April 2026 - President's Choice Awards winner
Author Spotlight & President’s Choice Award Winner – April 2026 It is with deep honor and admiration that we celebrate Andrew Rosenbarker, author of Like Never Before, as our President’s Choice Award Winner for April 2026 at the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards.Some stories inspire…And then some stories transform.Andrew’s journey is one of unwavering faith, resilience, and purpose. Through Like Never Before, he opens his heart and shares a message that reaches far beyond the pages of a book, it speaks directly to the soul. His story reminds us that even in life’s most broken and uncertain moments, God is still present, still working, and still writing something far greater than we can see.What makes Andrew’s work so powerful is not just what he has been through, but how he chooses to rise through it. His ministry reflects a life fully surrendered to God, dedicated to uplifting others, restoring hope, and pointing people back to faith when they need it most. Every word he writes carries authenticity, conviction, and a deep desire to see lives changed.Like Never Before is more than a message, it is a testimony of transformation. It encourages readers to trust God in the unknown, to stand firm in their faith, and to believe that even in the breaking, God is rebuilding something stronger, deeper, and more meaningful than ever before.We are also incredibly proud to congratulate Andrew on becoming a Finalist for Author of the Year 2026 This recognition is a true reflection of the impact he is making through his story, his ministry, and his unwavering commitment to spreading hope.Andrew, we are truly looking forward to spending this special day with you at the awards. It will be a celebration not only of your achievements, but of the lives you continue to touch and the hope you continue to inspire. Your voice matters. Your story matters. And your impact is lasting.
Author Spotlight Review: Constance André
Today, we celebrate not only her remarkable work, but her incredible achievement as a Double Genre Winner for:
Hope, Healing & Personal Transformation.
Most Inspirational Book Cover.
Finalist for Author of the Year 2026 in Hope, Healing & Personal Transformation. What impacted me most deeply was the moment where Constance took us into one of the darkest valleys of her life, a place where fear, trauma, and emotional exhaustion had stripped her down to what felt like nothing but an empty shell. She describes a season where she could no longer feel hope, where anxiety and pain consumed her, and where even the simplest act, like driving, became overwhelming.
That level of honesty is rare. That level of vulnerability is courageous. And yet… that is exactly where her transformation begins. What makes Constance’s story so powerful is not just what she endured, but how she chose to rise through it. Through relentless faith, surrender, and a willingness to confront every hidden wound, she walks readers through the process of digging out deep-rooted pain, anger, abandonment, fear, unforgiveness, and allowing God to transform those places into healing and freedom.
She reminds us that healing is not gentle. It is not comfortable.
But it is possible. Reading her journey, I didn’t just see a woman who survived hardship, I saw a woman who refused to let go, even when everything in her wanted to.
Like Jacob wrestling through the night, Constance shows us that sometimes the very place of struggle is where transformation is born… and that God meets us right there in the pain, not after it.
Why this book matters
This is not just a story, it is a mirror. A guide. A lifeline.
It will challenge readers to face their own hidden wounds, to release what they’ve carried for far too long, and to step into a life of true healing and restored worth. Constance André has taken her pain and turned it into purpose, and in doing so, she has created something that will impact countless lives across the world.
Congratulations, Constance André
Your strength, your resilience, and your unwavering faith have not only earned you these well-deserved awards… They have created a legacy of hope. You are not just an award-winning author,
You are a voice for healing, a vessel for transformation, and a reminder that even in our darkest moments… we can rise.
Best Children’s Hope Book
Emma and Sailor in the City
By Tami Maines
Author Spotlight
There are children’s books that entertain… and then there are books that plant something lasting in a child’s heart.
Emma and Sailor in the City by Tami Maines does exactly that.
From the very first page, readers are welcomed into a world filled with warmth, imagination, and gentle wonder. Set against the magical backdrop of New York City in winter, the story follows Emma and her loyal companion, Sailor, as they step into a journey that begins with simple joy, but unfolds into something far more meaningful.
At its core, this story is about dreams.
Not just having them, but discovering them, believing in them, and encouraging others to do the same.
A Story That Teaches Without Overwhelming
Through beautifully illustrated moments and engaging encounters, Emma meets characters who each carry their own dream:
- A wise and playful Gator who becomes a guide.
- A strong horse longing for freedom beyond the city.
- A joyful cat who dreams of singing.
