Indie Author and Book Reviewer Joni Rodgers
Since ALLi (The Alliance of Independent Authors) began, back at London Book Fair 2012, we have used a reading panel to choose our Monthly Book picks and Book of the Month. Now, in 2014, we are going to be launching an exciting reader competition, which we hope will a) broaden our reach and b) take the foregrounded books to a much wider readership.
The first step is the book nomination process.
We are looking for outstanding books in all genre and we want you to tell us about them. It may have won another award or be totally unheard of: if it's great book written by one of those brave souls call indie authors, then we want to hear about it.
We'll have award badges and prizes for the winning authors and also copies of the winning books and other prizes for the readers.
There will be no charge to enter a book, or to vote, and the award will be meaningfully and fairly adjudicated.
Kathy Meis of Bublish
We are working with Amy Edelman of Indie Reader, Joni Rodgers of I'll Have What She's Reading who heads up our “Read An Indie” Campaign, and Kathy Meis of Bublish to ensure that this award becomes a first port of call for readers seeking great indie reads.
Please use the comments box below to make your nomination.
Amy has kicked us off with three great books, and there are lots more to come from her, Joni, Kathy and us.
- Please follow Amy's format in your comments/nominations below.
- Book Title:
- Author Name:
- Genre
- Nominator Name (if not you):
- Why Nominated:
In the “Why Nominated” section, say why this is a great book and why we all should read it.
NOTE: You cannot nominate your own book for this award. If you want to tell the world about your own news or achievements, the place to do that is our Member Showcase (on the blog each Wednesday).
We look forward to telling the world about ALLi members' great indie books.
Title: Mobster’s Girl
Author: Amy Rachiele
Genre: romance
Why: I mention being one of the best authors I’ve ever known surprises me from beginning to end. Read this book
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Title: mobster girl
Author: Amy Rachiele
Genre: romance
Why: the author is a wonderful writter and kept me hooked from beginning to eand.. sych a wonderful start to a power punch series… must read book!
Book title: Mobster’s Girl
Author: Amy Rachiele
Genre: Mafia/romance
Why nominated: I loved this book!!!!!!!Amy is a talented writer, with well written main and secondary characters and plot twists that keep you on your toes, Once you start reading, you can’t stop. Fantastic story.
Book title: Mobster Girl
Author: Amy Rachiele
Genre: Mafia/romance
Why nominated: I loved this book!!!!!!!Amy is a talented writer, with well written main and secondary characters and plot twists that keep you on your toes, Once you start reading, you can’t stop. Fantastic story.
Book Title: Mobster Girl
Author: Amy Rachiele
Genre: mafia/romance
Why nominated: I loved this book it was the start to a fantastic series! I had never read a mafia book before but when I picked this one up I couldn’t put it down! The plot is believable, brilliant characters and great story!
book title: Mobster Girl
Author: Amy Rachiele
Genre: mafia/romance
Why nominated: I have read a lot of mafia/romance books and Amy’s is one of the best. The characters are great and the story line is very believable.
Book Title: Finding Parker
Author Name: Scott Hildreth
Genre: Young Adult
Nominator Name: Angela Wallace
Why Nominated: Scott Hildreth’s books are always filled with such wisdom and incredible messages. Finding Parker is something a bit special. It touched me to the core, and it is a book which will remain a part of me. The journey it takes you on is full of so many emotions and layers, it spins a web around you and draws you in, until you feel a part of the story and characters. I laughed one minute then cried so much the next that I could barely breathe. It is simply stunning, and a book that left me feeling heart warmed and speechless by the end. I can’t recommend this book enough!
I absolutely agree. This is a book that showcases the author’s stunning writing skills and tells the story of different types of love with many life lessons beautifully weaved in. It’s a must read!
I second this one. I’ve read all of Scott’s books and each one have touched me in some way. I’ve never come across an author who has written books in various genre. To be able to nail it every single time, is one who is gifted and talented in their work. Finding Parker is a beautiful and touching story, one I’ll cherish forever.
I second this nomination. This book was amazing. Everyone will get something different from this incredible story. This story? This story is beautiful. It is truly a love story. In so many ways. I challenge anyone who has taken the time to read this to read it. You will get from it exactly what you as an individual needs at that moment. It will speak to your soul. It will leave a smile on your heart. You will be forever changed. You will find a better version of yourself because of it.
I second this nomination. No matter what genre you like to read in, the love felt in this story is one that everyone should feel and experience. By far a favorite on my list.
I completely agree with this nomination. Scott Hildreth created an amazing book, that will have you seeing a love story in a completely new light. The layers to this story are many which says a lot about the talent of the author, for I have read all his work and this story showed another level of his depth as an artist. MUST READ!!!
I agree with this nomination. This book touched my heart deeply. It reached in and brought back things from my past that needed dealing with to some degree. It made me stop and rethink some things…rethink life and love..different kinds of love: love of family, romantic love, love of friends. It made me laugh, smile, cry and I even got angry a time or two. The life lessons he never fails to put into his books are something I always look forward to reading. Scott Hildreth is an amazing writer, a true artist in his field. I highly recommend this book.
Tin God by Stacy Green nominated by Gail Demaree. mystery/thriller.
Tin God is the first book in the Delta Crossroads trilogy. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way to the end of the book. So many twists and turns. Skeleton Key the second book and the third book Ashes and Bone are even better than the first one. Read the trilogy you will not be sorry. I love her writing and look forward to many more books by Stacy Green.
