ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) held its annual conference last week. At the close of the conference, the Carol Awards are announced. Excellent timing, since we’re entering cozy-reading season!

The Carol Awards are ACFW’s recognition for the best Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year. Congratulations to all the winners!

If you’re looking for some great novels to enjoy, read on. These books have risen to the top in competition and beat out some of the best of the year’s novels, so they’re worth your time. (Plus, some of these covers absolutely intrigue me!)

A few weeks ago, I shared the list of Carol Award Finalists. Be sure to check them out, too. Here are the 2026 Carol Award Winners:

Contemporary: Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Revell, Editor: Andrea Doering

Historical: The Fourth Magi by Bryan E. Canter, Independent Author, Editor: Ed Marlow

Historical Romance: The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz, Tyndale House, Editor: Kathryn S. Olson

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller: Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer, Bethany House , Editors: Bethany Lenderink and Jessica Sharpe

Novella: The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M. White, Tyndale House, Editors: Elizabeth Jackson and Kathryn S. Olson