- A determined dog chasing the goal of becoming the fastest.
Each interaction gently teaches young readers that:
Every dream is unique.
Every voice matters.
Encouragement can change someone’s path.
The Heart of the Story
What makes this book truly special is how it brings children to a powerful realization through Emma’s journey:
Dreams are not just something you imagine…
They are something you can begin.
As Emma discovers her dream of becoming a figure skater, readers witness a transformation, from curiosity to confidence, from imagination to belief.
And in that moment, the story delivers its most meaningful message:
When you believe in yourself, and others believe in you, anything becomes possible.
Visual Storytelling at Its Finest
The illustrations throughout the book are vibrant, magical, and emotionally engaging, perfectly designed to capture a child’s imagination while reinforcing the story’s message. From snowy city adventures to dreamlike sequences filled with color and movement, each page invites the reader deeper into a world where hope feels alive and reachable.
Why This Book Stands Out
Emma and Sailor in the City rises above because it: Encourages children to dream without fear. Teaches empathy by showing different perspectives. Builds confidence through gentle storytelling. Creates emotional connection through friendship and support. Leaves a lasting impression of hope, purpose, and possibility.
Award Recognition
For its heartfelt message, imaginative storytelling, and powerful encouragement of self-belief, Tami Maines is officially recognized as:
WINNER – Best Children’s Hope Book
With this outstanding achievement, Emma and Sailor in the City has also earned its place as a: Finalist for Author of the Year 2026. To be celebrated at the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards Gala.
Closing Reflection. Emma and Sailor in the City is more than a children’s book. It is a gentle reminder to every reader, young and old, that: Dreams are meant to be discovered. Belief is meant to be shared. And hope is meant to shine. Congratulations on this incredible and well-deserved achievement.
Alignment with His Winning Categories
Best Poetry of Hope Book
This collection embodies what poetry is meant to do at its highest level, heal, awaken, and uplift. Every page carries intention. Every line carries purpose. His words become a refuge for the hurting and a reminder that even in darkness… there is light.
Inspirational Book of the Year
Beyond poetry, this book speaks directly to the human spirit. It motivates, challenges, and restores. It is not passive, it reaches across the page, grabs the reader, and tells them to keep going.
The Most Impactful Truth
One of the most powerful elements of this collection is the transformation arc that unfolds throughout its pages.
You witness: A man battling internal and external wars. A mind wrestling with trauma, identity, and pain. A soul searching for meaning in a broken world. And then… something shifts.
Through poems like “Like a Phoenix,” “Change,” and “Standing Tall,” we see not just survival, but rebirth. This is where John Nevel separates himself. He does not just write about hope. He earns it.
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT REVIEW & DUAL WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
John Nevel
Poetic Mind 2: The Collection
Winner - Inspirational Book of the Year
Winner - Best Poetry of Hope Book
Official Finalist - Author of the Year 2026 for:
"Inspirational Book of the Year."
To Be Honored at the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards Gala, October 17th, 2026 . There are books that inspire… And then there are books that fight for the reader’s soul.
Poetic Mind 2: The Collection by John Nevel is not simply a poetry book, it is a living, breathing journey through pain, resilience, faith, and transformation. From the very first poem, you can feel the presence of a voice that not has only endured life’s hardest battles, but has chosen to turn those battles into purpose.
What makes this collection extraordinary is its unfiltered authenticity. John does not hide behind poetic elegance, he stands in truth.
From the raw emotional weight of trauma in “PTSD” and the haunting reflections of loss in “Shadows,” to the deeply personal and courageous recounting of war in “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” this book reaches into places many are afraid to go. And yet… he does not leave the reader there. He brings them back. Back to hope.
Back to strength. Back to purpose.
Message & Lasting Impact
This is a book that will: Speak to veterans carrying invisible wounds. Comfort those navigating grief and loss. Encourage those battling self-worth and identity. Remind humanity of the power of compassion, unity, and love.
John Nevel’s voice is one of strength, vulnerability, and conviction, a rare combination that leaves a lasting imprint on the heart. His work proves something powerful:
Pain can break you… Or it can build something in you that the world desperately needs. And in this case, It built a voice that will help others rise.
Author Spotlight | Tirthankar D’Raptan
Winner – Fiction with Purpose
Finalist – Author of the Year 2026
In The Auspicious Child, Tirthankar D’Raptan delivers a deeply moving and socially relevant narrative that transcends fiction and speaks directly to the human condition. This is not simply a story, it is an emotional journey through love, sacrifice, struggle, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child.
