11th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards Announced

Bloomington, IN, May 22, 2017 --(PR.com)-- Historical novelist Annette Oppenlander receives national recognition from the 11th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards.

The 11th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards recognized "Surviving the Fatherland: A True Coming-of-age Love Story Set in WWII Germany" by Annette Oppenlander in the category of "Faction" as a winner in this year's competition.

This prestigious National award is open to all English language books in print from small, medium, university, self and independent publishers.

The National Indie Excellence® Awards exist to help establish independent publishing as a strong and proud facet of the publishing industry. Recognizing authors that put their heart and soul into their work, the NIEA is a champion of self-publishers and the small, independent presses that go the extra mile to produce books of excellence in every aspect. Established in 2007, the NIEA competition is judged by experts from all aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters.

Winners and finalists are determined based on "overall excellence of presentation - a synergy of form and content." Spanning thirteen years from 1940 to 1953 and set against the epic panorama of WWII, "Surviving the Fatherland" is a sweeping saga of family, love, and betrayal that illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the children's war.

"Surviving the Fatherland" tells the true and heart-wrenching stories of Lilly and Günter struggling with the terror-filled reality of life in the Third Reich, each embarking on their own dangerous path toward survival, freedom, and ultimately each other. Based on the author's own family and anchored in historical facts, this story celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of war children.

“We are proud to announce the winners & finalists whose books truly embody the excellence that this award was created to celebrate, and we salute you all for your fine work.” –Ellen Reid, Founder NIEA

For more information please visit: www.indieexcellence.com

About the Author
Annette Oppenlander is an award-winning writer, literary coach and educator. As a bestselling historical novelist, Oppenlander is known for her authentic characters and stories based on true events, coming alive in well-researched settings. Having lived in Germany the first half of her life and the second half in various parts in the U.S., Oppenlander inspires readers by illuminating story questions as relevant today as they were in the past. Oppenlander’s bestselling true WWII story, Surviving the Fatherland, was elected to IWIC’s Hall of Fame. Her historical time-travel trilogy, Escape from the Past, takes readers to the German Middle Ages and the Wild West. Uniquely, Oppenlander weaves actual historical figures and events into her plots, giving readers a flavor of true history while enjoying a good story. Oppenlander shares her knowledge through writing workshops at colleges, libraries and schools. She also offers vivid presentations and author visits. The mother of fraternal twins and a son, she lives with her husband and old mutt, Mocha, in Bloomington, Ind.

Contact: Annette Oppenlander/812.391.6310/Annette.oppenlander@yahoo.com