They are awards given out by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in recognition of outstanding Christian fiction in the previous calendar year. So these 2021 finalists are books published in 2020. You might have read them already, you might not. I'll include links to reviews of the books I've read, but I have a lot of catching up to do so there will be gaps.
How does this giveaway work?
You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2021 -- Historical Romance Category you would like to receive if your name is drawn. Mention the title in your comment (or an email if you're entering that way) and if you win, that's the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. Here are the three finalists:
A woman with a devastating secret. A man bent on proving his worth. A chance encounter that catapults them into the heart of history.
When the daughter of a prominent Roman general meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God's plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can they anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them.
Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and a ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they're banished from their home by a capricious emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption.
With impeccable research and vivid detail, Daughter of Rome is both an emotive love story and an immersive journey through first-century Rome and Corinth, reminding readers once again why Debbie Macomber has said "no one brings the Bible to life like Tessa Afshar."
Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, Editors: Raela Schoenherr and Jennifer Veillieux
Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.
Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached -- strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.
When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam's thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he's come to love?
Haunted by mistakes in her past, will she ever again trust her heart to another?
Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship, still bearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately attracts suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by making a poor choice.
Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy, held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town's baker who has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummon not only compete for Arabella's affections, but also clash over their views on how the natives should be treated in the midst of a smallpox outbreak.
As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need -- a starving girl left behind by her tribe. Intent on helping the child, Arabella leans Peter's advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision, or will seeking what's right cost both her and Peter everything?
Link to my Review: https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-runaway-bride.html
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is a paperback or ebook copy of the title you choose
If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of the 2021 Historical Romance Carol Awards finalists, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 24 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!
I would love to read The Runaway Bride, please enter me, thanks! lclee59(at)centurylink(dot)net
ReplyDeleteThat's the only one I've read in this category and I love that whole series! Good luck, Connie!
DeleteI have read The Runaway Bride, and it looks like Like Flames in the Night is third in the series… not sure if Daughter of Rome is a series, but let’s go with that!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
I don't think it is. Most of her books seem to be standalones I think. Good luck, Patty!
DeleteThe Runaway Bride sounds like a good one!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
It really is! Good luck, Melanie!
DeleteThe Runaway Bride ~ is a close runaway here!! Anything by Jody Hedlund is a hit! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
ReplyDeletekathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com
This is proving to be the popular choice today. Good luck, Kathleen!
DeleteI will also pick Runaway Bride. I want to know which suitor she chooses!
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
This might be my favourite in the series. Good luck, rubynreba!
DeleteLike Flames in the Night is an AMAZING book! I’ve read Connilyn Cossette’s Cities of Refuge series and every single one of the books in it deserve awards!😍 However, I already have that book, so I’ll go with Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar😉
ReplyDeleteI've only read 4 of her books so I'm missing some. Luckily my library has them all so I'll have to get on it! Good luck, Elly!
DeleteRunaway Bride is my choice.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kav.
pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com
And a great choice it is! Good luck, Pam!
DeleteI would choose the Runaway Bride. Thanks for these. teshawATsbcglobalDOTnet
ReplyDeleteYep, definitely the most requested title so far. Good luck, Tammie!
DeleteOh these are Three great choices! And well deserved Carol Award finalists too.
ReplyDeleteMy choice is "The Runaway Bride" by Jody Hedlund. I just love her writing and I missed this series. I'd really like to remedy that, lol! Thanks for the chance, Kav. 😊
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
I find it interesting that there are two biblical fiction choices in this category. I've never seen that before. Especially in romance. Good luck, Trixi -- I loved The Runaway Bride.
DeleteThe Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund
ReplyDeleteThank you for this chance.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
Good luck, Lori!
DeleteThis one is hard to chose from. All three are great authors. I think I'll go with Tessa Afshar's book "Daughter of Rome"
ReplyDeleterrwalter34atgmaildotcom
Love the cover of that one. Good luck, Becky!
DeleteI've read Like Flames in the Night, 5 stars all the way!
ReplyDeleteI have Daughters of Rome in my TBR ebook pile, so
Jody Hedlund's Runaway Bride would be my pick
thanks Kav! tracey14567 at gmail dot com
I think my library has that one -- you've convinced me to put a hold on it! Good luck, Tracey!
DeleteWould love Daughter of Rome. The only one I haven’t read yet. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletemindyhoung at msn dot com
You're ahead of me, Mindy. Good luck!
Deletethe runaway bride. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Kim!
DeleteIf fortunate enough to be selected, I would LOVE a copy of "The Runaway Bride" by Jody Hedlund. This author always delivers a fabulous book. I've had it on my TBR list for some time and it's not from lack of desire that has kept it there. Besides, I adore the color purple and the use of it in this cover immediately draws my attention. But that being said, it's what's inside that keeps you coming back to an author. I'd love a return trip to one of Jodi's books.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Proving to be the most popular choice today and I can attest to it's amazingness! Good luck, Kay!
DeleteLike Flames in the Night is a fabulous must read. Hard choice between the other two as I have them both on my wish list. I’ll choose Runaway Bride. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteAnd I've put a hold on it at my library! :-) Apparently it's a book we should be twinning over. Good luck, Lucy!
DeleteSo hard to choose! But I'll go with The Runaway Bride. Hedlund is just sooo good!
ReplyDeletepocoauthorATgmailDOTcom
Yes she is -- and such a versatile author. Good luck, Nicole.
DeleteSince Runaway Bride ( which was great!) is the only one I have read and I have the first three books by Conni Cossette.... I’ll choose Like Flames in the Night. Hoping to complete the series so it looks good on my shelf.
ReplyDeleteHas everyone heard that Conni was diagnosed with breast cancer and will be going through surgery and treatments? Please pray for her.
paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom
Thanks for a great contest!
Oh no, I had not heard that. Will definitely pray for Connilyn Cossette as she goes through surgery and treatment for breast cancer. Thanks for passing that info along, the more prayers, the better.
DeleteA completed series on a shelf is a mighty fine thing. Good luck, Paula!
I would love to read The Runaway Bride.
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138atgmaildotcom
Ha, The Runaway Bride is running away with all the requests this week. Good luck, Caryl!
DeleteI would pick Cossette's! Connilyn Cossette is an amazing author!
ReplyDeletereadreviewrejoiceATgmailDOTcom
I need to read more of her books. Good luck, Kaylee!
DeleteDefinitely choosing Runaway Bride. I really need to start this series. I've been holding onto my copy of book 1 for too long.
ReplyDeletetlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
Oh, yes you do! It's a fantastic series. Good luck, Terrill!
DeleteGreat line up. Thanks for talking about the Carol Awards and what they are. I'd love to put my name in for The Runaway Bride. nora finding hope @ yahoo
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Nora!
Delete