The ballots have been tallied and the finalists have been announced for the 2009 Whitney Awards. Competition for these five slots in each category was fierce so all of them deserve big kudos for their accomplishment. the winners will be announced at a banquet in Provo, Utah on April 24th. Check out the Whitney Awards webpage for details about what the awards are, and how to sign up to attend. I’m looking forward to seeing the picks!

Best romance:
Counting the Cost by Liz Adair
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

Best Mystery/Suspense
Lockdown by Traci Hunter Abramson
Methods of Madness by Stephanie Black
Murder by the Book by Betsy Brannon Green
Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack
Altered State by Gregg Luke

Best Youth Fiction
Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
Fablehaven IV: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary by Brandon Mull
My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison
Bright Blue Miracle by Becca Wilhite
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

Best Speculative Fiction
Servant of a Dark God by John Brown
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Wings by Aprilynne Pike
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells

Best Historical
Tribunal by Sandra Grey
The Undaunted by Gerald Lund
Alma by H.B. Moore
The Last Waltz by G.G. Vandagriff
In the Company of Angels by David Farland

Best General Fiction
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
No Going Back by Jonathan Langford
Gravity vs. the Girl by Eiley Noehren
The Route by Gale Sears
Eyes Like Mine by Julie Wright

A Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Gerald Lund

An Outstanding Achievement Award will be given to Dave Wolverton

There are two other awards given out, first, Novel of the Year, and second, Best Novel by a New Author. These winners will be selected and will then be ineligible to win in their respective categories.

Here’s a list of those who are eligible to win Best Novel by a new Author:
Servant of a Dark God, by John Brown
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford
No Going Back, by Jonathan Langford
Gravity vs. The Girl, by Riley Noehren
Wings, by Aprilynne Pike
I Am Not A Serial Killer, by Dan Wells
Bright Blue Miracle, by Becca Wilhite