Book title: Skeleton’s Key
Authors name: Stacy Green
Genre: mystery
Nominator’s Name: Heather Cathrall
I love Stacy Green’s novels! She writes edge of your seat thrillers!! My favorite so far has been Skeleton’s Key, but I also love Tin God (which I see is nominated above). Her novels are set in the south among the southern plantations and have a delightful air of mystery and suspense. I love the combination of history, murder, romance, and excitement! Stacy is a talented writer!
Book title: Tin God
Authors name: Stacy Green
Genre: mystery
Nominators Name: Mariluz Rangel
Why Nominated: Tin God was everything I expected out of a mystery book and more. Stacy put together a wonderful ensemble of exciting characters that left me wanting more! I read about a book a day and this series by far is one of the best I’ve ever read by an indie author. The locations Ms.Green uses in her books led me sleepless nights wishing I could read nonstop just to keep enjoying her writing.
Book title: Tin God
Authors name: Stacy Green
Genre: mystery
Nominators Name: Linda Sullivan
Why Nominated: Stacy writes some amazing books. I was loaned this book by a good friend of mine, I couldn’t put it down. I look forward to reading the other two books in this series. I can’t wait to see what happens with the other two books. Lots of twists and turns. Check her out. She writes a great mystery. Love her books!!
Book Title: Tin God
Author Name: Stacy Green
Genre: Mystery
Nominator Name: Sara Freitag
Why Nominated: Loved this book in fact I loved this whole series, each one got better and better. Just as you thought you knew who did it, you found out it wasn’t. That happened couple times. Love this Author.
Book Title: Karda: Adalta Vol. 1
Author Name: Sherrill Nilson
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy
Nominator Name (if not you):
Why Nominated: The honest reason is that this book was just so much fun to read. The writing is very well done and the world she creates is colorful and exciting. I want to ride one of the magnificent Karda! I will just have to settle for reading the next book in the series as soon as it is complete.
Karda is a terrific book and exciting to read. I really enjoyed it.
Title: “Disappearing In Plain Sight”
Author Name: Francis Guenette
Genre: Literary Fiction/Contemporary Fiction
Nominator: Debbie Young
Why Nominated:
This book has just blown me away for lots of reasons – fabulous, subtle writing with an astonishing deftness for a debut novel, touching timeless themes of redemption for the underdog – in this case many underdogs. A group of damaged people converge in a remote spot on Vancouver Island, Canada, all touched by tragedy and some by injustice, and together inadvertently work out their problems. Moving, insightful, and memorable, this is a powerful work. I’ve written a longer and more detailed review on my blog here which tells more about how this work drew me in and the effect that it had on me as a reader: http://authordebbieyoung.com/reviews/directory-of-book-reviews/disappearing-in-plain-sight-by-francis-guenette/
Book Title: “The Missing Five”
Author Name: Gwen Pegram
Genre: Mystery Adult Fiction
Nominator Name (if not you): Miriam Rudder
Why Nominated:
I am a long-time friend of the author and was given a free copy of the novel in return for honest feedback and critique. Let me start by saying the storyline makes sense, the anticipation builds, the characters are easily any of my girlfriends (believable and likeable), and it left me wanting to know what’s next …. “The Missing Five” is set in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area about middle-aged, African-American men who are disappearing, without a trace. The plot makes sense and it is unique. The female characters are ALL my girlfriends — whether fictional or not, they can be my girlfriends!!. The flow of the story was smooth and intriguing. It climbed with anticipation; and, when it did, it hit the roof!! I liked the way the chapters differed and then merged together…it made sense. This book is entertaining and engaging, and a very good read. I’m so proud of the author.
Title: “If Only Words Were Enough”
Author: Dr. Tiffany L. Traylor
Genre: African American Poetry and Pros
Nominator: Julia Lowe
Why Nominated: This is a great book for any literature class related to social justice and is also a fun read for a lazy day of sipping hot chocolate with a GOOD BOOK. The poetry and pros are witty, insightful and entertaining – the word play will have you smiling to yourself while thinking critically at the same time. This Indie author’s work is THOUGHT PROVOKING inspiring, thought provoking and inspiring.
Could you define “indie author” please? Do you mean a self-published author only? Or an author published by an “independent” publisher (ie, not one of the Big Six/Five)? Or what?
Book Title: A Brief Eternity
Author Name: Paul Beaumont
Genre: Fiction
Nominator Name: Joe Gregory
Why Nominated: Presents a unique take on Heaven and Hell. The ending makes you think long after you put the book down.
Link: http://www.amazon.com/A-Brief-Eternity-Paul-Beaumont/dp/1908675217
Book Title: Hopefully Ever After: Breast Cancer, Life and Me
Author Name: Linda Barrett
Genre: Memoir
Nominator Name: Joni Rodgers
Why Nominated: Funny, smart, well-written. A great example of how to balance story and takeaway in prescriptive narrative nonfiction.
Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FFLAWDE?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00FFLAWDE&linkCode=xm2&tag=stella09-20
Book Title: Innocent Deceptions
Author Name: Gwyneth Atlee
Genre: Historical Romance
Nominator Name: Joni Rodgers
Why Nominated: Terrific old-school romance, excellent writing, based on the true story of a southern belle spy during the Civil War in America.
Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037UY6FU?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0037UY6FU&linkCode=xm2&tag=stella09-20
Book Title: An Accident Waiting to Happen
Author Name: Adrian White
Genre: literary/suspense
Nominator Name: Joni Rodgers
Why Nominated: Beautiful writing, intense pace, compelling story. I really loved this book about a guy in an untenable situation trying to protect the small son of his missing girlfriend.
Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PLMBDE?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B004PLMBDE&linkCode=xm2&tag=stella09-20
Book Title: Secrets of the Italian Gardener
Author Name: Andrew Crofts
Genre: Suspense
Nominator Name: Joni Rodgers
Why Nominated: Excellent writing, very smart scenario, many small gems of wisdom in the context of credible, well-crafted dialogue
Link: http://buff.ly/1cHDnoS
Book Title: The diary of a single parent abroad
Author Name: Jill Pennington
Genre: Non fiction
Why Nominated:This account of a womans real life experience is heartwarming, honest but also gritty. It leaves the reader in no doubt as to her personality, loyalty to her children and her determination to succeed in their new life in Italy.
Book Title: Living…The Testimony
Author Name: Deidre Havrelock
Genre: Religious/Inspirational
Why Nominated: This is book two in a series on Christian Testimony and how to apply it as a Christian person in our everyday lives. It contains many inspiring and influential testimonies that will astound and raise your faith as a Christian. A book like no other!
Book title: Teapots and Attics: Don’t Let Go
Author name : Katie Louise Shattock
Genre: Fiction. romance, suspense thriller.
Nominator name : George Peterson
Why nominated. I have never read a book with such original style. It is dark, gritty and touches on some very sensitive subjects though it has a beautiful romantic story. It a very emotional read. What captured me is how the author alternated the chapters between the two main leads and the ending had me gasping for more and desperately wanting book two of the trilogy.
Book Title: Glass Half Full
Author Name: Sarah Jane Butfield
Genre:Non- fiction
Nominator Name: Jill Pennington
Why Nominated: Excellent book. A honest account of courage and determination.
Book Title: Saving Mary: The Possession
Author Deidre Havrelock
Genre: Autobiography/Non-fiction memoir
Why Nominated: An intriguing true story of a little girl and how she becomes possessed as a teenager while she dabbles in the occult. This book was a finalist in Dan Poynter’s Global Ebook Awards in 2012 in Autobiography/Memoirs non-fiction genre. A fabulous read!! You can buy her books on Amazon.com or at her website…www.deidrehavrelock.com
Book Title: Jack and the Lad
Author Name: Mickey Mayhew
Genre Paranormal romance, urban fantasy
Why Nominated: It’s like Twilight meets Eastenders, a paranormal romance with a twist, great characters, an original story and a real feeling of realism in the locations, the author must know his stuff.
Book Title: Blue Hydrangeas
Author Name: Marianne Sciucco
Genre: Romance
Nominator Name (if not you):
Why Nominated: What if, after a lifetime of marriage, the person who knew you best and loved you most forgot your face, and couldn’t remember your name? Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story, is well-written, sad but beautiful, and true-to-life. Amazon readers give it 4.8 stars. http://www.amazon.com/author/mariannesciucco
– See more at: https://selfpublishingadvice.org/read-an-indie-author-alli-book-of-the-month-awards/#sthash.iDJWSrKN.d
99 Jobs by Joe Cottonwood
Short story / Memoir
Why? Too much fun! Love, disaster, accident, humor, stupidity, craftsmanship in 99 short, delectable stories of real humans (and dogs) drawn from the author’s 40 years of experience in the construction trades. The writing is clear, personable, gently poetic, and really satisfying. More, please.
Book Title: House of Silence
Author: Linda Gillard
Genre: Thriller-Romance
The heroine’s investigation into the goings-on at Gothic manor, Creake Hall will have you hooked. Nothing and nobody are what they seem. Abortion, murder, multiple deception and of course, mutedly, that thing called love are all on the agenda.
Book title: Yesterday Road
Author: Kevin Brennan
Genre: A Road Novel
This account of the accidental and tortuous journey from California to Vermont of two mentally unstable adventurers is compelling and hilarious. The dialogue is brilliant and the major characters, one losing his mind and the other a virtual cretin, will make you curl up with laughter. This is one you won’t want to put down.
[…] will be able to nominate books through the ALLi Self Publishing Advice Blog. Please note, authors cannot enter their own works, but are free to nominate other writers for […]
[…] And finally, a quick update on the upcoming ALLi Book of the Month Awards, including some great coverage from the esteemed Porter Anderson in Publishing Perspectives. We are delighted with the response, with plenty of great indie reads already under consideration. Thank you to everyone who has nominated so far, and keep ‘em coming on this blog. […]
Book title: The Thirteenth Step: Zombie Recovery
Author: Michele W. Miller
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi
Unique premise: the people with the most immunity to the zombie virus (or whatever it is that causes the end of the world as we know it) are those with the “alcoholic gene,†either alcoholics/addicts or the children of alcoholics or addicts.
I am not a zombie novel or a horror fiction fan. But the story was so gripping and the characters so three-dimensional, that I found it beyond a genre. It is also tempered with a sense of humor and humanity that is refreshing.
This is one of those books that is hard to put down until you are done—and it is hard to put down even then. I felt as if I got to know these characters and was sad to let them go.