Set against the backdrop of real-world challenges, including the global pandemic, economic hardship, and the silent battles within families, this novel courageously explores the realities of raising a child with developmental challenges. Through the lives of Sangram and Shefali, readers are drawn into a world where ambition, love, and responsibility collide, revealing both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
What makes this work truly exceptional is its unwavering honesty. It does not shy away from pain, despair, or failure. Instead, it leans into those moments and transforms them into powerful lessons of endurance. The emotional weight carried throughout the story is balanced by a profound message: even in the darkest seasons, hope can be reborn.
The evolution of their daughter, Bhasha, is nothing short of extraordinary. Her journey, from silence and struggle to the miraculous moment of connection, becomes the heartbeat of the novel. That single moment, when a child speaks after being trapped in silence, is written with such intensity that it leaves a lasting imprint on the reader’s soul.
This is storytelling with purpose. It raises awareness, challenges societal norms, and invites readers to reflect on parenting in a modern world shaped by technology, pressure, and distraction. It reminds us that success is not measured by wealth or status, but by presence, love, and perseverance.
Through this remarkable work, Tirthankar D’Raptan has created a story that aligns perfectly with the mission of the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards, honoring voices that bring light into the world.
We proudly celebrate Tirthankar D’Raptan as the Winner of the Fiction with Purpose category.
We also congratulate him on becoming an official Finalist for Author of the Year 2026, where his powerful voice will be honored on October 17, 2026.
This recognition is not only well-deserved, it is inevitable for a story that carries such depth, truth, and transformative hope.
Closing Message for Authors
Stories like The Auspicious Child remind us why these awards exist, to uplift voices that matter, stories that heal, and authors who dare to tell the truth.
If you have written a story that carries purpose, impact, and hope, this is your invitation.
Your story matters. And the world is waiting to hear it.
OFFICIAL WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT & AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Vern Hamilton
Already Broken: Mending My Brokenness in Pursuance of Finding My Purpose.
Winner - Best Autobiography
Finalist - Author of the Year 2026
There are stories that inform…
There are stories that inspire…
And then there are stories like this, stories that reach into the deepest places of the human soul and refuse to let go.
Already Broken: Mending My Brokenness in Pursuance of Finding My Purpose by Vern Hamilton is not simply an autobiography, it is a courageous unveiling of truth, pain, and ultimately, redemption.
From the very first page, Vern invites us into a life shaped by hidden wounds, emotional battles, and the silent weight of trauma carried for far too long. Her story does not soften reality, it reveals it. Through relationships marked by longing, betrayal, and confusion, we witness a woman striving to hold everything together on the outside while quietly breaking within.
This book speaks to a truth many live but few dare to say aloud, that pain does not simply fade… it waits to be acknowledged, to be confronted, and to be healed.
The Depth of the Journey, Vern Hamilton bravely walks us through:
• Cycles of emotional dependency and toxic love.
• The burden of shame, secrecy, and internalized guilt.
• The lingering impact of unresolved trauma.
• The search for peace while feeling empty, even in moments that should feel whole.
And yet, this is not a story of staying broken.
The Turning Point
What makes this autobiography unforgettable is not only the depth of pain… but the courage to face it. When Vern steps into counseling, everything begins to change. What unfolds is a powerful and life-altering transformation: A woman who once questioned her very existence… begins to rediscover her worth. She confronts the pain she once avoided. She releases the guilt that was never hers to carry.
And in one of the most profound moments of the story, she speaks her truth… without fear, without shame… and without breaking. That moment is more than healing, it is freedom.
Why This Book Matters
This book stands apart because it does what many cannot: It tells the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. It exposes the silent struggles hidden behind everyday smiles. It honors the reality that healing is a journey, not a moment. And most powerfully… It proves that no matter how deep the pain, freedom is still possible. Vern Hamilton’s story reminds us all: You can survive what tried to destroy you… and still rise whole, restored, and filled with purpose.
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - LONGTEMPLE
Inspirational Book of the Year.
Also Honored as a Finalist for Author of the Year 2026
Category: Inspirational Book of the Year.
To be honored October 17, 2026
There are books that inspire…
and then there are books that transform the reader from the inside out. LongTemple’s work belongs to the latter. This is not simply a story, it is a lived testimony of survival, identity, endurance, and ultimately, self-reclamation.
