Event Spotlight: The Christy Award Gala 2025

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2025 organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to The Christy Award 2025 Finalists & Winners (announced on November 7th)!

You are Invited

The Christy Award Gala 2025 

 Via webcast November 7, 2025 | 7 pm CT 

 Featuring Chris Fabry, T.I. Lowe, Jessica Hooten Wilson, and a host of Christy-winning authors

This is our year to gather together VIRTUALLY to celebrate and honor the best Christian fiction of the year. The Christy Award® Gala Webcast will be held the evening of Friday, November 7th 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.

The special evening will be hosted by radio personality and award-winning novelist Chris Fabry and will include keynotes by Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson and award-winning and Christy Book of the Year 2024 author, T.I. Lowe. The event will also include award-winning novelists Jaime Jo Wright, Johanna Rojas Vann, Lori Z. Scott, Katie Powner, Jamie Ogle, Rachelle Nelson, Vanessa Miller, Gabrielle Meyer, Crystal Caudill and Amanda Barratt.

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The Christy Award Finalists 2025

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - tie

A Run at Love, Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Nature of Love, Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Roads We Follow, Nicole Deese (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Who Touches the Mountains, Deborah Raney (Raney Day Press)

FIRST NOVEL

 

Darkfell, Amanda Wright (Quill and Flame Publishing House) Until Our Time Comes, Nicole M. Miller (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) The Yellow Badge, Addison Crissone (Addison Crissone)

GENERAL FICTION - tie

Between the Sound and Sea, Amanda Cox (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) Bitter and Sweet, Rhonda McKnight (Thomas Nelson) Lowcountry Lost, T.I. Lowe (Tyndale House Publishers) The Way Back, Heidi Chiavaroli (Hope Creek Publishers)

HISTORICAL

All We Thought We Knew, Michelle Shocklee (Tyndale House Publishers) Born of Gilded Mountains, Amanda Dykes (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Queen's Cook, Tessa Afshar (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE - tie

As Sure as the Sea, Jamie Ogle (Tyndale House Publishers) The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple, Joanna Davidson Politano (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) The Seaside Homecoming, Julie Klassen (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Walking on Hidden Wings, Rachel Scott McDaniel (Kregel Publications)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER - tie

The Crown Conspiracy, Connie Mann (Tyndale House Publishers) Night Falls on Predicament Avenue, Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Serial Burn, Lynette Eason (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) Shattered Sanctuary, Nancy Mehl (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Terminal Danger, Jerusha Agen (SDG Words)

SHORT FORM - tie

A Daffodil in the Dress (within Something Borrowed), Susie Finkbeiner (Kregel Publications) Forgiving the Cowboy, Tabitha Bouldin (Love Inspired) A Heart in Disguise (within Something Borrowed), Rachel Scott McDaniel (Kregel Publications) A Letter to Eli (within Something Borrowed), Allison Pittman (Kregel Publications)

SPECULATIVE - tie

 

A Slice of Sky, Nancy Moser (Mustard Seed Press) Darkfell, Amanda Wright (Quill and Flame Publishing House) Memoria, J.J. Fischer (Enclave, a division of Oasis Family Media) Protector, Megan Schaulis (WhiteCrown, an imprint of WhiteFire Publishing)

YOUNG ADULT - tie

Ben Washington is the Newbie on the Block, Jasmine Mullen (Moody Publishers) The Chaos Grid, Lyndsey Lewellen (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media) Echo Nova, Clint Hall (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media) Jake Rogers' Planet, Philip Wilder (Great Commission Alliance)

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Register for The Christy Award 2025 Winners Webcast

The Christy Award winners webcast on November 7 at 7 p.m. CT. – free but registration is required. Celebrate 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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Author and Reader Event

Join fellow readers and 46 writers at the third annual Rendezvous to celebrate Christian fiction and sweet reads. This event, modeled after the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat and organized by JustRead Publicity Tours, aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement. Activities will include corporate worship, The Christy Award webcast watch party, speaker sessions, author panels, small group discussions, games, giveaways, a pop-up book shop, and author signings.

Learn more about the 2025 Read Write Rendezvous

Registration Ends Oct 15!

