Whitney Awards Explained
The Whitney Awards are awards given annually for novels by LDS authors. Established in 2007, they are named after Orson F. Whitney, a prominent early member of the LDS Church. There are several categories for which novels may be nominated. The Whitney Awards are a semi-independent non-profit organization affiliated with the LDStorymakers, a guild for LDS authors.[1]
Categories
Due to the limited number of titles released by LDS authors, several of the genre awards have been combined (such as romance and women's fiction).[2], there are eight genre categories:[3]
Adult
Youth
There are also two special awards:
- Best Novel by a New Author
- Novel of the Year
The Whitney Committee states that it is unlikely that other areas of LDS art—such as music, poetry, or non-fiction books—will be added to the categories.[4]
Process
To be eligible, a novel must be written by an LDS author during the award year, and be at least 50,000 words long. Any reader can nominate a book. Once a book has received five or more nominations, it becomes an official nominee. The official nominees are presented to the Whitney Awards Committee which checks for eligibility and acts as a preliminary judging panel, reducing the number of nominees to no more than five per category.
Finally, ballots are sent to the Whitney Awards Academy, an invitation-only group consisting of authors, bookstore owners/managers, distributors, critics, and other industry professionals. By a popular vote, they decide on the winners.[5] The awards are presented at a dinner held at the conclusion of the annual LDStorymakers conference and writing "boot camp."[6]
Until the 2010 awards (presented 2011), books were not allowed to win in more than one category.
Name
The awards are named after Orson F. Whitney, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as a poet and writer. In 1888, Elder Whitney delivered a speech entitled "Home Literature" in which he stated:
We will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own. God's ammunition is not exhausted. His brightest spirits are held in reserve for the latter times. In God's name and by his help we will build up a literature whose top shall touch heaven, though its foundations may now be low in earth.[7]
The phrase "We will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own" has been adopted as the slogan of the Whitney Awards, and is printed on the trophy.
Winners and finalists 2007 - present
2007 (presented March 22, 2008)[8] [9] Best Novel of the Year | Best Y/A Children's |
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Winner: On the Road to Heaven, by Coke Newell — Zarahemla Books
Other finalists
- Out of Jerusalem: Land of Inheritance, by H.B. Moore — Covenant Communications
- The Operative, by Willard Boyd Gardner — Covenant Communications
- Upon the Mountains, by Gale Sears — Covenant Communications
| Winner: Fablehaven 2: Rise of the Evening Star, by Brandon Mull — Shadow Mountain
Other finalists
- Bullies in the Headlights, by Matthew Buckley (Marion Jensen)— Covenant Communications
|
Best Novel by a New Author | Best Speculative |
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Winner: Dragon Slippers, by Jessica Day George — Bloomsbury
Other finalists
- Wet Desert, by Gary Hansen — Holeshot Press
- Counting Stars, by Michele Paige Holmes — Covenant Communications
- Beyond the Horizon, by Judy C. Olsen — Covenant Communications
- On the Road to Heaven, by Coke Newell — Zarahemla Books
| Winner: Book of a Thousand Days, by Shannon Hale — Bloomsbury
Other finalists
- Hunting Gideon, by Jessica Draper — Zarahemla Books
- The Lights of Mahonri Moriancumer, by Phyllis Gunderson — Cedar Fort, Inc.
|
Best Romance/Women's Fiction | Best Historical |
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Winner: Counting Stars, by Michele Paige Holmes — Covenant Communications
Other finalists
- Desire of our Hearts, by Sariah S. Wilson — Covenant Communications
- Loyalty's Web, by Joyce DiPastena — iUniverse
| Winner: Out of Jerusalem: Land of Inheritance, by H.B. Moore — Covenant Communications
Other finalists
- Beyond the Horizon, by Judy C. Olsen — Covenant Communications
- On the Road to Heaven, by Coke Newell — Zarahemla Books
- Spires of Stone, by Annette Lyon — Covenant Communications
- Upon the Mountains, by Gale Sears — Covenant Communications
|
Best Mystery/Suspense | Lifetime Achievement |
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Winner: Sheep's Clothing, by Josi S. Kilpack — Deseret Book
Other finalists
- Grave Secrets, by Marlene Austin — Covenant Communications
- The Operative, by Willard Boyd Gardner — Covenant Communications
|
| |
2008 (presented April, 2009)[10] [11] [12] [13] Best Novel of the Year | Best Youth Fiction |
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Winner: Traitor, by Sandra Grey
Other finalists
- Bound on Earth, by Angela Hallstrom
- Fool Me Twice, by Stephanie Black
| Winner: The 13th Reality, by James Dashner
Other finalists
|
Best Novel by a New Author | Best Speculative Fiction |
---|
Winner: Bound on Earth, by Angela Hallstrom
Other finalists
- The Reckoning, by Tanya Parker Mills
- Spare Change, by Aubrey Mace
- Waiting For the Light to Change, by Annette Hawes
| Winner: The Hero of Ages, by Brandon Sanderson
Other finalists
