🏆Writing Contest Winners🏆
We're very pleased to announce the winners of NBR's Writing Contest!
Winners July 2026
🏆Fiction🏆
Pants on Fire:
A Texas Private Investigator Mystery
by Denise Diana Huddle
Denise Diana Huddle's Pants on Fire: An Iris Raines Mystery is a smart, fast-moving mystery that blends a layered investigation with sharp humor, genuine danger, and a memorable protagonist.
Iris Raines is the novel's greatest strength. She's capable, sarcastic, observant, stubborn, and refreshingly imperfect. Her distinctive first-person voice gives the story personality and keeps even the more procedural moments lively and engaging.
The mystery itself is impressively constructed, expanding from business trouble and sabotage into a much larger web of deception, criminal activity, hidden motives, and dangerous consequences. Huddle gives readers the satisfaction of watching Iris actually investigate through surveillance, records, interviews, genealogy, security footage, and physical evidence rather than relying on convenient revelations.
The supporting cast also adds considerable depth. Iris's relationships with Sean, Robbie, her fathers, Finn, and her beloved dog Festus create emotional stakes beyond the central case. These relationships bring warmth, humor, tension, and genuine character development to the story.
Huddle balances suspense and humor particularly well. The dialogue feels quick and natural, while the action sequences have strong momentum and visual energy. The South Texas setting is equally effective, giving the novel a distinctive sense of place and authenticity.
Despite its multiple plot threads, Pants on Fire maintains strong momentum and successfully combines mystery, action, humor, and personal growth.
Entertaining, intelligent, and full of personality, Pants on Fire is a deserving winner of Next Best Read's Fiction Category and an excellent choice for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries, layered investigations, sharp dialogue, and plenty of suspense.
Peg, Unhinged
by Teri M Brown
Second Place Winner — Fiction Category
Peg, Unhinged is a funny, candid, and surprisingly moving novel about what happens when the life you thought was settled suddenly comes apart.
Teri M. Brown gives Peg a wonderfully distinctive voice, balancing the frustrations of menopause, divorce, family, friendship, and financial uncertainty with sharp humor and genuine vulnerability.
Peg’s running conversations with God add both comedy and intimacy, while her gradual shift from self-doubt toward greater honesty and self-belief gives the story its emotional heart.
The novel also understands that reinvention rarely happens neatly; Peg stumbles, reassesses, asks for help, and begins defining success on her own terms.
Warm, relatable, and full of personality, Peg, Unhinged is a deserving Second Place winner in the Fiction Category.
K9 Mine
by Shannon MacLeod
K9 Mine is an imaginative blend of fantasy, romance, suspense, and police K9 fiction that manages to make its unusual combination of genres feel surprisingly natural. At its heart are Travis, a dedicated police corporal pursuing his dream of K9 work, and Saoirse, whose arrival from another time brings both magic and danger into his carefully ordered modern life. The growing connection between them gives the novel warmth, humor, and an emotional foundation, while the threat posed by Ansgar keeps the stakes high.
MacLeod brings impressive detail to the K9 and law-enforcement elements, grounding the supernatural storyline in a convincing contemporary world. The training sequences, working-dog terminology, and practical aspects of K9 handling add authenticity without overwhelming the story. The contrast between Saoirse’s unfamiliarity with modern life and Travis’s practical personality also creates some of the novel’s most entertaining and endearing moments. Their relationship develops alongside the central conflict rather than apart from it, giving both characters room to change.
The novel becomes increasingly dramatic as its magical mythology and modern-day danger converge, ultimately delivering action, sacrifice, and a strong emotional payoff. MacLeod has created a story with a distinctive identity, particularly in the way it combines working-dog fiction with Celtic-inspired fantasy.
Creative, ambitious, emotionally engaging, and highly entertaining, K9 Mine is a deserving Third Place winner in the Fiction Category.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
🏆Nonfiction🏆
Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines
by Adriene Caldwell
Adriene Caldwell's *Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines* is a deeply personal and courageous memoir about trauma, survival, family, mental illness, and the extraordinary determination required to keep moving forward when nearly every source of stability has failed.
Caldwell writes with striking openness, refusing to soften some of the most painful experiences of her childhood and young adulthood. The result is often difficult to read, but that honesty is precisely what gives the memoir its power. Abuse, poverty, homelessness, foster care, loss, mental illness, and abandonment are explored through the perspective of someone who lived through them and is now able to examine not only what happened, but how those experiences shaped the person she became.
One of the book's strongest elements is its examination of generational trauma. Caldwell looks beyond individual acts of cruelty to explore patterns of violence, untreated mental illness, silence, shame, and dysfunction passed through a family. At the same time, she remembers moments of love and protection, particularly the people who offered safety when very little of it existed elsewhere.
The inclusion of excerpts from Caldwell's psychological evaluations adds another compelling dimension. They allow readers to see how institutions and professionals described the child she once was alongside the adult author's understanding of what she was actually experiencing.
Despite its painful subject matter, "Unbroken" is ultimately a story of resilience. Education, independence, self-awareness, and the gradual recognition of her own worth become important parts of Caldwell's journey. She doesn't present healing as simple or immediate, which makes the memoir's message of hope considerably more meaningful.
Raw, moving, and deeply resilient, "Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines" is a deserving winner of Next Best Read's Nonfiction Category. It is a powerful memoir about surviving what should have broken a person and discovering that being damaged does not mean being defeated.
Property of the Revolution:
From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town
by Ana Hebra Flaster
Ana Hebra Flaster’s Property of the Revolution is a compelling memoir of family, displacement, identity, and the complicated meaning of home.
Beginning with childhood in post-revolutionary Cuba and following the family’s experience of leaving the island and rebuilding life in New Hampshire, Flaster brings large political events down to an intensely human scale. Her memories of neighbors disappearing, family divisions over the revolution, and the long emotional consequences of exile give the book considerable power.
Just as compelling is her exploration of Cuban-American identity and the gradual discovery that belonging can exist between cultures rather than exclusively within one.
Rich in history but grounded in family, memory, and lived experience, this is an absorbing and deeply personal memoir worthy of its Second Place recognition in the Nonfiction Category
The Legacy of the Twins Platoon
by Christy Sauro Jr
The Legacy of the Twins Platoon is an extensively researched and deeply human account of the young Marines whose lives were forever changed by Vietnam. Sauro moves beyond military history to preserve individual experiences: training, deployment, combat, loss, friendship, family, homecoming, and the lasting consequences of service. The result is a work that treats history not as a collection of dates and battles, but as something experienced by real people and the families who waited for them.
Personal recollections, official records, letters, and the voices surrounding these men give the history an immediacy that statistics alone could never achieve. Sauro’s attention to individual Marines is particularly effective because it prevents the scope of the Vietnam War from overwhelming the personal stories at its center. Readers are repeatedly reminded that behind every military movement or casualty report was a young man with parents, siblings, friends, ambitions, and a life waiting at home.
Detailed, respectful, moving, and historically significant, The Legacy of the Twins Platoon is a worthy Third Place winner in the Nonfiction Category.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
🏆 Young Adult Books🏆
Helligdom:
The Heir to the Aftermath
by Kelly Shade
Kelly Shade's Helligdom: The Heir to the Aftermath is an imaginative and entertaining young adult fantasy that combines magic, adventure, mystery, friendship, family conflict, and coming-of-age themes within a richly developed world.
At the center of the story is seventeen-year-old Jake Moonlux, a rebellious young mage who's spent most of his life hiding what he is. Jake's voice is one of the novel's greatest strengths. He's sarcastic, impulsive, funny, occasionally frustrating, and unmistakably teenage. His desire to escape the restrictive life his family has created and return to Helligdom gives the story an immediate emotional foundation.
Helligdom itself is an ambitious fantasy setting. Magic isn't simply an ability characters possess, but part of the island's culture, education, history, technology, politics, and everyday life. As Jake discovers magical creatures, schools, traditions, clans, strange abilities, and rules he never knew existed, readers get to discover the world alongside him.
The supporting characters add considerable warmth and personality. Jake's friendships with Sam, Amelia, and the others gradually give him something he's been searching for long before he reaches the island: a place where he feels accepted. Relationships that initially begin with rivalry or distrust also become more complicated as the story progresses, reinforcing one of the novel's strongest ideas: people aren't always what they first appear to be.
The story grows significantly in scope as Jake's personal search for freedom becomes connected to dangerous secrets, political tensions, missing family members, hidden history, and a threat far larger than anything he expected to face. This progression keeps the fantasy adventure moving while allowing Jake to mature through the choices he's forced to make.
Most importantly, *Helligdom* understands that a coming-of-age fantasy works best when the magic reflects something emotionally real. Jake may be searching for a magical homeland, but beneath that journey, he's searching for identity, independence, friendship, truth, and somewhere he can genuinely belong.
Creative, adventurous, funny, and full of heart, Helligdom: The Heir to the Aftermath is a deserving winner of Next Best Read's Young Adult Category. It's an engaging opening to a fantasy world with plenty of magic and action, but it's Jake's personal journey and relationships that give the story its strongest appeal.
Mission: The Figueroa Cipher
(James Vagus Spy Thriller #2)
by C.W. James
C.W. James delivers an energetic Cold War adventure in Mission: The Figueroa Cipher, combining espionage, historical atmosphere, danger, humor, and an engaging central partnership.