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive print copies of The Christy Award 2025 finalist titles for one category of their choice!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 10, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 17, 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 HERE

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

January 2025 Reading Recap & February 2025 TBR

 My January 2025 Reads: 

1. A Noble Scheme by Roseanna M. White - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Quite possibly the most perfect book Roseanna has written. Absolutely loved it. 


2. The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved this book just as much the second time around! Read my review.


3. The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I devoured this historical romance. Read my review.


4. When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - An all-around lovely novel! Read my review.


5. An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M. White - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Loved getting to read Yates' story. Read my review.


6. Nourishing Narratives: The Power of Story to Shape Our Faith by Jennifer L. Holberg - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A book that surprised me a bit and made me think a lot. Read my review.

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Expected February 2025 Reads:

1. An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon.
 
2. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. - Currently reading. This is a LONG book!


3. Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart by Lysa TerKeurst & the Proverbs 31 Ministries Team - Almost finished!


4. A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander - My local book club's February selection.

What will you read this month? 

Book Review: The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar

About the Book:

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens.

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance.

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My Thoughts:

The Queen’s Cook read like classic Tessa Afshar, which is to say… it was a thoroughly entertaining novel with romance, truth, and beautiful themes. From the start, Afshar’s prose flowed easily as it unpacked information. Her writing felt confident and was crafted so that the scenes always moved the story forward in some way. Like Roxannah creating her pistachio cake, Afshar deftly added the ingredients of historical details, longshot romance, delectable meals, palace intrigue, character growth, and spiritual truths to create a five-star reading experience.

To elaborate on the elements in The Queen’s Cook, I’ll start with the historical setting. Roxannah’s noble status and experiences in Esther’s royal kitchen richly depicted the Persian court under Xerxes, an environment where palace intrigue swirled amid every level of social status. As Roxannah and Adin were drawn into the mystery and danger, they faced underhanded workers in the kitchen, a cunning wife of Xerxes, and power dynamics among the royal court. Quite a perilous blend.

As expected, The Queen’s Cook included culinary delights. I found the exotic dishes interesting even for a non-foodie like me. Naturally, food played a part in establishing and perpetuating the romance between Adin and Roxannah. I enjoyed Adin’s kind and thoughtful treatment of Roxannah despite the hard issues between them. It was lovely to watch their romance unfold.  

Being raised in Persian nobility, Roxannah showed herself to be morally upright, loyal, and clever, but she did not devote herself to any deity. Even so, Afshar weaved in spiritual themes as Roxannah’s past trauma and current circumstances moved her toward knowing the Lord’s mercy and love. Roxannah’s faith journey felt genuine, and I loved that her faith served to make her stronger.

The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar commenced her new series, Queen Esther’s Court. Though the novel felt complete and held a satisfying ending, Esther’s secret scrolls cleverly tie the series together. I am eager for the next novel. Five stars for The Queen’s Cook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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Preorder/Purchase Links:

As of right now, Baker Book house has the best preorder price at 40% off retail and free shipping, but other options are included here.

Amazon│Baker Book House│Indie Bound│Christianbook│Barnes & Noble│Books-a-Million

October 2024 Reading Recap & November 2024 TBR

 My October 2024 Reads: 

1. The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Classic Tessa Afshar: witty, entertaining, and lots of spiritual themes. Read my review.


2. Tell Her Story by Nijay K. Gupta - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Academic in tone and thorough in research, the author illuminated the lives of women in the early Christian church. Read my review.


3. A Kingdom to Claim by Sian Ann Bessey - ⭐⭐⭐½ - More adventure than romance as a would-be couple seeks to help King Alfred regain the Saxon throne. Not bad, but I wouldn't reread it.

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Expected November 2024 Reads:

1. A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell - My local book club's November selection. Read my review from earlier this year.
 
2. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. - Currently reading. This is a LONG book!


3. Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart by Lysa TerKeurst & the Proverbs 31 Ministries Team - Currently reading, but to meet my deadline, I've published this review based on what I've read so far.


4. One Prayer Away by Lauren Fortenberry - Currently reading.


5. Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength.: A Narrative History of InterVarsity Press, 1947-2022 by Andrew T. Le Peau and Linda Doll.

What will you read this month?