INTERNATIONAL IMPACT BOOK AWARDS

Author Of The Year

Winners

Celebrating the visionaries who shape our world through the power of words. Meet the authors recognized for excellence, impact, and global contribution.

Author of the Year Winners

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Education / Teaching

DR. MICHAEL COPELAND

“The Journey of One Determined Educator”

The Journey of One Determined Educator follows James Turner, a young man from Cleveland who overcomes personal struggles, academic setbacks, and adversity to find purpose in education. Guided by his family, mentors like a Master Sergeant, and experiences at Central State University, his story reflects resilience, growth, and the impact of education through the people and challenges that shape his path.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Anthology collections

McKenna Lisa Cole

“Navigating Hell: A Real-Time Journey Through Grief“

A real-time account of McKenna’s journey through multiple overlapping losses and types of grief, written almost entirely in the moment. In her intimate storytelling style, she invites readers inside the most private facets of her virtual “hell” covering everything from death and broken relationships to shattered beliefs to help others navigate their own grief or better understand someone else’s.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Health / Wellness

BARON James Gray Robinson

“The Journey of One Determined Educator”

A wake-up call to the legal profession, this book sheds light on alarming rates of burnout, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among lawyers. Robinson offers a holistic, neurologically grounded approach covering mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual strategies to help attorneys shift their mindset and reclaim their well-being.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Adventure Fiction

Thomas White

“The Edison Enigma“

A time-travel adventure in which present-day physicist Dr. Tom Edison discovers the secret to time travel, only to learn someone used it before him to alter history. He travels back to 1904 to correct the intrusion and restore the Earth to its original destiny until fate takes an unexpected turn.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Biography / Memoir

Thomas Germain Adiang Assoue

“Digging For Life: 4 Years A Slave“

A harrowing memoir by Adiang Assuoe chronicling his journey from Cameroon to the diamond fields of Angola in pursuit of a better life in post-apartheid South Africa, a dream that instead landed him in a world of exploitation and enslavement. A compelling story of survival against overwhelming odds.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Romance

Roderick vON King

“Why Didn’t We Love?“

A sweeping romance following Bobby Vail, who falls for the captivating Monica Devoreaux in college but is kept apart from her for two decades by bad timing, personal circumstances, and other obstacles. The novel explores love, politics, race, religion, and the male psyche through Bobby’s deeply emotional journey.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Young Adult Fiction

D.R. Berlin

“The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor“

A high-stakes espionage thriller following Sophie Allard, an elite jet pilot cadet whose world is shattered when her estranged father dies in a mysterious lab explosion. As she investigates, she uncovers a shadowy organization called the Third Estate, finds herself hunted by an assassin, and must fight to unravel the truth before it’s too late.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Mystery / Thriller

Maureen anne Meehan

“The Journey of One Determined Educator”

Attorney Mary MacIntosh is left prosecuting the case of a murdered Indigenous woman in Wyoming but the clues point to someone mimicking the Zodiac Killer. The story weaves together the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women with the chilling question: is this the original 1970s Zodiac Killer, or a modern copycat?

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Sports non-fiction

Todd Ehrlich

“The 20 Greatest Moments in New York Sports History“

The 20 Greatest Moments in New York Sports History explores the most unforgettable sports events in New York City, ranking twenty defining moments by their impact on both sport and the city itself. Through background stories, media coverage, journalist insight, and firsthand accounts, authors Todd Ehrlich and Gary Myers revisit legendary events across baseball, basketball, football, hockey, boxing, golf, and tennis, showing why these moments continue to shape New York’s sports legacy.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Children’s Fiction

Neetu Jhaj

“I Shine as Bright as a Firefly“

A beautifully illustrated children’s book encouraging kids to embrace their individuality and recognize their inherent worth. Filled with vibrant, diverse artwork, it delivers a simple but powerful message: every child has a unique inner light, and they should shine brightly in the world exactly as they are.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Culture / Society

Otto Iglesias

“Cuba, Your Children Cry! Cuba, Tus Hijos Lloran!“

This memoir traces a personal search for identity as the author, raised in Hialeah by Cuban parents in exile, seeks to understand family history, cultural roots, and the Cuba they left behind. Through memories, family stories, and a long-awaited return to Cuba, the book reflects on exile, political upheaval, and the lasting emotional connection between heritage and belonging, while honoring a family story shaped by loss, resilience, and rediscovery.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Business / Entrepreneurship

Dr. Brian Kent

“The Journey of One Determined Educator”

