The Christy Award is a "Christian fiction award to recognize novelists and novels of excellence in several genres of Christian fiction." The nominees for this year were announced recently and the winners announced June 26. Every year I make it my goal to read all the books that are nominated for the Christy Award. I also give them away!
This year I will not give them away all at once, but by category while I am reading the books nominated in that category.
To enter to win any/all of these books, please do the following:
1. Post a comment indicating which book/books you would like to be entered for.
2. Enter by the date indicated. For this category, please enter by JUNE 13, winners announced on June 14.
3. Respond within 10 days should you receive an email indicating you have won a particular book.
4. Come back soon for the next category giveaway!
I am starting with the "First Novel" category.
The books nominated in this category are:
The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry
Description:
Craig Littleton's decision to end his marriage would shock his wife, Denise . . . if she knew what he was up to. When an accident lands Craig in the ICU, with fuzzy memories of his own life and plans, Denise rushes to his side, ready to care for him.
They embark on a quest to help Craig remember who he is and, in the process, they discover dark secrets. An affair? An emptied bank account? A hidden identity? An illegitimate child?
But what will she do when she realizes he's not the man she thought he was? Is this trauma a blessing in disguise, a chance for a fresh start? Or will his secrets destroy the life they built together?
My Thoughts: I am reading this book this week!
Next book: Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent
Description:
So begins the story of Jessilyn Lassiter, a young girl whose world is torn apart the summer of 1932. When Jessilyn's best friend, Gemma, loses her parents in a tragic fire, Jessilyn's father vows to care for her as his own, despite the fact that Gemma is black and prejudice is prevalent in their southern Virginia town.
It doesn't take long for the Lassiters to attract the attention of a local band of Ku Klux Klan members, who make increasingly violent threats on Jessilyn and her family.
As she struggles to navigate a complex world of first crushes, loyalties, and betrayals, Jessilyn ultimately discovers what it takes to be a bright light in a dark world.
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book! The story about broke my heart, seeing how Jessilyn's family suffered, but I was honored to have a look into their lives and the determination with which they held fast to their beliefs no matter what the cost. Beautifully written. I couldn't put it down!
And the third book: Scared by Tom Davis
Description:
Once an award-winning photojournalist, Stuart Daniels is reeling from debt, a broken marriage, and depression. Given one last chance to redeem himself, he accepts a make-or-break assignment covering the AIDS crisis in Africa. In an unexpected encounter, Stuart meets Adanna, a young orphan fighting for survival. Soon both their lives are changed forever!
My Thoughts:
A heart-wrenching story that brought me to tears. A must-read. The ability of Adanna to see hope in the midst of starving and loss and abuse is unbelievable. It is based on a true story, so you cannot separate your heart from the story because it rings true, as painful as it is to read. A great book of hope and faith being restored to Stuart through the life of Adanna.
