Noted author Francine Rivers received the 2015 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award. Coble says, “Few people have had the kind of impact that Francine Rivers has had through her Christian fiction. Many readers mark her books as spiritual turning points in their lives.”
Other notable honors awarded during the gala are as follows:
2015 Agent of the Year: Mary Sue Seymour – The Seymour Agency
2015 Editor of the Year: Sandie Bricker – Bling! Romance—An imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
2015 Mentor of the Year: Joy Avery Melville
2015 Volunteer Service Award: Lacy Williams
2015 Member Service Award: Michael Ehret
Among the significant honors within the world of Christian fiction are ACFW’s Carol Awards. “ACFW is proud to honor its namesake Carol Johnson each time the award is given,” says Contests Administrator Becky Yauger. “We want readers to know they’re finding quality books when they pick up a Carol Award nominated or winning book.”
The 2015 Carol Award winners (for the best in Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year) are as follows.
CONTEMPORARY:
The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate, Tyndale House, editors Sarah Mason, Jan Stob
HISTORICAL:
Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson, Howard (Simon & Schuster), editor Beth Adams
HISTORICAL ROMANCE:
With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr
MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER:
A Cry from the Dust by Carrie Stuart Parks, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Amanda Bostic, Natalie Hanemann
NOVELLA:
An October Bride by Katie Ganshert, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Philpott
ROMANCE:
The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Ami McConnell, L.B. Norton
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE:
Under a Turquoise Sky by Lisa Carter, Abingdon Press, editor Ramona Richards
SHORT NOVEL:
Second Chance Summer by Irene Hannon, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Melissa Endlich
SPECULATIVE:
A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes, Enclave Publishing, editors Jeff Gerke, Karen Ball
YOUNG ADULT:
Storm Siren by Mary Weber, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Monds
DEBUT NOVEL:
For Such a Time by Kate Breslin, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Raela Schoenherr, Luke Hinrichs
ACFW’s Genesis Contest recognizes excellence in unpublished manuscripts.
The 2015 Genesis Contest winners by category are:
CONTEMPORARY:
Lindsay Harrel, One More Song to Sing
HISTORICAL:
Jeannine Brummett, Heirlooms
HISTORICAL ROMANCE:
Elizabeth Lukinuk, The Knight’s Promised Bride
MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER:
Joseph R. Courtemanche, Assault on Saint Agnes
NOVELLA:
Chandra Lynn Smith, Turtle Box Memories
ROMANCE:
Courtney Ballinger, Flipping Hearts
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE:
Sarah Hamaker, The Dark Guest
SHORT NOVEL:
Preslaysa Williams, Coming Home to Love
SPECULATIVE:
Carol Eaton, Null
YOUNG ADULT:
Sarah Tipton, Forgetting Yesterday