FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20 March 2024
Contact: Cross Seas Press /+30 698 15 49050/ info@CrossSeasPress.com

Author Helena P. Schrader receives national recognition through the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD®!

Blue Hill, Maine -- The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD, one of the most prestigious book award programs globally for independent authors, publishers, and illustrators, recognized Moral Fibre: A Bomber Pilot’s Story in the category of Military Fiction as a distinguished favorite.

The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. IPA Award Winners and Distinguished Favorites are selected based on their overall excellence.

Moral Fibre, an inspiring tale of historical fiction by Helena P. Schrader, tells the story of a man once branded a coward who returns to continue the fight against fascism. Given a second chance, Flying Officer Kit Moran, now a qualified bomber pilot, forms a new crew and together with the other men of RAF Bomber Command they take the war to Hitler. In this moving tribute to those who fought for freedom in the air, Schrader covers the many faces of courage and grief — and the price of survival. Although recognized in the category “Military Fiction,” Moral Fibre is also an inspirational and spiritual tale which explores faith and the difficulties in finding a moral compass in the midst of war.

Moral Fibre is a compelling and meticulously researched historical account of the air war in Europe during WWII. Riding the icy, moonlit sky, aircrew of Bomber Command took the war to Hitler. Their chances of survival were less than 50%. Their average age was 21. This is this the story of a bomber pilot, who after being labelled LMF, or Lacking in Moral Fibre, for refusing to fly after a disastrous sortie in late 1943, returns to the fray. Along with Georgina, his dead friend’s fiancé, Kit must learn to cope with grief, survivor’s guilt, and the burdens of war in the hope that, one day, he’ll feel worthy of his second chance at life and love.

Moral Fibre was awarded a Maincrest Media Award, a BRAG Medallion, earned SILVER in the Historical Fiction Company Book Awards and was a finalist for a Book Excellence Award in 2023. In addition, it has received positive reviews from some of the most renowned literary critics, authors, and reviewers around the world. Maincrest Media writes: "A perfect blend of history, romance, and inspiration, Moral Fibre reads as though it isn't fiction at all, but rather a mesmerizing look into the past." The Foreign Service Journal calls Moral Fibre “a tribute to those who fought for freedom,” while Chanticleer Reviews praise it as “a riveting read!” Kirkus Reviews concludes, “The two narrative strands beautifully balance each other up to the book’s climax. A richly textured, absorbing war tale that works equally well as a touching love story.”

A vivid, thought-provoking account of one of the most infamous wars in human history, Moral Fibre is a must-read for avid lovers of history and those concerned about finding faith and purpose in difficult circumstances. Available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online bookstores, readers looking for military and inspirational fiction with characters who bring history to life are encouraged to purchase their copy directly from the distributor today: https://itascabooks.com/products/moral-fibre-a-bomber-pilots-story

In 2024, the Independent Press Award saw participation from authors and publishers across the globe, including those residing in Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Cyprus, Germany, India, Kenya, Japan, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, and The Netherlands.

“The 2024 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD honorees represent the excellence and diversity of global independent publishing,” said Gabrielle Olczak, IPA President and Award Sponsor. "Independent publishing is a formidable agent. It provides unparalleled content and quality to consumers worldwide and we are proud to highlight this year's awardees.”

For more information please visit independentpressaward.com; and to see this year's list of IPA Winners and Distinguished Favorites, please visit the website pages:

2024 WINNERS: https://www.independentpressaward.com/2024winners

2024 DISTINGUISHED FAVORITES: https://www.independentpressaward.com/2024df

Independent press awards

Helena P. Schrader

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE - Military Fiction - "The Emperor Strikes Back" - 2020

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE - Military Fiction - "Moral Fibre" - 2024