The annual Eden awards are back! This past year has been one of fresh voices and absolute favourites. We've had new books from big-name authors such as Max Lucado, Jeff Lucas, Joyce Meyer and more. As well as promising new books from some truly brilliant debut author.

Biography of the Year

Daring to Hope by Katie Davis Majors

Daring to Hope is the next chapter in Katie Davis Majors life and mission in Uganda. Picking up right where Kisses from Katie left off, Daring to Hope is all about the challenges and rewards of serving God in the most unlikely of ways.

Raising 13 children, whilst running a charity, a home, and sharing God with those around her unique family - the life of Katie Davis Majors is one filled with highs, lows, miracles, struggles and, above all, hope.

Fire Road by Kim Phuc Phan Thi and Ashley Wiersma

The remarkable story you never knew, Fire Road is a once in a lifetime autobiography, and a peek behind one of the 20th Century's most powerful photographs.

The iconic image of Kim Phuc Phan Thi is synonymous with the Vietnam war. Fire Road is an inspiring story of her journey from “the napalm girl” through the horrors of war to faith, forgiveness and peace.

Between Heaven and The Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman

Steven Curtis Chapman is a well-known face and name in the worship world. But not many know his story of heartbreak and inspiring faith.

Between Heaven and the Real World opens up the highs and lows of a life spent creating powerful worship music but also recounts a troublesome childhood and the loss of his daughter in a tragic accident.

The Axe and the Tree by Stephen Griffiths

UK Missionaries Peter and Brenda Griffiths experienced the height of tragedy amidst the Vumba Massacre in the 1970s, and yet still continued to live out their faith. This biography, written by their son, will encourage its readers of the priceless power of remaining faithful to God long-term, and will leave your trust in God reaffirmed for the world.

William Tyndale by Melvyn Bragg

Part of a series of “very brief” histories, this volume opens up the life and legacy of the KJV translator, a man who influenced everyone from William Shakespeare to Charles Dickens and beyond.

Covering both William Tyndale’s past and his legacy, this book tells the amazing story of a man who died for the cause of giving God’s word to the world.

Paul: A Biography by Tom Wright

Renowned author and academic Tom Wright takes a thought-provoking look at the Early Church stalwart. Regarded by many as the founder of Christianity, Paul of Tarsus is one of the most controversial and powerful figures in history.

In this superbly detailed biography Tom Wright traces Paul's career from the zealous persecutor of the fledgeling Church, through his journeys as the world's greatest missionary theologian, to his likely death as a Christian martyr at the hands of Nero in the mid-60s CE.

In the Days of Rain by Rebecca Stott

In The Days of Rain has already received the accolade of 2017 Costa Biography award.

Rebecca Stott details an enthralling, at times shocking, and deeply personal family memoir of growing up in, and breaking away from, a fundamentalist Christian cult.

Fiction of the Year

Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

Already known for fantastic Biblical fiction such as Miriam and Pharoah’s Daughter, Mesu Andrews turns her attention to Isham, Isaiah’s daughter.

Written with great Biblical depth and research, as well as with intricately-drawn characters, Isaiah’s Daughter is a novel to sweep you up, and remind you of the need to trust God in everything.

Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke

Until we find Home is a historical novel that will sweep the reader to war-time England.

Set in England's lush and storied Lake District in the early days of World War II, and featuring cameos from beloved literary icons Beatrix Potter and C. S. Lewis, Until We Find Home is an unforgettable portrait of life on the British home front, challenging us to remember that bravery and family come in many forms.

Love Story by Karen Kingsbury

2017 was the year the much-loved Baxter family returned!

#1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury shares a tender-romance, Love Story is a tale the spans generations

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

A bestseller that went straight to the top of the charts!

Much-loved author Francine Rivers returns to her romance roots with this probing tale that reminds us that mercy can shape even the most broken among us into an imperfect yet stunning masterpiece.

Haven of Swans by Colleen Coble

Combining, in her signature style, thriller and romance, Colleen Coble shares another epic drama.

Michigan's rugged and beautiful Upper Peninsula is the setting for this absorbing tale of love and loss, beauty and terror, grievous sins and second chances.

Book Cover of the Year

Start with Amen by Beth Guckenberger

Beth Guckenberger’s Start with Amen has a mythical, wistful look. In Start With Amen, Beth unpacks all the Bible has to teach us about the moment we say amen to God.

Bless the Lord O My Soul

A sure hit at Christmas, and beyond. The beautiful cover of Bless The Lord, O My Soul 365 Devotional is adorned with flowers, cursive writing and gilt edges.