- The Great and Terrible: From the End of Heaven, by Chris Stewart
|
Best Romance | Best Historical |
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Winner: Spare Change, by Aubrey Mace
Other finalists
- Seeking Persephone, by Sarah Eden
- Servant to a King, by Sariah Wilson
- Taking Chances, by Shannon Guymon
| Winner: Abinadi, by H. B. Moore
Other finalists
- Isabelle Webb, Legend of the Jewel, by N. C. Allen
- The Ruby, by Jennie Hansen
|
Best Mystery/Suspense | Best General Fiction |
---|
Winner: Fool Me Twice, by Stephanie Black
Other finalists
- Do No Harm, by Gregg Luke
| Winner: Waiting For the Light to Change, by Annette Haws
Other finalists
- Bound on Earth, by Angela Hallstrom
- The Reckoning, by Tanya Parker Mills
- Fields of Home, by Rachel Ann Nunes
- Keeping Keller, by Tracy Winegar
|
Lifetime Achievement Awards |
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| |
2009 (presented April, 2010)[14] [15] Best Novel of the Year | Best Youth Fiction |
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In the Company of Angels, by David Farland
| Winner: The Chosen One, by Carol Lynch Williams
Other finalists
- Bright Blue Miracle, by Becca Wilhite
|
Best Novel by a New Author (tie) | Best Speculative Fiction |
---|
- Gravity vs. The Girl, by Riley Noehren
| Winner: Servant of a Dark God, by John Brown
Other finalists
|
Best Romance | Best Historical |
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Winner: Counting the Cost, by Liz Adair
Other finalists
- Illuminations of the Heart, by Joyce DiPastena
- All The Stars in Heaven, by Michele Paige Holmes
- Santa Maybe, by Aubrey Mace
- Previously Engaged, by Elodia Strain
| Winner: The Last Waltz, by G.G. Vandagriff
Other finalists
|
Best Mystery/Suspense | Best General Fiction |
---|
Winner: Methods of Madness, by Stephanie Black
Other finalists
- Altered State, by Gregg Luke
| Winner: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford
Other finalists
- No Going Back, by Jonathan Langford
- Gravity vs. The Girl, by Riley Noehren
- Eyes Like Mine, by Julie Wright
|
Lifetime Achievement Award | Outstanding Achievement Award |
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Gerald Lund
| Dave Wolverton
| |
2010 (presented May 7, 2011)[16] [17] [18] Best Novel of the Year (tie) | Best Youth Fiction – General |
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| Winner: The Healing Spell, by Kimberley Griffiths Little
Other finalists
- Glimpse, by Carol Lynch Williams
- Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me, by Kristen Chandler
|
Best Novel by a New Author | Best Youth Fiction – Speculative |
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Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White
| Winner: Matched, by Ally Condie
Other finalists
- Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White
- The Forbidden Sea, by Sheila Nielson
|
Best Romance | Best Speculative Fiction |
---|
Winner: Cross My Heart, by Julie Wright
Other finalists
- Courting Miss Lancaster, by Sarah M. Eden
- The Legend of Shannonderry, by Carol Warburton
- Luck of the Draw, by Rachael Renee Anderson
- Meg's Melody, by Kaylee Baldwin
| Winner: The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson
Other finalists
|
Best Mystery/Suspense | Best Historical |
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Winner: Cold As Ice, by Stephanie Black
Other finalists
- Wrong Number, by Rachelle J. Christensen
| Winner: Trespass, by Sandra Grey
Other finalists
- Alma The Younger, by H.B. Moore
- Oh Say Can You See?, by L.C. Lewis
- The Sheen on the Silk, by Anne Perry
|
Best General Fiction |
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Winner: Band of Sisters, by Annette Lyon
Other finalists
- Blink of an Eye, by Gregg Luke
- Lucky Change, by Susan Law Corpany
| |
2011 (presented May 5, 2012)[19] [20] [21] Best Novel of the Year | Best Novel by a New Author |
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I Don't Want to Kill You, by Dan Wells
| With a Name Like Love, by Tess Hilmo
|
Outstanding Achievement Award | Lifetime Achievement Award |
---|
Jack Weyland
| Doug Thayer
|
Best Romance | Best Speculative Fiction |
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Winner: Borrowed Light, by Carla Kelly
Other finalists
- Count Down to Love, by Julie N. Ford
- Captive Heart, by Michele Paige Holmes
- The List, by Melanie Jacobson
- Not My Type, by Melanie Jacobson
| Winner: , by Brandon Sanderson
Other finalists
- No Angel, by Theresa Sneed
- A Night of Blacker Darkness, by Dan Wells
|
Best Mystery/Suspense | Best Historical |
---|
Winner: Rearview Mirror, by Stephanie Black
Other finalists
- If I Should Die, by Jennie Hansen
- Bloodborne, by Gregg Luke
- Acceptable Loss, by Anne Perry**
| Winner: Letters in the Jade Dragon Box by Gale Sears
Other finalists
- Daughter of Helaman, by Misty Moncur
- Isabelle Webb: The Pharaoh's Daughter, by N.C. Allen
- Miss Delacourt Has Her Day, by Heidi Ashworth
|
Best Youth Fiction – General | Best General Fiction |
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Winner: With a Name like Love, by Tess Hilmo
Other finalists
- Girls Don't Fly, by Kristen Chandler
- Pride & Popularity, by Jenni James
| Winner: Before I Say Goodbye, by Rachel Ann Nunes
Other finalists
|
