The Illumination Book Awards, dedicated to recognizing and honoring the best books in Christian literature, has announced its 2025 medalists. This year’s awards featured 27 categories and attracted 216 entrants from eight countries, showcasing the depth and diversity of faith-based publishing.
Below are results for the 2025 Illumination Awards, listed by category, followed by the Enduring Light medals, which reward exemplary Christian-themed books published since the year 2000. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each category.
Congratulations to all of the winners!
GENERAL CATEGORIES:
1. Bible Study | 2. Christian Living | 3. Devotional | 4. Theology | 5. Ministry/Mission | 6. Catholic | 7. Family/Parenting | 8. Education | 9. Spirituality | 10. Illness/Death/Dying | 11. Self-Help | 12. Biography/Memoir- Inspiration | 13. Biography/Memoir- Personal Struggle | 14. Holiday | 15. Children’s Picture Book | 16. Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction | 17. General Fiction | 18. Romance Fiction | 19. Mystery/Thriller | 20. Keepsake/Gift/Specialty Bible | 21. Poetry | 22. Digital Media (eBook, Audiobook)
ENDURING LIGHT CATEGORIES:
L1. Christian Thought | L2. Devotional | L3. Inspirational | L4. Christian Fiction | L5. Christian Children’s Book
GENERAL CATEGORIES
1. Bible Study
GOLD
#NoFilter: Unmasking the Woman God Created You to Be by Jodi Hendricks (Ambassador International)
Silver
Bible Basics: An Essential Guide to the Book of Genesis by Sean Purcell (Annunciation Press)
Bronze
One of the Family by Debbra Stephens (21st Century Christian)
2. Christian Living
GOLD
Caring Assertiveness: Relating Directly, Honestly, and with Respect by Kenneth C. Haugk, Joel P. Bretscher, and Robert A. Musser (Stephen Ministries)
Silver
Calling All Daughters! A Biblical Blueprint to Restore Your Mother-Daughter Relationship by Chequira McCullough (Capucia Publishing)
Bronze
Embrace Life, Embrace Hope by Fern E.M. Buszowski, MALM, MA Counseling (Word Alive Press)
3. Devotional
GOLD
Awakened: A 52-Week Progressive Christian Devotional by Caleb J. Lines (Chalice Press)
Silver
Trail-Ready: 101 Devotions for for Dads with Boys edited by Mark T. Hancock (Worth Trailman Press)
Bronze (Tie)
Deconstructing: A Devotional for Restoring Faith after Church Hurt by Hannah Louise Cox
Bronze (Tie)
In His Name: A 30-Day Journey Through the Names of God by James Johannes (Westbow Press)
4. Theology
GOLD
Come, Have Breakfast: Meditations on God and the Earth by Elizabeth A. Johnson (Orbis Books)
Silver
Pope Paul VI and his Quest for Peace: 1963-1978 (Volume 1) by Rev. John F. Tuohey, PhD. (Xlibris)
Bronze
The Christ-Light: Given by God, Glowing in You, Offered for Others by Pierce Taylor Hibbs (Westminster Theological Seminary)
5. Ministry/Mission
GOLD
Discipling World Changers: Raising Up a Generation that Changes the World Instead of the World Changing Them by Melissa J. MacDonald (End Game Press)
Silver (tie)
Nifty Neighbors: Mister Rogers & Jesus Christ by Tracy Emerick PhD (Bookside Press Corp.)
