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Current and Past Award Winners

16th Annual Awards

The Orson F. Whitney Outstanding Achievement Award and Lifetime Achievement Award honor exceptional bodies of work and/or contributions to the writing community by authors who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We are thrilled to announce that this year's Achievement Award winners are SHERI DEW and JENNIFER NIELSEN.

Outstanding Achievement Award:
Jennifer Nielsen

JenNielsen_color_small-300x200

Jennifer Nielsen

Lifetime
Achievement Award:
Sheri Dew

sheri

Sheri Dew

Whitney Award Winners

Adult General / Historical

Lewis, L.C. – The Letter Carrier

Adult
Speculative

Holmberg, Charlie N. – Star Mother

Mystery and / or Suspense

Abramson, Traci Hunter – Not Dead Yet

Romance

Jacobson, Melanie – Maybe I Will

Historical Romance

Barker, Joanna – A Game of Hearts

YA General

Inouye Huey, Emily – Beneath the Wide Silk Sky

YA Speculative

Sanderson, Brandon and Patterson, Janci – Evershore

YA Fantasy

Wheeler, E.B. – Cruel Magic

Middle Grade

Hill, Amanda Rawson – The Hope of Elephants

Novel of the Year - Adult

Lewis, L.C. – The Letter Carrier

Novel of the Year - Youth

Inouye Huey, Emily – Beneath the Wide Silk Sky

Novel of the Year - Debut

Inouye Huey, Emily – Beneath the Wide Silk Sky

15th Annual Awards

Achievement Awards Expand

Outstanding Achievement Award Winner:

IMG_4429

Brandon Sanderson

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner:

IMG_4427

Darius Gray

Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General/Historical Fiction
    • The Audacity of Sara Grayson by Joani Elliott
  • Romance
    • So Not My Thing by Melanie Jacobson
  • Historical Romance
    • A Proper Scoundrel by Esther Hatch 
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Treacherous Legacy by Kathi Oram Peterson
  • Speculative Fiction
    • Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • Beyond the Mapped Stars by Rosalyn Eves
  • Fantasy Young Adult Fiction
    • The Splendor by Breanna Shields
  • Speculative Young Adult Fiction
    • Entanglement by Shannen Camp
  • Middle-Grade Fiction
    • Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson
  • Novel of the Year (Youth)
    • Beyond the Mapped Stars by Rosalyn Eves
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • The Audacity of Sara Grayson by Joani Elliott

14th Annual Awards

Achievement Awards Expand

Outstanding Achievement Award Winners:

Ann Cannon

 

Martine Leavitt

Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General/Historical Fiction
    • Of Lands High and Low by Martha Keys
  • Romance
    • Miracle Creek Christmas by Krista Jensen
  • Historical Romance
    • Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • A Stranger Watches by Kathi Oram Peterson
  • Speculative Fiction
    • The Will and the Wilds by Charlie N. Holmberg

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez
  • Fantasy Young Adult Fiction
    • Bone Crier's Moon by Kathryn Purdie
  • Speculative Young Adult Fiction
    • Lifelike by Sheila A. Nelson
  • Middle-Grade Fiction
    • What Stars Are Made Of by Sarah Allen

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • The Will and the Wilds by Charlie N. Holmberg
  • Novel of the Year (Youth)
    • What Stars Are Made Of by Sarah Allen
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • 96 Miles by J.L. Esplin

2019

Achievement Awards Expand

(Postponed until the next award year)

Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General/Historical Fiction
    • Muddy by Dean Hughes
  • Romance
    • Finding Jack by Melanie Jacobson
  • Historical Romance
    • What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Mistaken Reality by Traci Hunter Abramson
  • Speculative Fiction
    • First Girl Child by Amy Harmon

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • Lovely War by Julie Berry
  • Fantasy Young Adult Fiction
    • The Bone Charmer by Breeana Shields
  • Speculative Young Adult Fiction
    • The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe by Ally Condie
  • Middle-Grade Fiction
    • Master of the Phantom Isle by Brandon Mull

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • Sanctuary by Traci Hunter Abramson
  • Novel of the Year (Youth)
    • Lovely War by Julie Berry
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • Scars Like Winger by Erin Stewart

