IDAHO FALLS — A local author has earned a top national award for a novel set close to home and close to her heart.
Linda Sandifer of Idaho Falls has received the 2026 Western Writers of America Spur Award for Best Traditional Novel for her latest book, “Lost and Broken Things,” set in southeastern Idaho in 1929.
The Spur Awards, established in 1953, are among the most prestigious honors in Western literature, recognizing distinguished writing about the American West.
Sandifer, who was born and raised in Rigby, began writing at age 12 and has since authored 14 novels, many of them with Western themes. Her work spans multiple settings and genres, including a historical saga about the Oregon Trail.
She was stunned when she learned her 14th novel had been selected for the award.
“I was kind of in shock and very excited,” she said. “This is quite a prestigious award in the writing industry.”
Set in Idaho’s rugged backcountry, “Lost and Broken Things” is the tale of a young shepherdess and her “brother” whose lives are upended when their adoptive mother disappears. As the search unfolds, Sheriff Jack Tanner becomes entangled in the children’s troubled world, ultimately uncovering a long-buried crime that changes everything.
Sandifer said the novel, while fictional, was inspired by stories from her family’s century-old ranch in the Blackfoot Mountains, originally homesteaded by her grandfather.
“This book is particularly close to my heart,” she said. “I’m very familiar with the area, and it’s inspired by my grandfather and father’s sheepherding stories.”
Past Spur Award winners include notable authors and screenwriters such as Anne Hillerman, Craig Johnson and Taylor Sheridan. Sandifer will officially receive her award at the Western Writers of America convention, scheduled for June 17–20 in St. Louis, Missouri.
While she said she is honored by the recognition, Sandifer emphasized that her greatest satisfaction comes from her readers.
“I’m not in this for the money or to become a New York Times bestselling author,” she said. “I’m happy when people read and enjoy my books.”
“Lost and Broken Things” is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble..
Additionally, more information on Sandifer and her other books is available on her website, lindasandifer.com
About the Author
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