Best Youth Fiction – Speculative |
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Winner: Variant, by Robison Wells
Other finalists
- My Unfair Godmother, by Janette Rallison
- Shifting, by Bethany Wiggins
| |
2012 (presented May 11, 2013)[22] [23] [24] General | Young Adult – Speculative |
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Winner:The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
Other finalists
- Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock
- A Night on Moon Hill by Tanya Parker Mills
| Winner: Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Other finalists
|
Historical | Young Adult – General |
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Winner: My Loving Vigil Keeping by Carla Kelly
Other finalists
- Espionage by A. L. Sowards
- Within the Dark Hills by Sian Ann Bessey
- Spinster's Folly by Marsha Ward
| Winner: After Hello by Lisa Mangum
Other finalists
- Finding June by Shannen Crane Camp
- The Space Between Us by Jessica Martinez
- The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson
- V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram
|
Romance | Middle Grade |
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Winner: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Other finalists
- Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie
- Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen
- Smart Move by Melanie Jacobson
- Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson
| Winner: The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Other finalists
- Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero by Matt Peterson
- Freakling by Lana Krumwiede
|
Best Mystery/Suspense | Best Novel by New Author |
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Winner: Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson
Other finalists
- Deadly Undertakings by Gregg Luke
| Winner: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Other finalists
- Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock
- The Five Books of Jesus by James Goldberg
- Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie
- Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
- Everneath by Brodi Ashton
- Espionage by A.L. Sowards
- Freakling by Lana Krumwiede
- The Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero by Matt Peterson
- Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen
|
Speculative | Best Novel of the Year |
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Winner: The Hollow City by Dan Wells
Other finalists
- Flight From Blithmore by Jacob Gowans
- Earthbound by Theresa Sneed
- The Penitent by C. David Belt
| The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
|
Best Novel in Youth Fiction |
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The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
|
Outstanding Achievement Award | Lifetime Achievement Award |
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Carol Lynch Williams
| Lael Littke
| |
2013 General | Young Adult – General |
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Winner: Mile 21 by Sarah Dunster
Other finalists
- Love Letters of the Angels of Death by Jennifer Quist
- Road to Bountiful by Donald Smurthwaite
- The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor
| Winner: All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry
Other finalists
- Chasing June by Shannen Crane Camp
- Dead Girls Don't Lie by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
- The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
|
Historical | Middle Grade |
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Winner: Esther the Queen by Heather B. Moore
Other finalists
- Safe Passage by Carla Kelly
- The Mounds Anomaly by Phyllis Gunderson
- Where the River Once Flowed by Jennie Hansen
| Winner: The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Other finalists
- Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor's Secret by Chad Morris
- RUMP: The True Story of Rumplestilskin by Liesel Shurtliff
- Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman
|
Romance | Best Novel by New Author |
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Winner: Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
Other finalists
- Hearth Fires by Dorothy Keddington
- Longing for Home by Sarah M. Eden
- Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson
- The Orchard by Krista Lynne Jensen
| Winner: Pivot Point by Kasie West
Other finalists
- The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor
- I, Spy by Jordan McCollum
- Insomnia by J. R. Johansson
- Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor's Secret by Chad Morris
- RUMP: The True Story of Rumplestilskin by Liesel Shurtliff
- Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman
|
Mystery/Suspense | Best Novel of the Year |
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Winner: Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson
Other finalists
- I, Spy by Jordan McCollum
- Finding Sheba by Heather B. Moore
- Spy for a Spy by Jordan McCollum
| Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
|
Speculative | Best Novel in Youth Fiction |
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Winner: Dark Memories by Jeffrey Scott Savage
Other finalists
- Echo in Time by C. J. Hill