James Vagus and Dakota Walker are quickly pulled from what appears to be a routine assignment into a crisis involving stolen nuclear launch authorization codes and the possibility of catastrophic international consequences.
The period setting is strengthened by the use of espionage gadgets based on technology actually developed or deployed by intelligence services during the era.
Beneath the spycraft, however, the friendship between James and Dakota provides the novel with real emotional weight, particularly when loyalty clashes with mission protocol.
Fast-moving and cinematic, with enough historical detail to give the adventure substance, Mission: The Figueroa Cipher is a deserving Second Place winner in the Young Adult Category.
Terra Lux
by Jessahme Wren
Terra Lux combines science fiction, survival, family drama, and coming-of-age themes in a story where an ordinary life is rapidly overtaken by political instability and war. Wren initially establishes the routines and relationships of life on Dobani before gradually stripping away that sense of security, making the later upheaval more effective because readers understand what the characters stand to lose.
Pearla, Phoenix, and Sev are drawn from familiar domestic concerns into military control, forced evacuation, scarcity, separation, and an increasingly uncertain future. This gives the larger science-fiction conflict an immediate emotional center.
Wren’s strongest element is the family dynamic. Even as the world expands to transports, moons, refugee camps, rebellion, and displacement, the story remains grounded in questions of loyalty, independence, belonging, and what “home” actually means. The relationships evolve as circumstances change, particularly when younger characters begin making decisions about their own futures rather than simply following the adults around them.
The novel also balances darker subject matter with quieter scenes of affection and hope, which prevents the dystopian elements from becoming emotionally one-note. Moments involving pregnancy, parenthood, friendship, rebuilding, and the possibility of beginning again give the story warmth beneath its science-fiction premise.
Accessible, heartfelt, imaginative, and increasingly tense as the stakes rise, Terra Lux is a compelling and well-earned Third Place winner in the Young Adult Category.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
🏆Children's Books🏆
Welcome Baby Wigglet!
by Amber M. Berkowitz
A.M. Berkowitz's Welcome Baby Wigglet! is a warm, colorful, and reassuring children's story about one of the biggest changes a young child can experience: becoming an older sibling.
Giglet is immediately lovable, with an enthusiastic personality and wonderfully childlike reactions. When her parents announce that she's going to be a big sister, her excitement gives way to an important question: what will happen to her now that there's another baby? It's a simple concern, but one that many children will recognize.
The story handles that emotional transition particularly well. Rather than dismissing Giglet's worries, her parents reassure her that she'll always be loved and include her in preparing for the new arrival. Allowing Giglet to help choose her brother's name is a charming touch that transforms uncertainty into excitement and gives her an active role in the growing family.
The bright, expressive illustrations are another major strength. Giglet's emotions are easy to understand from page to page, and the cheerful colors, playful details, and friendly farm setting make the book inviting for young readers. The visual storytelling works especially well alongside the simple dialogue and repetition, making the book well-suited for reading aloud.
The ending is appropriately sweet, with Giglet proudly welcoming Wigglet and embracing her new identity as a big sister. Beneath the humor and adorable characters is a meaningful message about reassurance, inclusion, sibling love, and understanding that a family's love doesn't become smaller when a new baby arrives.
Sweet, relatable, and full of warmth, Welcome Baby Wigglet! is a deserving winner of Next Best Read's Children's Books Category. It's an especially lovely choice for families preparing a young child for the arrival of a new sibling.
Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom
by Lisa M. Pritchard
Charming, playful, and filled with heart, Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom delivers an important message in a form young readers can easily understand.
Dirt Dog wants to look his best before asking Prissy to the prom, but every attempt to stay spotless is interrupted by opportunities to help someone else. By the time he arrives, his appearance may be a mess, but his actions have revealed exactly who he is.
Prissy’s response beautifully reinforces the story’s central idea that kindness, courage, and character matter far more than outward appearance.
The colorful premise, memorable canine characters, illustrations, humor, and built-in discussion lessons make this especially well-suited to family and classroom reading.
Sweet without losing its sense of fun, this is a worthy Second Place winner in the Children’s Books Category.
I Love You More Than:
A Bedtime Book for Baby
by Jasmine Shaughnessy
Warm, gentle, and made for sharing, I Love You More Than captures the reassurance and tenderness of a bedtime ritual between parent and child. Shaughnessy uses simple, affectionate comparisons to express a love that feels wonderfully limitless, moving through familiar images from nature and the world around us. Stars, feathers, fish, leaves, raindrops, clouds, and other recognizable images give very young readers something concrete to connect with the book’s central message.
The repeated phrase “I love you more than…” creates a soothing rhythm that works especially well for bedtime reading. Its simplicity is one of the book’s strengths, allowing a parent or caregiver to slow down, cuddle close, and make the reading experience feel personal. The affectionate tone remains consistent from beginning to end, never losing sight of the emotional security the book is designed to offer.
The illustrations support that atmosphere beautifully, using comforting nighttime imagery, animals, nature, and soft scenes that invite children to linger on each page. The book also has strong reread value because its message is universal and its structure is easy for young children to anticipate and eventually join in with.
Sweet, visually inviting, reassuring, and full of heart, I Love You More Than earns its Third Place recognition in the Children’s Books Category.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
🏆 Poetry 🏆
The Trail To Twilight For The Gods:
And Epic Martial Mystery
by Ben Klotz
Ben Klotz's "The Trail to Twilight for the Gods: An Epic Martial Mystery" is an ambitious and highly original work of poetry that blends epic verse, dramatic storytelling, mythology, history, philosophy, and political reflection into one expansive narrative.
Rather than presenting a traditional collection of individual poems, Klotz creates a four-part poetic drama centered on some of humanity's oldest questions: Why does war continue? Can lasting peace ever be achieved? And how much of history is shaped by human choice, systems, fate, or forces beyond our understanding?
Greek mythology provides the imaginative framework. Mars represents humanity's recurring attraction to war, while Irene, the Goddess of Peace, becomes a persistent voice urging mankind toward another path. Historical and intellectual figures including Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Eisenhower, Shakespeare, Prometheus, and Gödel expand the work beyond mythology and allow Klotz to connect ancient ideas with modern questions.
One of the book's strongest qualities is its commitment to rhyme and repetition. Recurring images of stars, trails, dreams, twilight, logic, and light give the enormous work a recognizable poetic identity. The repeated language also reinforces the feeling that readers are traveling along a single philosophical path rather than encountering disconnected poems.
Beneath its mythological surface, the work has an earnest and hopeful purpose. Klotz isn't simply writing about war. He's asking readers to question inherited ideas, reconsider systems that no longer serve their intended purpose, and imagine whether reason, change, and a genuine commitment to peace might create a better future.
Inventive, intellectually ambitious, and remarkable in scope, "The Trail to Twilight for the Gods" is a deserving winner of Next Best Read's Poetry Category. It's a distinctive work that uses the traditions of epic poetry to explore war, peace, history, fate, and humanity's continuing search for a better path forward.
Time Measured Out!: Navigating Life's Journey Through Poetry
by Larada Horner-Miller
In Time Measured Out!, Larada Horner-Miller turns memory into a poetic record of a life being observed as it is lived.
Structured around the years 2000 through 2003, the collection moves fluidly through relationships, travel, family, teaching, loss, national tragedy, nature, and the small moments that often become most meaningful in retrospect.
The author describes poetry as a way of remaining present and capturing both what matters and what initially appears trivial, and that philosophy gives the collection its openness and emotional range. Poems about family connection are especially affecting, carrying an uncomplicated tenderness alongside an awareness of hurt, aging, and change.
Personal without becoming inaccessible, Time Measured Out! celebrates the ability of poetry to preserve experience and find meaning within it, making it a strong Second Place winner in the Poetry Category.
Nature's Rhyming Riddles
by Michael J Larson
Nature’s Rhyming Riddles turns learning about wildlife into a playful guessing game, combining rhyme, observation, and education in an accessible format. Michael J. Larson uses rhyming clues to introduce readers to the habits, habitats, appearances, and behaviors of different animals, encouraging children to think through each clue before the answer is revealed.
The interactive structure is one of the book’s strongest qualities. Rather than simply telling children facts about animals, Larson invites them to participate, listen carefully, make connections, and guess. That makes the educational content feel more like a game than a lesson. Subjects range from familiar creatures such as raccoons, frogs, snakes, pelicans, and skunks, with each riddle offering memorable facts along the way.
The rhymes give the book an enjoyable read-aloud quality and help younger readers remember the information they’ve learned. There is also a welcome sense of humor throughout, particularly when the clues play with the more unusual habits and characteristics of the animals. Larson’s background as a longtime biology teacher is reflected in the book’s clear enthusiasm for the natural world and its desire to make that knowledge approachable for younger audiences.
Janine Ringdahl Schmidt’s hand-drawn illustrations complement the text with a warm, personal quality that suits the book’s educational and family-friendly tone. Together, the riddles and illustrations create a book that can encourage conversation between children, parents, and teachers.