Silver (tie)
Unseen People: Sharing Light and Life with Your Neighbors and the Nations by DeAnna Lynn Sanders (Ambassador International)
Bronze
Watch Night: A Narrative History of Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Macon, Georgia from 1863-2023 by Harold Michael Harvey (Cascade Publishing House)
6. Catholic
GOLD
The Interior Castle of St. Teresa of Avila:A Mini Catholic Primer by Chantal Baros (Shining Light Dolls)
Silver
Finding God Along the Way: Wisdom from the Ignatian Camino for Life at Home by Christine Marie Eberle (Paraclete Press)
Bronze
Dear Saints: Catechesis on Sacraments by Jacob Huether
7. Family/Parenting
GOLD
How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities by Kristin Faith Evans and Todd Evans (Baker Books)
Silver
Little Habits, Big Faith: How Simple Practices Help Your Family Grow in Jesus by Christie Thomas (NavPress)
Bronze
Baseball Family: Nine Core Qualities for Developing Healthy Relationships by Billie Jauss (End Game Press)
8. Education
GOLD
Awesome Facts About Space by Mark Wainwright and Dr. Danny Faulkner (Kids Answers)
Silver
My First Devotional: Meaningful Time with God for Little Ones by Christie Thomas (Christian Art Kids)
Bronze
Six Shorts: A Devotional Study of Literary Devices in the Bible by Alisa Hope Wagner, Illustrated by Albert Morales (Marked Writers Publishing)
9. Spirituality
GOLD
Dorothy Day: Spiritual Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters series) edited and with Introduction by Robert Ellsberg (Orbis Books)
Silver
Good News by Chico Xavier (FEB Publisher, Inc.)
Bronze
Everyday Sacred, Everywhere Beauty: Readings from an Old Monk’s Journal by Mary Lou Kownacki (Orbis Books)
10. Illness/Death/Dying
GOLD
Love Is!: A Journey of Grief, Grace, & Gratitude by Frank M. Hasel (Cascade Books)
Silver
Walking Mama Home: A Caregiver’s Journey by Aileen A. Gronewold
Bronze
A Caretaker’s Tale: A Story of Caring Through the Shadow Valley by Helga Arndt (Outskirts Press)
11. Self-Help
GOLD
Crush Your Divorce & Keep Your Faith by Bree Sullivan-Howell, J.D.
Silver
The Chaplaincy by Dale A. Scadron, Th.D (Chaplaincy Training Institute)
Bronze
Sacred Courage: Thinking Biblically about Fear and Anxiety by Betsy Kirk (William Carey Publishing)
12. Biography/Memoir - Inspiration
GOLD
It All Belongs: Love, Loss, & Learning to Live Again by Judy and Roy Smoot with Melinda Folse (Five Crow Press)
Silver
Spared: Escaping Genocide in Rwanda and Finding a Home in America: A True Story of Hope and Resilience by Clementine Msengi, EdD (Credo House Publishers)
Bronze (tie)
Only by Divine Design by Dorene Stark (Stellar Studios)
Bronze (tie)
A Tale of Two Seasons by Paul Westphal (Arizona Christian University Press)
13. Biography/Memoir - Personal Struggle
GOLD
Restoring the Years the Locusts Have Eaten: Rescued for a Purpose: Emotional Freedom after Abuse by Leah Hoppes (Vision Source Media)
Silver
Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis by Jenny Cafaro (Self-Published)
Bronze
Trading Shadows: Exchanging a Life of Secrets Fear, and Doubt for a Life of Freedom with the Almighty by Dana Russell with Linda Gilden (Bold Vision Books)
14. Holiday
GOLD
Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nation’s Retelling of the Christmas Story by Terry M. Wildman; Illustrated by Hannah and Holly Buchanan (IVP Kids)
Silver (tie)
Saint Valentine the Kindhearted: The History and Legends of God's Brave and Loving Servant written and illustrated by Ned Bustard (IVP Kids)
Silver (tie)
A Gingerbread House by Julie Lavender; illustrated by Kim Barnes (End Game Press)
Bronze
The Dance of Easter by Sally Cressman; illustrated by Angela Edmonds (End Game Press)
15. Children’s Picture Book
Gold
Penny Preaches: God Gives Good Gifts to Everyone! by Amy Dixon and Rob Dixon; Illustrated by Jennifer Davison (IVP Kids)
Silver
Come and See: Saints A to Z: An Alphabet of Catholic Saints by Chantal Baros (Shining Light Dolls)
Bronze (Tie)
Grace Heard a Whisper by Kathy Izard; Illustrated by Aniella Ernȧndez