2018

Achievement Awards Expand

Lisa Mangum

Elana Johnson

Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General/Historical Fiction:
    • As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack
  • Romance
    • Perfect Set by Melanie Jacobson
  • Historical Romance
    • Seeing Miss Heartstone by Nichole Van
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • A Familiar Fear by Kathi Oram Peterson
  • Speculative Fiction
    • Witchy Winter by D.J. Butler

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black
  • Fantasy Young Adult Fiction
    • The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen
  • Speculative Young Adult Fiction
    • First Kisses Suck by Ali Cross
  • Middle-Grade Fiction
    • Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack
  • Novel of the Year (Youth)
    • Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black

2017

Achievement Awards Expand

Robison Wells

Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General Fiction
    • The Fattest Mormon by Tyson Abaroa
  • Historical Fiction
    • Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore
  • Romance
    • Lies Jane Austen Told Me by Julie Wright
  • Historical Romance
    • Love Remains by Sarah M. Eden
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Safe House by Traci Hunter Abramson
  • Speculative Fiction
    • The Fifth Doll by Charlie N. Holmberg

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black
  • Fantasy Young Adult Fiction
    • Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves
  • Speculative Young Adult Fiction
    • Ones and Zeroes by Dan Wells
  • Middle-Grade Fiction
    • Paper Chains by Elaine Vickers

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • Safe House by Traci Hunter Abramson
  • Novel of the Year (Youth)
    • The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King

2016

Achievement Awards Expand

Marilyn Brown

Liz Adair

Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General
    • The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright
  • Historical Fiction
    • From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
  • Romance
    • Love at First Note by Jenny Proctor
  • Historical Romance
    • My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt
  • Speculative Fiction
    • The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry
  • Speculative Young Adult Fiction
    • Calamity by Brandon Sanderson
  • Middle-Grade Fiction
    • Summerlost by Ally Condie

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
  • Novel of the Year (Young Adult) -
    • Summerlost by Ally Condie
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

2015

Achievement Awards Expand

Outstanding Achievement Award: Tracy & Laura Hickman

Lifetime Achievement Award: Marsha Ward

Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General
    • The Other Side of Quiet by Tara C. Allred
  • Historical Fiction
    • The Rules in Rome by A.L. Sowards
  • Romance
    • Lord Fenton's Folly by Josi S. Kilpack
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Failsafe by Traci Hunter Abramson
  • Speculative Fiction
    • The Devil's Only Friend by Dan Wells

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • Calvin by Martine Leavitt
  • Speculative Young Adult Fiction
    • Firefight by Brandon Sanderson
  • Middle-Grade Fiction
    • A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • Lord Fenton's Folly by Josi S. Kilpack
  • Novel of the Year (Young Adult)
    • A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • Ink and Ashes by Valynne E. Maetani

2014

Achievement Awards Expand

Outstanding Achievement Award: Andrew Hall

Lifetime Achievement Award: Margaret Blair Young

Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General
    • The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon
  • Historical Fiction
    • Softly Falling by Carla Kelly
  • Romance
    • Longing for Home: Hope Springs by Sarah M. Eden
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Wedding Cake by Josi S. Kilpack
  • Speculative Fiction
    • Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • Death Coming up the Hill by Christopher E. Crowe
  • Speculative Young Adult Fiction
    • Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White
  • Middle-Grade Fiction
    • Almost Super by Marion Jensen

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • Longing for Home: Hope Springs by Sarah M. Eden
  • Novel of the Year (Young Adult)
    • The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry 
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore

2013

Achievement Awards Expand
Outstanding Achievement Award: Rachel Ann Nunez
Lifetime Achievement Award: Blaine M. Yorgason
Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General/Historical Fiction
    • Mile 21 by Sarah Dunster
  • Romance
    • Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
  • Hisorical Romance
    • Esther the Queen by Heather B. Moore
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson
  • Speculative Fiction
    • Dark Memories by Jeffrey Scott Savage

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry
  • Speculative Young Adult Fiction
    • Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
  • Middle Grade Fiction
    • The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
  • Novel of the Year (Young Adult)
    • Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • Pivot Point by Kasie West

