FICTION WINNER
The game by Amanda Deed. Ark House Press, 2009 pb 353p $19.95

TThis first novel by Melbourne author is an historical romance set in Australia in 1844. The charming Mr. Jonathon Fordham, with his indifferent and rakish reputation, falls for the beautiful and intelligent Miss Margaret (Meg) Wingrove. Meg resists their mutual attraction, as he does not share her Christian faith.  However the romance develops, during which the characters explore inner beliefs, values, prejudgments and faith. The novel has a good deal of clever and humorous dialogue. A delightful and refreshing read.

POETRY WINNER
In Due Season by Valerie Volk. Pantaneus Press, 2009 pb 79p $24.95

In this beautifully presented book the stunning cover artwork and the powerful photographs are matched equally well by the evocative poetry inside. The poems trace the author’s journey through the twelve months of her partner’s illness and subsequent death, and her life afterwards. The well crafted poems are a tribute to her husband, a commemoration of their married life, a chronicle of joys and sorrows, and a confrontation with grief. But the book is more than just a personal testimony. While the poems were penned as a coping mechanism, the writer’s even-handed approach enables others to share the wisdom garnered along the way. Most of the poems are only one page in length. The poetic forms are varied too – sonnets, rhymes, quatrains, free verse and a villanelle. Many poems are accompanied by striking photographs, pregnant with meaning.
The book beckons the reader to flip it open to look at the photos, to read small sections, to dabble in the topics which deal with a wide variety of experiences and emotions, eg shared memories, confronting cancer, fear, hurt, hospitalisation, an empty home, visiting, pain, medication, death, funeral arrangements, tears, facing friends, commonplace routines, disposing of assets, etc. One can only agree with reviewer Thomas Shapcott, “The book deserves to reach a wide readership".

BIOGRAPHY - JOINT PRIZE
As black from white  by Sally Graham. Seaview Press, 2007 pb 108p $20

Interposed between a happy childhood (with bedtime prayers and teddy bears) and the happy photo of a forty year-old bride are years filled with more horrific experiences than most readers could imagine. – as different as black is from white. There are descriptions of poverty and squatting, binge drinking and alcoholism, promiscuity and rape, broken trust and abusive relationships, transvestites and homosexuals, and drug taking, trafficking and dealing. Suicide, car accidents, gambling, attempted murder, overdosing, abortion, and jail time add to the mix, making it seem more like fiction than a biography set in suburban Adelaide. The author’s gritty efforts to turn her life around and to live as a Christian are enervating and uplifting. This amazing life story is short but makes for compelling reading. Visit the author’s website at www.asblackfromwhite.com .

BIOGRAPHY - JOINT PRIZE
The silver poplar: the true story of a boy’s journey from neglected beginnings in a children’s home to a life of hope by Edmond Smith. Ark House Press, 2009 pb 272p $22.95

A frightened six year old arrives at the rural Sutherland Homes for neglected children near Melbourne.  The author describes his eleven years at the home. Despite his lack of a family, the unappetizing food and second hand clothing, he and the other boys have a real zest for life and appreciate the good things that come their way. The silver poplar is a symbol of hope and stability. As a teenager the author finds God and later, with the help of his wife, he is able to discover members of his family and the story behind his abandonment.  This biography delves into the issues of abandonment, adoption and the fostering of children. As a counterpoint, the portrayal of the life of the author’s childhood friend takes a completely different path, and leaves the reader wondering why. Overall it is an inspiring story which ends on a note of hope.

REVIEWER'S CHOICE
Grace vs self -esteem by Brett Glover. In2Grace Publishing, 2009 pb 288p $17.95

The author uses the timeless art of teaching spiritual truths through parables. In the style of C.S. Lewis, the parables humbly invite the reader to encounter contemporary spiritual truths. They show how grace (God-esteem) and self-esteem are in conflict.
Discover the true nature of self-esteem. Look at the definition of success with a focus on a kingdom-of-God worldview rather than self-centred view. Glover maintains that striving to be a hero will make you into villain, hunting treasure will cause you to lose true riches, and dressing up as eye candy will make you into a sexy devil! This book explains why violence and abuse is on the increase, why depression has skyrocketed into an epidemic, and what causes our global suffering.