If you’re here, I know two things about you: 1) you love to read, and 2) you love love. And when you put those two things together, you get the Fourth Annual Inspy Valentine’s Awards. I founded (read: made up) these awards a few years ago as a way to share some fun glimpses into what you’ll find in Inspy Romance authors’ books, award-show style. I’ve established (see, made up, above) all new categories this year to keep things fresh.
Please allow me to present to you (in no particular order)…the nominees for the Fourth Annual Inspy Valentine’s Awards!
BEST REDEMPTION ARC
To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh
Ekon Diallo has been stripped of all he knows. There’s only one way up now.
Big Apple Atonement by Carolyn Miller
TJ Woletsky is the NHL’s biggest, baddest enforcer—and a prodigal son who desperately needs God.
Dancing at Daybreak by Valerie Comer
Dixie is running HARD, but Jesus isn’t a quitter.
What Makes a Home by Jaycee Weaver
As Caleb and Jobie bond over renovations, a new development forever changes her and pulls the rug out from under him. Jobie needs a godly man who will support and pursue her. Can Caleb become the man she needs in order to finally give her heart a home?
Into the Flood by Milla Holt
Sonia has her heart in the right place, but she makes some wrong-headed decisions.
Not Until Us by Valerie M. Bodden
Jade has always been the bad girl. When yet another mistake threatens to cost her everything, she has to learn that God has come to redeem the lost—and that means her too.
BEST PROTECTOR
Lawfully Cherished by Liwen Y. Ho
Victor becomes his ex-girlfriend’s bodyguard when she receives a threatening letter.
Not Until Then by Valerie M. Bodden
As a police officer, James has the instinct to protect others, including Bethany and her daughter. But that doesn’t mean he’s willing to risk his own heart.
Muskoka Hearts by Carolyn Miller
Matt Vandenberg fell in love with his best friend’s sister years ago (and sometimes wishes he could fall out of it) and would do anything for Toni.
An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh
Flo is Jalissa’s emotional support dog and ready to protect this heroine.
BEST LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
Writing Home by Amy R. Anguish
Jordan and Christiana met once as teenagers. When they become penpals as adults, more than friendship develops, especially when they see each other in person again for the first time.
Harvest of Love by Valerie Comer
Why else would a guy who doesn’t read bid on a stack of hardcovers at a silent auction to get the attention of a bookstore owner?
Whatever Happens Next by Jaycee Weaver
Blinded by a rogue sunbeam, Jenna bumps—literally—into the silent hero, who falls fast for the strawberry-scented chatterbox. Less Insta love and more first not-sight.
Songs of Home by Valerie M. Bodden
When widower James rescues a mysterious stranger outside a concert, his faltering heart suddenly jolts back to life.
Taking a Chance on Mr. Wrong by Liwen Y. Ho
Ben and Melanie have an instant connection when they meet in the feminine products aisle at the store.
BEST RETELLING
Restoring Fairhaven by Carolyn Miller
A contemporary garden-focused retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
BEST FOUND FAMILY
Whatever Comes Our Way by Jaycee Weaver
United to help a troubled teen whose family is in crisis, Jaydon and Gina set out to discover that the painful pasts they’ve been dealing with just might uniquely equip them to help this hurting family.
Skye by Heather Gray
When Skye has nobody left, she returns to the town she thinks forgot her only to rediscover the found family God blessed her with all those years ago.
Not Until This Day by Valerie M. Bodden
After fleeing from her abusive husband, Isabel is determined not to get close to anyone, but the people of Hope Springs soon become family, whether she wants them to or not.
Songs of Home by Valerie M. Bodden
After the heartbreaking death of her adoptive parents, Lydia thinks she’s alone in the world. Until her biological sister finds her and brings her home to River Falls.
Lavished with Lavender by Valerie Comer
Although Kenna’s not so sure she actually WANTS a large, loud family like the Santoros.
BEST GRAND GESTURE
Hometown Hero by Merrillee Whren
Zach funds the ice skating rink in his hometown for Maisey, who loves to ice skate, then joins her on the ice despite his bum leg.
Roadtrip for Two by Amy R. Anguish
Nathan and Bree broke up, but are on a trip together anyway. When he realizes his feelings haven’t changed, he decides to make their last night in Dallas the best, despite his terror of heights.
Plum Upside Down by Valerie Comer
Chelsea did the one thing she said she never wanted to do to show Keanan she really did love him, after all.
Pieces of Forever by Valerie M. Bodden
Joseph and Ava were high school sweethearts but never got to attend their prom. So Joseph hosts his own prom, just for her.