Creative, informative, interactive, and genuinely fun to read aloud, Nature’s Rhyming Riddles is a delightful Third Place winner in the Poetry Category.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
🏆 Religion & Spirituality 🏆
Sustained
by Hanna Marmalich
Hanna Marmalich's Sustained: Grieving in the Hands of Jesus is a deeply personal and faith-centered devotional about learning to live with loss while holding onto God through the most painful seasons of life. The book grows from Marmalich's experience of losing her mother and her struggle to understand how profound grief and unwavering faith can exist at the same time.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its honesty. Marmalich doesn't present grief as a simple spiritual challenge that disappears through prayer. She writes openly about anger, confusion, disappointment, hopelessness, and even the moments when trusting God became difficult. That vulnerability makes the devotional feel genuine and gives readers permission to acknowledge complicated emotions without believing they've somehow failed in their faith.
The book's imagery is particularly effective. Butterflies become symbols of transformation, waves illustrate the unpredictable force of grief, and changing seasons reflect the movement from loss toward renewal. These familiar images make difficult spiritual and emotional ideas accessible without diminishing their seriousness. In the chapter on waves, for example, grief is presented as something that can overwhelm a person, while faith and hope gradually become the means of learning to stand again.
Marmalich also connects her personal experiences naturally with Scripture. Biblical stories and passages aren't included merely as inspirational additions. They're woven into her reflections as part of her own process of questioning, healing, and rebuilding her relationship with God. The book ultimately moves beyond the author's individual loss and becomes an encouragement to others facing grief, disappointment, or difficult seasons.
Another meaningful aspect is the gradual change in Marmalich's understanding of healing. She doesn't suggest that moving forward means forgetting the person who was lost. Instead, grief becomes something that can exist alongside joy, purpose, love, and renewed hope. She also explores how receiving comfort can eventually equip someone to offer that same comfort to others.
The devotional's progression from Comfort and Joy through chapters such as Waves, Broken Pieces, Hoping Again, Joy, Heaven, and Final Thoughts gives the book a clear emotional and spiritual journey, concluding with a collection of Scriptures readers can return to during difficult moments.
Honest, compassionate, and grounded in Christian faith, Sustained is a deserving winner of Next Best Read's Religion & Spirituality Category. It's a moving reminder that faith doesn't require the absence of grief, and that hope, joy, and a deeper relationship with God can still grow in the midst of loss.
Which god is God?: A Lawyer's Look at God and Religion
by Sefi Wells
Which god is GOD? approaches one of humanity’s oldest questions from an unusual and thought-provoking perspective: that of a practicing lawyer examining religious claims through principles associated with evidence, credibility, authentication, and burden of proof.
Adams begins with the question of God’s existence, moves through the conflicting claims of major belief systems, and ultimately turns his attention toward Christianity and the identity of Jesus. This legal framework gives the book a clear structure and makes complex theological and philosophical arguments accessible to readers who appreciate reasoned debate.
The progression through source credibility, distinctive evidence, historical details, prophecy, miracles, and probability provides the work with an investigative quality that distinguishes it from more conventional religious writing.
Ambitious, extensively argued, and confidently presented, Which god is GOD? earns its place as a Second Place winner in the Religion & Spirituality Category.
The Resurrection of the Roman Catholic Church:
A guide to the Traditional Catholic community
by Griff Ruby
Griff Ruby’s The Resurrection of the Roman Catholic Church is a substantial and uncompromising examination of Traditional Catholicism, written for readers prepared to engage with detailed theological, historical, liturgical, and canonical arguments. The book traces questions surrounding the identity of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican II, the traditional Mass, episcopal authority, the SSPX, and the wider development of the Traditional Catholic movement.
Ruby writes from a clearly defined traditionalist position and does not hide the strength of his convictions. That directness gives the book a distinctive voice and makes its purpose clear from the outset. Rather than providing a light introductory overview, the author builds a broad, interconnected argument and expects the reader to engage seriously with the evidence and reasoning he presents.
One of the work’s most notable qualities is its scope. Historical developments, theological disputes, liturgical questions, personalities, organizations, and canonical considerations are brought together in an attempt to explain not only what Traditional Catholics believe, but how the movement reached its present form. The revised edition also acknowledges areas in which earlier versions required clarification or correction, incorporating later events and additional material into the author’s continuing argument.
Readers may not agree with every conclusion, but the book clearly invites engagement rather than passive reading. Its detailed approach, strong authorial perspective, and willingness to tackle difficult and controversial questions make it a substantial contribution within its particular religious subject area.
Extensive, thought-provoking, passionately argued, and impressively detailed, The Resurrection of the Roman Catholic Church is a strong Third Place winner in the Religion & Spirituality Category.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
Congratulations to ALL Winners and Participants!
We loved reading your books and truly appreciated all of them!
Winners December 2025
🏆Fiction🏆
Menilmonea:
The Cycle of the Titans - Book One
by David Catuhe
Menilmonea is a luminous work of fantasy that distinguishes itself through atmosphere, restraint, and an unmistakably confident narrative voice. David Catuhe crafts a world that feels ancient and intimate at once, where myth and daily life coexist naturally, and where wonder arises not from spectacle alone, but from meaning, rhythm, and emotional coherence.
What stands out most is the book’s tonal mastery. The prose moves with deliberation and grace, allowing moments to breathe while maintaining a sense of forward momentum. The storytelling trusts the reader, inviting immersion rather than insisting upon it, and the result is a reading experience that feels both transporting and grounded. There is a deep respect here for mythic structure and tradition, blended seamlessly with modern sensibility.
The novel’s imaginative scope is matched by its emotional intelligence. Relationships, beliefs, and internal conflicts are rendered with care, giving the world texture and credibility.
Visually and conceptually rich, Menilmonea reflects a rare unity between narrative, worldbuilding, and artistic vision. It is the kind of fantasy that rewards attentiveness, offering layers of meaning without ever losing its sense of wonder. This is a debut that feels assured, deliberate, and fully realized — an outstanding and well-deserved winner in the Fiction category of Next Best Read’s Writing Contest.
Tressa's Treasures:
The King's Jewel
Book 1
by Belinda M Gordon
Tressa’s Treasures is a richly imagined work of fiction that blends myth, emotion, and human vulnerability into a story that feels both timeless and intimate. From the very first pages, Belinda M. Gordon establishes a narrative voice that is confident and immersive, drawing the reader into a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexist seamlessly.
What stands out most is the novel’s sense of atmosphere. The setting is rendered with care and intention, creating a place that feels lived-in rather than constructed. There is an ease to the storytelling that allows the magic to unfold naturally, without spectacle for its own sake. The prose flows with clarity and purpose, inviting readers to settle in and experience the story rather than rush through it.
The emotional core of the book is handled with restraint and empathy. Relationships are layered, complex, and believable, allowing moments of connection and tension to resonate without feeling overstated. The author shows a strong understanding of pacing, giving scenes the space they need to breathe while maintaining a steady forward momentum that keeps the reader engaged.
Tressa’s Treasures also succeeds in balancing genre elements with character-driven storytelling. The fantastical aspects enhance the narrative rather than dominate it, grounding the story in relatable stakes and genuine emotion. While a few moments invite the reader to linger longer than expected, this unhurried approach ultimately reinforces the book’s contemplative tone and sense of depth.
This is a compelling and thoughtfully crafted novel, offering a story that is imaginative, emotionally engaging, and confidently told. It is easy to see why it earned its 2nd place in the Fiction category. Readers who appreciate fiction with heart, atmosphere, and subtle magic will find much to admire here.
Hell to Pay:
A Texas Private Investigator Mystery
by Denise Diana Huddle
Hell to Pay delivers a confident, sharply written entry in the mystery genre, led by a protagonist who feels fully lived-in from the first page. Denise Diana Huddle writes with an easy authority that blends legal insight, investigative grit, and dry humor without ever slipping into self-indulgence. The dialogue feels natural and purposeful, character dynamics are layered rather than decorative, and the pacing keeps the narrative moving while still allowing room for personality and tension to surface organically. There’s a strong sense that the author knows this world intimately, and that assurance carries the reader through even the most complex moments with clarity and momentum.
What stands out most is the book’s balance between procedural detail and character-driven storytelling, though in a few places the legal mechanics linger just a touch longer than necessary and may slightly slow the forward drive for readers more focused on plot progression. Still, this is a polished, engaging mystery that feels smart without being showy, confident without trying too hard, and thoroughly satisfying for readers who appreciate substance paired with wit.
A well-earned 3rd place in the Fiction Category.
🏆Nonfiction🏆
Rethinking Resilience:
Fueling Your Competitive Advantage
by Tissa Richards
Awarded First Place in Next Best Read’s Writing Contest (Nonfiction), Rethinking Resilience stands out as a timely, thoughtful, and genuinely useful contribution to the leadership and personal development space. Rather than relying on familiar motivational language, this book reframes resilience as a deliberate, strategic practice that can be designed, strengthened, and applied long before pressure arrives.
What makes this work exceptional is its balance of insight and practicality. The author brings clarity to a concept that is often oversimplified, offering a perspective that feels grounded in real experience rather than theory alone. The ideas unfold with confidence and purpose, inviting readers to reconsider not just how they respond to challenge, but how they prepare for it. The writing is engaging, moving seamlessly between reflection and application without feeling instructional or abstract.
