride

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Publishing House: Barbour

 

Title: The Express Bride

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Publishing House: Barbour

 

Title: Love’s Kindling

Author: Elaine Marie Cooper

Publishing House: Burnette Young Books

 

BIBLE STUDY

 

Title: Feed Your Soul with the Word

Author: Beebe Kauffman & Katy Kauffman

Publishing House: Lighthouse Bible Studies

 

Title: Pursuing Prayer

Author: Penny Cooke

Publishing House: New Hope Publishers

 

Title: On Bended Knee

Author: Crickett Keeth

Publishing House: Moody

 

Title: Seeking Treasures

Author: Donna E. Lane

Publishing House: Bear’s Place Publishing

 

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE (another large group)

 

Title: Cold Pursuit

Author: Gayla K. Hiss

Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink

 

Title: Deadly Christmas Pretense

Author: Dana Mentink

Publishing House: Love Inspired Suspense

 

Title: Guarding the Amish Midwife

Author: Dana R. Lynn

Publishing House: Love Inspired Suspense

 

Title: Amish Haven

Author: Dana R. Lynn

Publishing House: Love Inspired Suspense

 

Title: Edge of Truth

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Publishing House: Sweet Rose Press

 

Title: Breach of Trust

Author: Rachel Dylan

Publishing House: Bethany House

 

Title: Justice Mission

Author: Lynette Eason

Publishing House: Love Inspired Suspense

 

Title: Vow of Justice

Author: Lynette Eason

Publishing House: Revell

 

Title: Code of Valor

Author: Lynette Eason

Publishing House: Revell

 

Title: One Final Breath

Author: Lynn H. Blackburn

Publishing House: Revell

 

MEMOIR

 

Title: Proverbial Tweets

Author: Alisa Hope Wagner

Publishing House: Marked Writers Publishing

 

Title:  These are the Days of My Life

Author: Deb Haggerty

Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing

 

Title: Finally Free

Author: Patty Mason

Publishing House: EA Books Publishing

 

Title: Curtain Call

Author: Lyneta Smith

Publishing House: Wordcrafts Publishing

 

Title: When Sunday Smiled

Author: Andy M. Davidson

Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing

 

ARTICLES ONLINE

 

Title: Five Truths a Man’s Boots Reveal

Author: Melinda Eye Cooper

Publication: Crosswalk.com

 

Title: Password: Truth

Author: Rhonda Rhea

Publication: Arise Daily

 

Title: Thinking About Jesus

Author: Kaley Rhea

Publication: Arise Daily

 

Title: To Know & Make Known

Author: Julie Zine Coleman

Publication: Arise Daily

 

Title: Politics & Perspective

Author: Leigh Ann Thomas

Publication: Just18Summers.com

 

Title: How to Use Your Faith vs. React

Author: Bethany Jett

Publication: Crosswalk.com

 

Title: Why We Should Refuse to Rest in the Battle Against Abortion

Author: Mary Hollomon

Publication:  The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

 

ARTICLES IN PRINT

 

Title: Admitting Wrong, Asking Forgiveness

Author: Debby Thompson

Publication: Venue Magazine

 

Title: Joy in Serving

Author: Deb DeArmond

Publication: Mature Living

 

Title: Caught by Surprise

Author: Deb DeArmond

Publishing House: Mature Living

 

Title: Determined Teen Follows Her Dreams

Author: Julie Lavender

Publication: The Statesboro Herald

 

Title: Volunteers Serve the Community at the Averitt

Author: Julie Lavender

Publication: The Statesboro Herald/Discovering Bulloch Magazine

 

Title: D’s Friendly Diner

Author: Dana Smith with Julie Lavender

Publication: Guideposts

 

Title: Word Champion

Author: Julie Lavender

Publication: Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine

 

Title: The Fonz Visits the ‘boro

Author: Julie Lavender

Publication: The Statesboro Herald

 

Title: Huge Gift for Hospice

Author: Julie Lavender

Publication: The Statesboro Herald

 

Title: Companions for Heroes

Author: Julie Lavender

Publication: The Statesboro Herald

 

Title: Christmas Card Creations

Author: Julie Lavender

Publication: Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine

 

Title: She Came Alone

Author:  Sherry Stacy

Publication: Live Magazine

 

Title: Care Companions

Author: Edwina Perkins

Publication: Guideposts

 

Title: Bold and Courageous

Author: Tracy Wilbanks

Publication: Journey Magazine

 

Title: Heaven’s Path

Author: Louise Tucker Jones

Publication: Angels on Earth

 

Title: Unlocking the Parent Trap

Author: Emily Wickham

Publication: Homelife

 

INSPIRATION & GIFT

 

Title: Encouraging Words for Mothers

Author: Michelle Medlock Adams

Publishing House: Barbour

 

Title: In Her Shoes

Author:  Joanie Shawhan

Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing

 

