The Mark of the King Named Christy Finalist

Two years ago this week, I attended a Christian fiction writers conference. Since my previous publisher for my Civil War novels had decided not to acquire more fiction, I was on the hunt for a new publisher. So with one-sheet in hand, I met with a few editors and pitched the story that later became The Mark of the King. 

Of course, I had no idea if the book would be published at all at that point. After meeting with the first editor, I thought maybe my publishing gig was all dried up. (You can read about that experience in my blog post, "On Terrible Advice from Really Successful People.") Thankfully, she wasn't the last editor I met with. I am so, so grateful that Bethany House took me in, and helped The Mark of the King become what it should be. 

So to learn today that The Mark of the King is a finalist for The Christy Awards is a very special honor. (The timing just slays me!)

I'm so happy to see so many friends on this list, too! Join me in congratulating the following authors:

Contemporary Romance:

• Her One and Only, Becky Wade (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)
• The Red Door Inn, Liz Johnson (Revell/Baker Publishing Group)
• Rescue Me, Susan May Warren (Revell/Baker Publishing Group)

First Novel:

• Counted with the Stars, Connilyn Cossette (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)
• Like a River from Its Course, Kelli Stuart (Kregel Publications)
• Stars in the Grass, Ann Marie Stewart (Barbour Publishing)

General Fiction:

• Long Way Gone, Charles Martin (Thomas Nelson)
• The Promise of Jesse Woods, Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)
• The Undoing of Saint Silvanus, Beth Moore (Tyndale House Publishers)

Historical:

• Like a River from Its Course, Kelli Stuart (Kregel Publications)
• The Mark of the King, Jocelyn Green (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)
• Miriam, Mesu Andrews (WaterBrook)

Historical Romance:

• A Note Yet Unsung, Tamera Alexander (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)
• From This Moment, Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)
• The Lady and the Lionheart, Joanne Bischof (Mason Jar Books)

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:

• If I Run, Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
• When Death Draws Near, Carrie Stuart Parks (Thomas Nelson)
• Without Warning, Joel C. Rosenberg (Tyndale House)

Short Form:

• Looking into You, Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)
• Mirror Image, Laura Scott (Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense)
• Restoring Christmas: A Novella, Cynthia Ruchti (Worthy Inspired, an imprint of Worthy Publishing Group)

Visionary:

• The Alliance, Jolina Petersheim (Tyndale House Publishers)
• King’s Folly, Jill Williamson, (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)
• The Long Journey to Jake Palmer, James Rubart (Thomas Nelson)

Young Adult:

• If You’re Gone, Brittany Goodwin (Edge of 22 Publishing)
• The Silent Songbird, Melanie Dickerson (Thomas Nelson)
• Unblemished, Sara Ella (Thomas Nelson)

Read the full news release here.

Awards are subjective, aren't they? While I am humbled and honored to be among these other talented titles and authors, there are many other wonderful books out there. Here's an idea: if you have loved a book--any book, whether it's on this list or not--post an online review or at least mention it in your social media circles. Or request that your library order a copy for its circulation. Or go out and treat yourself by purchasing a new book by your favorite author. 

What have YOU enjoyed reading this year?