Equally compelling is the book’s relevance across industries and life stages. Whether read by leaders, entrepreneurs, or individuals navigating change, the message resonates with consistency and credibility. The tone is intelligent yet approachable, encouraging thoughtful engagement rather than quick fixes. This is a book that respects its readers’ intelligence and rewards close attention.
Rethinking Resilience earns its top placement by offering more than inspiration. It delivers a clear, modern framework for navigating complexity with intention and confidence. This is nonfiction at its best—insightful, practical, and built to last.
The Atheist and The Afterlife:
An Autobiography
by Ray Catania
The Atheist and the Afterlife – An Autobiography by Ray Catania is a bold, unfiltered nonfiction work that stands out for its honesty and sheer conviction. Written with a direct, unapologetic voice, the book invites readers into a deeply personal exploration of belief, skepticism, trauma, and transformation, without attempting to persuade or soften its stance for comfort. What makes this memoir particularly compelling is its refusal to fit neatly into a single genre; it moves confidently between lived experience, introspection, and philosophical inquiry, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive.
Catania’s strength lies in his willingness to question everything, including himself. The writing feels grounded and intentional, driven by curiosity rather than dogma, and readers are given space to engage with the ideas presented on their own terms. Even when addressing controversial or challenging subjects, the author maintains a sense of clarity and purpose that keeps the narrative engaging and thought-provoking. At times, a bit more structural tightening could enhance the flow between sections, but the raw authenticity of the voice ultimately becomes one of the book’s greatest assets.
As a second-place winner in Next Best Read’s Writing Contest in the Nonfiction category, The Atheist and the Afterlife earns its recognition by offering a fearless and original perspective that lingers well after the final page. It is a memorable read for those drawn to autobiographical works that challenge assumptions, embrace complexity, and explore what it means to search for meaning without easy answers.
Pieces Falling:
Navigating 9/11 with Faith, Family, and the FDNY
by Ann Van Hine
This nonfiction work stands out for its sincerity, clarity, and emotional intelligence. Written with honesty and purpose, it invites the reader into a deeply personal experience while never losing sight of its broader meaning. The author balances reflection and insight with a steady, grounded voice, allowing the story to unfold in a way that feels both intimate and accessible.
What makes this book especially compelling is its ability to transform lived experience into something readers can connect with on their own terms.
As a Third Place Winner in Next Best Read’s Writing Contest in the Nonfiction category, this book clearly earned recognition for its craft and authenticity. It is a meaningful contribution to contemporary nonfiction and a rewarding read for anyone drawn to stories that illuminate resilience, reflection, and the human capacity to move forward.
🏆Children's Books🏆
Jalina Jons and the Owenroake Treasure Hunters:
A Magical Fantasy Adventure
by M. K. McDaniel
Jalina Jons and the Owenroake Treasure Hunters is a standout children’s adventure that earns its First Place win in Next Best Read’s Writing Contest with confidence and heart. M. K. McDaniel delivers a story that blends imagination, courage, and emotional depth in a way that feels both classic and refreshingly original. From the very first chapters, young readers are invited into a richly built world where mystery and wonder unfold naturally, never talking down to its audience.
What truly sets this book apart is its balance. The story offers high-stakes adventure and intrigue while remaining grounded in themes of resilience, loyalty, and personal growth. The characters are vividly drawn and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with their fears, hopes, and determination. The pacing keeps curiosity alive, encouraging readers to turn pages eagerly, while the sense of discovery is handled with clarity and confidence.
McDaniel’s storytelling shows a clear respect for young readers’ intelligence, trusting them with complex emotions and meaningful challenges without overwhelming them. The result is a book that entertains, inspires, and lingers in the imagination long after the final page. This is the kind of children’s novel that invites rereading, sparks conversation, and leaves readers excited for what comes next.
Where the Orchard Ends
by Sefi Wells
Where the Orchard Ends is a thoughtful, emotionally grounded novel that draws the reader in through atmosphere, character, and a strong sense of place. The writing has confidence to it, without overexplaining. The natural setting is more than a backdrop; it feels lived-in and purposeful, mirroring the inner states of the characters in a way that feels organic.
What stands out most is the restraint in the storytelling. The prose never strains for effect, yet it consistently lands with clarity and intention. Relationships unfold with patience, and the emotional beats feel earned, shaped by small gestures and choices rather than dramatic declarations. There’s a strong sense of empathy running through the book, especially in how it handles grief, recovery, and connection, which gives the story a lasting resonance after the final page.
Where the Orchard Ends is a compelling and heartfelt read, one that will appeal to readers who appreciate character-driven stories, immersive settings, and emotional authenticity delivered with a steady, confident hand.
Holly and the Magic Bunny
by Kateryna Dronova
Holly and the Magic Bunny is a warm, engaging children’s story that earned its 3rd Place recognition in Next Best Read’s Writing Contest for the Children’s Books category. From the very beginning, the book creates a cozy, wintry atmosphere that feels inviting and familiar, making it easy for young readers to settle into Holly’s world. Holly herself is a wonderfully relatable character, curious, stubborn at times, and very real in the way children often are.
The story shines in how naturally it explores ideas like kindness, responsibility, and helping others. Rather than spelling out a lesson, it lets those themes grow through Holly’s experiences and interactions, which makes the message feel genuine and easy to understand. The magical elements add a sense of wonder and fun, while the dialogue and pacing keep the story moving at a comfortable, child-friendly rhythm.
The illustrations add another layer of charm, supporting the story’s mood and emotions without overpowering the text. Together, the writing and artwork create a reading experience that feels both comforting and meaningful.
Holly and the Magic Bunny is a sweet, thoughtful book that entertains while encouraging empathy and growth, making it a well-deserved award winner and a lovely choice for young readers and shared storytime alike.
🏆 Poetry 🏆
Dissociative Effect
by Jacqueline S. Redmer, M.D.
Dissociative Effect is a striking and deeply resonant poetry collection that stands out for its emotional clarity, intellectual depth, and unwavering honesty. Jacqueline S. Redmer, M.D., brings a rare combination of lyrical precision and lived insight to these poems, creating work that feels both intimate and expansive, personal yet widely relatable.
Throughout the collection, Redmer demonstrates a remarkable command of language, using restraint as power and allowing silence, space, and image to carry meaning. The poems move fluidly between embodiment and distance, memory and presence, vulnerability and resilience, inviting readers to sit with difficult truths while also offering moments of reflection and recognition. There is a quiet confidence in the voice here—one that never forces emotion, but trusts the reader to arrive there naturally.
What makes Dissociative Effect especially compelling is its cohesion. Each poem feels purposeful, contributing to a larger emotional and thematic arc that lingers well beyond the final page. The collection rewards careful reading while remaining accessible, balancing introspection with clarity in a way that few poetry books manage so consistently.
This is a debut that announces a distinctive and mature poetic voice. Dissociative Effect is a powerful example of contemporary poetry at its most thoughtful and affecting, and a deserving First Place winner in the Poetry category of Next Best Read’s Writing Contest.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
(across genres)
Congratulations to ALL Winners and Participants!
We loved reading your books and truly appreciated all of them!
Winners June 2025
🏆Fiction🏆
A Bend in the Willow
by Susan Clayton-Goldner
🥇 1st Place
Overall Score: 9.4/10
Character Development – 9.5/10
The protagonist, Catherine Henry (formerly Robin Lee Carter), is powerfully rendered. Her emotional trauma, resilience, and protective instincts as a mother are deeply believable. Secondary characters, including her son and husband, are also given substantial arcs and emotional weight.
Narrative Arc – 9.5/10
The structure skillfully balances past and present, building suspense around Catherine’s past while maintaining a strong forward drive. The emotional reveals are timed perfectly, giving the story both personal and thematic momentum.
Prose Quality – 9.3/10
Elegant, rich, and lyrical. The writing demonstrates literary finesse without losing accessibility. Descriptions are emotionally loaded without veering into melodrama.
Theme and Emotional Impact – 9.5/10
Themes of redemption, forgiveness, and identity are deeply embedded in the narrative. The emotional resonance is high, and the moral stakes are compelling.
Originality – 9.1/10
Though it treads some familiar ground (abuse survival, maternal protection), it stands out due to the depth of its voice and emotional realism.
Judges' Note: A polished, literary novel with high emotional stakes and character depth. Very few flaws. Exceptional in its genre.
A Hush at Midnight
Secrets, Scandals and a Recipe for Murder
by Marlene M. Bell
🥈 2nd Place
Overall Score: 8.9/10
Character Development – 8.7/10
Annalisse and Alec are well-established as series characters, with chemistry and banter that feel natural. Supporting characters have vivid personalities, though a few might lean toward archetypes.
Narrative Arc – 8.9/10
Tightly plotted, with a mystery that unfolds cleanly and keeps the reader engaged. The pacing balances action and dialogue well, with a gradual layering of clues.
Prose Quality – 9.0/10
Crisp and atmospheric. Descriptive passages are effective without slowing the pace. Dialogue is a standout—sharp, modern, and authentic.
Theme and Emotional Impact – 8.6/10
Themes of trust, legacy, and mortality are subtly woven into the story. While less emotionally intense than other entries, it succeeds in generating intrigue and suspense.
Originality – 8.7/10
A familiar mystery setup, but the execution and international flair give it freshness. The inclusion of animal rescue themes and luxury settings adds flavor.