Book Title: How to Write Heartfelt Letters to Treasure: For Special Occasions and Occasions Made Special
Author: Lynette M. Smith
Genre: Reference, Letter Writing
Nominator Name: Flora Morris Brown
Why Nominated:
Peggy Post, director of The Emily Post Institute and co-author of the 18th edition of Emily Post’s Etiquette, begins her foreword to Lynette Smith’s book by stating, “You are holding an extraordinary book,†and I wholeheartedly agree.
The idea for Lynette’s book sprang from a touching personal experience. When she and her husband attended her son’s wedding rehearsal dinner, her son and fiancée surprised them when the two of them each made a special presentation to their respective parents–a beautifully framed, one-page heartfelt letter. Their best man and maid of honor read the letters aloud as each stood beside their own parents. Each letter described what they had treasured about growing up in their family, what they had especially appreciated about each parent, and what values they had learned and planned to bring to their marriage. This convinced Lynette that even in our age of email and texting, original heartfelt letters could stir feelings and deepen relationships in a way that instant communication cannot.
While not discouraging virtual communications, Lynette provides the rationale and guidance for thoughtful personal and business communications. The main text gives the basics of not just how to plan a heartfelt letter, but also how to write, package, present, and enhance it.
As an experienced copyeditor, Lynette goes beyond typical letter writing advice. In her three-part reference book she addresses milestone birthdays; special occasions for school, military, romance, family, rites of passage and career; and professional and personal relationships, aging, eulogies and mending relationships. The extensive appendix offers 15 demographic lists of 72 positive words, inspirational quotes to use in your letter and—in case you have trouble getting started—great starter sentences to jumpstart your writing.
As a mom who has received a heartfelt letter of appreciation from my oldest daughter, I cherish this book as a companion to which letter writers can return again and again to mark and deepen relationships. Best of all, this book is part of Lynette’s Big, Achievable Goal: to get millions of people worldwide to write heartfelt letters of appreciation, so they can establish, enhance, or even rebuild their relationships and thus change their world.
[…] today, anyone will be able to nominate books through the ALLi Self Publishing Advice Blog. Authors cannot enter their own works, but are free to nominate other writers for […]
Book Title: Defending Elton
Author Name: TJ Cooke
Genre: Crime Mystery
Nominator Name (if not you): Ian Sutherland
Why Nominated: Since when do you read a crime thriller from the point of view of the killer and enjoy it immensely. TJ Cooke has pulled off this rare feat with Defending Elton, a real page turner of a mystery. The characterisation is really well imagined, especially of the mentally challenged Elton who is being set up to take the fall by his own lawyer! What a premise!
I’m a former literary editor and consultant and came across this outstanding crime fiction book in the summer. I’m pretty sure Tahlia would support this one as I read a super review of hers. I included this in my own top 10 crime fiction reads of 2013 – http://wp.me/p3Y77c-g
All the others in my top 10 were traditionally published works, but I was so taken by the author’s style and originality that I had to include Defending Elton in my list. To me this book highlights the fact that there are some fabulously talented Indie writers. I actually put Defending Elton in at number 3, it was that good. If you’ve not read it you are in for a treat. A rare mix, including a totally original plot, sparkling dialogue, hard hitting social commentary and humour.
Book Title:~ MORE KETCHUP THAN SALSA (THE FINAL DOLLOP)
Author Name:~ JOE CAWLEY
Genre:~ TRAVEL/HUMOUR/MEMOIRWhy
Nominated Name JAYNE CLARE
Nominated because this book is the follow up from More Ketchup Than Salsa. Its followed Joe from leaving home to make a better life inTenerife. Theres highs and loads of lows (where you’d think he’d just give up and go back home) Theres plenty of humour in it aswel you laughcry and think oh no what else could go wrong this is it… Hes going home, but no he stuck it out. This book brings you up to present date. The books a place very close to my heart know where he was on some of the things thats happend can well believe,
Everybody that I know so far just love this book. Nobody will b
disappointed with this book and some lovely picures at the back to see. Joes book went straight to number 1for humour on Amazon UK. Happy days brightend my reading up . Good LuCk Joe Cawley
.
[…] one hand, an article there headlined Read an Indie Author: ALLi Book of the Month Awards tells of how the organization is smartly expanding its own awards […]
There are so many, it’s hard to know where to start, but I’m going to begin with three that come to mind.
Book Title: Sunbolt
Author Name: Intisar Khanani
Genre Nominator:YA fantasy
Why Nominated: This is a beautifully written gripping story.
Book Title: Ripple: A tale of hope and redemption
Author Name: EL Farris
Genre Nominator: Literary fiction
Why Nominated: Very powerful and moving and tackling a difficult subject
Book Title: Magnus Opum
Author Name: Jonathan Gould
Genre Nominator: Fantasy Parody
Why Nominated: Jonathan has a lovely style and his humour makes a strong statement.
Book Title: Daughters
Author: Florence Osmund
Genre: Fiction
Nominator Name: Marge Bousson
Why Nominated:
I enjoy continuing stories/sequels, and Daughters is no exception. Daughters is the sequel to The Coach House. The characters are very believable and the story-line flows nicely. When reading the story, it feels as if you know the characters intimately. Very few novels make you think. This one does. Parenting, prejudice, family, relationships, this book has it all covered.