Title: Linked for Parents

Author: Linda Gilden & Linda Goldfarb

Publishing House: Bold Vision Books

 

Title: Heart and Home

Author: Victoria Duerstock

Publishing House: Abingdon Press

 

Title: Heart and Home for Christmas

Author: Victoria Duerstock

Publishing House: Abingdon Press

 

Title: Bumper Sticker Be-Attitudes

Author: Deb DeArmond

Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing

 

ANTHOLOGIES

 

Title: The Birth of Hope (From: Remembering Christmas)

Author: Leigh Ann Thomas

Publishing House:

 

Title: The Inexcusable in Me (From: When Calls the Heart to Love)

Author: Leigh Ann Thomas

Publishing House:

 

Title: Roommates by Choice (From: Miracles Do Happen)

Author: Robin Altmand with Julie Lavender

Publishing House: Guidepost

 

Title: Promise of the Nutcracker (From: the joys of Christmas)

Author: Heather Whitlock with Julie Lavender

Publishing House: Guideposts

 

Title: Teaching Moments (From: the joys of Christmas)

Author: Edwina Perkins

Publishing House: Guideposts

 

Title: A Rose from the Ashes (Christmas fiction off the beaten path)

Author: J P C Allen

Publishing House: Mt. Zion Ridge Press

 

WOMEN’S CONTEMPORARY

 

Title: On a Summer Tide

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publishing House: Revell

 

Title: The Death of Mungo Blackwell

Author: Lauren H. Brandenburg

Publishing House: Lion Fiction

 

Title: The Encounter

Author: Robin Densmore Fuson

Publishing House: Forget Me Not Romances

 

Title: The Bridge Between

Author: Lindsey Brackett

Publishing House: Firefly Southern Fiction

 

Title: Moments We Forget

Author: Beth K. Vogt

Publishing House: Tyndale House

 

Title: Grasping Hope

Author: Heather Greer

Publishing House: Mantle Rock Publishing

 

MYSTERY / SUSPENSE

 

Title: Murder in the Family

Author: Ramona Richards

Publishing House: Firefly Southern Fiction

 

Title: Garage Sale Secret

Author: Elizabeth Ludwig

Publishing House: Guideposts

 

Title: The Gryphon Heist

Author: James R. Hannibal

Publishing House: Revell

 

Title: The Sleuth’s Conundrum

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink

 

Title: Laine Portland, Retired Spy

Author: Vikki Kestell

Publishing House: Faith-filled Fiction

 

Title: Hush

Author: Leanna Sain

Publishing House: Lamplighter Suspense

 

Title: Vigilant

Author: Sara Davison

Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink

 

WESTERN

 

Title: Westward Hope

Author: Kathleen D. Bailey

Publishing House: Pelican/White Rose Publishing

 

Title: The Daughter’s Predicament

Author: Mary Davis

Publishing House: Mountain Brook Ink

 

Title: Under Moonlit Skies

Author: Cynthia Roemer

Publishing House: Mantle Rock Publishing

 

CHRISTIAN LIFE

 

Title: Relational Reset

Author: Dr. Laurel Shaler

Publishing House: Moody

 

Title: Experiencing God’s Love in a Broken World

Author: Roy & Deb Haggerty

Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing

 

Title: Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters

Author: Blythe Daniel & Helen McIntosh

Publishing House: Harvest House

 

Title: Heart Cries of Every Teen

Author: Jackie E. Perry

Publishing House: Straight Street Books

 

Title: When You Need to Move a Mountain

Author: Linda Evans Shepherd

Publishing House: Revell

 

Title: I Am a Field

Author: Jeff Davenport

Publishing House: Iron Stream Books

 

Title: Sweet Moments

Author: Shelley Pierce

Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing

 

Title: Soulspeak

Author: Sue Schlesman

Publishing House: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas

 

Title: Freefall: Holding on to Faith When the Unthinkable Strikes

Author: Rhonda Robinson

Publishing House: New Hope Publishers

 

Title: The Restored Man

Author: Randy Hemphill

Publishing House: New Hope Publishers

 

Title: The Art of Hard Conversations

Author: Lori Stanley Roeleveld

Publishing House: Kregel Publications

 

SPECULATIVE FICTION

 

Title: Quest of Fire: The Gathering Dark

Author: Brett Armstrong

Publishing House: Mantle Rock Publishing

 

Title: The Reactionary

Author: Kristen Hogrefe

Publishing House: Write Integrity Press

 

Title: Sky Light Rises: Whispers Book II

Author: Donna E. Lane

Publishing House: Bear’s Place Publishing

 

DEVOS

 

Title: Life-giving Choices

Author: Lucinda Secrest McDowell

Publishing House: New Hope Publishers

 

Title: The Bengal Believer

Author: Del Duduit

Publishing House: B Y Books

 

Title: First Down Devotions

Author: Del Duduit

Publishing House: New Hope Publishers

 