The Heart of This Story
At its core, this book follows Run, a young girl navigating systems that failed her, environments that misunderstood her, and relationships that both shaped and wounded her. What makes this work extraordinary is not just what she endured… but how she chose to rise anyway.
One of the most powerful moments in the story reveals a truth that defines the entire narrative: “Innocence… wasn’t lost all at once. It was taken in pieces.” That realization marks a turning point, not into defeat, but into awakening.
From Survival to Self-Definition
Throughout the journey, Run faces: Injustice without a voice. A system that labels before it listens. Family dynamics that fracture identity. Environments that demand strength before healing.
And yet, she refuses to disappear. “And I wasn’t built to vanish.” That line alone captures the spirit of this entire book.
What Makes This Book Inspirational
This is not inspiration wrapped in comfort, it is inspiration forged in fire. LongTemple delivers: Raw emotional honesty – nothing is softened or hidden. A powerful transformation arc – from invisibility → identity → purpose. Unfiltered truth about systems, survival, and resilience. A voice that refuses to be silenced
Even in the darkest moments, the story never loses its forward motion. It evolves into something deeper, something grounded:
“Not hope. Not yet. But endurance… rising slow, steady, certain.”
And that is what makes it unforgettable.
The Message That Stays With You
By the end of this journey, the reader understands something profound:
- Survival is not the end goal
- Strength is not always loud
- Healing is not instant
- And identity… must be claimed, not given
The closing truth resonates like a quiet but unshakable promise:
She didn’t know where life was heading… but she knew one thing, she would survive it.
It tells the truth without fear.
It honors the reality of pain without glorifying it.
It shows transformation as a process, not a moment.
It leaves the reader changed, not just moved.
Final Words
LongTemple has not just written a book…
She has documented resilience in its most authentic form.
This story stands as a voice for:
- the unheard
- the misunderstood
- and those still learning how to rise
And that is exactly why it belongs on the highest stage.
Congratulations, Ardell LongTemple
Your work is not only powerful, it is necessary.
And Then....
Winner - Best Faith-Based & Spiritual Truth
Rhythm’s First Lady – A Spiritual Awakening
Also Honored as a Finalist for Author of the Year 2026
Category: Best Faith-Based & Spiritual Truth
To be honored October 17, 2026
A Story That Doesn’t Just Speak Truth, It Requires It.
Rhythm’s First Lady stands as one of the most theologically grounded and spiritually discerning works in this category. This is not a surface-level faith narrative. This is apologetics lived through human decisions. Through Claire and Oliver, the author exposes a reality many believers feel, but few can articulate: That spiritual deception often comes wrapped in familiarity. That authority can mimic holiness without reflecting Christ. That faithfulness sometimes looks like refusal.
And what makes this work exceptional is this: It does not dismantle faith… It restores it to its rightful foundation. Scripture, discernment, and courage.
The Most Impactful Truth in This Story
The defining strength of this book is not conflict, it is clarity under pressure. When systems push, when expectations tighten, when visibility demands compliance… Claire and Oliver do not rebel.
They discern. They stand. They choose alignment with God over acceptance by people.
And in one of the most powerful narrative arcs, we see this transformation:
From access → to boundary
From influence → to integrity
From belonging → to obedience
Until they reach the defining truth:
They were not rejected…
They were refined into alignment.
This story uses love as a spiritual structure, not just emotion.
Marriage here becomes:
- A place of mutual discernment
- A covering of spiritual accountability
- A refusal to let one another be consumed by systems
Their relationship is not decorative, it is doctrinal in motion.
Why This Book Wins
This book perfectly embodies Best Faith-Based & Spiritual Truth because:
It confronts misuse of Scripture without losing reverence
It models discernment in real-life complexity
It calls believers back to biblical authority, not institutional comfort
It proves that saying “no” can be the most faithful “yes” to God
This is not just a book readers enjoy…
It is a book that sharpens spiritual awareness.
It is a book that equips believers to stand.
It is a book that changes how faith is lived.
Rhythm’s First Lady is a bold, necessary, and deeply anointed work.
