# Whitney Awards

The Whitney Awards are awards given annually for novels by LDS authors. Established in 2007, they are named after Orson F. Whitney, a prominent early member of the LDS Church. There are several categories for which novels may be nominated. The Whitney Awards are a semi-independent non-profit organization affiliated with the LDStorymakers, a guild for LDS authors.

## Categories

Due to the limited number of titles released by LDS authors, several of the genre awards have been combined (such as romance and women's fiction).
As of 2014, there are eight genre categories:
There are also two special awards:
* Best Novel by a New Author
* Novel of the Year
The Whitney Committee states that it is unlikely that other areas of LDS art—such as music, poetry, or non-fiction books—will be added to the categories.

## Process

To be eligible, a novel must be written by an LDS author during the award year, and be at least 50,000 words long. Any reader can nominate a book. Once a book has received five or more nominations, it becomes an official nominee. The official nominees are presented to the Whitney Awards Committee which checks for eligibility and acts as a preliminary judging panel, reducing the number of nominees to no more than five per category.
Finally, ballots are sent to the Whitney Awards Academy, an invitation-only group consisting of authors, bookstore owners/managers, distributors, critics, and other industry professionals. By a popular vote, they decide on the winners. The awards are presented at a dinner held at the conclusion of the annual LDStorymakers conference and writing "boot camp."
Until the 2010 awards (presented 2011), books were not allowed to win in more than one category.

## Name

The awards are named after Orson F. Whitney, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as a poet and writer. In 1888, Elder Whitney delivered a speech entitled "Home Literature" in which he stated:
   We will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own. God's ammunition is not exhausted. His brightest spirits are held in reserve for the latter times. In God's name and by his help we will build up a literature whose top shall touch heaven, though its foundations may now be low in earth.
The phrase "We will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own" has been adopted as the slogan of the Whitney Awards, and is printed on the trophy.

## Winners and finalists 2007 - present

2007 (presented March 22, 2008) :
| Best Novel of the Year | Best Y/A Children's |
| Winner: On the Road to Heaven, by Coke Newell — Zarahemla Books Other finalists Dragon Slippers, by Jessica Day George — Bloomsbury Out of Jerusalem: Land of Inheritance, by H.B. Moore — Covenant Communications The Operative, by Willard Boyd Gardner — Covenant Communications Upon the Mountains, by Gale Sears — Covenant Communications | Winner: Fablehaven 2: Rise of the Evening Star, by Brandon Mull — Shadow Mountain Other finalists Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians, by Brandon Sanderson — Scholastic Bullies in the Headlights, by Matthew Buckley (Marion Jensen)— Covenant Communications How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend, by Janette Rallison — Putnam First Day, by Ally Condie — Deseret Book |
| Best Novel by a New Author | Best Speculative |
| Winner: Dragon Slippers, by Jessica Day George — Bloomsbury Other finalists Wet Desert, by Gary Hansen — Holeshot Press Counting Stars, by Michele Paige Holmes — Covenant Communications Beyond the Horizon, by Judy C. Olsen — Covenant Communications On the Road to Heaven, by Coke Newell — Zarahemla Books | Winner: Book of a Thousand Days, by Shannon Hale — Bloomsbury Other finalists Dragon Slippers, by Jessica Day George — Bloomsbury Hunting Gideon, by Jessica Draper — Zarahemla Books The Lights of Mahonri Moriancumer, by Phyllis Gunderson — Cedar Fort, Inc. The Well of Ascension, by Brandon Sanderson — Tor |
| Best Romance/Women's Fiction | Best Historical |
| Winner: Counting Stars, by Michele Paige Holmes — Covenant Communications Other finalists Desire of our Hearts, by Sariah S. Wilson — Covenant Communications Eclipse, by Stephenie Meyer — Little, Brown The Independence Club, by Rachel Ann Nunes — Deseret Book Loyalty's Web, by Joyce DiPastena — iUniverse | Winner: Out of Jerusalem: Land of Inheritance, by H.B. Moore — Covenant Communications Other finalists Beyond the Horizon, by Judy C. Olsen — Covenant Communications On the Road to Heaven, by Coke Newell — Zarahemla Books Spires of Stone, by Annette Lyon — Covenant Communications Upon the Mountains, by Gale Sears — Covenant Communications |
| Best Mystery/Suspense | Lifetime Achievement |