Judges' Note: Smart and commercial. Great voice, great pace, and broad appeal. Feels like the work of an experienced author who knows her audience.
Stolen Secrets
Book 1 Deadly Secrets Texas Trilogy
by Denise Diana Huddle
🥉 3rd Place
Overall Score: 8.4/10
Character Development – 8.2/10
Sarah Chandler is a strong, assertive female lead, and her dynamic with Ethan Tanner provides romantic tension. Some characters are drawn a bit more broadly (e.g., the antagonistic tool pusher), but the core cast is compelling.
Narrative Arc – 8.6/10
The book begins with an engaging prologue and a fast-paced opening scene involving a drilling accident. The plot moves swiftly with plenty of action, mystery, and chemistry.
Prose Quality – 8.3/10
Clear, engaging, and suited to commercial suspense fiction. Occasionally leans toward expository or functional dialogue, but never distracts from the story.
Theme and Emotional Impact – 8.2/10
Themes of corporate greed, family legacy, and environmental danger are handled thoughtfully. The emotional tension in high-stakes scenes is strong, though subtler emotional beats could be more nuanced.
Originality – 8.5/10
The oil-field mystery angle is fresh and timely. The Texas ranch setting is vivid and immersive.
Judges' Note: Cinematic and fast-paced. Strong hook and a smart, confident female lead. A compelling entry that stands out in suspense or romantic thriller categories.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
🏆Nonfiction🏆
Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops
by Allison Hong Merrill
🥇 1st Place
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Character Development – 9.6/10
Allison’s transformation from a vulnerable, language-limited immigrant to an empowered woman is vividly portrayed. The cast—including Cameron, in-laws, and cultural gatekeepers—are multidimensional, and even the narrator’s past selves feel like distinct characters with layered growth.
Narrative Arc – 9.5/10
The memoir is structured with remarkable clarity and momentum. The juxtaposition of emotional flashbacks with real-time setbacks builds suspense and catharsis. It reads like a novel, with well-timed twists and redemptive peaks.
Prose Quality – 9.6/10
Lyrical, poignant, and often poetic. Merrill blends humor, metaphor, and raw vulnerability with grace. Her ability to write emotionally heavy moments with stylistic lightness is rare.
Theme and Emotional Impact – 9.7/10
Themes of identity, abandonment, cultural dislocation, and empowerment are powerfully interwoven. The emotional resonance is profound and enduring, particularly for readers drawn to stories of survival and self-definition.
Originality – 9.1/10
While immigrant memoirs are a known category, Merrill’s lens is wholly unique. Her Taiwanese-to-Texas journey, paired with spiritual and linguistic displacement, makes this a standout.
Judge’s Note: A literary memoir of rare power—beautifully written, emotionally rich, and deeply human. It embodies both vulnerability and resilience with tremendous skill. Nearly flawless.
Little Boy, I Know Your Name
Second generation Trauma
by Mitchell Raff
I🥈 2nd Place
Overall Score: 9.1/10
Character Development – 9.3/10
Mitchell’s portrayal of his inner conflict, shaped by trauma and abuse, is painfully authentic. Secondary figures like Uncle Issa and Aunt Sally provide vital contrast, grounding the memoir in love as well as loss.
Narrative Arc – 9.0/10
The structure toggles between past and reflection in a way that enhances tension and introspection. While not as tightly plotted as a novel, it builds with an emotional through-line that crescendos into healing.
Prose Quality – 9.0/10
Candid, reflective, and at times devastating. Though more direct and less stylistic than literary memoirs, its honesty gives the language a raw poetic strength.
Theme and Emotional Impact – 9.5/10
Themes of generational trauma, identity, abandonment, and redemption are explored with searing openness. It’s hard to read without reflection—and that’s its power.
Originality – 8.6/10
Holocaust legacy stories are familiar, but this one stands out for focusing on the inherited trauma and how it manifests in parenting, identity, and masculinity across decades.
Judge’s Note: A bold, deeply personal account of trauma and transcendence. Its emotional integrity outweighs any structural imperfections. Honest, brave, and important.
No Ordinary Love
by BB Gabriel
🥉 3rd Place: No Ordinary Love by BB Gabriel
Overall Score: 8.8/10
Character Development – 8.9/10
Gabbi’s character is fully formed through her inner monologue, flashbacks, and trauma response. The book also subtly captures the complexities of family, support systems, and perpetrators, adding emotional realism.
Narrative Arc – 8.8/10
The memoir captures both a physical journey (the trip with her sister) and a psychological one (confronting trauma). The pacing is emotionally deliberate, though the structure leans more experiential than traditional arc.
Prose Quality – 8.7/10
Direct and affecting. While not as lyrical as other entries, the prose delivers its emotional punch clearly. Strong dialogue and internal narration ground the reader in lived experience.
Theme and Emotional Impact – 9.2/10
Powerful depiction of domestic abuse, PTSD, and healing. The memoir bravely explores how trauma resurfaces and how survival is a layered, nonlinear process. It’s both harrowing and ultimately hopeful.
Originality – 8.3/10
Survivor memoirs are an established form, but this one is distinguished by its urgency and educational mission, including real-world resources and advocacy.
Judges' Note: A raw and necessary memoir that sheds light on intimate partner violence with compassion and strength. Socially vital, emotionally resonant, and thoughtfully composed.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
🏆Children's Books🏆
Callie the Cat and her Rainbow Lunch
A Deliciously Colorful Adventure
by Kae Kelley
🥇 1st Place by Kae Kelley
Overall Score: 9.4/10
Concept and Educational Value – 9.6/10
This vibrant story transforms lunchtime into a delightful learning experience, promoting healthy eating and color recognition. The rainbow lunch concept is simple yet brilliant, making it a highly accessible introduction to nutrition for young readers. The step-by-step format also fosters participation and curiosity.
Narrative Engagement – 9.3/10
Callie the cat’s enthusiastic voice and the interactive quest for colorful foods create a sense of adventure on every page. The dialogue between siblings feels natural and cheerful, encouraging collaboration, exploration, and fun learning moments at home or in classrooms.
Visual and Structural Appeal – 9.5/10
The book’s visual rhythm—naming, searching, choosing—offers predictability that young children crave while maintaining engagement. The vivid examples of food for each color and the final celebratory lunch reinforce the learning journey. Bonus content like the create-your-own lunch page extends the book’s utility well beyond the last page.
Character and Voice – 9.2/10
Callie, Kiki, and Squeaks bring warmth and playfulness to the reading experience. The dialogue-driven structure invites participation and mimics sibling dynamics with charm. The cat’s curiosity is contagious, and readers will find joy in Callie’s imaginative, can-do attitude.
Originality – 9.4/10
While books about food or color aren’t new, this combination of nutrition education, rainbow-themed fun, and character-driven storytelling makes for a fresh, wholesome take that feels as delightful as it is purposeful.
Judges' Note:
Callie the Cat and her Rainbow Lunch is a playful and colorful invitation to healthy habits. With irresistible charm and interactive storytelling, this book encourages children to look at what’s on their plate with wonder, not reluctance. A standout for both its learning value and read-aloud appeal.
Prickles the Porcupine Learns about Peace Peace is a Fruit of The Spirit
by Janet Ashmore
🥈 2nd Place
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Moral Message – 9.6/10
At its heart, this is a story about emotional intelligence, teaching young readers how to process conflict and seek resolution through dialogue, not anger. The alignment with the spiritual message of peace as a fruit of the Spirit is seamlessly woven without feeling preachy, making it ideal for faith-based and character-building reading.
Storytelling Technique – 9.1/10
Prickles’ journey from frustration to understanding is thoughtfully constructed. The story allows children to witness both emotional escalation and peaceful resolution. The use of repetition, such as the “whish-swish” digging sound, adds rhythm and auditory fun, while reinforcing the conflict that drives the plot.
Characterization and Empathy – 9.2/10
Prickles is a relatable character whose need for peace resonates with both children and adults. Patty, the exuberant puppy, offers contrast and ultimately a beautiful example of problem-solving through empathy. Their dynamic models compromise and cooperation in a child-accessible way.
Illustrative Structure and Engagement – 8.9/10
The structure alternates cleanly between action and reflection, giving young readers space to think. Visual suggestions are strong, though the text-driven format may rely on additional illustrations to reach its full immersive potential.
Originality – 9.1/10
Blending woodland storytelling with spiritual growth, Prickles the Porcupine stands out as a faith-centered parable for kids. Its gentle handling of conflict resolution and personal growth makes it both timely and timeless.
Judges\ Note:
With tenderness, humor, and spiritual insight, Prickles the Porcupine Learns About Peace gives children language and tools for handling frustration in a meaningful, character-building way. A lovely blend of values and storytelling that deserves a place in every moral development bookshelf.
Rooted
A Seedling's Journey
by Tammy Cranston
🥉 3rd Place: Rooted
Overall Score: 9.1/10
Theme and Message – 9.4/10
This heartfelt tale beautifully allegorizes growth, resilience, and mentorship. Dendro’s story mirrors the challenges of growing up, coping with loss, and finding strength through guidance. The metaphor of tree growth offers a rich foundation for discussions on perseverance, purpose, and the passage of time.
