I am deeply honored and grateful to accept the Maincrest Media Book Award for The Door Is Open in the genre: Religious Non-Fiction (Christian)!
This recognition means so much—thank you to the judges for seeing the heart behind the message and focusing on the craft of sharing God’s grace in the New Covenant. What began as my personal journey from legalism to true freedom in Christ has now touched readers in ways only He could orchestrate.
I’m thrilled this award highlights the book’s call to step through the open door Jesus provided—by faith, not works—into wide-open spaces of grace and rest.
To everyone who has read, reviewed, or shared it: thank you for helping spread this truth!
Check out the judges report, award, media release and the book below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Award-Winning Author Darlene Gaston Announces Maincrest Media Book Award For The Door Is Open
Sparks, NV — 01-14-2026 – Award-winning author, Darlene Gaston, announced today that The Door Is Open has been named a Maincrest Media Book Award Winner in the Religious Non-Fiction (Christian) category.
The Maincrest Media Book Award Program establishes the benchmark for excellence in books and the publishing community as a whole. Each book entered into the Maincrest Media Book Award Program is rigorously evaluated by an esteemed panel of seasoned industry professionals provide valuable insight into what influences book buying decisions in today’s marketplace.
Global Book Award (Bronze 2025): Personal Growth
Pencraft Award (2nd Place 2025): Christian Living
Pinnacle Book Awards (2024): Christian Non-Fiction
Christian Book Awards (2023): Christian Non-Fiction
Darlene Gaston wrote The Door Is Open (published in 2021 by Christian Faith Publishing) primarily to share her personal transformation and to help others understand God’s unconditional love, grace under the New Covenant, and the true path to salvation through faith in Jesus rather than through good deeds or legalistic efforts.
At age 47, while serving as a prophet in her church, she had a profound revelation about grace that shifted her from a burdensome, legalistic approach to Christianity (what she describes as “law woman” thinking) to one of freedom and rest in God’s love. This personal journey—from condemnation and heavy religious burdens to liberation—inspires the book’s authentic voice.
The book was written for those who have grown up in or are involved in church environments but feel burdened by legalism, performance-based faith, or heavy religious expectations. This includes people struggling with guilt, condemnation, or the idea that their salvation or God’s love depends on “good behavior” rather than grace through faith alone. Those that would benefit would be:
– Believers transitioning from Old Covenant/legalistic thinking to New Covenant grace.
– Christians seeking freedom and deeper relationship with God.
– People wanting to grow in faith and identity in Christ.
– A broader, accessible Christian readership: While rooted in evangelical/grace-focused theology, it’s written accessibly—with explanations of scriptural terms—for people from various backgrounds and lifestyles, including those less familiar with deep Bible study.
The Door Is Open is a follow-up to her first book Time to Really Live Free, it builds on similar themes and is often described as life-changing for those already on a faith journey.
Darlene Gaston’s The Door Is Open has set the standard for excellence and innovation in writing. This award is a testament to the talent, creativity, and vision of its authors.
“I am honored to have received this prestigious award from Maincrest Media. This affirmation means so much as it highlights the message of God’s unconditional love and the freedom available through the New Covenant. I just want to thank everyone who has read, shared, and been touched by The Door Is Open.”
A full list of winners can be found at www.maincrestmedia.com.
ABOUT Darlene Gaston
Darlene Gaston is a multi-award-winning Christian author passionate about helping people truly know who God is and who they are in Him through New Covenant grace. At 47, while serving as a prophet in her church, she experienced a profound revelation of God’s unconditional love, shifting her from legalism and heavy religious burdens—like a “law woman”—to freedom and rest in Christ, becoming God’s woman.
She dismantles pharisaical beliefs in the modern church, guiding readers to embrace the “easy yoke” Jesus offers. Her books include:
– “Time to Really Live Free” (2025 re-release), exploring true liberation from controlling religious ideologies and spiritual manipulation.
– “The Door Is Open”, highlighting salvation by faith alone and confident living in God’s “no matter what” love.
Her work has earned honors from Pinnacle, Readers’ Favorite, International Impact, and Book Excellence in Christian nonfiction.
A Northern Nevada resident, Darlene lives with her husband Bryan, her grown sons Taylor and Cameron, and teacup Schnauzer Simi. She speaks at events and shares encouragement online. Visit darlenegaston.com for books, updates, and a free mini e-book.
Website: darlenegaston.com
Email: [email protected]
ABOUT MAINCREST MEDIA:
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