Golden Scroll and Christian Market Awards Press Release

AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) announced the winners of the 2025 Golden Scroll Awards at the Golden Scroll Banquet, Sunday, August 10, at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth, Georgia. Awards were announced by emcees Dawn Damon, CEO of BraveHearted Woman, and Carol Kent, founder of the Speak Up Conference and the nonprofit organization Speak Up for Hope. Awards were presented by Linda Evans Shepherd, founder and CEO of AWSA.

This is the 17th year that AWSA has presented the Golden Scroll Awards. The Golden Scroll Awards are open to over 1100 members of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Linda Evans Shepherd was honored for her 25 years of ministry to Christian authors and speakers through the founding and continued work of AWSA. She received an award for her distinguished leadership and lasting legacy of encouragement to others through AWSA.

Dr. Mel Tavares was named AWSA Member of the Year. The Jennifer Kennedy Dean Award went to Linda Goldfarb. 

Crystal Bowman was awarded the AWSA Impact Award, presented to a member who has made a lifetime impact for Jesus.

Pam and Bill Farrel were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. They’ve transformed the way we experience biblical love—using humor, heart, and timeless wisdom to make marriage meaningful and practical.

Their bestknown title, Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti, has sold over 350,000 copies in 16 languages, and it’s just the centerpiece of a ministry that includes over 60 written works. Their books—like Red-Hot Monogamy, The 10 Best Decisions series, and Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament—have equipped couples, parents, singles, and families for spiritual growth and relational health. 

They’ve been married over 40 years, teaching the Word together the week after their honeymoon and co-directing Love‑Wise Ministries, where they mentor with grace, truth, and faithfulness. 

In 2023, Pam experienced a life‑altering crisis—what she calls “dancing with angels on the outskirts of Heaven.” Though she returned home, her battles continued. Yet if you thought it might slow them down, you don’t know the Farrels. She sprang back to service with renewed joy. And Bill? He stood steadfast at her side—praying, walking through caregiving, and leading with unwavering faith.

The Golden Scroll Book of the Year was awarded to Lynne Rienstra for Sacred Refuge: Finding Unexpected Shelter in Your Crisis (Kregel).

The Nonfiction Book of the Year Award went to Rachel Britton for Pray Naturally: Finding Your Spiritual Confidence as a Woman Loved by God (Our Daily Bread).

The Novel of the Year Award went to Deborah Sprinkle for Death under the Ice (Scrivenings Press).

The Children’s Book of the Year was awarded to Michelle Medlock Adams, illustrated by Ana Sebastien, for The Dachshund Dash (End Game Press).

The Youth Book of the Year was awarded to Liz and Jack Hagler for Dangerous Dilemmas (Tyndale Kids).

Second place for Youth Book of the Year went to Erin Greneaux, illustrated by Taisiia Kolisnyk, for The Seed’s Price (Erin Greneaux). Third place went to Michelle Medlock Adams and Wendy Hinote Lanier for Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers (Iron Stream Kids). Honorable Mention went to Yvonne M. Morgan, illustrated by Jack Foster for Mary the Missionary, a Kenyon Adventure (Mt. Zion Ridge Press).

The Children’s Fiction Book of the Year was awarded to Nancy Haack for In the Night Watch (Gatekeeper Press).

Second place for Children’s Fiction Book of the Year went to Del Bates, illustrated by Art Innovations, for Lamba’s Journey with Jesus (Redemption Press). Third place went to Terrie Hellard-Brown, illustrated by Hannah Prewett, for Izzy’s Notebook (Hypurpley Press). Honorable Mention Went to Sharon Norris Elliott, illustrated by Darrin Drda for Special Church Snack (Abundance Books).

The Children’s Nonfiction Book of the Year was awarded to Crystal Bowman and Sue Schlesman for The Compassion Storybook Bible (End Game Press). Second place for Children’s Nonfiction Book of the Year went to Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley, illustrated by Jacqueline L. Nuñez, for R Is for Risen (Tyndale Kids). Third place went to Michele S. Lazurek for Hall of Faith: Remembering Ordinary People Who Trusted God (B&H Kids). Honorable Mention went to Gail Scoates for Color with Sadie: 5 Minutes of Gratitude: Bible Lessons for Toddlers and Early Readers (Gail Scoates).