MOST EXTREME WINTER ACTIVITY
Nowhere for Christmas by Heather Gray
Avery goes on a Christmas road trip with her teen son and a virtual stranger. Throw in a freak blizzard, a broken heater, a run-in with the wildlife, and a *few* other problems for good measure. This road trip redefines extreme in a way that’ll put a smile on your face.
The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion by Valerie Comer
If dashing through the snow in a two-horse open sleigh counts . . .
Christmas of Joy by Valerie M. Bodden
Sledding isn’t usually an extreme sport, but with Madison at the helm, it becomes one.
BEST WALK ON THE BEACH
Lessons Learned in Love by Milla Holt
Tendo grew up in poverty and had never seen the sea. Vanya decides to do something about it.
Footprints on her Heart by Tabitha Bouldin
All Kara wants is to keep her head down and her heart from getting broken, but when kennel owner Trent asks for her help, keeping her heart unattached is harder than she thought.
The Baby’s Christmas Blessing by Meghann Whistler
A hard-earned HEA happens during a nighttime walk on a beautiful Cape Cod beach (on Christmas!) in this touching story!
Not Until This Day by Valerie M. Bodden
Tyler and his kids propose to Isabel on the beach.
Destination: Romance by Amy R. Anguish
Katie and Camden met on vacation, but fight their attraction, knowing the trip is short-lived. They take an evening walk on the beach after a storm moves through and can’t fight their feelings anymore.
BIGGEST STORM
Berry on Top by Valerie Comer
For driving white-knuckled through a mountain blizzard.
Not Until This Day by Valerie M. Bodden
When a tornado threatens, Tyler has to face his fear of storms to rescue Isabel.
Not Until Then by Valerie M. Bodden
A snowstorm nearly derails James and Bethany’s wedding plans…but James isn’t going to let a little blizzard keep him from marrying his bride.
The Billionaire’s Secret by Meghann Whistler
When a ride on the back roads of Vermont goes awry thanks to an intense lightning storm, Ryan and Zara are stranded!
Someone Found by Teresa Tysinger
Caught in a storm on the Appalachian Trail, hiker Quinn McAlister wakes up in Laurel Cove, North Carolina, with no choice but to recover at the camp her rescuer, Eli Moreland, owns. But life’s detours are often the most important steps we’re meant to take.
MOST MUSICAL CHARACTER
Luna Rosa by Elizabeth Maddrey
Nick is a piano tuner who also composes music, but he suffers from stage fright. Louisiana is a concert pianist and just what he needs to help him conquer his fear.
Lessons Learned in Love by Milla Holt
Tendo bursts into song, surprising and delighting Vanya.
Butterflies on Breezes by Valerie Comer
Logan’s decompression spot is at his piano.
Plum Upside Down by Valerie Comer
Keanan plays his guitar and sings Chelsea to sleep.
The Trouble With Love by Toni Shiloh
Pop star Holiday Brown isn’t sure that love is worth all that trouble.
Muskoka Blue by Carolyn Miller
Sarah Maguire is a songwriter and lead singer of a worldwide Christian music group.
Not Until You by Valerie M. Bodden
Nate was on the rise in the Christian music world, until everything came tumbling down around him.
Songs of Home by Valerie M. Bodden
Lydia was a country music star…until she threw a microphone at her cheating boyfriend (and co-star) during a performance. Now she’s trying to figure out how to save her career—and if she even should.
MOST ATHLETIC CHARACTER
Not Until Someday by Valerie M. Bodden
A career-ending injury sends pro football player Levi temporarily back to Hope Springs to help with his father’s construction business. Falling in love with the owner of the B&B he’s remodeling was not part of the plan.
Not Until Now by Valerie M. Bodden
Kayla is a champion wheelchair marathoner determined to remain independent—no matter what her heart says about Cam.
Sweet Serenade by Valerie Comer
Both Reed and Carly are adventure tour guides
Love on Ice by Carolyn Miller
Holly Travers is a short track skater with Winter Olympic aspirations. She and pro hockey star Brent Karlsson might be a match made in heaven—if only their schedules allowed time to see each other!
WISEST ADVISER/MENTOR
Suddenly Forever by Teresa Tysinger
When Cora and Luke come together to care for their only other neighbor, Ina, a spunky and opinionated widow, her belief in God’s goodness through life’s ups and downs works to restore their hope in learning to live—and love—again.
Not Until Forever by Valerie M. Bodden
From the day Sophie was born, her Nana kept a journal of thoughts about life and faith to share with her. After Nana is called to heaven, Sophie finds comfort and wisdom in her words—including about love.