- Heart of the Ocean by Heather B. Moore
- The Witnesses by Stephanie Black
- Winter Queen by Amber Argyle
| Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
|
Young Adult – Speculative | Outstanding Achievement |
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Winner: Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
Other finalists
- Friends and Traitors: Slayers 2 by C. J. Hill
- Insomnia by J. R. Johansson
- Pivot Point by Kasie West
| Rachel Ann Nunes
|
Lifetime Achievement |
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Blaine Yorgason
| |
2014 General | Young Adult – General |
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Winner: The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon
Other finalists
- A Plentiful Rain by Elizabeth Petty Bentley
- My Name is Bryan by Stacy Lynn Carrol
- Still Time by Maria Hoagland
| Winner: Death Coming up the Hill by Christopher E. Crowe
Other finalists
- Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little
- Kiss Kill Vanish by Jessica Martinez
- Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan
- On the Fence by Kasie West
|
Historical | Middle Grade |
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Winner: Softly Falling by Carla Kelly
Other finalists
- An Ocean atween Us by Angela Morrison
- Deadly Alliance by A.L. Sowards
- Eve: In the Beginning by H. B. Moore
- Gone for a Soldier by Marsha Ward
| Winner: Almost Super by Marion Jensen
Other finalists
- Sky Jumpers: The Forbidden Flats by Peggy Eddleman
- The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
- The Time of the Fireflies by Kimberley Griffiths Little
|
Romance | Best Novel by New Author |
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Winner: Longing for Home: Hope Springs by Sarah M. Eden
Other finalists
- Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore
- Lady Emma's Campaign by Jennifer Moore
- Painting Kisses by Melanie Jacobson
- Spy by Night by Jordan McCollum
| Winner: Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore
Other finalists
- Nameless: The Darkness Comes by Mercedes M. Yardley
- Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan
- The Accidental Apprentice by Anika Arrington
|
Mystery/Suspense | Best Novel of the Year |
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Winner: Wedding Cake by Josi S. Kilpack
Other finalists
- Death on Blackheath by Anne Perry
- Tomorrow We Spy by Jordan McCollum
| Longing for Home: Hope Springs by Sarah M. Eden
|
Speculative | Best Novel in Youth Fiction |
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Winner: Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
Other finalists
- Nameless: The Darkness Comes by Mercedes M. Yardley
- Pretty Little Dead Girls by Mercedes M. Yardley
- The Accidental Apprentice by Anika Arrington
| The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
|
Young Adult – Speculative | Outstanding Achievement |
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Winner: Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White
Other finalists
- Dangerous by Shannon Hale
- The Glass Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
| Andrew Hall
|
Lifetime Achievement |
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Margaret Blair Young
| |
2015[25] General | Historical |
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Winner: The Other Side of Quiet by Tara C. Allred
Other finalists
- The McCarran Collection by Liz Adair
- Wreckage by Emily Bleeker
- Shattered Hearts by Stacy Lynn Carroll
| Winner: The Rules in Rome by A.L. Sowards
Other Finalists
- Light of the Candle by Carol Pratt Bradley
- A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie
- Doing No Harm by Carla Kelly
- The Moses Chronicles: Bondage by H.B. Moore
|
Mystery/Suspense | Romance |
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Winner: Failsafe by Traci Hunter Abramson
Other Finalists
- Played for a Fool by Stephanie Black
- Lie Catchers by Paul Bishop
- The Angel Court Affair by Anne Perry
| Winner: Lord Fenton's Folly by Josi S. Kilpack
Other Finalists
- Always Will by Melanie Jacobson
- Eleanor and the Iron King by Julie Daines
- Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince by Jennifer Moore
- Kisses in the Rain by Krista Lynne Jensen
|
Speculative | Middle Grade |
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Winner: The Devil's Only Friend by Dan Wells
Other Finalists
- Summer Queen by Amber Argyle
- Caretaker by Josi Russell
- Truth of Embers by Caitlyn McFarland
| Winner: A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen
Other Finalists
- Mark of the Thief by Jennifer Nielsen
- Far World: Fire Keep by J. Scott Savage
- Mothman's Curse by Christine Hayes
|
General Young Adult Fiction | Speculative Young Adult Fiction |
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Winner: Calvin by Martine Leavitt
Other Finalists
- The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
- Has to Be Love by Jolene Perry
- Ink and Ashes by Valynne E. Maetani
| Winner: Firefight by Brandon Sanderson
Other Finalists
- Followed by Frost by Charlie N. Holmberg
- This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee
- A Thousand Faces by Janci Patterson
|
Best Novel by a New Author | |
---|
Winner: Ink and Ashes by Valynne E. Maetani