Book Title: The Coach House
Author: Florence Osmund
Genre: Fiction
Nominator Name: Marge Bousson
Why Nominated:
The Coach House is a good read. I can only become engrossed in a book when I care about the main character. I felt involved with the main character and liking the other characters was a bonus. The book encompasses big city life, small town life, ethnicity, ethics, domestic violence, and yet the story flows quite smoothly. Fiction that also opens many life questions is a combination that is difficult to find in a good book.
Title: Dare I Call It Murder?
Author: Larry Edwards
Genre: Memoir
Nominator Name: Jean Forsythe
Why Nominated: This is a beautifully written book on a tragic subject. I recommend it for anyone who is a fan of memoir, true crime, or just likes a good book. In addition, it’s a must read for anyone who has suffered a violent loss.
[…] From today, anyone will be able to nominate books through the ALLi Self Publishing Advice Blog. Authors cannot enter their own works, but are free to nominate other writers for consideration via https://selfpublishingadvice.org/read-an-indie-author-alli-book-of-the-month-awards […]
[…] Florence Osmund on Read An Indie Author: ALLi Book of The Month Awards […]
Book Title: Searching For Lincoln’s Ghost
Author Name: Barbara Dzikowski
Genre: Fiction
Nominator Name: Florence Osmund
Why Nominated:
Rarely do you find such a well-crafted novel written by a first-time indie author. “Searching For Lincolnʾs Ghost” by Barbara Dzikowski, is such a book. Written in first person from the perspective of an eleven-year-old girl in the 1960s, you will feel the depth of her thinking as she tries to find answers to her “life after death” questions and understand what drives others to do what they do. The extraordinary relationships she has with her diverse classmates, her grandmom, and the unusually wise bait shop owner are compelling, making the characters believable and heartwarming. This is a book I found hard to put down.
Thank you Florence
Book Title: Poetry II (Ten More Thoughts About Love)
Author Name: Orna Ross
Genre: Poetry
Nominator Name: Rohan Quine
Why Nominated: There’s a sense of both balance and gritty strength in the carefully unflinching span of understanding that these poems shine with equal attention and compassion upon their subjects, whether these subjects are people or moments, grand or minute, clean or grimy, joyful or dark, spiritual or sensual. Their wise acceptance of such disparately-flavoured aspects of life has the tension of a quest beneath the surface of its embrace, however, as the best acceptances tend to: one feels these poems’ many beauties are at the service of the truths they give us glimpses of.
Book Title: (life:) razorblades included
Author Name: Dan Holloway
Genre: Experimental/Poetry
Nominator Name: Rohan Quine
Why Nominated: When writing transgresses, not just for the sake of it but to find truth in its vision and expression, then this is a high aim, a serious endeavour and a difficult task, and its success fulfils valuable functions. From its beautiful front cover inwards, this collection contains rich transgressions, and these take their place amid a fertile mix of other elements including desperation, humour, longing, urgency, obsession, tenderness, alienation, despair and a deep curiosity in living, brought together with a combination of economy yet refusal-to-be-tidy-or-slick. I wouldn’t presume to summarise this disparate and lovely box of dark-stained delights/howls/love-bites, nor pretend to “understand†them all either, because that wouldn’t feel right: I’ll instead just go back to them whenever the moment’s right for a grand, messy, dark, clean, questing “fuck you†to this world that does these things to people.
thank you for both nominations Rohan
I fretted over doing this. But who else am I going to recommend? It has to be those writers I trust and admire so highly that we formed a collective. Below are works I’ve seen grow and develop and blossom into brilliance. But right from the start, I knew these writers would succeed. Good writing shines, so here are some jewels.
Title: The Charter
Author Name: Gillian Hamer
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
Why Nominated: A cross-genre thriller which includes history, tension and the otherworldly in a classic page turner.
Title: Wolfsangel
Author Name: Liza Perrat
Genre: Historical fiction
Why Nominated: Beautiful, poetic evocation of a period, place and the agonising tension of following heart or head.
Title: Ghost Town
Author Name: Catriona Troth
Genre: Literary Fiction
Why Nominated: Time, place and race. Zadie Smith meets Dominic Sandbrook to a soundtrack from The Specials.
Title: Tristan and Iseult
Author Name: JD Smith
Genre: Historical Fiction
Why Nominated: Extraordinary reworking of the legend to bring the whole story to three-dimensional, sensory life.
Title: The Open Arms of the Sea
Author Name: Jasper Dorgan
Genre: Literary Fiction
Why Nominated: Powerful storytelling and immense characters. The Indie Sebastian Faulks.
thank you Jill!
Book title: Dare I Call It Murder? A Memoir of Violent Loss
Author name: Larry Edwards
Genre: True crime
Nominated by: Penelope James
Why nominated: Most true crime books deal with the more sensationalist aspects of the murder and the efforts made to solve it. This book delves into the raw emotional trauma of violent loss and how it affected and shattered an entire family.
Thanks Penelope!
“Dare I Call It Murder” is by author Larry Edwards.
I just nominated it following your instructions.
Please include it on your list as this may be one of the best true crime books to be published in the last decade.
[…] Check it all out here:Â https://selfpublishingadvice.org/read-an-indie-author-alli-book-of-the-month-awards/ […]
Book title: Up, Back and Away
Author name: Kim Velk
Genre: YA
Why nominated: Because time-travelling Texan Miles McTavish is the ideal cheeky, charming hero of this perfectly pitched YA adventure story. A lovely book.