Emotional Resonance – 9.3/10
The bond between Dendro and Grandpa Oakey is touching and genuine. From the first storm to the passing of his mentor, the book gracefully navigates complex emotions with sensitivity. The story doesn’t shy away from loss but transforms it into a legacy of courage and support.
Narrative Arc – 9.0/10
The progression from seedling to tree is structured with clarity and growth, culminating in the “Seed to Tree” ceremony—a rite of passage that brings satisfying closure and symbolic triumph. The pacing allows children to digest each milestone without overwhelm.
Imagery and Language – 9.0/10
Cranston’s language is lyrical and accessible, with moments of poetic cadence. The imagery of swirling rings, screeching storms, and helpful owls adds richness to the storytelling, and young readers will be captivated by the earthy, nurturing setting.
Originality – 8.8/10
While the "growing tree" metaphor has been explored before, Rooted distinguishes itself through its blend of natural science (like dendrochronology), emotional intelligence, and the powerful intergenerational wisdom woven throughout.
Judges' Note:
Rooted: A Seedling's Journey is a warm and reflective tale that plants important ideas in young readers’ minds—resilience, remembrance, and rootedness. Both metaphorical and meaningful, it invites children to see growth not as a straight line, but as a journey nurtured by those who came before.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
🏆 Poetry 🏆
Exits :
Selected Poems
by Stephen C. Pollock
🥇 1st Place
Overall Score: 9.4/10
Poetic Craft – 9.6/10
Pollock demonstrates masterful control of language, rhythm, and structure. From tightly woven formal verse to looser lyrical explorations, each poem is polished, intellectually sharp, and stylistically confident. The craftsmanship reveals a deep poetic literacy and an artist at the height of his form.
Thematic Depth – 9.5/10
Themes of mortality, impermanence, and the natural world are explored with philosophical insight and emotional clarity. The poems often meditate on death not with despair, but with reverence and complexity—balancing the clinical and the poetic with seamless grace.
Imagery and Voice – 9.3/10
Pollock’s images are both haunting and intricate. His ability to infuse scientific or medical motifs with metaphysical undertones gives the collection a rare dual resonance. The poetic voice is mature, composed, and reflective, with occasional ironic or melancholic undertones.
Cohesion and Structure – 9.2/10
The collection is thematically and tonally unified, framed by a strong curatorial eye. The addition of paired artwork deepens the sensory and symbolic experience, though a few pieces feel more abstract than necessary.
Originality – 9.1/10
While many poets have explored death and nature, Pollock’s medical and scientific lens offers fresh terrain. His background subtly informs the metaphors, making this a strikingly original contribution to contemporary poetry.
Judges' Note: A breathtaking collection of formal and lyrical poems, Exits is a meditation on mortality delivered with intelligence, tenderness, and precision. A masterful and resonant work of poetic reflection.
Was It a Dream?
Navigating Life's Journey Through Poetry
by Larada Horner-Miller
🥈 2nd Place
Overall Score: 8.9/10
Poetic Voice – 9.2/10
Horner-Miller’s voice is heartfelt, grounded, and deeply personal. Her conversational yet lyrical tone invites readers into intimate moments with openness and sincerity. It’s the kind of poetry that feels spoken, lived, and shared.
Emotional Resonance – 9.4/10
This collection excels in emotional transparency. Whether reflecting on grief, memory, spirituality, or personal milestones, the poems offer catharsis and vulnerability. The healing arc—from heartbreak to peace—is touching and authentic.
Narrative and Structure – 8.6/10
Structured across key life chapters, the collection functions almost as poetic memoir. While the chronological arrangement works well, a few sections feel uneven in pacing or less distilled than others.
Literary Merit – 8.5/10
Though less experimental or technical than other entries, the poems find strength in clarity and heart. The free verse style is accessible and earnest, though some pieces could benefit from tighter line work or greater metaphorical layering.
Originality – 8.7/10
Themes of aging, loss, and identity are familiar territory, but Horner-Miller brings them to life with distinctive cultural and geographical grounding. Her blend of New Mexican landscapes, spiritual reflections, and life-stage wisdom feels both warm and original.
Judges' Note: A moving poetic journey through time, memory, and meaning. Was It a Dream? reads like a personal invitation—gentle, generous, and ultimately life-affirming. It may not push stylistic boundaries, but it embraces the heart with uncommon grace.
The Way the Cookie Crumbled
by Lizzy Judge
🥉 3rd Place:
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Creativity and Voice – 9.4/10
Judge’s playful imagination and clever wordplay bring delightful characters and absurd scenarios to life. From tweeting sheep to robotic houses, each poem bursts with charm and theatrical energy. Her voice is witty, rhythmic, and fully committed to entertaining readers of all ages.
Accessibility and Appeal – 9.2/10
Perfectly suited for children and families, the collection has strong crossover potential thanks to its humor, rhymes, and light-hearted storytelling. Poems are engaging from the first line and easy to read aloud with enjoyment.
Structure and Flow – 8.3/10
While the poems are consistently well-paced and energetic, the collection feels more like a loose anthology than a tightly curated sequence. Still, the variety adds fun and unpredictability.
Literary Merit – 7.8/10
Within its genre, the work is high-quality. That said, compared to the emotional and thematic weight of the top two entries, this collection’s lighter tone makes it less competitive in a traditional literary contest—but exceptional for its niche.
Originality – 8.7/10
Though whimsical poetry is a known form, Judge’s voice and characters are undeniably her own. From sentient cookies to armadillo rock stars, the imagination at play here is rich and original.
Judge’s Note: A jubilant collection of whimsical verse that feels like Dr. Seuss meets Roald Dahl. Judge’s poems are theatrical, clever, and joyfully absurd. Less a literary heavyweight than a crowd favorite—but a standout in its own right.
Congratulations to ALL Winners and Participants!
We loved reading your books and truly appreciated all of them!
Winners December 2024
🏆Fiction🏆
Ultimatum
(Ultimatum series Book 1)
by Vladimir Fleurisma (Author)
It’s only been 18 months since the 50 year resource war ended in nuclear fire. Now everyone must contend with the new super predator seeking to establish its place as the new apex predator. D is a marine raider with one simple mission. Reach Three Mile Island. To do this he’ll have to cross a nuclear wasteland of sunless cold and sheering winds. Avoid the new mutated apex creature that controls this new world and be wary of anyone else also looking to reach Three Mile Island. He’ll either do it or kill every person and animal he can trying to do it.
Bottled Lightning
by L.M. Weeks
AN INTRIGUING CLIENT. A PASSIONATE ATTORNEY. A DEADLY GAME.
Top global technology lawyer Tornait “Torn” Sagara knows he shouldn’t get involved with his beautiful client, Saya Brooks, whose revolutionary lightning-on-demand invention will solve climate change and render all other energy sources obsolete. But their shared connection as hafu (half Japanese, half American) draws them irresistibly together.
Saya’s technology could save the world, but what’s good for the planet is bad news for those who profit from the status quo. Now, someone wants to stop Saya from commercializing her invention and will go to any lengths—even murder—to do so. When Torn takes Saya for a spin on his motorcycle, they are viciously attacked. That death-defying battle on a crowded Tokyo expressway is only the start of Torn’s wild ride.
As the violence escalates, Torn discovers that everything he values—his reputation, his family, and even his life—is on the line. Racing from the boardrooms of Tokyo to the wilds of
Forgotten Realm of Secrets
by Rose M. Delorane
With Rose M. Delorane’s masterful storytelling, this tale weaves together magic, mystery, and the supernatural into a fast-paced epic saga that draws readers from middle grade to adult. Step into immersive worlds, encounter unforgettable characters, and brace yourself for twists that reveal a world where nothing is as it seems.
He was an outcast. Born into a distant, isolated realm, Lit was different from everyone around him—in both body and spirit. This paranormal world, frozen in another time, demands uniformity, while everything remains hauntingly unchanged. Lit struggles to find his place among the inhabitants of this realm, yet he dreams of discovering his true world.
But leaving this realm has never been possible. The people of this forgotten land believe their border marks the very edge of existence.
Beyond the border lies what the inhabitants believe to be a vast, bottomless void—an abyss from which none have returned. Convinced no one can survive beyond this boundary, the realm forbids anyone from leaving. Bound by ancestral fears and tales of doom, no one has dared to defy the warnings…except Lit.
Driven by a relentless need to uncover his identity and the secrets hidden by the realm, Lit dreams of a world beyond the limits of this harsh and dismal boundary. Determined to find answers, he shrugs off warnings of the evil and malevolent dangers that may exist, and makes a life-altering choice that will change his fate, as well as the realms, forever.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
🏆Nonfiction🏆
The Good Daughter Syndrome
Help For Empathic Daughters of Narcissistic, Borderline, or Difficult Mothers Trapped in the Role of the Good Daughter
by Katherine Fabrizio
You love your mother, but she drives you crazy.
She controls, criticizes, and butts into your life constantly. Then when you try and set boundaries, the pushback, and resulting guilt is so bad you tell yourself... it's just not worth it.
Is your mother narcissistic, borderline, or just plain difficult?
Are you empathetic, sensitive, and kind?
Do you feel stuck in your relationship with Mom-
-trying to please her but never feeling good enough?
- feel responsible for Mom's emotional well-being?
-struggle to set boundaries without feeling guilty or get so much pushback you end up feeling like ...it's just not worth it?