Inside the 365-day devotional is filled with readings and colouring pages to make your own.

Cultivate by Lara Casey

Cultivate, is very similar in style to Lara Casey’s bestselling book, Make it Happen. The brightly coloured, leaf bedecked cover hints at the internal “journey to get messy in the rich soil of possibility”

More than Words by Hannah Dunnett

A collection of paintings and reflections from artist, Hannah Dunnett the cover includes a painting from the author herself. Her inspirational artwork provides a fresh look at scripture and aids personal reflection and devotion

Whatever Happened to the Gospel? By RT Kendall

A slightly different nomination. The cover of RT Kendall’s Whatever Happened to The Gospel is inspired by Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. A timely reminder on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Quirkiest Book Title

These are that titles that piqued our interest, made us want to know more, or even just intrigued us into discovering what they mean.

Every Job a Parable by John Van Sloten

John Van Sloten explores what farmers, nurses and astronauts tell us about God, encouraging the reader to approach their work with greater insight and purpose.

It's A Dog's Life by Jeff Lucas

A quirky title with a fantastic cover. Who could resist the cute face of that Boxer dog? In his signature style, Jeff Lucas brings a whole new book of observations from one of the most loved Christian authors in the UK.

I Thought There Would be Cake by Katharine Welby Roberts

Katharine Welby Roberts’ debut book is not, as the name suggests, a recipe book. But is instead filled with an honest and humorous look at the ups and downs of life and faith.

Luminous Dark by Alain Emerson

Alain Emerson’s title drew us in with an oxymoron. In his profound book, he retraces his journey through the stages of grief, pain and shock, choosing to lean into the pain and to face God with his disappointment.

Thought-Provoker of the Year

Solitude by Terry Waite

Terry Waite is a well-known name, especially for anyone who watched the news in the 1980s. After captivity, he was held in solitary confinement for five years.

Solitude shares his story and reflections, alongside stories of others: the unsought and often unnoticed solitude of lonely people living in the midst of busy cities; the deceptive solitude of those living in the twilight world of espionage; the enforced solitude of the convict and the prisoner of war. It speaks to a time when solitude and loneliness is a common problem in society.

Luminous Dark by Alain Emerson

Alain Emerson felt like the luckiest man in the world. The talented pastor of a thriving church and national director of a prayer movement, he had found and married Lindsay, the girl of his dreams, his soulmate. He could never have imagined that in a matter of months he would be nursing his beautiful twenty-three-year-old wife through the final stages of cancer, and would find himself a young widower, distraught and alone.Luminous Dark is his exploration through grief and wrestling with God. Finding great comfort from the Psalms and the work of writers who truly understand – Wiesel, Brueggemann, Moltmann

Martin Luther: Catholic Dissident by Peter Standford

A timely release in line with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Esteemed biographer, Peter Stanford, explores the life of the man at the very centre of the Reformation. Looking at Martin Luther from within his Catholic context, examining his actual aims for Catholicism as well as his enduring legacy - and where he might fit within the church today.

Impossible is a Dare by Ben Cooley

Ben Cooley is the co-founder and CEO of Hope for Justice. For him, impossible isn’t a wall but merely a hurdle.

Impossible is a Dare brings real voices and stories to light. It shows not only the devastating effects of human slavery - it also the voices of hope that are working to end it. It's a story of helping those who have escaped from human trafficking.

Author of the Year

Max Lucado

Bestselling, inspiring author Max Lucado turned his attention, yet again, to the problem of stress and anxiety in his chart-topping book, Anxious for Nothing. Using Philippians 4:6-7 as a starting point, Max Lucado lays out a roadmap for fighting against anxiety.

Tom Wright

It has been a busy year for Tom Wright. In May 2017, he released “Spiritual and Religious”, a thorough exploration of Christianity, faith, religion, paganism and society. In September 2017, he released the paperback edition of his immensely popular, The Day the Revolution Began in which he turns his attention to the power of the crucifixion.

Finally, in February of this year he released Paul: A Biography. An in depth and insightful look at the life and legacy of the Early Church founder.

Francine Rivers

Francine River is a New York Times bestselling author, so her newest book, The Masterpiece was met with excited anticipation. It shot straight to the top of the bestsellers chart and shows no signs of letting up.

Her moving, romantic style ensures she’s a must-read for all Christian fiction lovers.