Title: Smack-dab in the Mid-life Zone

Author: Leigh Ann Thomas

Publishing House: Elk Lake Publishing

 

Title: Invincible

Author:  Jake McCandless & Rita Halter Thomas

Publishing House: Stand Firm Books

 

Title: Waiting for God

Author: Xochitl Dixon

Publishing House:  Discovery House

 

Title: They Call Me Mom

Author: Michelle Medlock Adams & Bethany Jett

Publishing House: Kregel

 

GENERAL NONFICTION

 

Title: Like Wildflowers, Suddenly

Author: Anne Hamilton

Publishing House: Armour Books

 

Title: I Am Cyrus

Author: Dr. Craig von Busek

Publishing House: Iron Stream Media

 

Title: Covered Glory

Author: Audrey Frank

Publishing House: Harvest House

 

YA FICTION / NONFICTION

 

Title: The End of Calico Jack

Author:  Eddie Jones

Publishing House: Dry Bones Publishing

 

Title: Playing on Higher Ground

Author: Ray Santiago III

Publishing House:

 

Title: The Zenia Wood

Author:  Carrie Looper Stephens

Publishing House: Illuminate YA

 

Title: The Chieftain’s Daughter

Author: Alisa Hope Wagner

Publishing House: Marked Writers Publishing

 

Title: The Means That Make Us Strangers

Author: Christine Kindberg

Publishing House: Bellflower Press

The Conversation

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13 Comments

    The Conversation

  1. Ramona says:

    Congratulations to ALL the finalists. But I’m just crowing that Iron Stream Media and its imprints (New Hope, Iron Stream Books, Firefly, Illuminate, Guiding Light, LPC, etc.) account for so many of the finalists. SO proud of these authors.

  2. Sandy Quandt says:

    Congrats to all the finalist!

  3. Miralee Ferrell says:

    We at Mountain Brook Ink are so proud of the seven books/finalists representing our company! What an amazing line up for authors and books for all the finalists. We can’t wait for the finals!

  4. Karen says:

    I just finished going down through your list and noticed that there were only 3 in General Nonfiction. I was wondering why Breaking Anxiety’s Grip by Dr. Michelle Bengtson was not listed in that category. I have read her book and I was certainly expecting it to be there. Are you sure a mistake hasn’t been made? I am truly disappointed.

    • Eva Marie Everson says:

      Karen,

      It is up to the authors to choose their category. Dr. Bengtson did not choose General Nonfiction, but rather Christian Life, which was a VERY large category. We also cannot determine how our judges will score, but I can tell you that the judge is one of our very best. I can also tell you that the book scored high, but it came in just under what is determined in advance to be the “bottom score” for that genre.

      There are so many books that come in that I root for, but in the end, it is not my decision but the scores of the judges. We maintain integrity at The Selah Awards; this is but one way we do so.

      I am sure that Dr. Bengtson’s book is doing great things for God’s kingdom outside of this one award. Your rooting for it shows just how much God will do with it. Thank you for that.

      Eva Marie Everson
      Contest Director

  5. Shelley says:

    I’m sad to see that Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim The Peace God Prmises by Dr Michelle Bengtson didn’t mand this list.

  6. Gina says:

    I love how so many new authors to me are included in this list alongside many familiar to me. I was anticipating seeing the book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip by Dr. Michelle Bengtson on the list and am greatly disappointed it was not included in your General Nonfiction category.

    • Eva Marie Everson says:

      Gina

      It is up to the authors to choose their category. Dr. Bengtson did not choose General Nonfiction, but rather Christian Life, which was a VERY large category. We also cannot determine how our judges will score, but I can tell you that the judge is one of our very best. I can also tell you that the book scored high, but it came in just under what is determined in advance to be the “bottom score” for that genre.

      There are so many books that come in that I root for, but in the end, it is not my decision but the scores of the judges. We maintain integrity at The Selah Awards; this is but one way we do so.

      I am sure that Dr. Bengtson’s book is doing great things for God’s kingdom outside of this one award. Your rooting for it shows just how much God will do with it. Thank you for that.

      Eva Marie Everson
      Contest Director

  7. Tammy Karasek says:

    As a member of Michelle Bengtson’s Launch team, I will agree with comments that it is an excellent book. But I’m betting there were a lot of amazing books that didn’t make it to the list. I can think of some. But, speaking as a regular judge for some other large contests like Selah in the industry, making or not making a list can come down to one point sometimes. The books are read by several people, not just one, and the scores of the three used for the selection. In some contests, it could come down to.1 because they ask for that fine of a score to keep from ties. Judges choose their categories, so someone wouldn’t be reading a category they don’t like and score it low. While I’m sad, too, that some of my friends’ names aren’t listed on here this year, I’m excited and cheering for those that did.i sure wouldn’t want to make them feel they don’t belong on the list.

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