Finalists
- Light of the Candle by Carol Pratt Bradley
- This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee
- Wreckage by Emily Bleeker
- Caretaker by Josi Russell
- Mothman's Curse by Christine Hayes
| |
Outstanding Achievement Award | Lifetime Achievement Award |
---|
Tracy Hickman and Laura Hickman
| Marsha Ward
|
Novel of the Year (Adult) | Novel of the Year (Youth) |
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Lord Fenton’s Folly by Josi S. Kilpack
| A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen
| |
2016General | Historical |
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Winner: The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright
Other finalists
- When I’m Gone by Emily Bleeker
- The Dragons of Alsace Farm by Laurie Lewis
- The Model Marriage by Maria Hoagland
- The Soldier’s Bride by Rachelle J. Christensen
| Winner: From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
Other Finalists
- A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore
- Born to Treason by E.B. Wheeler
- Deliverance by H.B. Moore
|
Mystery/Suspense | Contemporary Romance |
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Winner: Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt
Other Finalists
- Revenge in a Cold River by Anne Perry
- Slave Queen by H.B. Moore
- Walk of Infamy by Sheralyn Pratt
| Winner: Love at First Note by Jenny Proctor
Other Finalists
- Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson
- How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison
- A Date with Danger by Kari Iroz
- Love’s Shadow by Nichole Van
|
Historical Romance | Speculative |
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Winner: My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen
Other Finalists
- The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden
- Lady Helen Finds Her Song by Jennifer Moore
- The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson
- Willowkeep by Julie Daines
| Winner: The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson
Other Finalists
- Extreme Makeover by Dan Wells
- The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
|
Middle Grade | General Young Adult Fiction |
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Winner: Summerlost by Ally Condie
Other Finalists
- The Wrong Side of Magic by Janette Rallison
- Gears of Revolution by J. Scott Savage
- Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtliff
- Ghostsitter by Shelly Brown
| Winner: The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry
Other Finalists
- The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
- P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
- Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman
- The Truth About Fragile Things by Regina Sirois
|
Speculative Young Adult Fiction | Best Debut Novel |
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Winner: Calamity by Brandon Sanderson
Other Finalists
- The Girl Who Heard Demons by Janette Rallison
- Death Thieves by Julie Wright
- Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard
| Winner: The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
Finalists
- Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman
- Ghostsitter by Shelly Brown
|
Novel of the Year (Adult) | Novel of the Year (Youth) |
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From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
| Summerlost by Ally Condie
|
Outstanding Achievement Award | |
---|
Liz Adair
Marilyn Brown
| | |
2017General | Historical |
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Winner: The Fattest Mormon by Tyson Abaroa
Other finalists
- Carve Me a Melody by Rachelle J. Christensen
- The Book of Laman by Mette Harrison
- Flight of the Wounded Falcon by Trish Mercer
- Gilda Trillim: Shepherdess of Rats by Steven L. Peck
| Winner: Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore
Other Finalists
- Waiting for the Light by Carol Pratt Bradley
- Courting Carrie in Wonderland by Carla Kelly
- The Proud Shall Stumble by Gerald N. Lund
|
Mystery/Suspense | Romance |
---|
Winner: Safe House by Traci Hunter Abramson
Other Finalists
- The Capture by Julie Coulter Bellon
- The Killing Curse by H.B. Moore
- Deadly Inheritance by Clair M. Poulson
- Clear Expectations by Terri Reid
| Winner: Lies Jane Austen Told Me by Julie Wright
Other Finalists
- Mormon Girl Incognito by Kari Iroz
- Brush with Love by Lisa McKendrick
- Wrong for You by Jenny Proctor
|
Historical Romance | Speculative |
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Winner: Love Remains by Sarah M. Eden
Other Finalists
- The Secret of the India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen
- Havencross by Julie Daines
- Petticoat Spy by Carol Warburton
| Winner: The Fifth Doll by Charlie N. Holmberg
Other Finalists
- Fallen Stone by Jana S. Brown
- The Queen and the Cure by Amy Harmon
- Abounding Might by Melissa McShane
- Pretender to the Crown by Melissa McShane
|
Middle Grade | General Young Adult Fiction |
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Winner: Paper Chains by Elaine Vickers
Other Finalists
- The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry
- Mustaches for Maddie by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown
- Wrath of the Storm by Jennifer A. Nielsen
