Our Favourite Braun Book Awards Books
Every Braun Book Awards season we receive tons of amazing submissions! Though we are limited to only one winner per category (fiction and non-fiction), so many entries stay in our hearts and minds long after they hit the contest circuit, so to speak. Whether a winner, or simply long- or short-listed, these memorable manuscripts prove the power of sharing our stories and insights with one another. I asked my Word Alive Press colleagues to share what BBA entry is particularly memorable to them and have compiled their personal favourites below!
Aveline
The Storywriter by Jordan Hageman (2023 Fiction Winner)
I found The Storywriter to be such an imaginative tale. The cover art is beautiful, and it's okay to judge the book by its cover in this case! I had the opportunity to read a chapter of this book to my mom's grade four class for "I Love to Read Month" and the kids were absolutely engrossed in the conversation between Aunt Mid & Aunt Mad. Middle-grade fantasy fiction is my pet genre, and with such entertaining characters and engaging illustrations, I was as interested as the kids in what was going to happen next!
OR: Humphrey's Motel by Emily B. Kerros (2023 Fiction Shortlist)
This book came off the press right around when I started working for Word Alive Press, and I remember wishing desperately that it was part of my job description to read the new books! It can be hard to find good mystery stories that are clean without being too tame, but Humphrey's Motel looked like a classic mystery tale and the first few pages sucked me right in. It's such a privilege that our Braun Book Awards help us to find talented local authors and bring their stories into reality.
Marina
Scars by Kevin Dautremont, M.D. (2019 Fiction Winner)
I was blown away by just the opening pages of this novel when it was first submitted to the Braun Book Awards; I was ecstatic when it was selected as the fiction winner is 2019! This thriller follows the grieving Dr. Derek Kessler, as he pursues the truth behind the murder of a young woman in his care, along with lawyer, Rebecca Andrychuk. The novel delves into themes of healing, deceit, and the darker aspects of our human nature. This is the type of book that is just as satisfying to read at the beach as it is to read under a blanket during a downpour. Reading Scars really feels like reading a classic thriller—with a Christian bent, of course!—and is filled with sympathetic and well-rounded characters.
Crystal
Whisper of God’s Wisdom by Anthony Petrone (2025 Non-fiction Shortlist)
Over the years, we’ve received so many outstanding BBA entries that choosing just one favourite is difficult. But if I could only pick one, I would probably pick Anthony Petrone's Whisper of God's Wisdom. Anthony has a great way with words, and his character and purpose in glorifying God in this manuscript are evident. Whisper of God's Wisdom looks at the miracle of creation in a new and exciting way, combining science, poetry and, most importantly, the inspired Word of God. I am very excited about its upcoming release!
Monique
While We Were Waiting by Deborah June Annunziata (2022 Non-fiction Shortlist)
Back in 2022, While We Were Waiting was submitted to the Braun Book Awards. Although the book didn’t win, it did, however, make the non-fiction shortlist and, after reading While We Were Waiting, I can see why. A story of love, faith and hope, it recounts how Deborah and her husband Tony navigated through his serious health issues. Deborah wrote the book in such detail that you feel as if you are right there with them. Going through health issues is never easy and, from experience, waiting is one of the hardest things. Deborah’s honesty about her emotions and challenges, and being the caregiver for her husband Tony, will bring encouragement to those who find themselves in a similar position. What impressed me most was how her love for her husband deepened and her faith in God never wavered. Deborah always turned to God in prayer for guidance and comfort. I found this book to be very inspirational and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jen
Shine On by Cyndi Desjardins-Wilkens (2017 Women’s Journey of Faith Contest Winner)
I have been reading shortlisted and winning titles since 2009, so it was very difficult to pick only one. I decided to go with the book that had the greatest impact on me, Shine On. After recently having a baby boy, Cyndi Desjardins-Wilkens lost both her hands and feet to flesh-eating disease! The book is raw, honest, and heartfelt. But the truly remarkable aspect of it was her spirit. Her faith in God and the strength that gave her allowed her to tackle a formidable experience with grace. For anyone who is in need of hope in your own circumstances, this is an inspiring read.
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Do you have what it takes to be our next Braun Book Award winner? Enter our contest before midnight on March 15, 2026.