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Book Awards

Gratitude & Hope (Two More Book Awards & Furever Home Prayers)

Gratitude & Hope (Two More Book Awards & Furever Home Prayers)
Aug 30, 2024 by Denise Lee Branco

Can you believe that Christmas is just 17 weeks away?! I'm looking forward to holiday events and sharing stories of my beloved pets with readers.

Since my last newsletter, Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story has won two more book awards: Bronze Medal in the 2024 Living Now Book Awards (animals/pets category) and an Honorable Mention in the 2024 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards (animals/pets and holiday categories!)

I'm hoping for more awards by the time Christmas arrives, but I'm especially praying that two precious brothers will have loving furever homes soon. My local shelter, FieldHaven Feline Center, helped me rescue them, their mama and three siblings (a long story and future article or book).

Bronze in Memoir - 2024 NCPA Book Awards

Bronze in Memoir - 2024 NCPA Book Awards
Jun 29, 2024 by Denise Lee Branco


Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story has won its ninth book award! I hope that with each award, you are inspired to make room in your own life to live your purpose. My fall and head injury were another reminder that, as the saying goes, "life is not a dress rehearsal." Do what you were called to do...now.

I meant to thank you for your friendship and unwavering support in last week's newsletter. I feel so loved and the feeling is mutual. Ever since I stepped into the world of writing and publishing, I have been blessed with more friends than I ever thought possible. Each of you has a special place in my heart.

Until next time, live life to the fullest and much thanks to everyone who reached out to me after reading about my concussion. You made my day!

Looking at Life Differently Post Concussion: Thanking God and the Angels

Looking at Life Differently Post Concussion: Thanking God and the Angels
Jun 23, 2024 by Denise Lee Branco


I've always been one to be fully present in what each day offers; someone who reminds herself often that tomorrow isn't promised. That reminder took on a whole new meaning in late April.

It's a long story but let's just say that a home's uncarpeted concrete foundation is super hard when you fall and hit it with the back of your head. I don't remember details until I was on a stretcher in an ambulance and the paramedic told my friends that he was taking me to a hospital other than mine. I corrected him, stating, "I go to Kaiser." Funny how the thought of a lack of insurance coverage is what got my brain firing again!

The paramedic politely told me, "No, we're going to the Sutter Trauma Center." All I could say with tears rolling down my face was, "Oh, okay." I feared the worst. It was the day after our family received upsetting news about my father's health—a very tough week.

Winner in the 2024 Book Excellence Awards (Gift Book Category)

Winner in the 2024 Book Excellence Awards (Gift Book Category)
Apr 19, 2024 by Denise Lee Branco
 
Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story has won its fourth award in the 2024 Book Excellence Awards (Gift Book Category)! I hope that with each award, you are inspired to make room in your own life to live your purpose. It's not easy, but you are important, and the world needs to receive your gift.

I'll keep this month's newsletter brief. Until next time, keep striving!

Honoring a Beloved Dog & Cherished Rabbit with Book Awards & Online Interviews

Honoring a Beloved Dog & Cherished Rabbit with Book Awards & Online Interviews
Feb 17, 2024 by Denise Lee Branco

There's been a lot going on since we last connected. Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story has won its second and third book awards!

It was awarded Distinguished Favorite in the Gift Book category of the 2024 Independent Press Awards and Bronze in the Holiday category of the Illumination Book Awards. I can't believe it!

First Book Award for Dog at the Tinsel Tree!

First Book Award for Dog at the Tinsel Tree!
Feb 03, 2024 by Denise Lee Branco


I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story has won its first book award: Finalist in the 2024 Feathered Quill Book Awards: Animal-Adult category! 

Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe's Story also placed as a finalist in the same category last year. Even though I didn't place first, second or third, I am grateful and even more motivated to climb higher. (I am a Capricorn, after all. Once us goats climb one mountain, we're ready to climb the next!)

There's a quote in Henry Winkler's new memoir Being Henry that will always push me to keep going when it seems hopeless. He shares his actor's journey in a way that will inspire anyone chasing their dreams. He says, "If you stay at the table long enough..." whatever is meant for you will happen if you keep the faith.

Bronze in Memoir - Award #14!

Bronze in Memoir - Award #14!
Jul 15, 2023 by Denise Lee Branco


Another Book Award? Yes, #14. I can't believe it either! Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe's Story won bronze in the memoir category of the Northern California Publishers and Authors Book Awards (NCPA) contest. This book awards contest was the last one that I was eagerly awaiting results. You see, NCPA is where it all began.

Winner in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Book Awards!

Winner in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Book Awards!
Jul 01, 2023 by Denise Lee Branco
I just received my 13th book award, and I don't even know what to say anymore. I'm as blown away as you!

The National Indie Excellence Book Awards presented Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe's Story with Winner in the Gift Book category and Finalist in the Animals/Pets category.  Maybe all I'm supposed to do today is show by example that what God has in store for you is waaaaayyyy greater than you can imagine!

Finalist in the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Contest (Gift Book Category)

Finalist in the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Contest (Gift Book Category)
Jun 07, 2023 by Denise Lee Branco


Book award #12 for Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe’s Story from Next Generation Indie Book Awards! I am continually both amazed and deeply grateful when another book award announcement arrives in my in-box.