If so, chances are you have fallen into one or all of the hidden psychological traps that constitute The Good Daughter Syndrome.
I’m Not Dead… Yet
How I turned my misfortunes into strengths
by Dr. Joshua Caraballo
In "I'm Not Dead...Yet: How I Turned My Misfortunes Into Strengths," Industrial-Organizational Psychologist Dr. Joshua J. Caraballo takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the depths of his personal struggles and triumphant resilience. With poignant honesty and raw vulnerability, Joshua shares his battles with mental health, addiction, self-hate, surviving cancer, and coming to terms with his queer identity.
This memoir is an open invitation into Joshua's life, a connection point for those facing or who have faced similar hardships, and a beacon of hope and empowerment for anyone in need of strength. Through his experiences, Joshua illustrates that despite monumental setbacks, it is possible to emerge stronger and more resilient.
Readers will glean valuable insights into the power of resilience, the lessons inherent in adversity, and the importance of self-acceptance free from judgment. Joshua's narrative offers coping mechanisms for societal taboos, strategies for managing mental and physical health challenges, and a profound message about the significance of self-acceptance.
Trauma and Ecstasy
How Psychedelics Made My Life Worth Living
by Alex Abraham
Forget everything you think you know about psychedelics. They’re not punchlines. They’re not party favors for aging hippies. Instead, as Alex Abraham discovered, they are an innovative approach that can help heal trauma and chronic pain.
Trauma and Ecstasy takes a long, hard look at pain, from the sudden unexplained pelvic floor discomfort that afflicted Alex at the end of a trip abroad to the deeply rooted anxiety and shame of a childhood robbed of innocence. In this powerful and courageous memoir, Alex takes you on his journey of healing from sexual abuse while searching for answers to his health issues that traditional medicine failed to explain or treat.
Trauma and Ecstasy is quite likely the most engaging, honest, and compelling memoir of surviving childhood sexual trauma you’ll ever read. It offers the hope of real help for healing from the emotional and physical aftermath of abuse and chronic pain.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
🏆Children's Books🏆
Charlie and Sophie's Great Escape
by Farial English
For Charlie and Sophie, every walk is an adventure, and they're impatient to be off! Leaving their boy behind, they run into the woods to explore on their own. It's great fun until Charlie disturbs a nest full of eggs and comes face-to-face with a large, angry bird.
Will the big bird attack them?
Will they ever see their boy again?
Join the two puppies on their wild adventure as they try to find their way back home.
Speechless
by Thomas Ray Garcia
Eight year-old Amelia Martinez is terrified to deliver a speech at the Grand Oratory. However, when the intolerant Mr. Rhetorick steals the village’s voices, Amelia must use her public speaking skills to save Voz from eternal silence. On her quest, Amelia gains confidence at every turn, from speaking to forest animals to finding her own voice. Speechless combines the fantastical and pragmatic in a tale that inspires children to stand up and speak! All proceeds from Speak With Style books are dedicated to supplying children with educational materials on public speaking.
Chubby the Bear's Big Choice
by Daryl McCullough
Chubby the Bear enjoys eating honey and swinging on the branches of redwood trees high above the forest floor. When bear-cub bullies tease and shame him about his weight, Chubby wrestles with how to respond. Two of his forest friends – a raccoon and a beaver – encourage him to embrace his differences, which might even be his strengths. Chubby takes matters into his own paws and delivers an unforgettable message to his bullies. He makes a big choice to stand up for himself and demonstrate his courage and skills. In doing so, he finds his confidence and ability to love himself and his body. Ultimately, Chubby the Bear also earns the respect and attention of the other bear cubs, who see things differently in the end.
Chubby the Bear’s Big Choice is a picture book with messages for children and adults, especially those struggling with bullying, body image, weight, or self-esteem issues. Chubby teaches to trust in ourselves and celebrate our individuality, which is a true gift! Readers of all ages will enjoy its sumptuous illustrations that bring the imagination to life in all of nature’s beauty.
🏆 Poetry 🏆
Unheard
by Bhavini Bhargava
This book is a compilation of the emotions and feelings that remain unspoken and subsequently 'unheard'. The author writes her unfiltered and in-depth thoughts as she experiences different seasons of life, and hopes to take you all on a poetic journey of passion, determination, love, hate, belief and faith.
A Brighter TOMORROW
by Lori Schneider MD
No one could have truly predicted the mass devastation of the pandemic of 2020. Everyone in the world has been affected and forever changed in some way by the pandemic. Hopefully, most people will emerge as better human beings, with a greater level of understanding and support for their fellow man.
During this tumultuous time, I was overwhelmed with emotions regarding COVID-19, politics, racial injustice, love, and courage. I turned to pen and paper to express my feelings and discovered poetry as an extremely cathartic form of writing.
Through poetry, I found great insight and solace during a very dark time in history. I believe poetry is the window to the soul that can help illuminate the darkness.
I hope the reader finds great comfort and hope for the future through the poetry and beautiful artwork contained in this book. Together we can have a brighter tomorrow!
Moonlight in My Eyes
by James Richard Hansen
Moonlight in My Eyes has brightened the year 2023 with poet James Richard Hansen’s exquisite descriptions of nature and his part in it. The moon, stars, wind, the sea, and occasionally even the sun, paint every nuance of his feelings with the music of words. In 42 poems that capture the magic of the night, we get to share a palette of emotions by one who sees and loves life in all its moods and shades, the dark and the light, and every facet of the spirit.
Most of the poems are short, and every word belongs, a perfect symphony of insights and sensations. And with each rereading, the visitor gains new depths, new vibrations on the strings that the poet’s words set into motion. Every line and image awakens sympathetic harmonies, and like classical music, the clear and simple language elicits the most complex emotional responses. Each poem embraces the mind and its rainbow of passions. Each poem invites repeated readings and reveals new discoveries of both the poet’s soul and the reader’s yearnings. Here is a small excerpt:
Congratulations to ALL Winners and Participants!
We loved reading your books and truly appreciated all of them!
Winners July 2024
🏆Fiction🏆
1st
Place
A Daughter of the Trolls: A Numina Parable
by McKenzie Catron
Are you afraid of the bogeyman?
Eighteen-year-old Sparrow can’t remember a time when she wasn’t. And neither can her mother—or the trolls, imps, gnomes, and faeries who all live in the Glade and call it home. Though Sparrow’s weak heart keeps her wheelchair-bound, she and her mother have dedicated their lives to protecting the Glade, especially from the worst bogeyman of them all: the skin-stealing, poison-ingesting witch called Black Annis.
But one night, Sparrow makes a terrible mistake, and everything she once held dear is taken from her. The Glade is no longer a sanctuary, and the only way Sparrow can save her mother and her friends is to journey out into a monster-ridden world that wasn’t made for her or her wheelchair. Joined by her half-goblin friend, Rush, Sparrow will have to confront her fears before the ones they love are lost forever.
A Daughter of the Trolls will appeal to fans of European folklore and the darker Grimm Brother’s fairytales. This is a spine-tingling young adult fantasy adventure about evil witches, monsters, and the imperfect heroes who face them all. You’ll join Sparrow and her faerie friends on a life-changing journey where they face not only their outer demons but their inner ones as well.
2nd
Place
Caretaker (The Goodpasture Chronicles)
by R.J. Halbert
A family desperate for a fresh start finds themselves tangled up in a strange connection to a mysterious old house.
After experiencing marriage troubles and dark pasts, Ian and Lyana Keane are ready to leave Boston behind and move with their two kids—Ariel (15) and Zach (12)—to the sleepy New Hampshire town of Littleton. They are inexplicably drawn to an old house that they all feel an immediate connection to—a home complete with a rich history, extensive grounds, intriguing character, and a Caretaker.
But as time goes on, strange things begin to happen with the house and the family living within its walls. They see recurring symbols, experience realistic hallucinations, uncover mysteries they can’t explain. One by one the Keane family realise that dark forces - or something stronger - are afoot. Be it cursed ancient mythology, dark magic, or just chilling coincidence, the Keane family are forced to rely on Marshall the caretaker for help, but is he really as kind and cooperative as he seems?
One thing is clear: the Keane family is more connected to this house than they could have ever anticipated.
But will it have the power to save their family from tragedy? Or will it tear them apart for good?
The Heretic: A Novel (The Heretic Trilogy)
by Allysha Lavino
Research and inspiration come together in this spellbinding spiritual adventure through history and mystery. Allysha Lavino takes us on a magical journey into the hidden histories of France and the real life secrets buried in code through the ages. This enchanting visionary fiction epic invites us to step into the story and discover how the wisdom of our ancestors could change the modern world forever.
As secret was hidden in the Languedoc of France, but this ancient wisdom has always been a deadly heresy. Cultural anthropologist Lily Ann Harper is on a quest for facts when mysterious Sir Anthony Leclair invites her to Rennes-le-Château, where she is unwittingly thrust back through history. Forced to confront her greatest fears, Lily awakened to a mystical power buried deep inside. Face to face with an age-old enemy, she must choose―embrace the magic of the ancestors and find her place in the Pattern . . . or lose Everything.
Are you ready to become the hero of your own story? HERETIC MEANS “ABLE TO CHOOSE.”
