Award Spotlight: The Christy Award Finalists 2026

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2026 organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to The Christy Award 2026 Finalists & Winners (announced on November 6th)!

You are Invited

The Christy Award Gala Friday, November 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM Sonesta Nashville Airport Hotel Nashville, Tennessee Featuring Michelle Shocklee, Amanda Cox, Nicole Deese, Amanda Dykes, Susie Finkbeiner, J.J. Fischer, Rhonda McKnight, Jamie Ogle, Amanda Wright, Jaime Jo Wright, and other distinguished 2025 winners—bringing a meaningful connection between past and present excellence.

This is our year to gather together in person to celebrate and honor the best Christian fiction of the year. The Christy Award Gala will be held the evening of Friday, November 6th and will feature a premiere cast of the industry’s authors to announce The Christy Award winners in nine categories, The Christy Book of the Year, and The Amplify Award for Christian Fiction.

This year’s gala features a keynote address from Michelle Shocklee, recipient of The Christy Book of the Year for her acclaimed novel All We Thought We Knew. Her story and perspective will set the tone for an evening rooted in faith, creativity, and impact. Continuing Christy tradition, recent honorees will present category awards, including Amanda Cox, Nicole Deese, Amanda Dykes, Susie Finkbeiner, J.J. Fischer, Rhonda McKnight, Jamie Ogle, Amanda Wright, Jaime Jo Wright, and other distinguished 2025 winners—bringing a meaningful connection between past and present excellence.

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The Christy Award Finalists 2026

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - tie

Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen (Kregel Publications) Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) The Voice We Find by Nicole Deese (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

FIRST NOVEL

In the Light of the Sun by Angela Shupe (WaterBrook, an imprint of PRH Christian)The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz Tyndale House Publishers) Where Stillness Speaks by Chelsey Welwood (Chelsey Welwood))

GENERAL FICTION

South of Somewhere by T.I. Lowe (Tyndale House Publishers) The Bitter End Birding Society by Amanda Cox (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) When the Road Comes Around by Katie Powner (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL - tie

From the Valley We Rise by Elizabeth Musser (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) The Daughter of Rome by Angela Hunt (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron (Thomas Nelson Fiction)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE - tie

Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin (Revell/Baker Publishing Group) The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz (Revell/Baker Publishing Group) The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White (Tyndale House Publishers) Through Water and Stone by Karen Barnett (Kregel Publications)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER - tie

Final Approach by Lynette Eason (Revell/Baker Publishing Group) Girl Lost by Kate Angelo (Revell/Baker Publishing Group) Tempest at Annabel's Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) The Accused by Cara Putman (Kregel Publications)

SHORT FORM - tie

A Very Merry Matchup by Becca Kinzer (Tyndale House Publishers) One Nine by Sara Davison (Sara Davison) Planning for Nickie by Tasha Hackett (Tasha Hackett) To Reveal a Reckless Love by Robin Lee Hatcher (RobinSong, Inc.)

SPECULATIVE - tie

Every Hour until Then by Gabrielle Meyer (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) Heir of Light by Niki Florica and Jill Williamson (Sunrise Publishing) Maxine Justice: Public Offender by Daniel Schwabauer (Enclave, a division of Oasis Family Media) Of Dawn and Embers by Gillian Bronte Adams (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)

YOUNG ADULT - tie

Illuminary by Chawna Schroeder (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media) Sons of Day and Night by Mariposa Aristeo (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media) The Outsider by Katy Morgan (The Good Book Company) The Star-Blessed by Angie Dickinson (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media

 

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Register for The Christy Award 2026 Events

Join us in Music City for a vibrant, can’t-miss gathering of the Christian fiction community.

Beyond the Books Add-On: Meet the finalist authors at this special morning gathering of authors and readers.

The Art of Writing conference will bring together writers, storytellers, and publishing professionals for an afternoon of relevant topics and networking.

The Christy Award Winners Gala celebrates this year’s finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 25, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 2, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Spotlight: Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Magic City Murder 
Series: Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series #16 
Author: Bruce Hammack 
Publisher: Jubilee Publishing 
Release Date: August 6, 2026 
Genre: Mystery / Private Detective

A missing husband. A murdered journalist. A city where everyone has something to hide. 

Blind former Houston homicide detective Steve Smiley and his partner Heather McBlythe take on what looks like a straightforward case: track down a missing husband so his estranged wife can finally file for divorce. 

The simple case turns deadly when the body of the woman the husband has been living with is found in a Miami canal. She wasn't just the missing man's companion — she was an investigative journalist silenced before her story could see the light of day. 

As Smiley and McBlythe dig deeper, they uncover a trail of political corruption and cartel money that someone powerful is determined to keep hidden. With a growing list of suspects, a city full of secrets, and a killer working in the shadows, Smiley must sort through the tangle of lies before whoever is cleaning up loose ends decides Smiley's next.  

Pick up your copy of Magic City Murder today and follow Smiley and McBlythe from Houston to Miami as they chase down a missing husband and a killer who's running out of places to hide. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie-style whodunits who love clever plots, professional detective work, and clean reads without the gore, violence, or explicit content.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | BruceHammack.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Excerpt

That’s as far as Heather got before Steve pushed away from the table. “Let’s go. I hope Manny won’t be with Kate when we arrive.”