J John

Cannon J. John, whose books have opened up Theology and Bible study for many turns his attention to children’s books. Distilling profound theology through simple images and language

Joyce Meyer

Another author who had an action-packed year. Everyone’s favourite Bible teacher release FOUR new titles in 2017:

Unshakeable Trust in which she explores what dependence on God can bring. Enjoy Your Journey which speaks to those feeling tired and fed-up with the mundanity of life. In Enjoy Your Journey, Joyce Meyer combines biblical principles with personal experiences to explain how you can enjoy every day on your journey through life

20 Ways to Make Every Day Better, a practical book offering meaningful changes with real results of change.

My Time with God, following her annual tradition of releasing a 365-day devotional, a year-long journey to finding freedom in closeness with God.

Debut Author of the Year

Annahita Parsan

In her debut work, Stranger No More, Annahita Parsan shares her inspirational story. A Muslim Refugee's Story Of Harrowing Escape, Miraculous Rescue, And The Quiet Call Of Jesus.

Guvna B

Best known for his music, grime artist Guvna B declared it time to flip the script and break the status quo. He shares another way to live which rebels against societies phrases of “Money is the key to happiness. Work hard, play hard. Look out for number one.” ‘Unpopular Culture’ is a call for living life better.

Katharine Welby Roberts

The daughter of Archbishop Justin Welby explores with rib-tickling humour and candid honesty the big and little problems of life and everyday issues that we face.

Zoe Clark-Coates

Turning tragedy into a chance to bring hope, Zoe and her husband Andy set up The Mariposa Trust (more often known by its leading division Saying Goodbye) offering support to thousands of grieving parents and relatives around the world each week.A personal, harrowing, honest story of baby loss accompanied by 90 days of practical support to walk the reader step-by-step through grief.

Dr Elizabeth McNaught

Another author turning her story of tragedy to hope, Dr Elizabeth Naught tells her story of her battle with eating disorders, Told as a series of letters for her younger self. Life Hurts is compassionate, understanding, and truthful in its account.

Leadership Book of the Year

Radical Leadership by Michael Green

How did Jesus lead?

What are the key characteristics of effective leadership that he looked for in his disciples, and that they in turn passed on to later generations?

In this clear-sighted and highly motivating book, Michael Green sets out the vital answers to those questions to be found throughout the New Testament.

Lead Like Joshua by Derek Tidball

Starting with a section of the book of Joshua, and drawing from his extensive pastoral experience, Derek Tidball unpacks important lessons for Christian leaders today.

The Contemplative Minister by Ian Cowley

In the Contemplative Minister, Ian Cowley, Coordinator of Vocations and Spirituality in Salisbury Diocese, offers an update to Eugene Peterson’s bestselling book, The Contemplative Pastor. Recognising how the Church landscape has moved on in the past 20 years and the continued challenges placed upon ministers.

He explains practically how to prioritise a relationship with God and lead others into that relationship, creating a shared ministry to allow the leader to nurture faith and spirituality amid the hectic life that is ministry today

How to Lead When You're Not in Charge by Clay Scroggins

Likely to win the award for best author name, Clay Scroggins takes a new approach to leadership and influence guiding readers to leverage influence even when they lack authority.

Series of the Year

Holy Habits

A brand new series for Holy Habits is designed to help churches engage more intentionally with discipleship. Based around 10 habits including Eating Together, Prayer, Making More Disciples, Gladness and Generosity, Breaking Bread, Serving, Fellowship, Biblical Teaching, Sharing Resources, Worship. Holy Habits An easy-to-use, intergenerational approach to discipleship which has already got a lot of people talking.

My Very First

A firm favourite for nearly a whole decade, the My Very First books are perfect introduction to the Bible, and an affordable Sunday School resource.

The little picture books cover Bible stories including: The Easter Story, Jonah and the Whale, The Good Samaritan, Noah and the Ark and much more.

10 Boys and 10 Girls Biographies by Irene Howat

Irene Howat’s biography series celebrated its 10th birthday in 2017. Exploring the childhoods of great Christian figures, the ten boys and ten girls biographies are inspirational reads for 7-11s.

3 Minute Devotions

Designed to combat the problem of being time-poor. The 3 minute devotion series are identical in format:

Minute 1: read and think on brief scripture passage

Minute 2: Read through the simple devotional thought

Minute 3: Read the prayer and connect with God

The devotions span a number of topics and audiences including girls, boys, joy, families, Charles Spurgeon and Christmas.

The Eden award winners will be announced on 9th April. Keep an eye on our blog and twitter page for more nomination news. #EdenAwards18