| Winner: Sheep's Clothing, by Josi S. Kilpack — Deseret Book Other finalists The Deep End, by Traci Hunter Abramson — Covenant Communications Grave Secrets, by Marlene Austin — Covenant Communications The Operative, by Willard Boyd Gardner — Covenant Communications Hazardous Duty, by Betsy Brannon Green — Covenant Communications | Jennie Hansen Dean Hughes Anita Stansfield |
2008 (presented April, 2009) :
| Best Novel of the Year | Best Youth Fiction |
| Winner: Traitor, by Sandra Grey Other finalists Bound on Earth, by Angela Hallstrom Fool Me Twice, by Stephanie Black The Hero of Ages, by Brandon Sanderson Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow, by Jessica Day George | Winner: The 13th Reality, by James Dashner Other finalists Alcatraz vs. The Scrivner's Bones, by Brandon Sanderson Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague, by Brandon Mull Farworld: Water Keep, by Jeffrey Scott Savage Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow, by Jessica Day George |
| Best Novel by a New Author | Best Speculative Fiction |
| Winner: Bound on Earth, by Angela Hallstrom Other finalists The Reckoning, by Tanya Parker Mills Spare Change, by Aubrey Mace Traitor, by Sandra Grey Waiting For the Light to Change, by Annette Hawes | Winner: The Hero of Ages, by Brandon Sanderson Other finalists Ender in Exile, by Orson Scott Card The Great and Terrible: From the End of Heaven, by Chris Stewart The Host, by Stephenie Meyer The Wyrmling Horde: The Seventh Book of the Runelords, by David Farland |
| Best Romance | Best Historical |
| Winner: Spare Change, by Aubrey Mace Other finalists Seeking Persephone, by Sarah Eden Servant to a King, by Sariah Wilson The Sound of Rain, by Anita Stansfield Taking Chances, by Shannon Guymon | Winner: Abinadi, by H. B. Moore Other finalists Isabelle Webb, Legend of the Jewel, by N. C. Allen Master, by Toni Sorenson The Ruby, by Jennie Hansen Traitor, by Sandra Grey |
| Best Mystery/Suspense | Best General Fiction |
| Winner: Fool Me Twice, by Stephanie Black Other finalists Above and Beyond, by Betsy Brannon Green Do No Harm, by Gregg Luke Freefall, by Traci Hunter Abramson Royal Target, by Traci Hunter Abramson | Winner: Waiting For the Light to Change, by Annette Haws Other finalists Bound on Earth, by Angela Hallstrom The Reckoning, by Tanya Parker Mills Fields of Home, by Rachel Ann Nunes Keeping Keller, by Tracy Winegar |
| Lifetime Achievement Awards |
| Kerry Blair Orson Scott Card |
2009 (presented April, 2010) :
| Best Novel of the Year | Best Youth Fiction |
| In the Company of Angels, by David Farland | Winner: The Chosen One, by Carol Lynch Williams Other finalists Princess of the Midnight Ball, by Jessica Day George Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, by Brandon Mull My Fair Godmother, by Janette Rallison Bright Blue Miracle, by Becca Wilhite |
| Best Novel by a New Author (tie) | Best Speculative Fiction |
| Gravity vs. The Girl, by Riley Noehren I Am Not a Serial Killer, by Dan Wells | Winner: Servant of a Dark God, by John Brown Other finalists The Maze Runner, by James Dashner Wings, by Aprilynne Pike Warbreaker, by Brandon Sanderson I Am Not a Serial Killer, by Dan Wells |
| Best Romance | Best Historical |
| Winner: Counting the Cost, by Liz Adair Other finalists Illuminations of the Heart, by Joyce DiPastena All The Stars in Heaven, by Michele Paige Holmes Santa Maybe, by Aubrey Mace Previously Engaged, by Elodia Strain | Winner: The Last Waltz, by G.G. Vandagriff Other finalists Tribunal, by Sandra Grey The Undaunted, by Gerald Lund Alma, by H.B. Moore In the Company of Angels, by David Farland |
| Best Mystery/Suspense | Best General Fiction |
| Winner: Methods of Madness, by Stephanie Black Other finalists Lockdown, by Traci Hunter Abramson Murder by the Book, by Betsy Brannon Green Lemon Tart, by Josi S. Kilpack Altered State, by Gregg Luke | Winner: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford Other finalists No Going Back, by Jonathan Langford Gravity vs. The Girl, by Riley Noehren The Route, by Gale Sears Eyes Like Mine, by Julie Wright |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Outstanding Achievement Award |
| Gerald Lund | Dave Wolverton |
2010 (presented May 7, 2011) :
| Best Novel of the Year (tie) | Best Youth Fiction – General |
| The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson Mr. Monster, by Dan Wells | Winner: The Healing Spell, by Kimberley Griffiths Little Other finalists Glimpse, by Carol Lynch Williams Missing In Action, by Dean Hughes My Double Life, by Janette Rallison Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me, by Kristen Chandler |
| Best Novel by a New Author | Best Youth Fiction – Speculative |
| Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White | Winner: Matched, by Ally Condie Other finalists Fablehaven 5, by Brandon Mull Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White The Forbidden Sea, by Sheila Nielson The Fourth Nephite, by Jeffrey Scott Savage |
| Best Romance | Best Speculative Fiction |
