Weeding through the multitude of books published each year in both the Christian marketplace and the general market can be difficult. The INSPY Awards were created by this network of avid fiction readers/bloggers to recognize and help draw attention to the best offerings of the year.
The INSPYs are unique in that they invite nominations from both the Christian booksellers’ domain and the general marketplace. This program is organized and judged by book bloggers who have considerable experience and knowledge of books published for both the CBA markets and the general market. Those involved with the INSPYs strive to serve readers in their search for the very best of faith inspired literature being published today.
Each year, the INSPYs select winners in seven categories. Here are the winning books for 2017:
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE/ROMANTIC SUSPENSE:
Just a Kiss by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson) – A tender romance that touches on the struggle of PTSD.
DEBUT FICTION:
Close to You by Kara Isaac (Howard Books) – A quirky, delightful romance inspired by Tolkien’s work.
GENERAL FICTION:
Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar (Tyndale House) – The captivating tale of a first-century heroine whose pain-ridden life is transformed when she encounters Jesus.
HISTORICAL ROMANCE:
The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof (Mason Jar Books) – A vivid tale in an intriguing setting featuring gypsies, circus tents and a dashing lion trainer.
LITERATURE FOR YOUNG ADULTS:
Unblemished by Sara Ella (Thomas Nelson) – A compelling fantasy featuring danger, deception, adventure and romance, along with a central theme of hope.
MYSTERY/THRILLER:
If I Run by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan) – A gripping fugitive story featuring complex characters and unexpected twists.
SPECULATIVE FICTION:
The Shattered Vigil by Patrick W. Carr (Bethany House) – An intense mystery/fantasy with a fascinating hero who struggles to do what is right when the path is unclear.
Click here for more information about this year’s winners.