Thank you Lucy
Book Title: Spirit of Lost Angels
Author Name: Liza Perrat
Genre: Historic Fiction
Why Nominated: Quality writing and an absorbing story. It drew me in and carried me along until the final chapter. I felt bereft when I turned the final page.
Book Title: Wolfsangel
Author Name: Liza Perrat
Genre: Historic Fiction
Why Nominated: Beautifully written and sensitively told – it’s impossible not to be moved by the tale as it unfolds.
thank you for your nomination Lorraine
Book Title: “The Assassin’s Mark”
Author Name: David Ebsworth
Genre: Historical thriller
Why Nominated: A cracking read, well written and produced, with an interesting and colourful cast of characters and intelligent, thought-provoking read about an era in history not given as much attention as it deserves – the Spanish Civil War. Meticulously researched for historical and political accuracy, bringing its troubled period and place vividly to life. Grim reality is lightened with easy comedy in just the right balance. The plotting is skilfully done, with some extraordinary surprises, including a bold ending that I really did not see coming. It’s the sort of book that stays with you long after you’ve read it and which you find yourself buying as presents for friends and recommending. A great advertisement of just how good indie novels can be.
thanks Debbie
Book title: Sliding Past Vertical
Author name: Laurie Boris
Genre: Literary fiction
Why nominated: Sarah ruins everything she touches, including her relationships. Then she calls her best friend Emerson for support. But Em has been carrying a torch for her since college. Then Sarah decides to reboot her life by moving back to her old college town, and things get really complicated. The book is well written with believable characters. And Laurie never goes for the pat, easy ending.
thank you Lynne
I second this nomination.
Book Title: The Sowing
Author Name: K. Makansi
Genre: Science Fiction
Why Nominated: 4.5 star Amazon Score. Heartbreaking star-crossed love story. Fascinating dystopian world. Several scenes are absolutely riveting.
thank you Peter
Title: Murder at the Maples
Author: Joanne Phillips
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Nominated by: Kathryn Guare
Why Nominated: I will reprise a part of my online review: a good old-fashioned tale told very well, with delightful and richly drawn characters, witty dialogue, clever plotting and a satisfying conclusion. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
many thanks Kathryn
Title: Feral Youth
Author: Polly Courtney
Genre: Contemporary / Literary Fiction
Nominated by: Catriona Troth
Why nominated: An extraordinary book. Courtney has immersed herself in the life of a homeless teenager living on the edges of society. She captures the voice and takes you inside the heart of that on-the-surface inarticulate teenager. In doing so, she opens our eyes to the extreme pressures that young people in some parts of our cities are living in. An important book because of what it says about our society today – but also beautifully written, a page turner and a heart breaker. Probably the best book I’ve read this year.
thank you Catriona for your nomination
And three more beauties
Title: The Open Arms of the Sea
Author: Jasper Dorgan
Genre: literary fiction/historical fiction
nominated by: Dan Holloway
Why: a truly beautiful tale of forbidden love under the scorching Aden Sun
Title: The Charter
Author: Gillian Hamer
Genre: thriller
nominated by: Dan Holloway
Why: a fabulous, haunting tale that spans the centuries, rooted in the looming landscape of Anglesey
Title: Ghost Town
Author: Catriona Troth
Genre: literary fiction
nominated by: Dan Holloway
Why: a searing account of social and racial tension in Coventry during the troubled times of the 1980s
and again, thank you Dan
Hi
The Illegal Gardiner
by Sara Alexsi
Genre Fiction
Surprisingly deep relationships for what appears to be a beach read. Timely explanation of the exodus of immigrants across the Middle East to Europe. Well researched. Lovely book.
many thanks Michael James
Title: Tristan and Iseult
Author: JD Smith
Genre: Historical fiction
Why nominated: A beautiful book in every sense, beautiful cover and a wonderful story. It has gore, romance and authenticity. Based on an old legend, it’s a wonderful reworking. The world of the story is beautifully realised and the language of the storytelling is beguiling. One of these books you don’t want to get to the end of because you know you’re going to miss it.
thank you for both of your nominations Anne
Title: Tread Softly
Author: JJMarsh
Genre: Crime
Why nominated: Third and best so far in series that just gets better and better. Characters are all fully rounded and credible. Plots are clever and full of suspense. This book was ‘unputdownable’.
a few more it’d be criminal not to have
Title – The Bet
Author – Viv Tuffnell
Genre – literary fiction
Nominated by: Dan Holloway
Why: Viv writes beautiful prose and unashamedly tackles the deepest, darkest questions in life, never losing her lyricality as she does so
Title – Glimpses of a Floating World
Author – Larry Harrison
Genre – Literary Fiction
Nominated by: Dan Holloway
Why: This portrait of 60s London on the cusp of a social revolution is one of the most blistering books you will ever read
Title – Loisaida
Author Marion Stein
Genre literary thriller
Nominated by: Dan Holloway
Why: blistering prose, razor sharp plotting. Stunning
Title Oblivious
Author Neil Schiller
Genre Literary Fiction
Nominated by: Dan Holloway
Why: one of the most lyrical writers you will ever read
thanks again Dan
Title: Investigative Medium-The Awakening
Author: Laine Crosby
Genre: Paranormal, Supernatural, Biographical
Why Nominated: There is so much going on inthe world today about the Paranormal,Mediumship etc. that it was such a wonderful experience to read Laine’s book and get a real insight into what it is like to live the real life of a medium. At times you find yourself laughing and other times you feel heartbroken but with every word of every chapter you move toward an amazing understanding of the author and the afterlife. It brings acertain comfort to your soul. Number 1in Supernatural Genre at Amazon.