| Winner: Cross My Heart, by Julie Wright Other finalists Courting Miss Lancaster, by Sarah M. Eden The Legend of Shannonderry, by Carol Warburton Luck of the Draw, by Rachael Renee Anderson Meg's Melody, by Kaylee Baldwin | Winner: The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson Other finalists Imprints, by Rachel Ann Nunes Mr. Monster, by Dan Wells Pathfinder, by Orson Scott Card The Scorch Trials, by James Dashner |
| Best Mystery/Suspense | Best Historical |
| Winner: Cold As Ice, by Stephanie Black Other finalists Crossfire, by Traci Hunter Abramson Murder by Design, by Betsy Brannon Green A Time to Die, by Jeffrey Scott Savage Wrong Number, by Rachelle J. Christensen | Winner: Trespass, by Sandra Grey Other finalists Alma The Younger, by H.B. Moore Oh Say Can You See?, by L.C. Lewis The Sheen on the Silk, by Anne Perry The Silence of God, by Gale Sears |
| Best General Fiction |
| Winner: Band of Sisters, by Annette Lyon Other finalists Blink of an Eye, by Gregg Luke The Cross Gardener, by Jason F. Wright Finding Mercie, by Blaine Yorgason Lucky Change, by Susan Law Corpany |
2011 (presented May 5, 2012) :
| Best Novel of the Year | Best Novel by a New Author |
| I Don't Want to Kill You, by Dan Wells | With a Name Like Love, by Tess Hilmo |
| Outstanding Achievement Award | Lifetime Achievement Award |
| Jack Weyland | Doug Thayer |
| Best Romance | Best Speculative Fiction |
| Winner: Borrowed Light, by Carla Kelly Other finalists Count Down to Love, by Julie N. Ford Captive Heart, by Michele Paige Holmes The List, by Melanie Jacobson Not My Type, by Melanie Jacobson | Winner: The Alloy of Law: A Mistborn Novel, by Brandon Sanderson Other finalists The Lost Gate, by Orson Scott Card No Angel, by Theresa Sneed I Don't Want to Kill You, by Dan Wells A Night of Blacker Darkness, by Dan Wells |
| Best Mystery/Suspense | Best Historical |
| Winner: Rearview Mirror, by Stephanie Black Other finalists Smokescreen, by Traci Hunter Abramson If I Should Die, by Jennie Hansen Bloodborne, by Gregg Luke Acceptable Loss, by Anne Perry** | Winner: Letters in the Jade Dragon Box by Gale Sears Other finalists Daughter of Helaman, by Misty Moncur Fires of Jerusalem, by Marilyn Brown Isabelle Webb: The Pharaoh's Daughter, by N.C. Allen Miss Delacourt Has Her Day, by Heidi Ashworth |
| Best Youth Fiction – General | Best General Fiction |
| Winner: With a Name like Love, by Tess Hilmo Other finalists Girls Don't Fly, by Kristen Chandler Pride & Popularity, by Jenni James Sean Griswold's Head, by Lindsey Leavitt Miles from Ordinary, by Carol Lynch Williams | Winner: Before I Say Goodbye, by Rachel Ann Nunes Other finalists The Walk: Miles to Go, by Richard Paul Evans Evolution of Thomas Hall, by Kieth Merrill Gifted, by Karey White The Wedding Letters, by Jason F. Wright |
| Best Youth Fiction – Speculative |
| Winner: Variant, by Robison Wells Other finalists Tuesdays at the Castle, by Jessica Day George Slayers, by C.J. Hill My Unfair Godmother, by Janette Rallison Shifting, by Bethany Wiggins |
2012 (presented May 11, 2013) :
| General | Young Adult – Speculative |
| Winner:The Rent Collector by Camron Wright Other finalists Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock Paige by Annette Lyon The 13th Day of Christmas by Jason F. Wright A Night on Moon Hill by Tanya Parker Mills | Winner: Everneath by Brodi Ashton Other finalists Destined by Aprilynne Pike Demons by Heather Frost Endlessly by Kiersten White Feedback by Robison Wells |
| Historical | Young Adult – General |
| Winner: My Loving Vigil Keeping by Carla Kelly Other finalists Espionage by A. L. Sowards Within the Dark Hills by Sian Ann Bessey Spinster's Folly by Marsha Ward The Five Books of Jesus by James Goldberg | Winner: After Hello by Lisa Mangum Other finalists Finding June by Shannen Crane Camp The Space Between Us by Jessica Martinez The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram |
| Romance | Middle Grade |
| Winner: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson Other finalists Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen Smart Move by Melanie Jacobson Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson | Winner: The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen Other finalists Case File 13: Zombie Kid by Jeffrey Scott Savage Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero by Matt Peterson Freakling by Lana Krumwiede Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale |
| Best Mystery/Suspense | Best Novel by New Author |
| Winner: Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson Other finalists Banana Split by Josi S. Kilpack Deadly Undertakings by Gregg Luke Line of Fire by Rachel Ann Nunes Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack | Winner: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson Other finalists Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock The Five Books of Jesus by James Goldberg Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson Everneath by Brodi Ashton Espionage by A.L. Sowards Freakling by Lana Krumwiede The Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero by Matt Peterson Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen |
| Speculative | Best Novel of the Year |
| Winner: The Hollow City by Dan Wells Other finalists City of the Saints by D. J. Butler Flight From Blithmore by Jacob Gowans Earthbound by Theresa Sneed The Penitent by C. David Belt | The Rent Collector by Camron Wright |
| Best Novel in Youth Fiction |
| The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen |
| Outstanding Achievement Award | Lifetime Achievement Award |
| Carol Lynch Williams | Lael Littke |
2013 :
| General | Young Adult – General |
| Winner: Mile 21 by Sarah Dunster Other finalists Love Letters of the Angels of Death by Jennifer Quist Road to Bountiful by Donald Smurthwaite Ruby's Secret by Heather B. Moore The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor | Winner: All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry Other finalists Chasing June by Shannen Crane Camp Dead Girls Don't Lie by Jennifer Shaw Wolf Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt The Distance Between Us by Kasie West |
| Historical | Middle Grade |
| Winner: Esther the Queen by Heather B. Moore Other finalists Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears Safe Passage by Carla Kelly The Mounds Anomaly by Phyllis Gunderson Where the River Once Flowed by Jennie Hansen | Winner: The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen Other finalists Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor's Secret by Chad Morris RUMP: The True Story of Rumplestilskin by Liesel Shurtliff Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George |
| Romance | Best Novel by New Author |
| Winner: Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson Other finalists Hearth Fires by Dorothy Keddington Longing for Home by Sarah M. Eden Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson The Orchard by Krista Lynne Jensen | Winner: Pivot Point by Kasie West Other finalists The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor I, Spy by Jordan McCollum Insomnia by J. R. Johansson Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor's Secret by Chad Morris RUMP: The True Story of Rumplestilskin by Liesel Shurtliff Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman |
| Mystery/Suspense | Best Novel of the Year |
| Winner: Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson Other finalists Rocky Road by Josi S. Kilpack I, Spy by Jordan McCollum Finding Sheba by Heather B. Moore Spy for a Spy by Jordan McCollum | Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson |
| Speculative | Best Novel in Youth Fiction |
| Winner: Dark Memories by Jeffrey Scott Savage Other finalists Echo in Time by C. J. Hill Heart of the Ocean by Heather B. Moore The Witnesses by Stephanie Black Winter Queen by Amber Argyle | Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson |
| Young Adult – Speculative | Outstanding Achievement |
| Winner: Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson Other finalists Friends and Traitors: Slayers 2 by C. J. Hill Insomnia by J. R. Johansson Pivot Point by Kasie West Blackout by Robison Wells | Rachel Ann Nunes |
| Lifetime Achievement |
| Blaine Yorgason |
2014 :
| General | Young Adult – General |
| Winner: The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon Other finalists A Plentiful Rain by Elizabeth Petty Bentley My Name is Bryan by Stacy Lynn Carrol Still Time by Maria Hoagland Walking on Water by Richard Paul Evans | Winner: Death Coming up the Hill by Christopher E. Crowe Other finalists Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little Kiss Kill Vanish by Jessica Martinez Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan On the Fence by Kasie West |
| Historical | Middle Grade |
| Winner: Softly Falling by Carla Kelly Other finalists An Ocean atween Us by Angela Morrison Deadly Alliance by A.L. Sowards Eve: In the Beginning by H. B. Moore Gone for a Soldier by Marsha Ward | Winner: Almost Super by Marion Jensen Other finalists Sky Jumpers: The Forbidden Flats by Peggy Eddleman The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen The Time of the Fireflies by Kimberley Griffiths Little |
| Romance | Best Novel by New Author |
| Winner: Longing for Home: Hope Springs by Sarah M. Eden Other finalists Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore Lady Emma's Campaign by Jennifer Moore Painting Kisses by Melanie Jacobson Spy by Night by Jordan McCollum | Winner: Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore Other finalists Nameless: The Darkness Comes by Mercedes M. Yardley Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan Remake by Ilima Todd The Accidental Apprentice by Anika Arrington |