“Should I call her?”

“That would give her a chance to tell us it’s not a convenient time.”

Heather recognized the tone in Steve’s voice. It reminded her of the woeful baying of a bloodhound who’d caught a fresh scent and was following it, no matter where it led.

Heather used her “cop-knock” on the door before Kate finally responded to let her and Steve in. Puffy eyes and a red nose marked the editor’s appearance.

Steve brushed by Kate and made for the recliner, speaking as he walked. “We need to talk to you, and I don’t really care if you had an unpleasant interview with Detective Ruiz.”

“How did you know he—”

Steve didn’t allow her to finish. “He didn’t clean his shoes after spending time at the crime scene. I smell the foul canal water with traces of Daniella’s body.”

Kate shivered and hugged herself as if she couldn’t let go.

Steve settled into the chair and asked, “How long did Manny stay?”

The answer came out in jerks and sputters. “I don’t know. An hour? Perhaps two? He all but accused me of …”

“A woman is dead, and interviewing suspects is what he’s paid to do. He asked tough questions because you’ve been withholding information. Go to the bathroom, wash your face, and come back ready to talk.” He paused, “By the way, we believe Peter is in Spain. When you come back, you can tell us what he’s doing there.”

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More in This Series

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About the Author

Bruce Hammack, a native Texan, began his professional writing career in the tenth grade when the local Rotary Club sponsored a writing contest for students in civics class. To the amazement of students and teachers alike, he won the prize of a twenty-five-dollar savings bond.

After retiring from a career in criminal justice, Bruce picked up the proverbial pen again. He now draws on his extensive background with law enforcement (and criminals) to write contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries. 

An avid Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes fan, Bruce firmly believes the world can’t have enough whodunits. When not writing, he enjoys travel, classic whodunits and a quiver full of children and grandchildren. Having lived in eighteen cities around the US and the world, he now makes his home in the Texas Hill Country with his wife of thirty-plus years. 

Connect with Bruce by visiting brucehammack.com to follow him on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Magic City Murder, a Smiley And McBlythe bookmark, a Reading Log, and book lover stickers!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Spotlight: Sabotage Games by Danielle Grandinetti

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Sabotage Games by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Sabotage Games 
Series: Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency #2 
Author: Danielle Grandinetti 
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press 
Release Date: September 22, 2026 
Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery

Who will pay the ultimate price for Olympic Gold? 

LAKE PLACID, N.Y., 1932—Sports journalist Emma Hancock is determined to claim her place in the press box, despite the male colleagues who slam the door in her face. But when a mysterious illness begins systematically sidelining athletes, Emma’s gift for spotting patterns reveals a plot far more sinister than mere competition. 

With the Games in his own backyard, Olympic sprinter Ryan Callahan laces up his speed skates to compete in his first winter games. He has no time for distractions—especially not the inconvenience of the beautiful female journalist staying as a guest in his family’s crowded home. 

But when the pattern of sabotage deepens, Emma and Ryan must work together to follow the threads before they become the next targets to fall. 

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.  

A 1930s Historical Romantic Mystery This page-turning novel offers a sweet, slow-burn romance mixed with cozy suspense. Set during the historic III Olympic Winter Games—the first year women’s speed skating was featured—it unfolds against the snow-covered, high-stakes press boxes of Lake Placid, New York, in 1932. Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and J’nell Ciesielski looking for an inspirational read.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Danielle Grandinetti's Shop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Excerpt

Emma shook her head. “If you two want to talk about politics and world domination, feel free. I would prefer to discuss the latest hockey scores. Football would be another possibility, though now that the season’s over, there really is no point. Baseball. Baseball’s coming up in just a couple months. How about we talk about baseball? I foresee over the next few weeks—”

“Emma,” Lena muttered.

“What?” Emma said, her temper at Lena’s constant correction snapping her patience. “If you don’t want to talk about baseball, we can talk about the Olympics. Speed skating. Women’s speed skating. The American women and the Canadian women are competing in the first exhibition races, and if it goes well we could actually see another female winter sport. Figure skating is all we have right now. Of course we have the Norwegian darling of the ice, Sonja Henie. We also have the American, Maribel Vinson. The USA has an opportunity to medal, you know. But figure skating is all the women have in the Olympics, so of course I’m going to be paying attention. And did you know—”

“Emma!” Lena snapped her fingers.

Emma blinked. “What? It’s exciting.”

Lena sighed. “I know it is, but you get carried away.”

Emma sat back. “I know.” She could feel the flush on her face. She always got carried away when talking about sports, and it seemed no one else wanted to discuss it with her.

Thankfully, Noah bumped her shoulder. “It’s alright. We all have our passions that get us excited.”

Emma nodded. Nobody understood why she got so excited about sports. But that’s because nobody knew why she played baseball. And that was a story she had no plans to tell anyone.

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More in This Series

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About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romantic mystery and suspense. She is the 2026 Holt Medallion winner and a second-generation Italian-American. Fueled by tea and nature, she crafts hope-filled historical romance novels exploring immigrant heritage, found family, and cozy Midwest traditions. Find her at daniellegrandinetti.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of Undercover Wish & Eyewitness Sketch!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 22, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 29, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!