thank you Laurie
[…] – See more at: https://selfpublishingadvice.org/read-an-indie-author-alli-book-of-the-month-awards/ […]
Book Title: Phantom: Queen of the Road
Author Name: Lee Youde
Genre: Memoir, Pets
Nominator Name: Angela Roberts
Why Nominated: It is a moving story about a man that saved a dog from a “shoot-to-kill order” after the dog had survived one of the worst winters in Iowa history.
Thank you Angie
Title: Resonance
Author: Chris Dolley
Genre: sci-fi thriller
Nominator: Mike Reeves-McMillan
Why nominated: This is an alternate-worlds tale and a thriller, but it’s very different from the usual. The protagonist isn’t a superspy or a man of action, but an obsessive-compulsive British government worker in a menial job, single at 30 and looking likely to remain so. Turns out – after multiple explanations of what’s going on, all credible – that he alone can save the multiverse, because he exists across multiple worlds and can travel between them. Gripping.
Title: Untimed
Author: Andy Gavin
Genre: YA SF
Why nominated: impeccably edited, it tells the believable story of a teenager who’s part of a race of time travellers – meaning that for normal people, like his mother, it’s hard to remember that he exists. Well-researched, suspenseful and action-packed, with clear protagonist stakes that are both personal and cosmic.
Thank you Mike
Title: Lydia Bennet’s Blog: the real story of Pride and Prejudice
Author: Valerie Laws
Genre: Humour
Nominator: Linda Gillard
Why nominated: I gave this 5 stars on Amazon. Very clever & hilarious version of PRIDE & PREJUDICE in which the language (but not the plot) is brought up-to-date in the style of a chatty teenage blog.The wordplay is a joy. (Laws is also a poet.)
I started reading it on my Kindle when I was attached to a drip delivering my first dose of chemotherapy. Nevertheless, I laughed out loud. Several times.
Thanks Linda.
Another beauty and also on the Awesome Indies
Book Title: Sleeper’s Run
Author Name: Henry Mosquera
Genre: Thriller
Why Nominated: Sleeper’s Run is a critically-acclaimed, multiple award-winning novel that has left its readers with many a sleepless night due to its neck-breaking pace, and unexpected twists. Its deeply layered plot challenges many conventions of its genre, geopolitics, Latin American culture, and the reader’s own views.
Thank you Henry.
Book Title: A Lifetime Burning
Author Name: Linda Gillard
Genre: Literary
Why Nominated: A beautifully written, brutally unflinching look at the obsessive bond between a twin brother and sister, and the destructive effect it has on everyone in their vicinity.
Book Title: Falling For Your Madness
Author Name: Katharine Grubb
Genre: Romantic comedy
Why Nominated: A lighthearted look at love with a clever fantasy twist and a serious point to make about the value of courtship. Katharine is my critique partner but I’m nominating on the basis of what I think of the book rather than our friendship; the judges in the 2013 Amazon Breakout Novel Awards agreed, and the novel got to the quarter finals.
Thanks for the nomination, Jane
I second this one too.
Book: The Evil Beneath
Author Name: AJ Waines
Genre: Crime/Thriller
Why nominated: The adjective ‘un-put-downable’ is bandied around a lot these days, but rarely does it find such an appropriate and richly deserving target as with Alison Waines’s The Evil Beneath. Alison’s 15 years of experience as a psychotherapist and her consequent interest and understanding of the dilemmas and traumas of everyday people shine through in her richly drawn, acutely believable characters. However, it is her talent with a twisting and utterly compelling plot that really impresses. Completely deserving of its profusion of 5 star reviews.
Thank you Tim!
Book: The Survival of Thomas Ford
Author name : John Logan
Genre: Literary crime thriller (!)
Why nominated: I don’t usually read crime thrillers, but was drawn to this seeing so many excellent reviews. It had me hooked from the very first page and was beautifully written.
Can one second nominations? If so, I second this one.
Thanks Karen and Linda! Yes, seconding is more than “permitted”
Book Title: Doing Max Vinyl
Author Name: Frederick Lee Brooke
Genre: Mystery
Why Nominated: because the plot was unique with laugh out loud action. The characters were fantastic and their interrelationships were a key part of the book. Good guys or bad guys, you could connect with them and feel their plight, and you had to keep reading to see how all their stories came together.
Book Title: Stealing Power
Author Name: Bo Brennan
Genre: Crime Thriller
Why Nominated: because this book is more than just the investigation into a serial rapist, it it is about the relationship between the two main characters and the mysteries surrounding their family histories. There is layer upon layer of intrigue involving each key character cleverly interlaced with the main case. This is an action-packed mystery thriller with characters you can invest in.
thank you Simon.
Book Title: Hannah’s Voice
Author: Robb Grinsdstaff
Genre: Commercial Fiction
Nominator: Pete Morin
Why Nominated: This is a story that stays with you weeks after reading. A superb job of conveying the voice and character of a young girl who refuses to speak because she tells the truth.