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
🏆Nonfiction🏆
1st
Place
Reality Check: Making the Best of The Situation - How I Overcame Addiction, Loss, and Prison
by Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino gives fans the inside scoop they’ve been begging for with his explosive tell-all.
In this page-turning whirlwind of action-packed, unbelievable stories, Mike paints a raw and uncensored picture of his rise to stardom, steep fall, and amazing renaissance, all told with unwavering honesty. Divulging everything from drug-fueled orgies to what really happened behind the scenes of reality television’s most loved and dysfunctional family, Mike’s book reveals all for the first time.
In his familiar, straightforward voice, he hilariously tells of intoxicated run-ins with celebrities like The Rock, Robert Downey Jr., Drake, Jay Leno, Leonardo DiCaprio, David Hasselhoff, Jason Statham, Lil Wayne, Kristin Cavallari, Whoopi Goldberg, and more. Alongside the comical moments, he describes more poignant events, such as the frantic searches for opiates to sate excruciating withdrawals, including one such time in Italy, which led to the infamous wall headbutt fight with Ronnie.
No punches are pulled in this unfiltered tale, relating Mike’s darkest thoughts after trying heroin, going to prison, and grieving his wife’s tragic miscarriages. However, like in all true redemption stories, Mike never gave up, and readers are sure to be inspired by his determination to get clean and sober and become the man he is today. With pure candor and vulnerability, he delivers details on the mindset that got him through those dark times and onto the enlightened, sober path he walks today. Through personal anecdotes and invaluable life lessons, Mike teaches readers how to overcome obstacles and embrace change. From conquering personal demons to finding redemption, he proves that it’s never too late to turn your life around and make the best of any situation.
Honeymoon at Sea:
How I Found Myself Living on a Small Boat
by Jennifer Silva Redmond
When Jennifer Shea married Russel Redmond, they made a decision to spend their honeymoon at sea, sailing in Mexico. The voyage tested their new relationship, not just through rocky waters and unexpected weather, but in all the ways that living on a twenty-six-foot sailboat make one reconsider what's truly important.
In this charming, meditative memoir, Jennifer recounts that fateful first year, moving back and forth with the currents of her life. On their voyage, the couple sailed Watchfire to Baja California's Sea of Cortez, where they spent twelve months before sailing south along Mexico and Central America and through the Panama Canal. Jennifer's unique experience on the boat weaves through time as she explores the events that lead to taking her first step onto Watchfire—from her bohemian 1960s childhood in Southern California to the years she spent as a struggling actor in New York.
As Jennifer’s grandfather once said, “If you want to get to know someone, take a long trip in a small boat.”
The memoir begins and ends with the couple on their current sailboat in San Diego and then in Port Townsend, Washington. More than thirty years later, their honeymoon at sea continues.
Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship Paperback
by Julie Ryan McGue
Belonging Matters supports the adoption community while creating a conversation with those not directly touched by adoption. The collection explores the pursuit of identity and the boundaries of family and kinship. It challenges the reader to embrace all of who we come to be, and to discern with whom and where we belong. Because belonging defines the human experience, and it is what nourishes our spirit, fuels us with purpose, and compels us to soar beyond the limitations of our lived experience.
⭐ Honorable Mentions ⭐
Congratulations to ALL Winners and Participants!
We loved reading your books and truly appreciated all of them!
Winners 2023
🏆Fiction🏆
1st
Place
The Secret of the Magic eyePad: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures
by
Marsha Tufft
She dreams of becoming an inventor. First, she has to survive middle school… Putney Hicks just wants things to go right for once. A socially awkward girl dropped among rich kids in an experimental STEM institution, the anxious twelve-year-old can’t seem to see her own potential. But life sprinkles in a surprise when she receives a mysterious tablet housing an advanced, talkative intelligence. Wondering if the friendly pixie in the device is alien or supernatural, Putney is determined to keep it safe while exploring its possibilities. But when competitive art and science projects lead to an ill-advised bet with a wealthy mean girl, the would-be engineer may be in way over her head. Will Putney’s mysterious new mentor help her make it through her first week in class? The Secret of the Magic eyePad is the award-winning first book in the Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures middle grade series. If you like girls in STEM, preteen drama, and clever innovations, then you’ll love Marsha Tufft’s lighthearted tale. Buy The Secret of the Magic eyePad to click through to fabulous fun today!
3rd
Place
False Idols
by
Mark Damon Brooks
In a world where superheroes exist, it will take one normal man to remind everyone what it means to be a hero. Malcolm Mills has a problem with the Newton Force. He has his reasons. Yet the rest of the world loves the world’s only superheroes. Gifted with super strength, flight, telepathy, and indestructible skin, the Newton Force aren’t the heroes they appear to be. They’re more comfortable doing commercials and signing autographs than fighting crime. When an exo-suit clad criminal conducts a brazen attack in broad daylight, it results in the death of Malcolm’s friend. Now Malcolm is going to do the one thing the Newton Force won’t. He’s going to find the criminal and save the day. Along the way, Malcolm discovers a criminal who is as brilliant as he is ruthless. And who is rapidly evolving from a low-level villain to a full-fledged supervillain.
2nd
Place
Seriously, Murder?
by
Monica Hoopes
Alice Humphries is a small-town Jersey lawyer, and she knows what she’s doing. Kind of. And hell—even if she doesn’t, she and her best friend Don can normally figure it out. They are recent law school grads who’ve opened up their own practice, and they’ll take just about any case they can get to keep the electricity on and buy donuts on Fridays. But when they’re assigned to a high-profile murder through the Public Defender’s Office, they find themselves in over their heads. The victim: a well-known divorce attorney found shot to death in his office. Their client: his blond, botoxed, and bitchy wife. Alice and Don have to get her out of jail, keep her out of jail, and figure out what the hell they’re doing in the process. And meanwhile, they still have two other clients to contend with: a 23 year-old hot-blooded drama queen who pelts her on-again-off-again older lover with snowballs and erects giant snow penises on the hood of his car, and a brash-mouthed Texas pageant mom who assaults a fellow contestant with a giant cupcake and stuffs her four-year old’s bra for the win. And then there’s sexy Assistant Prosecutor/enemy of the defense, Jake Harris. Alice can’t figure out whether she wants to strangle him or make out with him, but the feeling is definitely mutual. Seriously, Murder? is the first installment in a laugh-out-loud romcom murder mystery series that will keep you wanting more! Don and Alice are at the heart of this story, and they just might save the day (if they don't kill each other, first).
🏆Nonfiction🏆
3rd
Place
The Luckiest Unlucky Person I Know: A Practical Memoir
by
Kristin Smith Westbrook
“I’m sorry to report this, my dear, but you have invasive ductal carcinoma,” the doctor said. Carcinoma, I thought. Sounds like a fun, funky dance step from the ’60s. Come on, everybody, let’s do the carcinoma! Ever wonder how to live your best life when you’re in the middle of your worst nightmare? If so, this is the guidebook for you. The Luckiest Unlucky Person I Know is a memoir that offers practical exercises to find clarity and balance in the face of adversity. Through personal stories of living with metastatic breast cancer, surviving a near-death experience, and managing grief and loss, this book will inspire you to approach challenges and adversities with humor, grace, and gratitude. If you are living with a chronic disease, trauma, grief, or a difficult obstacle in your life, the lessons in The Luckiest Unlucky Person I Know will have you feeling lucky too.
1st
Place
ER Doctor: Tales of an emergency room doctor
by
Paul Weinberg, M.D.
Paul Weinberg spent 30 years in the Emergency Room (or ER) as a medical doctor and has seen everything, Described as "a strange career" by the author, entry into the field is unrestricted and open to all who are brave (or foolish) enough to start into the stream without the knowledge of the tsunami ahead. The strangeness of the practice is apparent from the very first visit to a busy urban ER. The swarm of commotion and great vividness of the scene can be dizzying. The relentlessness of the torrent and its strange day and night rhythms can enthral and repel like no other practice or job. In turns shocking, sad and funny, this book contains remarkable tales, inside stories and the experiences of a doctor's career in ER. Emergency medicine in America is a critical asset to its healthcare system. The ER doctor is located at the interface of the public and the first point of healthcare. If a doctor is needed outside of office hours, nights, or holidays, if the patient is uninsured or has inadequate insurance, or is of such a social state that they might be unpleasant to be around, no one is turned away at the ER. In short, the life of the ER doc is one where no situation is off limits.
2nd
Place
The Life She Once Knew: The Incredible True Story of Queena, The Bloomingdale Library Attack Survivor
by
Vanna Nguyen
In 1981, a young woman faced death as she lay on the floor of a small boat in the South China Sea fleeing the life she once knew in Vietnam. In 2008, her teenage daughter lay fighting for her life after being brutally raped and abandoned while returning books at a library near Tampa, Florida. The attack in front of the Bloomingdale library left Queena with a traumatic brain injury, sentenced to a life unable to walk, see, or speak. As Vanna Nguyen lovingly poured herself into caring for her now severely disabled daughter, she also battled with reliving her own Vietnam War survival story. And she must decide, can she forgive the attacker whose unforgivable decision changed both their lives as they knew them forever? In The Life She Once Knew, Vanna candidly chronicles the deeply spiritual and emotionally powerful journeys of these two strong women as they fight for their lives and their futures decades apart.