A leadership and business guide built around the formula E+R=O (Event + Response = Outcome), arguing that relationship management is the most critical and most overlooked driver of business growth. Kent draws on decades of work across government agencies, defense industries, and entrepreneurship to give leaders practical tools for scaling their organizations.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Inspirational Non-Fiction

Dr. Marina Kostina

“52 Pieces: A Manual of Light to Survive the Abyss of Trauma“

Based on Dr. Kostina’s near-fatal skydiving accident that shattered her body and face into 52 pieces, this book details her personal struggle with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Using her background as an energy healer and hypnotherapist, she offers practical “tools of light” to help others find meaning, healing, and purpose in the darkest of circumstances.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | LGBTQ+ Non-Fiction

Charles Gomez

“Cuban Son Rising“

An honest and raw memoir from Emmy Award-winning CBS News journalist Charles Gomez the first Cuban-American hired by a major network who broke barriers covering wars and revolutions while secretly battling an AIDS diagnosis and hiding his sexuality. At its heart is his lifelong quest for his Cuban immigrant father’s acceptance and an emotional journey back to their shared homeland.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Philosophy Non-Fiction

Betty Nadine Thomas

“Walking Two Worlds“

A collection of poems and drawings by Betty Nadine Thomas designed to be experienced as one unified art form. The work is a deeply personal, philosophical journey aimed at teaching compassion, broadening narrow minds, and encouraging acceptance of all people regardless of culture, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Historical Fiction

Sherry Maysonave

“Tatae’s Promise“

Based on the true story of Hinda Mondlak, a young Jewish woman who devised a daring escape from Auschwitz with her sister after enduring two years of starvation, slave labor, and brutality. Fueled by her father’s last words “You will live; you will tell” it is an extraordinary story of courage, resilience, love, and survival.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Christian Non-Fiction

Robert J. Cruz

“Servant-Leadership: A Remedy for Racism in America“

A bold argument that servant-leadership is the world’s most potent tool for healing the deep-seated root of racism in America. Cruz calls it a lightning rod to spark change in communities, urging people to acknowledge racism, break free from it, and build others up through the principles of trust, courage, forgiveness, and love.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Novellas

Penny Glover

“Bitter Fruit“

A fictional novel following McKenzie Albertson, a young girl being raised by her church-going grandmother, and the hardships she and the intertwined members of her community must grow through together. A vivid, character-driven story of life, struggle, and resilience within a tight-knit congregation.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | marriage, personal growth + development

Michele and Sean Kanan

“Way of the Cobra Couples“

Co-written by Bold and the Beautiful actor Sean Kanan and his wife Michele, this book shares the mindset, philosophy, and battle-tested strategies that turned a notorious Hollywood bad boy and a carpool mom with four kids into a thriving power couple. Using the COBRA framework of Character, Optimization, Balance, Respect, and Abundance, it teaches partners how to build a lasting, meaningful relationship while maintaining their individual identity.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Spirituality / Religion

rev. dr Oscar Bistonath

“Your Total Disarming: Book One“

An insightful and thought-provoking exploration of faith, redemption, and the pathway to spiritual fulfillment. Dr. Bistonath offers a unique and simplified approach to meeting God and maintaining a continuous, close relationship with Him, providing readers with a compelling roadmap to spiritual enlightenment and eternal peace.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Parenting / Family

Ricardo Yancey Jr.

“Everything”

A touching children’s picture book in which a dad takes a journey down memory lane to figure out his work-life balance after an unexpected visit from his younger self, who reminds him of the promises he once made. A heartwarming reminder of what truly matters to both parents and children.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Anthology collections

Prof. Robert Stewart

“Shadowed Hearts: Paranormal Love Stories“

Shadowed Hearts is a paranormal romance that blends love, mystery, and emotional connection through stories where relationships reach beyond ordinary limits. With evocative characters and heartfelt storytelling, it offers timeless romance centered on intimacy, feeling, and the idea that love can endure even in unexpected and supernatural circumstances.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | How-To / Guidebooks

Chhaya Anand

“QUAK“

The ultimate guide to mastering the art of interviewing in the modern hybrid work environment, written by a 15-year tech industry veteran. QUAK, which stands for Quality, Uniqueness, Authenticity, and Knowledge, provides tailored interview questions and strategies for both employers and candidates embracing remote and in-office work.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Dystopian Fiction

Eric Aune

“The End of the Beginning“

The concluding chapter in the Ripple Effect trilogy, following a family that has survived many trials as they continue a long journey toward safety through small towns and ghost towns destroyed by fire and weather. They meet more good people than bad along the way, offering help and encouragement as society attempts to rebuild itself.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Women’s Fiction