Bronze (Tie)
Twinkle, the Littlest Star by Leslie Colburn; illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski (Cross My Heart Press)
16. Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction
GOLD
Creatures of Chaos by Julie Hall
silver
Fortified by V. Romas Burton (Quill & Flame)
BRONZE
Lapidius: Book 1 of the Nation Found Series by Matt Runals
17. General Fiction
GOLD
Ahoti: A Story of Tamar by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and Eva Marie Everson (Paraclete Press)
silver
When Secrets Come Calling by Felicia Ferguson (Salt and Light Publishing)
BRonze (tie)
Fall Back and Find Me by Sarah Hanks (SonFlower Books)
BRonze (tie)
A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer (Scrivenings Press)
18. Romance Fiction
GOLD
Julia’s Joy by Susan G. Mathis (Wild Heart Books)
silver
River of Peril: Spies of the Civil War 5 by Sandra Merville Hart (Wild Heart Books)
bronze
Stay by Tara Taffera (Four Thirteen Publishing)
19. Mystery/Thriller
GOLD
House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity by Margaret Ann Philbrick (Ambassador International)
silver
An Ode to Poison by Lisa E. Betz (Breakthrough Christian Publishing)
bronze
A Fifth of the Story by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes (End Game Press)
20. Keepsake/Gift/Specialty Bible
GOLD
Eat Like a Heroine by Lorilee Craker and Jenny Williams (End Game Press)
silver
The Compassion Storybook Bible by Crystal Bowman and Sue Schlesman (End Game Press)
bronze
I Love You, Dad! Words to Honor and Humor You by Blythe Daniel, William Daniel, and Helen McIntosh (End Game Press)
21. Poetry
GOLD
Heart Fiat: New Catholic Poems by Desmond Francis Xavier Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé (Wipf & Stock Resource Publications)
silver
Dust Storms May Exist by Ben Groner III (Madville Publishing)
bronze
Evangeliaries by Philip C. Kolin (Angelico Press)
22. Digital Media (eBook, Audiobook)
GOLD
Grace Plus Truth: How to Walk in Faith and Freedom by Exploring the Last Adam’s Impact on Salvation Holiness and the Christian Life by Jason C. Johnson Sr. (Vytal Music)
silver
Captured in Frame by Laura Thomas (Mountain Brook Ink)
bronze
The Believer by Lloyd U. Nsek, Sr. (Inks and Bindings)
ENDURING LIGHT CATEGORIES
Most book awards focus on recent releases, but the Enduring Light medals honor outstanding Christian-themed books published since 2000. Entry fees and judging requirements match regular categories, and both older and current titles are eligible.
L1. Christian Thought
GOLD
When Liberty Enslaves: The Toxic Blend of Faith and Politics by Jerry Aveta (MSI Press)
silver
Reflecting His Glory: Shatter the Darkness as You Shine the Light of Christ Through Life’s Joys and Sorrows by Kim S. Kinney (Pearls of Glory Publishing)
bronze
A Place of Love and Light by Ellen Edmondson
L2. Devotional
GOLD
PAWS-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers by Michelle Medlock Adams & Wendy Hinote Lanier; Illustrated by William H. Hinote (Iron Stream Media)
silver
Ash Island by Sarah L. Frantz and Abigail Wallace, Illustrated by Abigail See (Sursum Corda Press)
bronze
Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents by Laura Diehl (Grieving Parents Sharing Hope)
L3. Inspirational
GOLD
Broken Water: An Extraordinary True Story by Barbara Lane (Barbara Lane LLC)
silver
Broken Little Believer: Finding Purpose in All the Pretty Painful Pieces by Shane Svorec (AAE)
bronze
Brothers Bound by Bruce K. Berger (Koehler Books)
L4. Christian Fiction
GOLD
Dreamteller by K. D. Shade (Self-Published)
silver
A Certain Man by Linda Dindzans (Scrivenings Press)
bronze
Draw a Hard Line by Micheal E. Jimerson (Elwood Jimerson Farms)
L5. Christian Children’s Book
GOLD
Love Connects Us All by Michelle Medlock Adams; Illustrated by Sandra Eide (Wren and Bear Book)
silver
‘Twas the Night Before Jesus by Donna Wyland; Illustrated by Courtney Smith (Elk Lake Publishing)
bronze
Hall of Faith: Remembering Ordinary People Who Trusted God by Michelle S. Lazurek (B&H Kids)