Thank you for allowing me to share this honor with you. Reach for the stars, my friend. Rewards, like this, can happen for you!

Finalist in the 2023 Christian Indie Awards

Finalist in the 2023 Christian Indie Awards
Apr 02, 2023 by Denise Lee Branco


Book award #11! First Place in the 2023 Christian Indie Awards (Gift Book Category.) I haven’t entirely figured out why God keeps blessing me with these awards, other than to say I believe He’s showing me that I’m right on track. Keep going! Keep improving. No matter how hard life can get at times, this is your purpose. You are destined to do great things.

Winner in the 2023 Book Excellence Awards Contest (Gift Book Category)

Winner in the 2023 Book Excellence Awards Contest (Gift Book Category)
Apr 01, 2023 by Denise Lee Branco


Book award #10! Winner in the 2023 Book Excellence Awards Contest – Gift Book Category. Are you as shocked as I am? I can’t believe it, and yet I feel validated. During the big gap (twelve years) between book number one and book number two, I worked hard at honing my craft. I attended countless writing and publishing conferences, meetings, and webinars. I read books on the subject, and I wrote…and wrote.

Distinguished Favorite - 2023 Independent Press Award

Distinguished Favorite - 2023 Independent Press Award
Mar 12, 2023 by Denise Lee Branco

Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe’s Story has won Distinguished Favorite in the 2023 Independent Press Awards: Animals/Pets category. I can’t believe that I’m hopping back by to let you know about book award number nine! I’m grateful for each award as the recognition can help me support animals all over the world.

Finalist - 2023 Feathered Quill Book Awards

Finalist - 2023 Feathered Quill Book Awards
Mar 04, 2023 by Denise Lee Branco


Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe’s Story has won Finalist in the 2023 Feathered Quill Book Awards: Animal-Adult category!

I am overjoyed to receive this eighth book award in Chloe’s honor and to share it with you. I want you to be inspired by each book award, because I hope it proves anything is possible when you take that first hop

Thanks again for joining me on this journey and supporting my passion to help animals in need.

It's Rabbit Binky Time!

It's Rabbit Binky Time!
Jan 01, 2023 by Denise Lee Branco


When a rabbit is very happy or excited, it will jump in the air while slightly twisting its body and head. That’s called a “binky”. I can still see Chloe jumping, twisting, and kicking her feet high in the air when she was super happy. She made me smile with glee and even chuckle at her exuberance. Her joy was contagious!

Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe’s Story has won its seventh award! Judges in the 2022 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards Contest presented me with awards from three categories: Second Place in Coffee Table & Gift Books and Honorable Mention in Animals/Pets & Holiday! I share my awards with you, because I want to show you that with hard work, perseverance, and faith, anything is possible.

Bronze Medal in the 2022 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards

Bronze Medal in the 2022 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
Oct 15, 2022 by Denise Lee Branco


Believe in you! Believe that no matter what anybody says, your dreams can be achieved. Believe in what your heart is telling you to do. Anything is possible. You must believe it, my friend.

I had no guarantee my dream of publishing Rabbit at the Sliding Door as a hardcover book with color photos would work. This venture would mean high print costs, higher list price, and deep wholesale discounts for third-party vendors, which could leave very little for animal rescue donations.

All I had was my vision and faith. I believed everything would work out. And you know what? That’s all you need.

Distinguished Favorite in the 2022 NYC Big Book Award Contest

Distinguished Favorite in the 2022 NYC Big Book Award Contest
Sep 25, 2022 by Denise Lee Branco


The Big Apple honors Chloe! New York City Big Book Award judges give Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe’s Story the Distinguished Favorite award in the category of Animals/Pets Nonfiction in this year’s contest.

I’m thrilled to share our latest recognition with you. Each award that Rabbit at the Sliding Door receives not only pays tribute to Chloe, but it also highlights the great need to support animal rescue.

Bronze Medal in the 2022 Living Now Book Awards (gift/keepsake/coffee table book category)

Bronze Medal in the 2022 Living Now Book Awards (gift/keepsake/coffee table book category)
Aug 21, 2022 by Denise Lee Branco


Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe’s Story has won a bronze medal in the 2022 Living Now Book Awards contest!

This award is extra-special. My first book Horse at the Corner Post: Our Divine Journey won a silver medal in the 2011 Living Now Book Awards contest. I hoped for repeated victory, because the Living Now Book Awards’ theme: Books for Better Living, makes me feel that I’m helping make the world a better place. Click here to go to the Living Now Book Awards website for a complete list of winners.

 

Honorable Mention - 2022 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards

Honorable Mention - 2022 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards
Jul 10, 2022 by Denise Lee Branco


I’m excited to share that Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe’s Story has won another book award: Honorable Mention in the Animals/Pets and Holiday categories of the 2022 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest.

This link will take you to the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards website where you’ll find a complete list of winners.

Finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards Contest

Finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards Contest
Jun 10, 2022 by Denise Lee Branco


I’m excited to share with you that Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe’s Story has won its first book awards: Finalist in the Animals/Pets: Narrative Nonfiction and Novelty & Gift Book categories.

Click here to go to the International Book Awards website where you’ll find a complete list of winners and finalists.

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