- Embers of Destruction by J. Scott Savage
| Winner: By Your Side by Kasie West
Other Finalists
- Remember Me Always by Renee Collins
- The Duke of Bannerman Prep by Katie A. Nelson
- All the Forever Things by Jolene Perry
- Love, Life, and the List by Kasie West
- Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner
|
Speculative Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy Young Adult Fiction |
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Winner: Ones and Zeroes by Dan Wells
Other Finalists
- The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
- Beyond by Catina Haverlock and Angela Larkin
- The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King
- Last Star Burning by Caitlin Sangster
| Winner: Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves
Finalists
- Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson
- Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
- Crystal Blade by Kathryn Purdie
- Poison’s Kiss by Breeana Shields
|
Novel of the Year (Adult) | Novel of the Year (Youth) |
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Safe House by Traci Hunter Abramson
| The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King
|
Best Debut Novel | |
---|
Winner: The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King
Finalists
- The Fattest Mormon by Tyson Abaroa
- Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves
- Beyond by CatinaHaverlock and Angela Larkin
- Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
- The Duke of Bannerman Prep by Katie A. Nelson
- Last Star Burning Caitlin Sangster
- Poison’s Kiss by Breeana Shields
| |
Outstanding Achievement Award |
---|
Robison Wells
| |
2018General | Mystery/Suspense |
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Winner: As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack
Other finalists
- The Unlikely Master Genius by Carla Kelly
- Anna the Prophetess by H.B. Moore
- The Other Side of the Bridge by Camron Wright
| Winner: A Familiar Fear by Kathi Oram Peterson
Other Finalists
- The Darkling Bride by Laura Andersen
- Second Look by Julie Coulter Bellon
- Conviction by Robbin J. Peterson
|
Romance | Historical Romance |
---|
Winner: Perfect Set by Melanie Jacobson
Other Finalists
- Love at Lakeview Med by T. J. Amberson
- Match Me if You Can by Lindzee Armstrong
- Until We Kissed by Heather B. Moore
- Silver Star by Lisa Swinton
| Winner: Seeing Miss Heartstone by Nichole Van
Other Finalists
- My Sister’s Intended by Rachael Anderson
- The Truth About Miss Ashbourne by Joanna Barker
- Flame and Ember by M. A. Nichols
|
Speculative | Middle Grade |
---|
Winner: Witchy Winter by D. J. Butler
Other Finalists
- The Arawn Prophecy by C. David Belt
- Blood Requiem by Christopher Husberg
- Aether Spark by Nicholas Petrarch
| Winner: Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Other Finalists
- The Three Rules of Everyday Magic by Amanda Rawson Hill
- Squint by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown
- Passage to Avalon by Mike Thayer
|
General Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy Young Adult Fiction |
---|
Winner: Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black
Other Finalists
- Good Girls Stay Quiet by Jo Cassidy
- The Awful Wonderful Story of Us by Jolene Perry
- Shoot The Moon by Kate Watson
- Once I Was a Beehive by Carole Lynch Williams
| Winner: The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Other Finalists
- Stolen Enchantress by Amber Argyle
- The Plastic Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
- Frozen Reign by Kathryn Purdie
- Iron Garland by Jeff Wheeler
|
Speculative Young Adult Fiction | Best Debut Novel |
---|
Winner: First Kisses Suck by Ali Cross
Other Finalists
- Blood Creek Witch by Jay Barnson
- Willow Marsh by Jo Cassidy
- In Her Dreams by Joanna Reeder
- Shatter the Suns by Caitlin Sangster
| Winner: Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black
Finalists
- The Truth About Miss Ashbourne by Joanna Barker
- Blood Creek Witch by Jay Barnson
- The Three Rules of Everyday Magic by Amanda Rawson Hill
- Aether Spark by Nicholas Petrarch
|
Novel of the Year (Adult) | Novel of the Year (Youth) |
---|
As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack
| Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen
|
Outstanding Achievement Award |
---|
Elana Johnson
Lisa Mangum
| |
2019General | Mystery/Suspense |
---|
Winner: Muddy: Where Faith and Polygamy Collide by Dean Hughes
Other finalists
- The Book of Abish by Mette Harrison
- Whatever it Takes by Jessica Pack
- The Girl in Gray by Annette Lyon
- Deborah: Prophetess of God by H.B. Moore
| Winner: Mistaken Reality by Traci Hunter Abramson
Other Finalists
- Robin and Marian by Stephanie Fowers
- Death in Focus by Anne Perry
|
Romance | Historical Romance |
---|
Winner: Finding Jack by Melanie Jacobson
Other Finalists
- Hitching the Pitcher by Connolly, Summers, Moore
- Love Again at the Heart of Main Street by Meg Easton
- Dreaming of the Next Door Doc by Brenna Jacobs
- Missed Kiss by Cassie Mae
| Winner: What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
Other Finalists
- Miss Adeline's Match by Joanna Barker
- The Paradox of Love by Teri Harman
- A Song of the Stars by Ilima Todd
- Suffering the Scot by Nichole Van
|
Speculative | Middle Grade |
---|