It reminds us that:
- Truth is not fragile
- Discernment is not rebellion
- And obedience is not always convenient
Sometimes…
The most faithful thing a believer can do… is stand
Dr. Alexandra Elinsky, PhD
Award-Winning Author of: GIRL GAME: Balls Out
Category: Inspirational Book of the Year
Finalist: Author of the Year 2026 (Inspirational Category)
There are books that speak…
and then there are books that shake you, awaken you, and refuse to let you remain the same.
GIRL GAME: Balls Out by Dr. Alexandra Elinsky, PhD is not just a book—it is a bold and unapologetic awakening.
From the very first page, Dr. Elinsky invites the reader into a world that is raw, confronting, and deeply personal. Her voice is fearless—unwilling to dilute the realities many women silently endure, yet struggle to articulate.
This is not surface-level inspiration.
This is truth at full volume.
A Voice That Awakens
Dr. Elinsky challenges the narrative in a way that demands attention.
She exposes:
- Emotional wounds often left unspoken
- Relationship patterns that erode self-worth
- Generational conditioning that has shaped identity
And through it all, she delivers a message that lands with force:
You are not powerless
You are not broken
You are meant to reclaim your life
A Journey from Pain to Power
What makes this book so impactful is its emotional honesty.
Her words carry the weight of lived experience—
and within that weight is a clear and undeniable purpose:
To awaken the reader.
This book becomes:
- A mirror for the wounded
- A wake-up call for the unaware
- A catalyst for personal change
It does not gently guide, it boldly shifts perspective.
Official Recognition
It is with great honor that we celebrate Dr. Alexandra Elinsky, PhD as a:
WINNER – Inspirational Book of the Year
for her powerful and awakening work:
GIRL GAME: Balls Out
And in recognition of the strength of her voice across her body of work…
She is also officially a FINALIST for Author of the Year 2026, an honor reserved for authors whose stories ignite awareness, challenge perspectives, and inspire meaningful change.
Final Reflection
Some books inspire…
Others ignite something deeper.
Dr. Alexandra Elinsky does not simply tell a story, she awakens transformation within the reader.
This is more than a book.
This is a turning point.
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Alexandra Elinsky, PhD
Award-Winning Author of: GIRL GLOW: TITAN OF TRANSFORMATION
Category: Lifetime Inspirational Achievement Award
Finalist: Author of the Year 2026
There are powerful books… and then there are books that define a legacy. GIRL GLOW: TITAN OF TRANSFORMATION by Dr. Alexandra Elinsky, PhD stands as a masterwork of evolution, resilience, and personal ascension. This is not just a continuation of her voice, this is the embodiment of it.
A Legacy of Transformation
In this work, Dr. Elinsky moves beyond awakening…
and steps fully into transformation, mastery, and purpose.
Her message deepens, expanding into: Identity and worthiness.
Spiritual alignment and manifestation. Healing through radical self-awareness. Rising beyond trauma into power. Her words are no longer searching… They are teaching, leading, and elevating.
From Survival to Ascension
What makes this book extraordinary is its scope and authority. It is not confined to a single moment of pain or breakthrough, it reflects a lifetime of growth, resilience, and evolution. Through deeply personal experiences and powerful insights, she reminds the reader: Healing is possible. Transformation is a choice
Ascension is available to those willing to rise. Her message is clear:
You are not defined by what you’ve been through, you are defined by what you choose to become.
Official Recognition
It is with profound honor that we celebrate Dr. Alexandra Elinsky, PhD as a: WINNER – Lifetime Inspirational Achievement Award
for her extraordinary and transformative work:
GIRL GLOW: TITAN OF TRANSFORMATION
And in recognition of her exceptional impact across both works… She is also officially a FINALIST for Author of the Year 2026, an honor recognizing authors whose voices leave a lasting legacy and elevate lives on a global scale.
Final Reflection
Some authors write books…
Dr. Alexandra Elinsky builds movements through her words. GIRL GLOW is not just a story of transformation, it is the evidence of it. This is more than a book. This is a legacy.
A Voice That Leaves a Legacy
This book does not just impact the reader in the moment, it leaves a lasting imprint.
It challenges belief systems, reshapes identity, and calls the reader into a higher version of themselves.
This is:
- A guide for transformation.
- A declaration of worthiness.
- A legacy piece that extends beyond the page.
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT REVIEW & WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
Michael Lamont McClendon Jr.
