Carol Awards

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The Carol Awards are ACFW’s recognition for the best Christian fiction published by traditional publishing houses, or independently published, meeting ACFW QIP criteria, in the previous calendar year.

Previous Carol Awards Winners

2019 Carol Award Winners

Contemporary
Where Hope Begins by Catherine West, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Erin Healy and Becky Monds

Debut
The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin, Enclave Publishing, editor Steve Laube

Historical
The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Jocelyn Bailey and Julee Schwarzburg

Historical Romance
A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Raela Schoenherr and Jennifer Veilleux

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr and Luke Hinrichs

Novella
MissTaken Identity from The MissAdventure Brides Collection by Kimberley Woodhouse, Barbour Publishing, editors Rebecca Germany and Ellen Tarver

Romance
Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh, Tyndale House, editors Stephanie Broene and Shaina Turner

Romantic Suspense
Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editors Kristin Kornoelje and Jennifer Leep

Short Novel
The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter by Jill Lynn, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Shana Asaro

Speculative
Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Dave Long and Jennifer Veilleux

Young Adult
Fawkes by Nadine Brandes, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Monds

2018 Carol Award Winners

Contemporary
Maybe It’s You by Candace Calvert, Tyndale House Publishers, editors Jan Stob and Sarah Rische

Historical
Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson, Tyndale House Publishers, editors Stephanie Broene and Sarah Rische

Historical Romance
A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Karen Schurrer

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Portrait of Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Amanda Bostic and Erin Healy

Novella
One Enchanted Noel from Enchanted: A Christmas Collection by Melissa Tagg, ACFW QIP (Qualified Independently Published), editor Terri Simmons

Romance
A Matter of Trust by Susan May Warren, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editors Andrea Doering and Kristin Kornoelje

Romantic Suspense
Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman, Faith Words (Hatchette), editor Christina Boys

Short Novel
Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Ami McConnell Abston and Becky Philpott

Speculative
Awakened by Morgan L. Busse, Enclave Publishing, editor Reagen Reed

Young Adult
Betrayal of the Band by Sarah Tipton, Watershed Books (Pelican Book Group), editor Jamie West

Debut
Freedom’s Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli, Tyndale House Publishers, editors Jan Stob and Caleb Sjogren

2017 Carol Award Winners

Contemporary
The Feathered Bone by Julie Cantrell, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editor Amanda Bostic

Historical
Like a River from Its Course by Kelli Stuart, Kregel Publications, editors Dawn Jackson and Janyre Tromp

Historical Romance
The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof, ACFW QIP (Qualified Independently Published), editors Denise Harmer and Kara Swanson

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Amanda Bostic and Natalie Hanneman

Novella
The Doctor’s Woman (The Courageous Brides Collection) by Michelle Griep, Barbour Publishing, editor Becky Germany

Romance
A Season to Love by Nicole Deese, Waterfall Press, editors Amy Hosford and Kristin
Mehus-Roe

Romantic Suspense
Always Watching (Elite Guardians) by Lynette Eason, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing, editor Andrea Doering

Short Novel
Restoring Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti, Worthy Inspired, editors Pamela Clements and Jamie Chavez

Speculative
The Long Journey to Jake Palmer by James L. Rubart, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Amanda Bostic and Erin Healy

Debut
You’re the Cream in my Coffee by Jennifer Lamont Leo, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, editor Kathryn Davis

2016 Carol Award Winners

Contemporary:
The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert, Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House)

Historical:
Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke, Tyndale House

Historical Romance:
A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:
The Aleppo Code by Terry Brennan, Kregel Publications

Novella:
A Bride for Bear from The Convenient Bride Collection by Erica Vetsch, Barbour Publishing

Romance:
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt, Howard (Simon & Schuster)

Romantic Suspense:
No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group

Short Novel:
Covert Justice by Lynn Huggins Blackburn, Love Inspired (Harlequin)

Speculative:
The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart, HarperCollins Christian Publishing

Young Adult:
Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing

Debut:
The Calling of Ella McFarland by Linda Brooks Davis, Mountainview Books LLC

2015 Carol Award Winners

Contemporary
The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate (Tyndale House)

Historical
Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson (Howard [Simon & Schuster])

Historical Romance
With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House [Baker]) Publishing

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
A Cry from the Dust by Carrie Stuart Parks (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Novella
An October Bride by Katie Ganshert (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Romance
The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Romantic Suspense
Under a Turquoise Sky by Lisa Carter (Abingdon Press)

Short Novel
Second Chance Summer by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative
A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes (Enclave Publishing)