Winner: The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon
Other Finalists
- House of Assassins by Larry Correia
- to Kill a Curse by Jennifer Jenkins
- The View From Castle Always by Melissa McShane
- A Dragon's Fate by Daniel Swenson
| Winner: Dragonwatch: Master of the Phantom Isle by Brandon Mull
Other Finalists
- Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers by Shauna Holyoak
- The Obsidian Compass by Liesl Shurtliff
- A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore
- The Vacant Realm by Mike Thayer
|
General Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy Young Adult Fiction |
---|
Winner: Lovely War by Julie Berry
Other Finalists
- Just for Clicks by Kara McDowell
- Paul, Big and Small by David Glen Robb
- Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart
- Rayne and Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner
| Winner: The Bone Charmer by Breeana Shields
Other Finalists
- Smoke and Summons by Charlie Holmberg
- Before the Broken Star by Emily R. King
- Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller
- An Affair of Poisons by Addie Thorley
|
Speculative Young Adult Fiction | Best Debut Novel |
---|
Winner: The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe by Ally Condie
Other Finalists
- Displaced by Bridget E. Baker
- Shattered Snow by Rachel Huffmire
- Lovestruck by Kate Watson
| Winner: Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart
Finalists
- Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers by Shauna Holyoak
- Shattered Snow by Rachel Huffmire
- Just For Clicks by Kara McDowell
- A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore
- An Affair of Poisons by Addie Thorley
|
Novel of the Year (Adult) | Novel of the Year (Youth) |
---|
Sanctuary by Tracy Hunter Abramson
| Lovely War by Julie Berry
| |
2022[26] [27] General | Mystery/Suspense |
---|
Winner: The Audacity of Sara Grayson by Joani Elliott
Other finalists
- Of Sword and Shadow by A.L. Sowards
- The Slow March of Light by Heather B. Moore
- The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 5 by Beth Brower
| Winner: Treacherous Legacy by Kathi Oram Peterson
Other Finalists
- Heart of the Enemy by Heidi McKusick
- Danger on the Loch by Paige Edwards
- Constantine Capers: The Pennington Perplexity by Natalie Brianne
|
Romance | Historical Romance |
---|
Winner: So Not My Thing by Melanie Jacobson
Other Finalists
- The Accidental Text by Becky Monson
- The Cowboy and the Girl Next Door by Janette Rallison
- Fly Home to Me by Chalon Linton
- Only Ever Friends by Shaela Kay
| Winner: A Proper Scoundrel by Esther Hatch
Other Finalists
- The Captain's Confidant by Ashtyn Newbold
- Heart in the Highlands by Heidi Kimball
- The Nabob's Daughter by Jess Heileman
- Songbook of Benny Lament by Amy Harmon
|
Speculative | Middle Grade |
---|
Winner: Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson
Other Finalists
- A Proper Dragon by E. B. Wheeler
- Prospector's Choice by Kevin W. Bates
- The Second Blind Son by Amy Harmon
| Winner: Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera
Other Finalists
- Breathing Underwater by Sarah Allen
- The Stars of Whistling Ridge by Cindy Baldwin
|
General Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy Young Adult Fiction |
---|
Winner: Beyond the Mapped Stars by Rosalyn Eves
Other Finalists
- A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions by Sheena Boekweg
- Fadeaway by E. B. Vickers
- Fourth Sister by M. L. Farb
- Where I Belong by Marcia Argueta Mickelson
| Winner: The Splendor by Breeana Shields
Other Finalists
- Bone Crier's Dawn by Kathryn Purdie
- She Who Rides the Storm by Caitlin Sangster
- Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica Olson
|
Speculative Young Adult Fiction | Best Debut Novel |
---|
Winner: Entanglement by Shannen Camp
Other Finalists
- Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter
- The Promised Prince by Kortney Keisel
- Republic of Ruin by L. Blaise Hues
| Winner: The Audacity of Sara Grayson by Joani Elliott
|
Novel of the Year (Adult) | Novel of the Year (Youth) |
---|
Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson
| Beyond the Mapped Stars by Rosalyn Eves
| |
Committee
The Whitney Awards Committee acts as both the organizers and the preliminary judges of the Whitney Awards. Rules stipulate that the committee be made up of at least four members of LDStorymakers. Their positions are temporary, by invitation of the Whitney Awards Committee president (who is appointed by the LDStorymakers executive committee).
The 2009 committee included:
- Robison Wells, president
- Julie Coulter Bellon
- Danyelle Ferguson
- John Ferguson
- Crystal Leichty
- Sheila Staley
- Jaime Theler
The 2011 committee included:
The 2015 committee were:
- Jaime Theler, president
- Kaylee Baldwin
- Marion Jensen
- Nancy Campbell Allen
- Heather Justesen
- Deborah Talmadge-Bickmore
- Kimberly Vanderhorst
The 2017 committee:
- Peggy Eddleman, president
- Janet Sumner Johnson
- Josi S. Kilpack
- Monique Luetkemeyer
- Jeremy Maughan
- E.B. Wheeler
- Michelle Wilson
- Jared Garrett
Although Kerry Blair had been a member of the Whitney Awards Committee for two years, the other members of the committee "went behind her back" to name her the winner of a Lifetime Achievement Award for 2008.
