Spring 2026 The Bookfest Awards
Some exciting news to share this Monday—my memoir placed **first in two categories** this weekend at The BookFest Awards, and my heart is overflowing.
I want to give the deepest, most heartfelt thank you to Laura and Geo Villegas for capturing the soul of this story through the front cover, and to Scott Ryan for bringing it all together with such intentional design. You didn’t just create a cover—you brought a vision to life. This award for First Place Artistic & Technical – Book Cover – Photography belongs to you as much as it does to me. Thank you for your care, your precision, and the magic you poured into every detail.
To receive First Place in Nonfiction – Religion – Christianity is an honor that humbles me beyond words. I can’t help but think of my Mommie… what this moment would mean to her. And I hear my Grandma Combs’ words echoing in my spirit: *“God has a plan for you, even when you can’t see it or understand it. We only have one life it will soon be past, and only what’s done for Christ will last.”*I am far from perfect, and I don’t pretend to be—but I hold tightly to faith. I believe with everything in me that the things we walk through are never wasted. There is purpose in the pain, and we are called to use our stories to help someone else find their way through.
I am truly humbled and honored to receive these awards. This journey was never meant to be walked alone. To my inner circle—my family—thank you for holding me up, for believing in me, and for loving me through every chapter.Daddy, thank you for keeping me grounded.Mommie, thank you for loving me from afar.This one… this one is for you.
