As exciting as it was to tally up the number of five-star reviews we gave in 2012, it was incredibly difficult to whittle them down to one winner in each category. We’re grateful to all of the authors, publishers and publicists who gave us the opportunity to review their novels this year. We don’t promise to give a good review, but it’s always a pleasure to be able to write one. If we’ve made some authors smile and convinced our fellow readers to pick up a couple of new books, then I’d say that 2012 has been a successful year for TCM’s Fiction Team.

Please join us in congratulating the 2012 winners of TCM’s Lime Award for Excellence in Fiction! We do hope that you investigate these titles further, and that you enjoy them as much as we did.

Living in Harmony by Mary Ellis (Harvest House)

“Mary Ellis crafted her hero and heroine as incredibly relatable characters, flawed human beings who prove that even the Amish don’t have perfect relationships or marriages.” — Rachel Brand

Spirit Fighter by Jerel Law (Thomas Nelson)

“This book is full of suspense, the type where you are sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for what’s around the corner.” — Shondra Brown

An Unexpected Guest by Anne Korkeakivi (Little, Brown & Co)

“Korkeakivi expertly blends past and present in this wonderfully entertaining story. “ — Heather Adams

The Reunion by Dan Walsh (Revell)

“What struck me most about this book was that the people in it seemed so real.” — Sara Shoop

“This is not a book about the Vietnam War, per se.  Rather, it’s about having a faith that sees you through the worst of times.” — Rose Michels

Opening Moves by Steven James (Signet Select)

“I’m blown away each time I pick up one of James’ novels and Opening Moves is simply another brilliant book by an unbelievably talented storyteller.” — Melissa Willis

A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs (Waterbrook Press)

“If you’re looking for a realistic Christmas tale full of relatable characters, but without the contrivance and cheese that often abounds sentimental winter stories, then A Wreath of Snow is definitely the novella for you.” — Rachel Brand

“This is a sweet story that tells of great pain, heartache and the desire for forgiveness.” — Susan Faloon

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House)

“Short-Straw Bride pushed all the right buttons, from the twist on a well-worn plot to the engaging secondary characters to the touching and realistic romance.” — Rachel Brand

The Last Night of Alton Webber by Robin Parrish (Tyndale)

“With the taunt suspense, gripping story, and unique twists, The Last Night of Alton Webber is a fantastic conclusion to this series.” — Melissa Willis

Firethorn by Ronie Kendig (Barbour)

“With non-stop action and jaw-dropping twists, Firethorn is everything I could ask for in this final book of the Discarded Heroes series.” — Melissa Willis