2012

Achievement Awards Expand
Outstanding Achievement Award: Carol Lynch Williams
Lifetime Achievement Award: Lael Littke
Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General/Historical Fiction
    • The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
  • Romance
    • Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
  • Historical Romance
    • My Loving Vigil Keeping by Carla Kelly
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson
  • Speculative Fiction
    • The Hollow City by Dan Wells

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • After Hello by Lisa Mangum
  • Speculative Young Adult Fiction
    • Everneath by Brodi Ashton
  • Middle Grade Fiction
    • The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
  • Novel of the Year (Young Adult)
    • The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

2011

Achievement Awards Expand
Outstanding Achievement Award: Jack Weyland
Lifetime Achievement Award: Douglas Thayer
Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General/Historical Fiction
    • Before I Say Goodbye, by Rachel Ann Nunes
  • Romance
    • Borrowed Light, by Carla Kelly
  • Historical Romance
    • Letters in the Jade Dragon Box by Gale Sears
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Rearview Mirror, by Stephanie Black
  • Speculative Fiction
    • The Alloy of Law: A Mistborn Novel, by Brandon Sanderson

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • With a Name like Love, by Tess Hilmo
  • Speculative Young Adult Fiction
    • Variant, by Robison Wells

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year
    • I Don't Want to Kill You, by Dan Wells
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • With a Name Like Love, by Tess Hilmo

2010

Achievement Awards Expand

Outstanding Achievement Award: Rick Walton

Lifetime Achievement Award: Susan Evans McCloud

Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General/Historical Fiction
    • Band of Sisters, by Annette Lyon
  • Romance
    • Cross My Heart, by Julie Wright
  • Historical Romance
    • Trespass, by Sandra Grey
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Cold As Ice, by Stephanie Black
  • Speculative Fiction
    • The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • The Healing Spell, by Kimberley Griffiths Little
  • Speculative Young Adult Fiction
    • Matched, by Ally Condie

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson (tie)
    • Mr. Monster, by Dan Wells (tie)
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White

2009

Achievement Awards Expand

Outstanding Achievement Award: David Wolverton

Lifetime Achievement Award: Gerald Lund

Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General/Historical Fiction
    • Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford
  • Romance
    • Counting the Cost, by Liz Adair
  • Hisorical Romance
    • The Last Waltz, by G.G. Vandagriff
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Methods of Madness, by Stephanie Black
  • Speculative Fiction
    • Servant of a Dark God, by John Brown

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • The Chosen One, by Carol Lynch Williams

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • In the Company of Angels, by David Farland
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • Gravity vs. The Girl, by Riley Noehren (tie)
    • I Am Not a Serial Killer, by Dan Wells (tie)

2008

Achievement Awards Expand

Outstanding Achievement Award: Kerry Blair

Lifetime Achievement Award: Orson Scott Card

Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General/Historical Fiction
    • Waiting For the Light to Change, by Annette Hawes
  • Romance
    • Spare Change, by Aubrey Mace
  • Hisorical Romance
    • Abinadi, by H. B. Moore
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Fool Me Twice, by Stephanie Black
  • Speculative Fiction
    • The Hero of Ages, by Brandon Sanderson

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • The 13th Reality, by James Dashner

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year
    • Traitor, by Sandra Grey
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • Bound on Earth, by Angela Hallstrom

2007

Achievement Awards Expand

Outstanding Achievement Award: Anita Stansfield

Outstanding Achievement Award: Jennie Hansen

Lifetime Achievement Award: Dean Hughes

Whitney Awards Expand

Adult Categories:

  • General/Historical Fiction
    • Out of Jerusalem: Land of Inheritance, by H.B. Moore
  • Romance
    • Counting Stars, by Michele Paige Holmes
  • Mystery/Suspense
    • Sheep's Clothing, by Josi S. Kilpack
  • Speculative Fiction
    • Book of a Thousand Days, by Shannon Hale

Youth Categories:

  • General Young Adult Fiction
    • Fablehaven 2: Rise of the Evening Star, by Brandon Mull

Overall Categories:

  • Novel of the Year (Adult)
    • On the Road to Heaven, by Coke Newell
  • Best Novel by a Debut Author
    • Dragon Slippers, by Jessica Day George

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