Author honored

Author T. M. Smith of Bainbridge Island recently won an American Legacy Book Award for her paranormal romance “The Firebrand.”

The award came in the Romance: Paranormal/Supernatural category.

Smith is a retired English teacher and principal who said she “took up writing when she tired of writing comments on split infinitives and memos on noise in the hallway.”

Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 100 categories. Jeffrey Keen, president and CEO of American Book Fest, said the contest yielded thousands of entries from authors and publishers around the world. Books from all sections of the publishing industry—mainstream, independent and even self-published—were recognized.

The Firebrand is the first novel in the completed Blood Coven Series by Smith. In five epic tales of love and war, Firebrands, the fierce warriors of Scath, are drawn to human blood coven descendants. As the threat of an ancient prophecy unfolds, the fate of two species hangs in the balance, sparking a fiery clash that will decide the destiny of both worlds.

Huge church event

Grace Episcopal Church on Bainbridge Island was set to host a regional event May 1 to hear from four candidates to be considered for the position of Olympic Diocese bishop.

Being considered for the first time were three women. 25 top theologians from Poulsbo, Bremerton, Silverdale and more planned to attend. Each candidate planned to speak for 20 minutes, followed by question and answer sessions.

Free concert

Children of the Nations in Silverdale, a nonprofit dedicated to providing care for orphaned and destitute children, is putting on a free concert with the faith-based band For All Seasons May 5.

The concert will be at Independent Bible Church in Port Angeles starting at 6 p.m.

Tickets are free, and attendees will have the opportunity to sponsor a child in need during the event. For details, go to go.cotni.org/forallseasons.