| Mystery/Suspense | Best Novel of the Year |
| Winner: Wedding Cake by Josi S. Kilpack Other finalists Blood on the Water by Anne Perry Death on Blackheath by Anne Perry Drop Zone by Traci Hunter Abramson Tomorrow We Spy by Jordan McCollum | Longing for Home: Hope Springs by Sarah M. Eden |
| Speculative | Best Novel in Youth Fiction |
| Winner: Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson Other finalists Nameless: The Darkness Comes by Mercedes M. Yardley Pretty Little Dead Girls by Mercedes M. Yardley The Accidental Apprentice by Anika Arrington This Darkness Light by Michaelbrent Collings | The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry |
| Young Adult – Speculative | Outstanding Achievement |
| Winner: Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White Other finalists Cured by Bethany Wiggins Dangerous by Shannon Hale Remake by Ilima Todd The Glass Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg | Andrew Hall |
| Lifetime Achievement |
| Margaret Blair Young |
2015 :
| General | Historical |
| Winner: The Other Side of Quiet by Tara C. Allred Other finalists The McCarran Collection by Liz Adair Wreckage by Emily Bleeker The Healer by Gregg Luke Shattered Hearts by Stacy Lynn Carroll | Winner: The Rules in Rome by A.L. Sowards Other Finalists Light of the Candle by Carol Pratt Bradley A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie Doing No Harm by Carla Kelly The Moses Chronicles: Bondage by H.B. Moore |
| Mystery/Suspense | Romance |
| Winner: Failsafe by Traci Hunter Abramson Other Finalists Played for a Fool by Stephanie Black Lie Catchers by Paul Bishop Lost King by H.B. Moore The Angel Court Affair by Anne Perry | Winner: Lord Fenton's Folly by Josi S. Kilpack Other Finalists Always Will by Melanie Jacobson Eleanor and the Iron King by Julie Daines Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince by Jennifer Moore Kisses in the Rain by Krista Lynne Jensen |
| Speculative | Middle Grade |
| Winner: The Devil's Only Friend by Dan Wells Other Finalists Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson Summer Queen by Amber Argyle Caretaker by Josi Russell Truth of Embers by Caitlyn McFarland | Winner: A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen Other Finalists Fires of Invention by J. Scott Savage Mark of the Thief by Jennifer Nielsen Far World: Fire Keep by J. Scott Savage Mothman's Curse by Christine Hayes |
| General Young Adult Fiction | Speculative Young Adult Fiction |
| Winner: Calvin by Martine Leavitt Other Finalists Never Said by Carol Lynch Williams The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West Has to Be Love by Jolene Perry Ink and Ashes by Valynne E. Maetani | Winner: Firefight by Brandon Sanderson Other Finalists Followed by Frost by Charlie N. Holmberg This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee Airships of Camelot by Robison Wells A Thousand Faces by Janci Patterson |
| Best Novel by a New Author | |
| Winner: Ink and Ashes by Valynne E. Maetani Finalists Light of the Candle by Carol Pratt Bradley This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee Wreckage by Emily Bleeker Caretaker by Josi Russell Mothman's Curse by Christine Hayes | |
| Outstanding Achievement Award | Lifetime Achievement Award |
| Tracy Hickman and Laura Hickman | Marsha Ward |
| Novel of the Year (Adult) | Novel of the Year (Youth) |
| Lord Fenton’s Folly by Josi S. Kilpack | A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen |
2016 :
| General | Historical |
| Winner: The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright Other finalists When I’m Gone by Emily Bleeker The Dragons of Alsace Farm by Laurie Lewis The {Re}Model Marriage by Maria Hoagland The Soldier’s Bride by Rachelle J. Christensen | Winner: From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon Other Finalists A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore Exodus by H.B. Moore Born to Treason by E.B. Wheeler Deliverance by H.B. Moore |
| Mystery/Suspense | Contemporary Romance |
| Winner: Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt Other Finalists Revenge in a Cold River by Anne Perry The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer Slave Queen by H.B. Moore Walk of Infamy by Sheralyn Pratt | Winner: Love at First Note by Jenny Proctor Other Finalists Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison A Date with Danger by Kari Iroz Love’s Shadow by Nichole Van |
| Historical Romance | Speculative |
| Winner: My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen Other Finalists The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden Lady Helen Finds Her Song by Jennifer Moore The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson Willowkeep by Julie Daines | Winner: The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson Other Finalists Over Your Dead Body by Dan Wells Extreme Makeover by Dan Wells The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon The Longest Con by Michaelbrent Collings |