Pieces of Forever by Valerie M. Bodden
Pastor Calvano is always there to listen to his children through their struggles and remind them of God’s unfailing love.
Whatever Comes Our Way by Jaycee Weaver
Jaydon and Gina from Whatever Comes Our Way are recurring characters in several of my other books. They become mentor figures in Becoming Us, Braver With You, and at least two others!
Wishes on Wildflowers and Raindrops on Radishes by Valerie Comer
Marietta Santoro, matriarch of many of the Urban Farm Fresh Romances, is especially involved with her grandchildren Jasmine in Wishes on Wildflowers and Peter in Raindrops on Radishes.
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There you have it! The nominees for the Fourth Annual Inspy Romance Awards. There are no winners…because you can’t lose with any of these books. I hope you’ve found some to add to your TBR. And if you need more inspiration, you can always check out the First Annual Inspy Valentine’s Awards, the Second Annual Inspy Valentine’s Awards, and the Third Annual Inspy Valentine’s Awards!
I’d love to know if you’ve read any of the nominated books…or added any to your TBR! And if you have any category ideas for next year’s awards, I’m already taking notes!
Valerie M. Bodden has three great loves: Jesus, her family, and books. And chocolate (okay, four great loves). She writes emotion-filled Christian fiction that weaves real-life problems, real-life people, and real-life faith. Her characters may (okay, will) experience some heartache along the way, but true to her tendencies as a hopeless romantic, she will always give them a happy ending. Valerie is living out her happily ever after in Wisconsin with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband and their four children. Visit her at www.valeriembodden.com to get a free story.
I read To Win A Prince and agree its a great redemptive arc. I have a read a few of the other ones and have a few on my kindle. I did read Restoring fairhaven not that I realised it was a retelling of beauty and the beast but thought that was 2021 not last year.
I am not the best at picking some genres.
I enjoy reading the awards.
I’m so glad to hear you’ve read some of the books on the list! It’s always fun to put together. :)
a catagory (after reading a book with the hero having a cat phobia)
could be most unusual phobia.
Best holiday romance.
Love it! Thanks for the suggestions!
I have probably read and enjoyedhalf of the books that you nominated, which makes me want to read the other half. It was so good to be reminded of ‘Luna Rose’ by Elizabeth Maddrey and be reminded of that awesome multi author box set
Oh yay! I’m so glad you’ve read so many of them–and that now you want to read the rest!
So many good ones and not enough time. Thank you for sharing. Blessings
Ha! Yes, time is always the problem!
Hi Valerie! LOVED, LOVED, LOVED your Inspy Valentine Awards. Living in Michigan I LOVE the categories Most Extreme Winter Activity and Biggest Storm. As a retired teacher, mom, and Beloved OMA I enjoy Wisest Mentor / Advisor category. I have been following this blog for a decade. Started after reading a romance by Valerie Comer. Have read her books mentioned. As a Midwesterner I remember shaking my head at all the tragic events in Heather Gray’s Nowhere for Christmas. Enjoy your weekend and Happy Valentine’s Day.
I’m so glad you loved it! It’s fun to find categories we can relate to from our own life experiences. It’s wonderful that you’ve been following this blog for a decade! Thanks for your encouragement to all of the authors here!
I love these award categories, especially Best Found Family and Best storm. I’ve bookmarked this post to come back to as there are so many that I think I need to add to my TBR list, it’s a great way of bringing out the unique features of all these books.
Oh good! I’m so glad you’ve bookmarked it to come back to…there’s plenty here to keep a TBR list going for a while, lol. I love found families…and I may not love storms in real life, but I do love writing and reading about them. :)
What a wonderful idea and a great tradition you’ve created!
I’ve enjoyed some of the amazing books listed and looking forward to reading the rest.
Category ideas for next year might be about blended families, holidays, unusual occupations …. Thanks:)
Thank you for the category ideas! I’m writing them on my list for next year so I don’t forget!
I’ve read quite a few of these, and even more of them are in TBR stack!
Yay! You can never have too many books on your TBR! :)
good luck
Thanks for checking out the list! :)
This is amazing! When I began reading, I thought there would be maybe a dozen books in a few categories. Thank you for all the great ideas for my TBR pile.
Oh yay! I’m always happy to add to someone’s TBR…including my own, lol! Enjoy the books!
Always enjoy your Awards List! I agree with Ruthie, “it’s a great way of bringing out the unique features of all these books”. It’s fun remembering what happens in those I’ve read and it helps me get interested in others. Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the list! I always get a kick out of the unique elements in everyone’s books. :)