The Christian Living Book of the Year went to Gaylyn and Ken Williams for All Stressed Up and Everywhere to Go (Relationship Resources). Second place for Christian Living Book of the Year went to Evelyn Johnson Taylor for In & Out of Season (Elk Lake). Third place went to Dawn Van Beck for Deliver Me: Ditching Your Shame, Embracing God’s Freedom (Stone Oak). Honorable Mention went to Janet McHenry for Praying Personalities: Finding Your Natural Prayer Style (Kregel).

The Bible Study Book of the Year was awarded to Christy Bass Adams for Called to Christ (Christy Bass Adams). Second place for Bible Study Book of the Year went to Patty Mason for Getting to Know God’s Love (KP Press). Third place went to Kathy Howard for Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of John (Deep Rooted Books). Honorable Mention went to Lorraine Larzabal for The Declarations: Ushering You Into the Presence of God (Accessing Freedom).

The Devotional Book of the Year was a tie with Tracy Glass for Restored: God's Promises to Beautifully Rebuild You After Divorce or Separation (Abundance Books) and Lisa Burkhardt Worley. Lane Jordan Burday and the Pearls of Promise Ministries Team for Treasure: A Pearls of Promise 52-Week Devotional (Pearls of Promise). Second place for Devotional Book of the Year went to Sheri Schofield for Sunflower Love (Elk Lake). Third place went to Gina Fox for Anchored in Freedom: Turning Trials into Testimonies of Triumph (Gina Fox). Honorable Mention went to Linda Kozar for Sweet Tea and Me: 90 Devotions to Perk Up Your Day (BroadStreet).

The Parenting Book of the Year was awarded to Alycia W. Morales for Surviving the Year of Firsts: A Mom’s Guide to Grieving Child Loss (A Word in Season Publishing Company). Second place for Parenting Book of the Year was a tie with David and Julie Lavender for Raising Sons: Christian Parenting Principles for Nurturing Boys of Faith and Character (Zeitgeist) and Kristin Faith and Todd Evans for How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities (Baker). Third place went to Laine Lawson Craft for Warfare Parenting: A Daily Battle Plan to Fight for Your Child (BroadStreet). Honorable Mention went to Terrie Hellard-Brown for Up, Down, and All Around: A Handbook for Discipling Our Children Based on Dueteronomy 6 (Hypurpley Press).

The Christian Education Book of the Year was awarded to Shane and Susan Schlesman for Death by Pastoring: Finding the Heartbeat of a Healthy Leader (Avail Publishing). Second place for Christian Educational Book of the Year was a tie with Christie Thomas for My First Devotional: Meaningful Time with God for Little Ones (Christian Art Gifts) and Rose Ann Forte for Prepare to Quit: Finding the Keys to a Spirit-Filled Life beyond Alcohol (Ignite Press). Third place went to Liz A. Pitman, illustrated by KC Clark, for Pete’s Purpose-Packed Proclamations (Puzzle Piece Productions). Honorable Mention went to Peg Arnold for Making Your Message Memorable: Creative Ideas for Captivating Presentations (Abundance Books).

The Memoir of the Year was awarded to Pebbles Wireman for Finding Faith in the Storm (Elk Lake). Second place for Memoir of the Year went to Sharon K. Braner for It’s Time to Flee (KDP). Third place went to Joni Topper for The Power of a Well-Placed Yes: God’s Abundant Faithfulness in a Small Church (JKT Press). Honorable Mention went to Denise Renken for Triage: Healing Mental and Spiritual Roots (Redemption Press)

The Inspirational Gift Book of the Year was awarded to Julie Sunne for Sometimes I Forget: 60 Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Days (B&H Publishing). Second place for Inspirational Gift Book of the Year went to Donna Wyland for Last Best Year: A Short Guide to a Grateful Life (Elk Lake). Third place was a tie with Gail Scoates for Gratitude and Reflection: Paws and Purpose for Everyday (Grato) and Blythe Daniel, William Daniel and Helen McIntosh for I Love You, Dad! Words to Honor and Humor You (End Game Press). Honorable Mention went to Patricia Cameron for Ever Present: Real Stories of God's Presence through Trials and Triumphs (Green Leaf Ink).