Young Adult
Storm Siren by Mary Weber (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Debut Novel
For Such a Time by Kate Breslin (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

2014 Carol Award Winners

Contemporary
Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Debut Novel
Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Historical
When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell (David C. Cook)

Historical Romance
A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Novella
Love by the Letter by Melissa Jagears (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

Romance
Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

Romantic Suspense
Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink (River North [Moody Publishing])

Short Novel
Mending the Doctor’s Heart by Tina Radcliffe (Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative
A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

Young Adult
A Simple Song by Melody Carlson (Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

2013 Carol Award Winners

Category
Lost Legacy by Dana Mentink (Love Inspired)

Contemporary
Heart Echoes by Sally John (Tyndale House)

Debut Novel
Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert (Waterbrook/Multnomah)

Historical
Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick (Waterbrook/Multnomah)

Historical Romance
A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller (Revell)

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
The Soul Saver by Dineen Miller (Barbour Publishing)

Novella
A Recipe for Hope by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)

Romance
Saving Gideon by Amy Lillard (B&H Publishing)

Romantic Suspense
When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason (Revell)

Speculative
Daystar by Kathy Tyers (Marcher Lord Press)

Young Adult
Like Moonlight at Low Tide by Nicole Quigley (Zondervan)

2012 Carol Award Winners

Debut Novel
Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson)

Long Contemporary
The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell)

Long Contemporary Romance
My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale)

Long Historical
Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson)

Long Historical Romance
To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House Publishers)

Mystery
Falling to Pieces: A Shipshewana Amish Mystery by Vannetta Chapman (Zondervan)

Novella
An Accidental Christmas from A Biltmore Christmas by Diane T. Ashley/Aaron McCarver (Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense
Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble (Thomas Nelson)

Short Contemporary
Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan (Love Inspired)

Short Contemporary Suspense
Nightwatch by Valerie Hansen (Love Inspired Suspense)

Short Historical
The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh (Revell)

Speculative Fiction
Broken Sight by Steve Rzasa (Marcher Lord Press)

Suspense/Thriller
Fallen Angel by Major Jeff Struecker/Alton Gansky (B & H Fiction)

Women’s Fiction
Dandelion Summer by Lisa Wingate (Penguin Praise/Berkley)

Young Adult
The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan)

2011 Carol Award Winners

Debut Author
Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale Publishers)

Long Contemporary
Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House)

Long Contemporary Romance
Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)

Long Historical
Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press)

Long Historical Romance
Love Finds You in Homestead Iowa by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press)

Mystery
The Camera Never Lies by Elizabeth Goddard (Barbour)

Novella
A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky (Barbour)

Romantic Suspense
The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press)

Short Contemporary
A Father for Zach by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired)

Short Contemporary Suspense
Night Prey by Sharon Dunn (Love Inspired Suspense)

Short Historical
Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote (Love Inspired)

Speculative Fiction
König’s Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press)

Suspense/Thriller
Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)

Women’s Fiction
Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett (Tyndale Publishers)

Young Adult
Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson (Revell)

2010 Carol Award Winners

Contemporary Novella
The Great Christmas Bowl – Susan May Warren (Tyndale House, Karen Watson – Editor)

Historical Novella
Christmas Bells for Dry Creek – Janet Tronstad (Steeple Hill, Tina James – Editor)

Short Contemporary
A Texas Ranger’s Family – Mae Nunn (Steeple Hill, Melissa Endlich – Editor)

Short Contemporary Suspense
Evidence of Murder – Jill Elizabeth Nelson (Steeple Hill, Emily Rodmell – Editor)

Short Historical
The Unfinished Gift – Dan Walsh (Revell, Andrea Doering)

Young Adult
I’m So Sure – Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson, Natalie Hanemann/Jamie Chavez – Editors)

Long Contemporary
The Familiar Stranger – Christina Berry (Moody Publishers, Paul Santhouse – Editor)

Long Contemporary Romance
Just Between You and Me – Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson, Natalie Hanemann/Jamie Chavez – Editors)

Mystery
The Case of the Mystified M.D. – A.K. Arenz (Sheaf House, Joan M. Shoup – Editor)

Suspense/Thriller
Intervention – Terri Blackstock (Zondervan, Sue Brower/Dave Lambert – Editors)

Long Historical
Stealing Home – Allison Pittman (Multnomah, Alice Crider – Editor)

Long Historical Romance
Cowboy Christmas – Mary Connealy (Barbour Publishing, Rebecca Germany – Editor)

