The Christy Award 2020 Winners

In a year when everything feels topsy turvy, many of us are turning to stories (whether reading or writing them) to help us make sense of the world or simply cope by escaping our present reality for a few moments. Even the most contented solitary bookworm among us has felt the tremors of disaster or heard the rumblings of controversial headlines in 2020, it's inescapable. 

The world shouts at us to fear, hate, and divide... yet we, beloved friends, not only have the gift of story but we have the security of knowing and being known by the Author of all stories. Past, present, future, and eternity are in His hands and so are we. Whether you reach for a book or a pen, remember that God crafted and created each one of us for His purpose and glory. 

Be still. He's whispering to His chosen ones through His Word, through songs, through stories, through fellow believers... you were made with purpose and for a purpose. Glorify Him in fulfilling it. Be encouraged and edified, fellow believers! Love wins and Jesus is on the throne.

Okay, y'all it's time to let our hair down and celebrate story! I don't know who left that soapbox sitting out but I am not taking it home with me, I'll never get a moment of peace with that thing around. 

Can we just say BRAVO to The Christy Award and The Art of Writing Webinar Series organizers?! That was some tasty lemonade if you know what I'm sayin'! If you were an attendee or a participant of either event, I want to hear all your thoughts and experiences! 

I don't think I can fully express my gratitude to the 28 authors, 58 judges, The Christy Advisory Board, organizational team, sponsoring publishers, partnering booksellers, and extraordinary people behind the scenes dedicated to honoring excellence in Christian fiction. 

If it's starting to sound like I won an award, I obviously didn't but I DO get to read a lot of fabulous books and that's kind of the same thing without all the writing! Clearly, I need to wind down soon so without further ado or shenanigans, join me in congratulating The Christy Award winners of 2020!

Young Adult 

The Means That Make Us Strangers by Christine Kindberg (Bellflower Press)

Visionary 

Hidden Current by Sharon Hinck (Enclave Publishing)

Historical 

The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke (Tyndale House Publishers)

General Fiction

Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

Historical Romance

The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron (Thomas Nelson)

Short Form 

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall (WaterBrook)

First Novel  

A Long Time Comin’ by Robin W. Pearson (Tyndale House Publishers)

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller 

The Girl Behind the Red Rope by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)

Contemporary Romance 

Now and Then and Always by Melissa Tagg (Larkspur Press)

Book of the Year

Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

Were you watching the Winners Webcast? Did you attend the Art of Writing Webinars? Share your thoughts and experiences!

Beth Erin is a Christian fiction enthusiast who works too hard and doesn't read nearly as much as she'd like to. You'll occasionally find her on Faithfully Bookish and on social media but mostly she's happily plugging away in the back office at JustRead Publicity Tours. Beth is passionate about promoting authors and their entertaining, encouraging, and redemptive stories. Plus she's kind of goofy when it's past her bedtime.