GREAT MIDWEST BOOK FESTIVAL HONORS NOVEL SET IN CLASSICAL MUSIC WORLD

A novel that explores the emotionally charged world of classical music and the timeless struggle between ambition and integrity is the top book in the 2025 Great Midwest Book Festival, which honors the best of the late winter/early spring.

Author Nicole Conn’s Descending Thirds (Story Merchant Books) is the story of Alexandra von Triessen, a shy yet gifted pianist who faces the pressure of cutthroat competition and her own insecurities at the prestigious International Ketterling Piano Competition.

But more than a tale of classical music, Descending Thirds has love, betrayal, and redemption at its core, taking readers deep into the human cost of greatness. The novel’s deft storytelling and two major reveals makes it well worthy of top honors.

Other winners in the competition:


SPIRITUAL/RELIGIOUS:

WINNER: Legacy: WIsdom of African Traditions and the Bible - Christopher Morehouse

GENERAL FICTION:

WINNER: Descending Thirds - Nicole Conn

RUNNERS-UP:

• The Name I Choose - Holly Brough
• A Soldier’s Burden - Natia Khaduri
• Fool’s Gold Folly - J.D.R. Hawkins
• Somewhere in Minnesota - Jayna Locke

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

• Northfield Saga 4: Storm Break - Calvin B. Fisher
• The Flat Tire - Fish Nealman
• The Day the Birds Came Calling - Dr. Linda Roberts-Betsch
• She Left the Babies in the Bed - Elaine Crume Haley
• I Never Do This - Anesa Miller
• I Dream I Wake I Write - Jane Ruby
• Circle of Chesterfield - Gary Lee Edward Kreigh
• Sniff - G.C. Brown
• Red Sky in the Morning - Bill Hamann

REGIONAL LIT:

WINNER: Twice the Family - Julie Ryan McGue

RUNNER-UP: I Never Do This - Anesa Miller


WILD CARD:

WINNER: Rebuilding the Renaissance - Rocky Ruggiero, PhD


CHILDREN’S BOOKS:

WINNER: A Kindergarten Story - Tammy Donahue

RUNNER-UP: Grandpa Loved the North Shore - Melissa Rousu

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

• Polka Dots and Tater Tots - Melinda Chambers
• Popcorn the Squirrel - Rusty McQuade

UNPUBLISHED:

WINNER: The Third Estate Secrets of the Manor - D.R. Berlin

RUNNER-UP: Real Life Real Laughs - Cate Burns


YOUNG ADULT:

WINNER: Divided - CC Robinson

RUNNER-UP: The Lost Worlds Book One - Esteban Vazquez

HONORABLE MENTION:

• Walking By Your House - A W Anthony

GENERAL NON FICTION

WINNER: Mission Out of Control - Dr. Charles Camarda

RUNNER-UP: Unpacking the Attic - Ann M. Mracek


HOW-TO:

WINNER: Becoming Semi-Famous - Burke Allen


COMPILATIONS/ANTHOLOGIES:

WINNER: Island to Icon - Dreama Denver


BUSINESS:

WINNER: The Start-up Puzzle - Robert van Pappelendam


HISTORY:

WINNER: Sewing Can Be Dangerous and Other Small Threads - S.R. Mallery


ROMANCE:

WINNER: Living on a Prayer - Katrina Alexander

RUNNER-UP: A Perfect Miracle - Katrina Alexander