Speculative (includes Science Fiction, Fantasy, Allegory)
Eternity Falls – Kirk Outerbridge (Marcher Lord Press, Jeff Gerke – Editor)

Women’s Fiction
Never the Bride – Cheryl McKay & Rene Gutteridge (Waterbrook Press, Shannon Marchese – Editor)

Debut Author
The Unfinished Gift – Dan Walsh (Revell, Andrea Doering – Editor)

2009 Carol Award Winners

Debut Author
A Passion Most Pure – Julie Lessman

Lits
Sweet Caroline – Rachel Hauck

Long Contemporary Romance
Controlling Interest – Elizabeth White

Long Contemporary
Symphony of Secrets – Sharon Hinck

Long Historical (tie)
My Heart Remembers – Kim Vogel Sawyer
I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires – Cathy Gohlke

Mystery
For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls – Nancy Mehl

Novellas
Stuck on You in “A Connecticut Christmas” – Rhonda Gibson

Short Contemporary Suspense
Broken Lullaby – Pamela Tracy

Short Contemporary
Family Treasures – Kathryn Springer

Short Historical
Family of the Heart – Dorothy Clark

Speculative
The Restorer’s Journey – Sharon Hinck

Suspense
The Fossil Hunter – John B. Olson

Women’s Fiction
The Shape of Mercy – Susan Meissner

Young Adult
The Big Picture – Jenny B. Jones

2008 Carol Award Winners

Contemporary Novella
1st: Finally Home – Deborah Raney (Barbour Publishing, Susan Downs – editor)
2nd: Moonlight & Mistletoe – Carrie Turansky
3rd: Remaking of Moe McKenna – Gloria Clover

Debut Author
1st: Sushi for One? – Camy Tang (Zondervan, Sue Brower – editor)
2nd: Bayou Justice – Robin Miller writing as Robin Caroll
3rd: In Between – Jenny B. Jones

Historical Novella
1st: Love Notes in “Love Letters Anthology” – Mary Davis (Barbour Publishing, Rebecca Germany – editor)
2nd:Beyond the Memories – DiAnn Mills
3rd: The Spinster & The Tycoon – Vickie McDonough

Lits
1st: Splitting Harriet – Tamara Leigh (Multnomah Books, Julee Schwarzburg – editor)
2nd: Sushi for One? – Camy Tang
3rd (tie): One Little Secret – Allison Bottke
The Book of Jane – Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt

Long Contemporary
1st: Within This Circle – Deborah Raney (Steeple Hill Books, Krista Stroever – editor)
2nd: Like Always – Robert Elmer
3rd: Autumn Blue – Karen Harter

Long Historical
1st (tie): Veil of Fire – Marlo Schalesky (RiverOak, Jeff Dunn/Jon Woodhams – editors)
Where Willows Grow – Kim Vogel Sawyer (Bethany House, Charlene Patterson – editor)
2nd (tie): Fancy Pants – Cathy Marie Hake
Then Came Hope – Louise Gouge
3rd: Courting Trouble – Deeanne Gist

Mystery
1st: Your Chariot Awaits – Lorena McCourtney (Thomas Nelson, Amanda Bostic – editor)
2nd: Death of a Garage Sale Newbie – Sharon Dunn
3rd: Sticks And Stones – Susan Meissner

Short Contemporary
1st: The Heart of Grace – Linda Goodnight (Steeple Hill Love Inspired, Allison Lyons – editor)
2nd: Heart of the Family – Margaret Daley
3rd: Wedded Bliss – Kathleen Y’Barbo

Short Contemporary Suspense
1st: Caught Redhanded – Gayle Roper (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense, Krista Stroever – editor)
2nd: Pursuit of Justice – Pamela Tracy
3rd (tie): Nowhere to Hide – Debby Giusti
Her Christmas Protector – Terri Reed

Short Historical
1st (tie): Canteen Dreams – Cara Putman (Barbour/Heartsong Presents, JoAnne Simmons – editor)
Golden Days – Mary Connealy (Barbour/Heartsong Presents, JoAnne Simmons – editor)
2nd: A Wealth Beyond Riches – Vickie McDonough
3rd: A Time to Keep – Kelly Eileen Hake

Speculative
1st: The Restorer’s Son – Sharon Hinck (NavPress, Reagan Reed – editor)
2nd: Demon: A Memoir – Tosca Lee
3rd: DragonFire – Donita Paul

Suspense
1st: Black Ice – Linda Hall (WaterBrook Press, Traci DePree – editor)
2nd: Coral Moon – Brandilyn Collins
3rd: Abomination – Colleen Coble

