In A New Song, Karon's fifth novel set in the high, green hills of Mitford, Timothy Kavanagh and his spirited wife, Cynthia, agree to pastor a small parish in Whitecap Island off the Atlantic coast. Whitecap has its own unforgettable characters, and Father Tim and Cynthia discover that Mitford is never far away.

Other Finalists for Contemporary Novel 2000:

• BY THE LIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS by Jamie Langston Turner {Bethany}
• ROMEY'S PLACE by James Calvin Schaap {Baker Revell}

In this thrilling sequel to Flee the Darkness, the Y2K crisis has passed, but Daniel Prentice is faced with an even greater crisis as the ancient prophecies foretold in the book of Ezekiel begin to unfold. The forces of evil have never been stronger nor the world's destruction nearer.

Other Finalists for Futuristic Novel 2000:

• APOLLYON by Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins {Tyndale}
• ASSASSINS by Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins {Tyndale}

Poland, 1988, a people rising up in solidarity and the redemption of a family through enduring love. Can a man who has betrayed himself with good intentions find redemption through coming to understand what is truly important? Will a family's heritage of enduring faith and love be enough to heal the scars they did not mean to inflict on their children, along with the scars of a repressive government?

Other Finalists for International Historical Novel 2000:

• GLIMPSES OF TRUTH by Jack Cavanaugh {Zondervan}
• THE POWER AND THE GLORY by Clint Kelly {Bethany}
• TRIUMPH OF THE SOUL by Michael R. Joens {Baker Revell}

Crafted by two masters of inspirational fiction, The Meeting Place, set along the rugged coastline of 18th century Canada in what was then called Acadia, recreates a world that was home to native Indians, French settlers, and English garrisons. Amid such chaotic times two women meet secretly through the seasons, sharing both friendship and growing faith.

Other Finalists for North American Historical Novel 2000:

• FOR WHOM THE STARS SHINE by Linda Chaikin {Bethany}
• THE DARK SUN RISES by Denise Williamson {Bethany}

Powerfully illustrating that God does have a plan for each person's life and can use every individual to fulfill His purposes, Whispers from Yesterday offers a dramatic story of healing, hope, and God's glorious compassion. As the reluctant newest resident of her grandmother Sophia's Golden T ranch, pampered socialite Karen Butler wants nothing more than to return to L.A. Yet the call to her heart is unmistakable. And in the old diaries of a woman who died twenty-eight years before she was born, Karen will discover hidden secrets and amazing truths that will cause her to finally find a way to the greatest love of all.

Other Finalists for Romance Novel 2000:

• BLUE MIST ON THE DANUBE by Doris Elaine Fell {Baker Revell}
• SURRENDER OF THE HEART by Sally John {Crossway}

Recently hired by the U.S. Attorney's Office, paralegal Rachel Ybarra knows exciting times are ahead. But Jaraslov Supevsky creates a frenzy she never bargained for. Supevsky, an alleged member of the Russian Mafia, is accused of ordering a murder, and there's only one witness who can prove it. Unfortunately, the witness has just been killed! And if Rachel doesn't watch out, she could be next!

Other Finalists for Suspense Novel 2000:

• A SHIP POSSESSED by Alton Gansky {Zondervan}
• THE CHAIRMAN by Harry Lee Kraus {Crossway}