| Middle Grade | General Young Adult Fiction |
| Winner: Summerlost by Ally Condie Other Finalists The Wrong Side of Magic by Janette Rallison Gears of Revolution by J. Scott Savage Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtliff Ghostsitter by Shelly Brown | Winner: The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry Other Finalists The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner P.S. I Like You by Kasie West Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman The Truth About Fragile Things by Regina Sirois |
| Speculative Young Adult Fiction | Best Debut Novel |
| Winner: Calamity by Brandon Sanderson Other Finalists Bluescreen by Dan Wells The Girl Who Heard Demons by Janette Rallison Death Thieves by Julie Wright Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard | Winner: The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner Finalists Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman Ghostsitter by Shelly Brown |
| Novel of the Year (Adult) | Novel of the Year (Youth) |
| From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon | Summerlost by Ally Condie |
| Outstanding Achievement Award | |
| Liz Adair Marilyn Brown | |
2017 :
| General | Historical |
| Winner: The Fattest Mormon by Tyson Abaroa Other finalists Carve Me a Melody by Rachelle J. Christensen The Book of Laman by Mette Harrison Flight of the Wounded Falcon by Trish Mercer Gilda Trillim: Shepherdess of Rats by Steven L. Peck | Winner: Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore Other Finalists Waiting for the Light by Carol Pratt Bradley Courting Carrie in Wonderland by Carla Kelly The Proud Shall Stumble by Gerald N. Lund Defiance by A.L. Sowards |
| Mystery/Suspense | Romance |
| Winner: Safe House by Traci Hunter Abramson Other Finalists The Capture by Julie Coulter Bellon The Killing Curse by H.B. Moore Deadly Inheritance by Clair M. Poulson Clear Expectations by Terri Reid | Winner: Lies Jane Austen Told Me by Julie Wright Other Finalists Mormon Girl Incognito by Kari Iroz Brush with Love by Lisa McKendrick Wrong for You by Jenny Proctor Outshine by Nichole Van |
| Historical Romance | Speculative |
| Winner: Love Remains by Sarah M. Eden Other Finalists The Secret of the India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen Havencross by Julie Daines Ruth by H.B. Moore Petticoat Spy by Carol Warburton | Winner: The Fifth Doll by Charlie N. Holmberg Other Finalists Fallen Stone by Jana S. Brown The Queen and the Cure by Amy Harmon Abounding Might by Melissa McShane Pretender to the Crown by Melissa McShane |
| Middle Grade | General Young Adult Fiction |
| Winner: Paper Chains by Elaine Vickers Other Finalists The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry Mustaches for Maddie by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown Wrath of the Storm by Jennifer A. Nielsen Embers of Destruction by J. Scott Savage | Winner: By Your Side by Kasie West Other Finalists Remember Me Always by Renee Collins The Duke of Bannerman Prep by Katie A. Nelson All the Forever Things by Jolene Perry Love, Life, and the List by Kasie West Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner |
| Speculative Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy Young Adult Fiction |
| Winner: Ones and Zeroes by Dan Wells Other Finalists The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale Beyond by Catina Haverlock and Angela Larkin The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King Last Star Burning by Caitlin Sangster | Winner: Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves Finalists Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller Crystal Blade by Kathryn Purdie Poison’s Kiss by Breeana Shields |
| Novel of the Year (Adult) | Novel of the Year (Youth) |
| Safe House by Traci Hunter Abramson | The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King |
| Best Debut Novel | |
| Winner: The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King Finalists The Fattest Mormon by Tyson Abaroa Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves Beyond by CatinaHaverlock and Angela Larkin Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller The Duke of Bannerman Prep by Katie A. Nelson Last Star Burning Caitlin Sangster Poison’s Kiss by Breeana Shields | |
| Outstanding Achievement Award |
| Robison Wells |
2018 :
| General | Mystery/Suspense |
| Winner: As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack Other finalists The Unlikely Master Genius by Carla Kelly Anna the Prophetess by H.B. Moore One Candle by Gale Sears The Other Side of the Bridge by Camron Wright | Winner: A Familiar Fear by Kathi Oram Peterson Other Finalists Tripwire by Traci Hunter Abramson The Darkling Bride by Laura Andersen Second Look by Julie Coulter Bellon Conviction by Robbin J. Peterson |