GRINDSTAFF (ack!)
Thanks Pete!
Book Title: Limericks in the Wild.
Author Name: Alton Douglas.
Genre: Poetry/Humour.
Why Nominated: Do a search for Limericks on the Internet and the majority of the results will include material that is, shall we say “risque” Historically Limericks have been “rude” and their rhythmical nature does lend itself to this. Alton Douglas has produced a book that can be read by all ages and a book which parents can safely buy for their children. In doing so he has also created a vehicle for the genre, a chance to re-awaken a younger audience to this entertaining branch of poetry. Having said all that – I myself cannot read this book, only because I have no sense of rhythm. Yes, there are people who cannot read poetry out there but those that can will certainly enjoy this book. The book is published as an Amazon Kindle. http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=alton%20douglas&sprefix=alton+d%2Cdigital-text&rh=i%3Adigital-text%2Ck%3Aalton%20douglas
many thanks Ken
Book Title: Scrag – Up The Hill Backwards
Author Name: Jesamine James
Genre: Biography
Nominator Name (if not you): Pollyanna Pilsbury
Why Nominated: I could not sleep for a week after reading this book. It is the first book that springs to mind for being unforgettable, emotive and soul haunting. I was speechless/wordless when I tried to review it. It is that powerful.
Thank you for the nomination, Pollyanna.
I believe that the book Tethered, by Amy Mackinnon, is an indie pub book. It is a sensational read, just loved it. Story of a black mortuary, and the socially inept woman who lives and works there as an assistant. Shy, she sometimes speaks through her floral displays. There are good plot twists, too.
Thank you Java.
I second Java’s nomination for Tethered. This is a great read-one that doesn’t leave you for a long time.
Book Title: IN THE DAYS OF HUMANS: THIRD EXODUS
Author Name: Terry. R. Hill
Genre: Science fiction
Why Nominated: Written by an aerospace engineer employed by NASA, this isn’t your typical sci-fi romp, in that even when wildly speculative, there is a good dose of real science in this science fiction.
http://goo.gl/lFG1ye
Thank you Todd.
ooh, I can see this could lead to some bruised egos with a public nomination process! Still, here goes with my nominations, and an explanation – I wrote an article for The Guardian a month or so back in which I listed what I believe to be the five best self-published books I’d read. It seems sensible, therefore, for me to repeat those five here. I will also repeat the reasons I gave there.
Book Title: Amniotic City
Author Name: Lucy Furlong
Genre: Poetry
Nominator Name: Dan Holloway
Why Nominated: This is a beautifully produced fold-out psychogeographical poetry map that depicts London’s hidden feminine archetypes. It is easy to dismiss artisan self-publishing as a triumph of style over substance – wonderfully produced objects hiding second-rate content. And in many cases that’s valid. But not here. This is a beautiful exploration of the way a city can consciously and unconsciously suppress an important part of its nature, and how a little imaginative trowel-work can reveal what is hidden – and transform the things you see around you every day.
Book Title: Crockett’s Fall
Author Name: Anna Fennel Hughes
Genre: Children’s
Nominator Name: Dan Holloway
Why Nominated: An unctuously produced children’s graphic novel. A simple but perfectly realised world, with the brilliant trick of creating a strangeness that makes it instantly familiar, and a situation that every teenager will relate to at once.
Book Title: The Imagination Thief
Author Name: Rohan Quine
Genre: Literary/experimental fiction
Nominator Name: Dan Holloway
Why Nominated: Rohan has created video and audio content for each of the 120 chapters in the books, which you can peruse on his website and in the ebook. For many books this would be ersatz and more than a little annoying. But for this story of Jaymi, who has the power to see into other people’s imaginations, and his playful-turned-terrifying tour through New York’s physical and mental recesses, this offers the perfect blend of immersion and voyeurism.
Book Title: Living Room Stories
Author Name: Andy Harrod
Genre: Literary Fiction
Nominator Name: Dan Holloway
Why Nominated: a series of vignettes melding photography and flash fiction based on Olafur Arnalds’s Living Room Songs. This use of image and text characterises Andy’s unique way of using layers – of text, typography, photography, transparencies – first to unravel and then carefully to reconstruct the inner workings of a mind. This requires a skill I’ve rarely seen before or since. While this is available as an ebook, it is the handmade book, presented as a series of pages the same size as vinyl singles, that is the true masterpiece.
Book Title: Lune
Author Name: Sarah Hymas
Genre: Poetry
Nominator Name: Dan Holloway
Why Nominated: this is a beautiful matching of form and content produced with care and craft. It was also runner-up in the Best Poetry Pamphlet category at the 2013 Saboteur Awards, ahead of numerous offerings from established presses.
Fab Dan, thanks so much!
I would like to second the nomination of, “Crockett’s Fall”, by Anna Fennel Hughes please.
It is beautifully poignant tale with lovely, delicate illustrations.
Seconded!
Book Title: No City For Dreaming
Author Name: Don O’Melveny
Genre: Historical Fiction
Nominator Name: Amy Edelman
Why Nominated: 5 Star IR Review
Book Title: Cliff of the Ruin
Author Name: Bonnie McKernan
Genre: Historical Fiction
Nominator Name: Amy Edelman
Why Nominated: 4.5 star IR Review
I second this one. It will soon be on the Awesome Indies too