Winner - Best Grief, Loss and Bereavement Healing Book
“Grief Tribe Men: The Plight of the Grieving Man”
Also Honored as a Finalist for Author of the Year 2026
Category: Best Grief, Loss and Bereavement Healing Book
There are books that tell a story… And then there are books that become a lifeline. Grief Tribe Men: The Plight of the Grieving Man is not simply written, it is lived, endured, and courageously offered to the world as a guide through unimaginable pain.
From the very first pages, Michael Lamont McClendon Jr. opens the door to a reality many avoid speaking about, the silent, often unprocessed grief carried by men. With unfiltered honesty, he invites the reader into the most heartbreaking moments of his life: the loss of his father, the devastating tragedy of losing his partner, and the emotional storm that followed. These are not distant reflections, they are raw, intimate, and profoundly human experiences that place the reader directly beside him.
What makes this work extraordinary is not only the depth of loss, but the courage to confront it. Michael does something few dare to do: He takes grief out of the shadows and gives it a voice.
Through his journey, we witness the weight of unanswered questions, the battle with guilt, the struggle with mental health, and the quiet moments where survival itself becomes the greatest victory. Yet within that pain, something remarkable begins to emerge, healing with purpose. This book stands as a powerful reflection of what true bereavement healing looks like: Not avoidance, but confrontation. Not suppression, but expression. Not isolation, but connection.
Through therapy, self-reflection, and intentional healing practices, Michael provides readers with real tools, practical, grounded, and born from lived experience. He reminds us that grief is not something we “move on” from, but something we learn to carry differently.
And then… the transformation.
Out of unimaginable loss, Michael creates Grief Tribe Men, a safe haven for men around the world to finally speak, feel, and heal together. What began as pain became a movement of hope, reaching lives far beyond his own story. This is where the book rises from powerful… to unforgettable. Because this is no longer just about one man’s grief. It is about breaking generational silence, restoring emotional truth, and giving others permission to heal.
Why This Book Won
Grief Tribe Men fully embodies the essence of Best Grief, Loss and Bereavement Healing Book. Deep emotional authenticity. Transformational healing journey. Practical guidance for navigating grief. A lasting, real-world impact on others. This book does not leave the reader the same. It changes how grief is understood, processed, and lived through.
Final Recognition
Michael Lamont McClendon Jr., your story is one of strength, vulnerability, and extraordinary purpose. Your willingness to share your pain has created space for others to find their voice.
Your journey has become a bridge between grief and healing.
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT REVIEW & WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
Shelley Riehl
Winner - Best Motivational Fiction Book for Children
“12 Children’s Short Stories”
Also Honored as a Finalist for Author of the Year 2026
Category: Best Motivational Fiction Book for Children
A Celebration of Purpose, Growth, and Inspiring Young Minds
The Prestigious International Hope Book Awards proudly celebrates Shelley Riehl for her remarkable achievement in children’s literature, earning top honors for her deeply meaningful and uplifting work.
“12 Children’s Short Stories” is a beautifully crafted collection that goes far beyond storytelling. It is a guide for young hearts, designed to nurture confidence, character, and resilience through real-life lessons wrapped in engaging and relatable narratives.
Inside the Stories - Where Lessons Come to Life
Each of the 12 stories carries a powerful message, offering young readers guidance through themes such as:
- Teamwork and unity in the face of challenges
- Resilience when life doesn’t go as planned
- Confidence and believing in oneself
- Kindness, compassion, and friendship
- Focus, discipline, and perseverance
- Supporting others and rising together
- Embracing differences and working as one
- Determination and never giving up
- Problem-solving and creative thinking
- Courage in moments of uncertainty
- Imagination with meaningful purpose
- Celebrating effort, growth, and character
The Most Inspiring Moment
One of the most powerful turning points unfolds on the soccer field… When Paul, a key player, is suddenly injured, the team is faced with uncertainty. But instead of falling apart… They rise together. They encourage one another. They create a plan.
They believe. And when a new player steps into Paul’s position, something extraordinary happens: The team doesn’t just play to win, they play for each other. This moment captures the true heart of the book, strength through unity.
Honoring a Voice That Speaks Beyond Words
Today, we proudly celebrate James V The Poet for his extraordinary achievement and the powerful impact of his work.
Purple Rose: The Stars Carry Her Name — Letters from Me to Her
Winner – Best Poetry of Hope Book
Winner – Best Grief, Loss & Bereavement Healing Book
Finalist – Author of the Year 2026
A Story That Lives in the Heart
James has created more than a book…
He has created an emotional experience.
