ROCKLAND — Five books from Maine Authors Publishing of Rockland were recently recognized by the 2014 New England Book Festival for achievements in publishing.

"Congratulations to all our authors. We strive to help local authors create a quality product and their continued success is a testament to the changing perceptions surrounding independently published books," said Jane Karker, president of Maine Authors Publishing in a news release.

The books receiving awards include: Tales of the Cemetery Trees by John R. Cobb of Brewer, Compilations/Anthologies Winner; A Tale of Life and War by Christopher Morin of Portland, General Fiction Honorable Mention; Maggie Goes to Maine by Betsey Anderson of Weld, Children's Books Honorable Mention; Everything Special, Living Joy by Roberta S. Kuriloff of Orland, Spiritual Honorable Mention; and Tapestry II: Entwined by the Beast by Cady Elizabeth Arnold of New Hampshire, Young Adult Honorable Mention.

By the author of Judith: A Quoddy Tale, Tales of the Cemetery Trees by John R. Cobb is a collection of suspenseful short stories filled with mystery, crime, fantasy, and the supernatural. Even in the most picturesque places, all manner of wickedness can be found.

A Tale of Life and War by Christopher Morin is a work of fiction based on actual historical events and follows a University of Maine at Orono student as he struggles to pass one final history assignment. By a stroke of luck, he meets Hank Mitchell a WWII fighter pilot who tells the story of his extraordinary and often painful war experiences. Will either of them be the same after the telling?

Betsey Anderson's children's book, Maggie Goes to Maine is written in verse about a city dog's adventures the first time she explores the fields, woods and lake at her family's summer camp in Maine. The story is ideal to help children 3-6 unwind before naptime, bedtime or anytime, according to a news release.

Everything Special, Living Joy by Roberta S. Kuriloff is a collection of poetry and prose about how to look at life: the glass half empty or half full. It is a reminder of the connection to the greater self during "the dance of life." Kuriloff was inspired to write this collection during a silent meditation retreat.

In Cady Elizabeth Arnold's latest young adult novel, Tapestry: Entwined by the Beast, discover what a knight will risk when his wife and daughter are abducted for revenge in this sequel to Tapestry I: Strands of Yellow and Blue.

The New England Book Festival is an annual award and is judged by industry experts. They select award winners and honorable mentions based on overall excellence and passion for telling a good story.

Maine Authors Publishing works with independent authors to get their books published and in the hands of readers. Their goal is to offer authors affordable local printing and marketing solutions. These books are available at local bookstores and from www.maineauthorspublishing.com.