Women’s Fiction
1st: Remember to Forget – Deborah Raney (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster, Philis Boultinghouse – editor)
2nd: Watercolored Pearls – Stacy Hawkins Adams
3rd: A Promise To Remember – Kathryn Cushman

Young Adult
1st: In Between – Jenny B. Jones (NavPress, Karen Ball – editor)
2nd: Sara Jane: Liberty’s Torch – Eleanor Clark
3rd: Saving Sailor – Renee Riva

2007 Carol Award Winners

Contemporary Novella
1st – Home for the Holidays – Christine Lynxwiler
2nd – A Carol for Christmas – Robin Lee Hatcher
3rd – Diamond Place – Robin Lee Hatcher

General Fiction (includes Sci-Fi and Young Adult)
1st – DragonKnight – Donita K. Paul
2nd – A Bigger Life – Annette Smith
3rd – Feather – Susan Page Davis

Historical Novels
1st – Joie de Vivre – Lynette Sowell
2nd – To Do Justice – Cathy Marie Hake
3rd – Reuben’s Atonement – Lynette Sowell

Lits
1st – Hot Tropics and Cold Feet – Diann Hunt
2nd – The Secret Life of Becky Miller – Sharon Hinck
3rd – Front Porch Princess – Kathryn Springer

Long Historical
1st – Waiting for Summer’s Return – Kim Vogel Sawyer
2nd (tie) – The Measure of a Lady – Deeanne Gist
William Henry is a Fine Name – Cathy Gohlke

Short Contemporary Suspense
1st – Hearts on the Line – Margaret Daley
2nd – Stormcatcher 
- Colleen Coble, writing as Colleen Rhoads
3rd – Strictly Confidential – Terri Reed

Short Contemporary
1st – A Season for Grace – Linda Goodnight
2nd – My So-Called Love Life – Allie Pleiter
3rd – That Wilder Boy – Kim Vogel Sawyer

Short Historical
1st – The Prisoner’s Wife 
 – Susan Page Davis
2nd – Spoke of Love – Cathy Marie Hake
3rd – Bayou Dreams – Kathleen Miller Y’Barbo

Suspense
1st – Dangerous Depths – Colleen Coble
2nd –Widows and Orphans – Susan Meissner
3rd (tie) – Hazardous Duty – Christy Barritt
Alaska Twilight – Colleen Coble
Fire Dancer – Colleen Coble

Women’s Fiction
1st – The Fragrance of Roses – Nikki Arana
2nd (tie) – Reclaiming Nick – Susan May Warren
Watching the Tree Limbs – Mary DeMuth

2006 Carol Award Winners

Contemporary Novella
1st – Strawberry Angel – Pamela Griffin
2nd – Dear Baby Girl – Jane Orcutt
3rd – Reunited – Kristy Dykes

General Fiction
1st – Daughter of Prophecy – Miles Owen
2nd (tie) – Circles of Seven – Bryan Davis
The Reveal – Sarah Anne Sumpolec

Historical Novella
1st – Legend of Mercy – Pamela Griffin
2nd – Marrying Kind – Kathleen Y’Barbo
3rd – Missing Pages – DiAnn Mills

Lits
1st – With this Ring, I’m Confused – Kristin Billerbeck
2nd – Hot Flashes and Cold Cream – Diann Hunt
3rd – Kissing Adrian – Siri Mitchell

Long Historical
1st – Dawn of a Thousand Nights – Tricia Goyer
2nd – A Bride Most Begrudging – Deeanne Gist
3rd – The Color of the Soul – Tracey Bateman

Short Contemporary
1st – Shadow Bones – Colleen Rhoads (Coble)
2nd – Miss Menace – Nancy Lavo
3rd – Under Cover of Darkness – Elizabeth White

Suspense
1st – Distant Echoes – Colleen Coble
2nd – Black Sands – Colleen Coble
3rd – Dark Star – Creston Mapes

Women’s Fiction
1st – The Winds of Sonoma – Nikki Arana
2nd – Over the Waters – Deborah Raney
3rd – The Potluck Club – Eva Marie Everson & Linda Evans Shepherd

Short Historical
1st – Beside Still Waters – Tracey Bateman
2nd – Sooner or Later – Vickie McDonough
3rd – Renegade Husband – DiAnn Mills

2005 Carol Award Winners

Contemporary Fiction
1st – Dreaming in Black & White – Laura Jensen Walker
2nd – The Celebrity – Robert Elmer
3rd – She’s Out of Control – Kristin Billerbeck

