Writers from A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider won an unprecedented 13 awards, consisting of six first-place prizes and seven awards of merit in the 2012 Canadian Christian Writing Awards.

The book won recognition for its excellence in all six categories in which it was nominated. The winners were announced at a gala presentation recognizing the best in Christian writing published during 2011.

It also broke records for being shortlisted 27 times, the most ever for any book, and for conducting the most extensive launch ever done for a Canadian Christian book, with more than 175 author events held in seven provinces.

Four of the anthology’s contributors received multiple awards.

Angelina Fast-Vlaar took two first prizes for her personal experience article “Forgiven,” as did M. D. Meyer for her short story “Bannock and Sweet Tea.” Judges gave the book’s co-editor, Wendy Elaine Nelles, one first prize and two awards of merit for her profile “Soulmates.” Adele Simmons won for her nonfiction piece, “Charlie,” plus collected an award of merit for “The Bulletin Board.”

Other awards of merit (acknowledging finalists who received judges’ scores very close to the winning entry) went to Bonnie Beldan-Thomson, Glynis M. Belec, Marguerite Cummings and Evangeline Inman.

The bestselling book A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider is a collection of stories by 37 Canadian writers who share a Christian faith perspective. It contains short fiction, poetry, and personal experience articles, all chosen to provide hope and encouragement. (Click to read the full press release A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider Wins Big at the Canadian Christian Writing Awards.)

It’s a great summer read for you or for a friend.