Maryann Ridini Spencer wins “Author of the Year” for Christian Fiction

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Author, Screenwriter, and Producer Maryann Ridini Spencer won “Author of the Year” in the category of Christian Fiction at the 2025 International Impact Book Awards Black Tie Gala, which took place at 7:00 pm at the Lowe’s Hollywood Hotel, 1755 Highland Avenue in Los Angeles, CA. Over 400 people attended the event, which celebrates the world’s most impactful authors. Maryann’s novel, Once Upon a Cove Christmas, the second book in the Lavender Hill Cove novel series, was recently honored as a 2025 International Impact Book Award winner in the Christian Fiction category earlier this year. The novel tells a heartwarming story about the ‘true meaning of Christmas’ and why Christ came to the world, and how we can all learn compassion and understanding following His example. This past weekend’s event was to choose an “Author of the Year” in each category represented from around the world.

“I wanted to tell a story about the ‘true meaning of Christmas’ and why Christ came to the world. In telling the story, I wanted to emphasize the power of faith, family, forgiveness, and living by The Golden Rule, which is to “love one another,” said Maryann, accepting her award and thanking the International Impact Book Award organizers. “Through my novel, I also hope to share how community can come together and help one another. I believe that in living the way Christ taught, the world can find increased understanding, wisdom, peace, joy, fortitude, piety, and discernment to know God’s will, and respect for God’s majesty and sovereignty; thus, with God’s mercy, love, and grace, to hopefully share eternity with the Divine.”

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