Short Contemporary Romance
1st – One Last Christmas – Joyce Livingston
2nd – Gold in the Fire – Margaret Daley
3rd (tie) – Run Fast, My Love – Pamela Griffin
Unlikely Hero – Marta Perry

General Fiction
1st – Legend of the Emerald Rose – Linda Wichman
2nd – The Candlestone – Bryan Davis
3rd – Shadow of His Hand – Wendy Lawton

General Historical
1st – Retribution – Randall Ingermanson
2nd – Hurricane – Janice Thompson
3rd – The Hope Within – Tracie Peterson

Long Historical Romance
1st – Night Song – Tricia Goyer
2nd – Hannah Rose – Louise Gouge
3rd – Child of the Mist – Kathleen Morgan

Short Historical Romance
1st – Faithful Traitor – Jill Stengl
2nd – One Chance in a Million – Cathy Marie Hake
3rd (tie) – Road to Forgiveness – Carol Cox
Renegade Husband – DiAnn Mills

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
1st – Dead of Night – Brandilyn Collins
2nd – Nadia – Susan K. Downs & Susan May Warren
3rd – Into the Deep – Colleen Coble

Novella
1st – My True Love Gave to Me – Christine Lynxwiler
2nd – Colder Than Ice – Jill Stengl
3rd – The Christkindl’s Gift – Kathleen Morgan

2004 Carol Award Winners

Historical Fiction
Premonition – Randall Ingermanson

Contemporary Fiction
What a Girl Wants – Kristin Billerbeck

Long Historical Romance
Chasing Katie – 
Robin Lee Hatcher

Long Contemporary Romance
The Perfect Match – 
Susan May Warren

Short Historical Romance
But For Grace – Tracey Victoria Bateman
Temporary Husband
 – DiAnn Mills

Short Contemporary Romance
Sassy Cinderella – 
Sharon Dunn

Historical Novella
English Tea and Bagpipes – 
Pamela Griffin

Contemporary Novella
Playing by Heart – 
Deborah Raney

2003 Carol Award Winners

Historical Fiction
1st – Daughter of the Loom – Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller
2nd – A Fragile Design – Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

Contemporary Fiction
1st – After the Rains – Deborah Raney
2nd – Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves – Sharon Dunn
3rd – Capture the Wind For Me – Brandilyn Collins

Long Historical Romance
1st – Circle of Honor – Carol Umberger
2nd – Shadows of the Canyon – Tracie Peterson
3rd – Across the Years – Tracie Peterson

Long Contemporary Romance
1st – Happily Ever After – Susan Warren
2nd (tie) – Along Came Jones – Linda Windsor
A Scarlet Cord – Deborah Raney

Short Historical Romance
1st – Mail Order Husband – DiAnn Mills
2nd – Red River Bride – Colleen Coble
3rd (tie) – Emily’s Place – Tracey Victoria Bateman
Promised to Me – Robin Lee Hatcher

Short Contemporary Romance
1st – In Search of Love – Christine Lynxwiler
2nd – Cords of Love – Lynn Coleman
3rd – Major League Dad – Kathleen Y’Barbo

Historical Novella
1st – Circle of Blessings – Deborah Raney
2nd – The Snowstorm – Lynn Coleman
3rd – Bride in the Valley – Andrea Boeshaar

Contemporary Novella
1st – Mix and Match – Bev Huston
2nd (tie) – Once Upon an Attic – Tracey Victoria Bateman
Encore, Encore! – Kathleen Fuller
Mattie Meets Her Match – Kristin Billerbeck

2002 Carol Award Winners

Historical Fiction
Riona, Fires of Gleanmara #2 – 
Linda Windsor

Contemporary Fiction
Color the Sidewalk For Me – Brandilyn Collins

Long Historical Romance
Ashes and Ice – 
Tracie Peterson

Long Contemporary Romance
Flowers for Victoria – Sunni Jeffers

Short Historical Romance
Tarah’s Lessons – 
Tracey Bateman

Short Contemporary Romance
A Love for Safekeeping – Gail Gaymer Martin

Historical Novella
A Length of Silk – 
Tracey Bateman

Contemporary Novella
Beneath Heaven’s Curtain – Christine Lynxwiler

E-Book and Self-Published – Historical
Shadow of the Wolf – Lianne Bruynell Lopes

E-Book and Self-Published – Contemporary
The Artist’s Granddaughter – Robin Bayne

Overall Favorite
Eyes of Elisha – Brandilyn Collins