Reception
One Mormon literature critic initially raised concerns with the heavy involvement of authors published by Covenant Communications in the awards process.[28] However, when the finalists for 2007 were announced, this same commenter noted both that there was a wide spectrum of publishers represented, and that "Covenant publishes the lion's share of Mormon market fiction."[9] This same critic later described the awards as "at best a reductive form of validation and criticism. Although let's be honest: The Whitneys have way more credibility than the Grammys."[29]
After the 2011 nominations, criticism of the nomination process was common, though appreciation of the Whitney Awards themselves was also common.[30] [31] [32] [33]
See also
References
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: About the Whitney Awards . whitneyawards.com . Whitney Awards . 19 May 2014 .
- Web site: Whitney Awards Q&A . Robison Wells . Robison Wells . 19 June 2007 . Six LDS Writers and A Frog . . 30 July 2009 .
- Web site: Whitney Awards » Program Overview . 2014-11-12 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141107213733/http://whitneyawards.com/program-overview/ . 2014-11-07 .
- Web site: Frequently Asked Questions . Whitney Awards . 19 May 2019 . 22 March 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190322091114/http://whitneyawards.com/frequently-asked-questions/ . live.
- Web site: Official Rules . whitneyawards.com . Whitney Awards . 30 July 2009 .
- News: LDS writers attend a novel boot camp . De Groote . Michael . 25 April 2009 . . 30 July 2009 .
- Whitney . Orson F. . Orson F. Whitney . Home Literature . July 1888 . . 2014-09-18 . Transcription . .
- News: Whitney Awards honor LDS fiction writers . 27 March 2008 . MormonTimes.com . 30 July 2009 .
- Web site: The Whitney Awards — publishers tally . William Morris . 19 January 2008 . A Motley Vision . 30 July 2009 .
- News: Orson Scott Card's Whitney Award speech . Card . Orson Scott . Orson Scott Card . 27 April 2009 . MormonTimes.com . 30 July 2009 . I feel deeply the honor of being given an award named for Orson F. Whitney ... I have long and proudly borne Elder Whitney's first name; now you have given me an award that bears his last name, too. .
- News: Best LDS novel of '08? Whitney Awards to weigh in . De Groote . Michael . 23 April 2009 . MormonTimes.com . 30 July 2009 .
- News: Best LDS fiction named at Whitney Awards . De Groote . Michael . 26 April 2009 . MormonTimes.com . 30 July 2009 .
- News: '08 Whitney Awards honor best LDS fiction . De Groote . Michael . 30 April 2009 . . 30 July 2009 .
- Web site: Whitney Award finalists announced . 10 February 2010 . MormonTimes . 12 May 2010 .
- Web site: Whitney Awards Honor Wolverton, Lund . 25 April 2010 . . 7 May 2010 .
- Web site: Finalists Have Been Announced! . whitneyawards.com . 2010-06-01 .
- Web site: 2010 Winners . whitneyawards.com . 2010-06-01 .
- News: Whitney Awards honor best in Mormon fiction . 12 May 2011 . MormonTimes . 2010-06-01 .
- http://whitneyawards.com/wordpress/2011-finalists/ Finalists announcement on Whitney Awards website
- http://whitneyawards.com/wordpress/2011-winners/ Announcement of winners on Whitney Awards website
- "Achievement Award Winners on Whitney Awards website, accessed May 9, 2012
- http://whitneyawards.com/wordpress/2012-finalists/ 2012 Finalists announcement
- http://whitneyawards.com/wordpress/2012-winners/ Announcement of 2012 winners
- "Achievement Award Winners on Whitney Awards website, accessed January 14, 2013
- Web site: 2015 Finalists – The Whitney Awards . Whitneyawards.com . 2017-01-21.
- Web site: Current and Past Award Winners – The Whitney Awards . Whitneyawards.com . 29 October 2021 . 2024-01-18.
- https://www.facebook.com/profile/100064557137424/search/?q=15th
- Web site: Diversity or dilution? The Whitneys and BYU Studies Review . William Morris . 8 August 2007 . A Motley Vision . 30 July 2009 .
- Web site: Whitney Awards 2008 Finalists announced (yep, that's what I thought) . William Morris . 9 February 2009 . A Motley Vision . 30 July 2009 .
- Web site: Mormon Authors writing Non-Mormon Inspirational Fiction (and accompanying comments) . Jessie Christensen . 2 May 2012 . Dawning of a Brighter Day, the Association for Mormon Letters blog . 6 May 2012 .
- Web site: Whitney Youth Speculative Fiction Finalists 2011 (and accompanying comments) . Jonathan Langford . 16 April 2012 . A Motley Vision . 6 May 2012 .
- Web site: Whitney General Fiction Finalists 2011 . Jonathan Langford . 8 March 2012 . A Motley Vision . 6 May 2012 .
- Web site: Whitney Youth Fiction General Finalists 2011 . Jonathan Langford . 30 March 2012 . A Motley Vision . 6 May 2012 .