Craig T. Bouchard

“Soul Ties of Spies“

A genre-bending spy thriller blending steamy romance, international espionage, and quantum physics. It follows two brilliant spies, Crew and Natalia, who develop a deep soul-tie attraction and discover they can astral project and teleport through time and space, racing against a cunning antagonist to prevent a global catastrophe.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Fantasy

Thomas Williams

“THOTAN – NEW MYTHOLOGY“

Set in ancient Memphis, Egypt, this fantasy follows Thotan, the Master Priest of the Temple of Osiris and a wizard in the pharaoh’s royal court, as he is thrust into a world of divine schemes, mystical powers, and adventure. Williams explores the rich traditions of Egyptian mythology through an epic odyssey of warriors, priests, and gods.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | True Crime

Andrea Lee

“I Got a Story to Tell, Tale, Tail“

I Got A Story to Tell, Tale, Tail (What’s Your Story) by A. Lee invites readers to value their own voice through storytelling drawn from real life, imagination, belief, or creative reflection. More than a collection of stories, it encourages readers to shape personal experiences into meaningful narratives and recognize the power each story holds.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Christian Fiction

Maryann Ridini Spencer

“Once Upon a Cove Christmas“

A heartwarming Christmas mystery set in the small Long Island village of Lavender Hill Cove, following a grieving widow who finds solace in faith, family, and community during the holidays. As two men compete for her affections, her mysterious neighbor helps the community rediscover the true spirit of Christmas.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Literary Fiction

XUE MO

“Into the Desert“

Set in rural western China in the 1990s, this literary novel follows two sisters-in-law who embark on a dangerous journey into the Gobi Desert seeking work and freedom from oppressive village life. Unlike traditional healing literature, it confronts harsh realities head-on, revealing extraordinary human resilience and the courage to confront trauma without relying on magic or easy escapes.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Science Fiction

Brendan Wilson

“Warrior Goddess“

The second book in the Mei Ling Lee Trilogy, following Marine Captain Mei Ling Lee as she is sent to the far reaches of the galaxy to fight criminal gangs involved in human trafficking, then pulled into a top-secret undercover mission to find her former boss suspected of running a criminal empire. She must ultimately use her wits and martial arts skills to foil a terrorist plot involving time travel.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Contemporary Fiction

Blerina Pellumbi

“Tears of a womanr”

An original true story following the author from her early youth through marriage, her husband’s alcoholism, separation, divorce, the loss of family members, and struggles to survive as a single mother through a second failed marriage. Through every trial, she never gave up, prayed to God, and loved her children, ultimately finding resurrection and love again.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Short Stories

Mark Tillinger

“The Past Captures Us Forever “

A collection of nine speculative stories spanning from 2023 to 2202, curated by an agent contracted every twenty years to document tales of social relevance. One standout story follows an author whose satirical novel inadvertently predicts societal collapse, blurring the line between fiction and a terrifying reality.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Science / Technology

Ekambar Kumar Singrikonda

“DevOps Automation Cookbookr”

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | History non-fiction

Jim Loveless

“Avoiding Muddy Foxholes“

A WWII military memoir written by a son to fulfill a lifelong promise to his father, Richard “Dick” Loveless, an Army Air Forces bombardier who flew B-17 missions over Germany with the 388th Bombardment Group. From boot camp to his sixth harrowing mission over Stuttgart, it is a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Inspirational Fiction

Gracie Lynne

“The Journey Begins“

The first installment in the Finding My Father Christian Fantasy series, following young James, haunted by the absence of a father he never knew, who is led by a mysterious figure named Daisy on an allegorical journey through valleys of uncertainty and realms of wonder. Rich with themes of loss, redemption, identity, and the Father’s unfailing love, it is a deeply moving spiritual allegory perfect for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Pilgrim’s Progress.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | Self-Help

Cristina Solis-Wilson

“Finding Your Why“

A self-help guide by decorated Command Sergeant Major and certified leadership coach Cristina Solis-Wilson, helping readers uncover their true purpose in life through personal reflection and military-inspired wisdom. Drawing on over 26 years of service and real-life examples, she guides readers toward identifying the “why” that fuels their drive, shapes their decisions, and carries them through life’s greatest challenges.

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR | LGBTQ+ Fiction

mark levy

“The Journey of One Determined Educator”

This story follows Captain Jim Clinton as his secret affair is exposed by his mistress’s eighteen-year-old son, forcing him to confront consequences that quickly unsettle his life. What begins as an attempt to repair the situation turns into a deeper struggle as he realizes he may no longer want to return to the life he had before.