The Anthology of the Year was awarded to Virginia Grounds for Wings: Hope for Widows in New Growth Seasons (Breakthrough Christian Publishing). Second place for Anthology of the Year went to Carissa Lovvorn and Lisa Worthey Smith for Coffee with God, Volume 5: 31 Gratitude-Filled Devotionals (Kerysso Press). 

The Mystery/Suspense Novel of the Year was awarded to DiAnn Mills for Lethal Standoff (Tyndale). Second place for the Mystery/Suspense Novel of the Year went to Lynette Eason for Double Take (Revell). Third place went to Susan L. Davis for 63 Hours in Hell (Abundance Books). Honorable Mention went to Lynette Eason Target Acquired (Revell).

The Contemporary Novel of the Year was awarded to Starr Ayers for Waiting for Sunset (Mountain Brook Ink).

Second place for Contemporary Novel of the Year went to Sandra Kay Vosburgh for The Girl in Her (Sackets Harbor Books). Third place went to Kara Hunt for Paper Dolls: Eve (Take Me Away Books). Honorable Mention went to Kara Hunt for Paper Dolls: Mary (Take Me Away Books).

The Western Novel of the Year was awarded to Karen Witemeyer for If the Boot Fits (Bethany House). Second place for Western Novel of the Year went to Lynn Dean for The Friendship Quilt (Thornton Ridge Publishing). 

The Historical Novel of the Year was awarded to Karen Witemeyer for Cloaked in Beauty (Bethany House).

Second place for Historical Novel of the Year went to Cindy Sproles for Coal Black Lies (Kregel). Third place went to Rebecca Price Janney for East of the Sun (Elk Lake). Honorable Mention went to Sarah Hanks Braving Strange Waters (SonFlower Press).

The Romance Novel of the Year was awarded to Ann Swindell for Christmas in the Castle Library (White Crown Publishing).

Second place for Romance Novel of the Year went to Amanda Boerma for Here with Me (Sunrise Publishing). Third place went to Kristen Terrette for Morning Star (Elk Lake). Honorable Mention went to Charlise Estess for When the Ocean Roars (Iron Stream Media)

The Novella of the Year was awarded to Lynette Eason for In the Dark—from the Cornered Collection (Revell).

Second place for Novella of the Year went to Heidi Gray McGill for Stitched on My Heart—A Companion Christmas Novella (Heidi Gray McGill Books). Third place went to Susan G. Mathis for Emma’s Engagement (Wild Heart Books). Honorable Mention went to Lynn Dean for The Bookbinder's Daughter (Thornton Ridge Publishing).

This is the sixth year to present the Christian Market Book Awards. These awards are open to all authors who publish in the Christian market. The Christian Market Book of the Year was awarded to Lee Ann Mancini for Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God (Whitaker House).

The Christian Market Devotional of the Year was awarded to Bitsy Kemper for Mommy and Me: Micro-Moments: Nurturing Faith, Sharing Laughs (Andrea Lane Books).

The Christian Market Christian Living Book of the Year was awarded to Edie Melson for Soul Care When You’re Weary (Heavenly Binding Press).

The Christian Market Prayer Book of the Year was awarded to Lorraine Larzabal for The Declarations: Ushering You into the Presence of God (Accessing Freedom).

The Christian Market Bible Study Book of the Year was awarded to Donna Snow for Strong and Courageous: Studying God’s Promises in Joshua (Concordia Publishing House).

The Christian Market Parenting Book of the Year was awarded to Christie Thomas for Little Habits, Big Faith: How Simple Practices Help Your Family Grow in Jesus (NavPress).

The Christian Market Educational Book of the Year was awarded to Edie Melson for Blogging for Today’s Writer (Heavenly Binding Press).

The Christian Market Suspense Novel of the Year was awarded to Lynette Eason for Double Take (Revell).

The Christian Market Romance Novel of the Year was awarded to James C. Magruder for The Desert between Us (End Game Press).

The Christian Market Historical Novel of the Year was awarded to Jeff Randall for Seth’s Cross (Winged Publications).

The Christian Market Contemporary Novel of the Year was awarded to Maureen Miller for Gideon’s Book (Redemption Press).