Through Purple Rose, he invites readers into a deeply personal journey where love is not only remembered- but felt, fought for, and never truly lost.
His words carry the weight of devotion…
The ache of absence…
And the quiet strength it takes to keep loving, even when love is no longer within reach.
Where Poetry Becomes Healing
This award-winning collection speaks to those who have:
- Loved deeply
- Lost silently
- And continued forward with pieces of their heart still behind
James’s poetic voice is raw, honest, and unfiltered- reaching into places many struggle to put into words, and bringing light to emotions often left in the dark.
A Voice of Strength, Vulnerability, and Truth
What makes his work truly remarkable is not just the beauty of his writing… It is his willingness to be real. To confront pain.
To express longing. To transform vulnerability into something meaningful and lasting. That is where true impact is born.
Official Author Spotlight & Award Recognition
Winner - Best Memoir of Hope and Resilience
Finalist - Author of the Year 2026
Honoring her journey at the Gala on October 17, 2026
My Extraordinary Son
Patricia Marston White
There are stories that are written…
and then there are stories that are lived, survived, and carried through the fire.
Patricia Marston White has given the world something far greater than a memoir, she has given us a testimony of love, loss, faith, and unbreakable resilience.
At the center of her story is her beloved son, Bradley, her “little KING”, whose life, though brief, was filled with purpose, impact, and unconditional love. Through her eyes, we walk a sacred path:
- The miracle and responsibility of motherhood.
- The challenges of raising a child with special needs.
- The devastating reality of loss.
- And the long, courageous road back to life.
This is not a distant narrative.
This is a journey the reader feels with every page.
What Makes This Memoir Standout
Authenticity & Emotional Impact
This memoir delivers a level of emotional honesty that is rare. The narrative is deeply personal, immersive, and profoundly moving. The reader is not observing from a distance, they are walking alongside the author.
Alignment with Category
This work perfectly embodies Best Memoir of Hope and Resilience. It is a true first-person life account centered on loss, endurance, and rebuilding, with hope and resilience woven throughout every stage of the journey.
Transformation Arc
The progression from motherhood → loss → grief → survival → renewal is powerful, clear, and complete. Patricia demonstrates not only survival, but meaningful transformation that gives the story lasting power.
Message & Lasting Impact
This book leaves the reader changed. It offers comfort to grieving parents, strength to the broken, and hope to those who feel there is none. Its message extends far beyond the page and into the hearts of those who need it most.
Writing & Storytelling
The storytelling is heartfelt and sincere, filled with vivid, unforgettable moments. Her emotional clarity and consistent voice draw the reader into a deeply intimate experience that lingers long after the final page.
What Makes This Book Stand Out
Shelley Riehl masterfully delivers a collection that is:
- Accessible for young readers.
- Rich with meaningful life lessons.
- Emotionally engaging and relatable.
- Grounded in real-world growth and development.
Her work reflects the essence of motivational fiction for children, guiding them not only to understand the world around them, but to grow within it.
A Dual Recognition of Excellence
In addition to winning:
Best Motivational Fiction Book for Children
Shelley Riehl has also been named a:
Finalist for Author of the Year 2026
This recognition affirms the depth, purpose, and lasting impact of her work.
A Moment to Celebrate
Shelley Riehl will be honored at the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards Gala.
October 17, 2026 where her inspiring contribution will be celebrated among authors who are changing lives through the power of storytelling.
Final Words
This book reminds every child:
You are capable.
You are supported.
And together, you can overcome anything.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
We are honored to recognize James V The Poet as a multi-category award winner and Finalist for Author of the Year 2026, where his work will be celebrated among some of the most inspiring voices in the world.
October 17, 2026
Wyndham Bloomington Mall of America Hotel
A Message to James
Your words matter.
Your voice matters.
And the story you have shared will reach hearts in ways you may never fully see, but will forever be felt.
Congratulations on this incredible and well-deserved achievement.
A Story That Rises
What makes My Extraordinary Son truly extraordinary is this truth:
This is not just a story about grief…
It is a story about what happens after grief.
Patricia endured the unimaginable, losing her only child.
She walked through depression, hardship, instability, and rebuilding her life from the ground up. And still… she rose.
Through faith, perseverance, and purpose, she transformed her pain into strength, and her story into a light for others.
Add comment
Comments