| Romance | Historical Romance |
| Winner: Perfect Set by Melanie Jacobson Other Finalists Love at Lakeview Med by T. J. Amberson Match Me if You Can by Lindzee Armstrong Until We Kissed by Heather B. Moore Silver Star by Lisa Swinton | Winner: Seeing Miss Heartstone by Nichole Van Other Finalists My Sister’s Intended by Rachael Anderson The Truth About Miss Ashbourne by Joanna Barker Promises and Primroses by Josi S. Kilpack Flame and Ember by M. A. Nichols |
| Speculative | Middle Grade |
| Winner: Witchy Winter by D. J. Butler Other Finalists The Arawn Prophecy by C. David Belt Veins of Gold by Charlie N. Holmberg Blood Requiem by Christopher Husberg Aether Spark by Nicholas Petrarch | Winner: Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen Other Finalists The Three Rules of Everyday Magic by Amanda Rawson Hill Squint by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown Grump by Liesl Shurtliff Passage to Avalon by Mike Thayer |
| General Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy Young Adult Fiction |
| Winner: Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black Other Finalists Good Girls Stay Quiet by Jo Cassidy The Awful Wonderful Story of Us by Jolene Perry Shoot The Moon by Kate Watson Once I Was a Beehive by Carole Lynch Williams | Winner: The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen Other Finalists Stolen Enchantress by Amber Argyle The Plastic Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg Frozen Reign by Kathryn Purdie Iron Garland by Jeff Wheeler |
| Speculative Young Adult Fiction | Best Debut Novel |
| Winner: First Kisses Suck by Ali Cross Other Finalists Blood Creek Witch by Jay Barnson Willow Marsh by Jo Cassidy In Her Dreams by Joanna Reeder Shatter the Suns by Caitlin Sangster | Winner: Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black Finalists The Truth About Miss Ashbourne by Joanna Barker Blood Creek Witch by Jay Barnson The Three Rules of Everyday Magic by Amanda Rawson Hill Aether Spark by Nicholas Petrarch |
| Novel of the Year (Adult) | Novel of the Year (Youth) |
| As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack | Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen |
| Outstanding Achievement Award |
| Elana Johnson Lisa Mangum |
2019 :
| General | Mystery/Suspense |
| Winner: Muddy: Where Faith and Polygamy Collide by Dean Hughes Other finalists The Book of Abish by Mette Harrison Whatever it Takes by Jessica Pack The Girl in Gray by Annette Lyon Deborah: Prophetess of God by H.B. Moore | Winner: Mistaken Reality by Traci Hunter Abramson Other Finalists Sanctuary by Traci Hunter Abramson Nest Egg by Josi Avari Robin and Marian by Stephanie Fowers Death in Focus by Anne Perry |
| Romance | Historical Romance |
| Winner: Finding Jack by Melanie Jacobson Other Finalists Hitching the Pitcher by Connolly, Summers, Moore Love Again at the Heart of Main Street by Meg Easton Dreaming of the Next Door Doc by Brenna Jacobs Missed Kiss by Cassie Mae | Winner: What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon Other Finalists Miss Adeline's Match by Joanna Barker The Paradox of Love by Teri Harman A Song of the Stars by Ilima Todd Suffering the Scot by Nichole Van |
| Speculative | Middle Grade |
| Winner: The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon Other Finalists House of Assassins by Larry Correia to Kill a Curse by Jennifer Jenkins The View From Castle Always by Melissa McShane A Dragon's Fate by Daniel Swenson | Winner: Dragonwatch: Master of the Phantom Isle by Brandon Mull Other Finalists Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers by Shauna Holyoak The Obsidian Compass by Liesl Shurtliff A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore The Vacant Realm by Mike Thayer |
| General Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy Young Adult Fiction |
| Winner: Lovely War by Julie Berry Other Finalists Just for Clicks by Kara McDowell Paul, Big and Small by David Glen Robb Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart Rayne and Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner | Winner: The Bone Charmer by Breeana Shields Other Finalists Smoke and Summons by Charlie Holmberg Before the Broken Star by Emily R. King Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller An Affair of Poisons by Addie Thorley |
| Speculative Young Adult Fiction | Best Debut Novel |
| Winner: The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe by Ally Condie Other Finalists Displaced by Bridget E. Baker Harper by Jo Cassidy Shattered Snow by Rachel Huffmire Lovestruck by Kate Watson | Winner: Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart Finalists Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers by Shauna Holyoak Shattered Snow by Rachel Huffmire Just For Clicks by Kara McDowell A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore An Affair of Poisons by Addie Thorley |