The Christian Market Children’s Book of the Year was awarded to Joan C. Benson and Marjorie Wingert, illustrated by Holly Pallett, for Wonder of Life (Elk Lake).

The Christian Market Youth Book of the Year was awarded to Michelle Medlock Adams and Wendy Lanier for Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers (Iron Stream Kids).  Second place for the Christian Market Youth Book of the Year went to Mark Wainwright and Dr. Danny Faulkner for Awesome Facts about Space (Kids Answers). Third place went to Erin Greneaux, illustrated by Taisiia Kolisnyk for The Eagle’s Promise(Erin Greneaux). Honorable mention went to Terrie Hellard-Brown, illustrated by Rachelle Brown for Dandar, the Dragon Knight (Hypurpley Press).

The Christian Market Children’s Nonfiction Book of the Year was awarded to Christie Thomas for My First Devotional: Meaningful Time with God for Little Ones (Christian Art Gifts). Second place for the Christian Market Children’s Nonfiction Book of the Year went to Michelle S. Lazurek for Hall of Faith: Remembering Ordinary People Who Trusted God (B&H Kids). Third place went to Jennifer Bosma, illustrated by Beth Snider, for God Is Three in One (Wren & Bear Books). Honorable mention went to Crystal Bowman and Terri McKinley, illustrated by Jacqueline L. Nunez for R is for Risen (Tyndale Kids).

The Christian Market Children’s Fiction Book of the Year was awarded to Mary Anne Quinn, Illustrated by Sanja Rescek, for God, How Do You Love Me? (End Game Press). Second place for the Christian Market Children’s Fiction Book of the Year went to Terrie Hellard-Brown, illustrated by Hannah Prewett, for Izzy’s Notebook (Hypurpley Press). Third place went to Joan C. Benson and Marjorie Wingert, illustrated by Holly Pallett, for Who Am I? (Elk Lake). Honorable mention went to Michelle Medlock Adams, illustrated by Lee Holland for Grampa’s Blessing (Good Books).

The Christian Market Nonfiction Book of the Year was awarded to Tracy Glass for Restored: God’s Promises to Beautifully Rebuild You after Divorce or Separation (Abundance Books). Second place for the Christian Market Nonfiction Book of the Year went to Terrie Hellard-Brown for Up, Down, and All Around: A Handbook for Discipling Our Children Based on Deuteronomy 6 (Hypurpley Press). Third place went to Janet McHenry for Praying Personalities: Finding Your Natural Prayer Style (Kregel). Honorable mention went to Linda Kozar for Sweet Tea and Thee: 90 Devotions to Perk Up Your Day(Broadstreet).

The Christian Market Novel of the Year was awarded to Lynette Eason for Serial Burn (Revell). Second place for the Christian Market Novel of the Year was awarded to Claudia LeBoeuf for Fields of Prosperis (Elk Lake). Third place went to Kristen Terrette for Morning Star (Elk Lake).  Honorable mention went to Rebecca Price Janey for East of the Sun (Elk Lake).

This year marked the first entry into the Evangelical Press Association Awards for Arise Daily AWSA’s online daily devotional. Arise Daily received the Award of Excellence for Digital Devotionals—that’s First Place! The Arise Daily Writer of the Year was awarded to Julie Coleman.

AWSA’s official magazine, the award-winning “Leading Hearts,” is in its 12^th year of publication. The “Leading Hearts” Contributor of the Year went to Karin Beery. Feature Article of the Year went to Cynthia L. Simmons for “A Code of Courage: WWII’s Daring Female Codebreakers.” Our editor, Amber Weigand-Buckley took fourth place in the Humorous Article category for her article, “A Holiday Hermit’s Guide to Enjoying Family Gatherings (Without Doubling Up on Your Medication).”

New ASWA P.O.W.E.R. Speakers were recognized: Ellen Varughese and Gretchen Huesmann.

A parody, written by Martha Bolton, was performed by Rebecca Friedlander. Pam and Bill Farrel delivered the keynote address.

AWSA, the sponsor of the Golden Scroll Awards Banquet, is an outreach of Right to the Heart Ministries and consists of nearly 900 top women authors who both publish and speak nationally. See www.AWSA.com.