American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) announced the finalists for the 2015 Carol Awards in Christian fiction at a press conference at the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Florida. To qualify, novels in the program's 11 categories must have been published in the previous calendar year.

ACFW CEO Colleen Coble also announced the 2015 recipient of the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award, Francine Rivers.

"I’ve loved and admired Francine Rivers’ writing since I first read Redeeming Love, but the woman behind the amazing stories is even more wonderful," Coble said. "Frani is a dedicated Christian and cares so much about other people and the Lord. I’m honored to call her my friend and couldn’t be more delighted that ACFW is awarding her our highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Coble also reiterated the fact that Rivers changed publishers and the content she was writing when she submitted to Christ years ago. 

"She's paved the way for all of us who write Christian fiction," Coble said. "She showed us that CBA books have the ability to break all boundaries and can't be pigeonholed. There is a huge readership out there who will respond to a story that challenges us and makes us think about eternal values."

Rivers will receive her award at the awards gala Sept. 19 at the ACFW conference in Dallas. The winners of the Carol Awards, Genesis Contest (for best unpublished manuscript) and other honors also will be announced at the gala (acfw.com/conference).

The following are the 2015 Carol Award finalists:

Contemporary:
Last Family Standing by Jennifer AlLee, Abingdon Press, editor Ramona Richards
Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Becky Monds, L.B. Norton
The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate, Tyndale House Publishers, editors Sarah Mason, Jan Stob

Historical:
Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson, Howard Books, editor Beth Adams
Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke, Tyndale House, editors Sarah Mason, Stephanie Broene
What Follows After by Dan Walsh, Revell/Baker Publishing Group, editor Andrea Doering

Historical Romance:
For Such a Time by Kate Breslin, Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group, editors Raela Schoenherr, Luke Hinrichs
With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden, Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group, editor Raela Schoenherr
While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad, Revell/Baker Publishing Group, editors Andrea Doering, Jessica English

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:
Poison Town by Creston Mapes, David C Cook, editor L.B. Norton
A Way of Escape by Serena B. Miller, independently published, editor Connie Troyer
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
"I'll be Home for Christmas" from Where Treetops Glisten by Sarah Sundin, WaterBrook Multnomah, editor Shannon Marchese
A Cowboy Unmatched by Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group, editor Karen Schurrer

Romance:
The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Ami McConnell, L.B. Norton
Love Redeemed by Kelly Irvin, Harvest House Publishers, editor Kathleen Kerr
Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt, Howard, editor Jessica Wong

Romantic Suspense:
Under a Turquoise Sky by Lisa Carter, Abingdon Press, editor Ramona Richards
No One to Trust by Lynette Eason, Revell/Baker Publishing Group, editor Andrea Doering
Deceived by Irene Hannon, Revell/Baker Publishing Group, editor Jennifer Leep

Short Novel:
Second Chance Summer by Irene Hannon, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Melissa Endlich
Rescuing the Texan's Heart by Mindy Obenhaus, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Melissa Endlich
The Wyoming Heir by Naomi Rawlings, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Elizabeth Mazer

Speculative:
Orphan's Song by Gillian Bronte Adams, Enclave Publishing, editor Steve Laube
A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes, Enclave Publishing, editors Jeff Gerke, Karen Ball
Jupiter Winds by C.J. Darlington, independently published, editor Carol Kurtz Darlington

Young Adult:
This Quiet Sky by Joanne Bischof, independently published, editors Amanda Dykes, Denise Harmer
Samantha Sanderson at the Movies by Robin Caroll, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Kim Childress, Mary Hassinger
Storm Siren by Mary Weber, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Monds

Debut Novel:
Playing Saint by Zachary Bartels, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Amanda Bostic
For Such a Time by Kate Breslin, Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group, editors Raela Schoenherr, Luke Hinrichs
The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall, Whitaker House, editor Courtney Hartzel

From a pool of hundreds of Carol Award submissions, judges noted three from each category that stand out in storytelling ability, reader enjoyment and significance. ACFW congratulates these finalists and anticipates another memorable gala during which the Carols and other awards will take center stage in the publishing world.

Among the additional honors awarded that night will be Editor of the Year and Agent of the Year.

ACFW’s 2015 Editor of the Year nominees: 

Sandie Bricker, managing editor, Bling! Romance (imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)
Bethany Kaczmarek, associate editor, Brimstone Fiction (imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)
Ramona Richards, senior acquisitions editor, Abingdon Press

ACFW’s 2015 Agent of the Year nominees:

Steve Laube, president, The Steve Laube Agency
Wendy Lawton, vice president, Books & Such Literary Management
Mary Sue Seymour, agent, The Seymour Agency

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