| Novel of the Year (Adult) | Novel of the Year (Youth) |
| Sanctuary by Tracy Hunter Abramson | Lovely War by Julie Berry |
2022 :
| General | Mystery/Suspense |
| Winner: The Audacity of Sara Grayson by Joani Elliott Other finalists Of Sword and Shadow by A.L. Sowards The Slow March of Light by Heather B. Moore The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 5 by Beth Brower Heirs of Falcon Point by Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey, Paige Edwards and A.L. Sowards | Winner: Treacherous Legacy by Kathi Oram Peterson Other Finalists The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet by Katherine Cowley Heart of the Enemy by Heidi McKusick Danger on the Loch by Paige Edwards Constantine Capers: The Pennington Perplexity by Natalie Brianne |
| Romance | Historical Romance |
| Winner: So Not My Thing by Melanie Jacobson Other Finalists The Accidental Text by Becky Monson The Cowboy and the Girl Next Door by Janette Rallison Fly Home to Me by Chalon Linton Only Ever Friends by Shaela Kay | Winner: A Proper Scoundrel by Esther Hatch Other Finalists The Captain's Confidant by Ashtyn Newbold Heart in the Highlands by Heidi Kimball The Nabob's Daughter by Jess Heileman Songbook of Benny Lament by Amy Harmon |
| Speculative | Middle Grade |
| Winner: Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson Other Finalists A Proper Dragon by E. B. Wheeler Prospector's Choice by Kevin W. Bates The Second Blind Son by Amy Harmon Spellbreaker by Charlie N. Holmberg | Winner: Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera Other Finalists Breathing Underwater by Sarah Allen Return of the Dragon Slayers by Brandon Mull The Stars of Whistling Ridge by Cindy Baldwin Wish Upon a Stray by Yamile Saied Mendez |
| General Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy Young Adult Fiction |
| Winner: Beyond the Mapped Stars by Rosalyn Eves Other Finalists A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions by Sheena Boekweg Fadeaway by E. B. Vickers Fourth Sister by M. L. Farb Where I Belong by Marcia Argueta Mickelson | Winner: The Splendor by Breeana Shields Other Finalists Bone Crier's Dawn by Kathryn Purdie Rainbringer by Adam Berg She Who Rides the Storm by Caitlin Sangster Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica Olson |
| Speculative Young Adult Fiction | Best Debut Novel |
| Winner: Entanglement by Shannen Camp Other Finalists Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter The Promised Prince by Kortney Keisel Republic of Ruin by L. Blaise Hues Unseen by R. M. Scott | Winner: The Audacity of Sara Grayson by Joani Elliott |
| Novel of the Year (Adult) | Novel of the Year (Youth) |
| Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson | Beyond the Mapped Stars by Rosalyn Eves |

## Committee

The Whitney Awards Committee acts as both the organizers and the preliminary judges of the Whitney Awards. Rules stipulate that the committee be made up of at least four members of LDStorymakers. Their positions are temporary, by invitation of the Whitney Awards Committee president (who is appointed by the LDStorymakers executive committee).
The 2009 committee included:
* Robison Wells, president
* Julie Coulter Bellon
* Danyelle Ferguson
* John Ferguson
* Crystal Leichty
* Sheila Staley
* Jaime Theler
The 2011 committee included:
* Josi S. Kilpack, president
* Annette Lyon
* Heather B. Moore
* Jana Parkin
* Sarah M. Eden
* Luisa Perkins
The 2015 committee were:
* Jaime Theler, president
* Kaylee Baldwin
* Marion Jensen
* Nancy Campbell Allen
* Heather Justesen
* Deborah Talmadge-Bickmore
* Kimberly Vanderhorst
The 2017 committee:
* Peggy Eddleman, president
* Janet Sumner Johnson
* Josi S. Kilpack
* Monique Luetkemeyer
* Jeremy Maughan
* E.B. Wheeler
* Michelle Wilson
* Jared Garrett
Although Kerry Blair had been a member of the Whitney Awards Committee for two years, the other members of the committee "went behind her back" to name her the winner of a Lifetime Achievement Award for 2008.

## Reception

One Mormon literature critic initially raised concerns with the heavy involvement of authors published by Covenant Communications in the awards process. However, when the finalists for 2007 were announced, this same commenter noted both that there was a wide spectrum of publishers represented, and that "Covenant publishes the lion's share of Mormon market fiction." This same critic later described the awards as "at best a reductive form of validation and criticism. Although let's be honest: The Whitneys have way more credibility than the Grammys."
After the 2011 nominations, criticism of the nomination process was common, though appreciation of the Whitney Awards themselves was also common.