1995 Golden Heart Winners
1995 Golden Heart Contest
Entries: 795
Category Descriptions NOTE: Listing of publishers is meant as examples only and is not all-inclusive. Contemporary Single Title Romance Romantic contemporary novels released as individual titles and not as part of a series line, such as those books released as individual titles from NAL, Dell, Berkley/Jove, Bantam, Pocket, Warner, as well as imprints such as Fanfare, Pinnacle, Diamond, Ivy, and Harper Monogram. The word count for these novels, based on publishers' acceptance guidelines, is a minimum of 70,000 words. Historical Romance (110,000 words or less) Romantic historical novels and sagas which have a strong romantic element throughout. Inspirational Romance Romantic novels in which religious concepts are conveyed as a major element of the plot. All inspirational books, both contemporary and historical, are eligible for this category. These may be books published by Baker Books, Barbour, Bethany House, Harvest House, Thomas Nelson, Tyndale, or Zondervan. The word count for these novels, based on publishers' acceptance guidelines, is 45,000 to 125,000 words. Long Contemporary Series Romance Longer, sensuous romantic novels published in a line, such as Harlequin Super Romance, Harlequin American, Silhouette Special Edition, Silhouette Intimate Moments and Zebra To Love Again. The word count for these novels, based on publishers' acceptance guidelines, is 70,000 or more words. Long Historical Romance (over 110,000 words) Romantic historical novels and sagas which have a strong romantic element throughout. Paranormal Romance (Time Travel/Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal) Romantic novels in which either the future, a fantasy world or paranormal happenings are a major element of the plot. These may be single title releases or books published within established category romance lines fitting other award category descriptions. The word count for these novels, based on publishers' acceptance guidelines, is a minimum of 50,000 words. Regency Romance Romantic novels with primary settings during the Regency period such as those published by Harlequin, Signet, Zebra, Fawcett, Warner, St. Martin's Press, Berkley, and Avon. The word count for these novels, based on publishers' acceptance guidelines, is a minimum of 50,000 words. Romantic Suspense/Gothic Romance Romantic novels in which suspense is a major element of the plot. These may be books published in established suspense lines such as Harlequin Intrigue, Silhouette Shadows, and Zebra Gothics, as well as single title releases and series romance books fitting other award category descriptions. The word count for these novels, based on publishers' acceptance guidelines, is a minimum of 50,000 words. Short Contemporary Series Romance Short, sensuous romantic novels published in a line, such as Silhouette Desire, Harlequin Presents, Harlequin Temptation, and Bantam Loveswept. The word count for these novels, based on publishers' acceptance guidelines, is 50,000-70,000 words. Traditional Romance Romantic novels in which the sensuality is not intense, and in which love scenes are not graphically described, such as those published by Harlequin Romance and Silhouette Romance. The word count for these novels, based on publishers' acceptance guidelines, is 50,000-60,000 words. Young Adult Romance Romantic novels geared to young adult readers. Entries may be such as those published by Bethany House, Scholastic, Bantam Sweet Dreams, Sweet Valley High, Parachute Press, and Willowisp Press. The word count for these novels, based on publishers' acceptance guidelines, is a minimum of 25,000 words.
Winners & Finalists
Historical Romance “Blackthorne's Revenge” Melitta Kit Dee “Captive Heart” Carol Monk “The Devil and the Duchess” Jo Hopkins “Heart of the Dragon” Sharon M. Schulze “River of My Heart” Elizabeth Taylor George “Winter Hearts” Maureen Webster
Inspirational Romance “Consider Her Ways” Vince Brach “Texas Troubles” Theresa M. Zumwalt
Long Contemporary Romance “Deceived” Roxanne Rustand “Crossfire” Sherry Scarimbolo “Interesting Development” Virginia Kantra Ritchey “No Holding Back” Keiko Kay Hunter “Private Dancer” Angeline R. Thayer “Who's Sleeping in My Bed?” Corky Conrad
Long Historical Romance “Bradenholm's Bride” Linda S. Needham “Dear Amelia” Dale Marie Farris “The Falcon's Lady” Pat Kvek “Here I'll Stay” Rickey R. Mallory “To Love, Honor and Disobey” Diane Dyrdal “The Truce” Nora E. Garouette
Paranormal/Fantasy/Time Travel Romance “Time Was” Linda G. Harmon “Broken Wings” Sylvie L. Kurtz “Dark Salvation” Jennifer Dunne “Passage to Paradise” Beverly D. Shippey “Protector of My Heart” Judy Dicanio “Star Ruler's Lady” Merydith B. Mathiews
Regency Romance “A Bargain with Fate” Annemarie Hasnain “The American and the Aristocrat” Nancy G. Belote “Heart's Desire” Shannon Donnelly “Jane and the Black Sheep” Patricia Bray “No Angel” Kathe A. Conti “The Rake's Redemption” Elizabeth Rice
Romantic Suspense/Gothic Romance “Wrong Time, Wrong Place” Kathleen S. Nance “BJ and the Beast” Julie C. Miller “The Deep Forrest House” Ramona Lapidas “The Fugitive Bride” Claire Cavanaugh “It's Murder Out There” Maggie Price “Labyrinth” Elizabeth Grainger
Short Contemporary Romance “Tornado Ali” Robin Rouse Wells “Baby Talk” Deborah A. Vargas “House Arrest ” Karen L. Docter “Kiss the Clouds Away” Patt Marr “Passion Tide” Linda Cook “Peg O' My Heart” Tisha Franklin
Single Title Contemporary Romance “Child of Hope” Sharon C. Mignerey “Honor among Thieves” Frances E. Hanson “In Love and War” Suzanne Barrett “Logan's Choice” Carolyn McSparren “Second Chances” Jean Marie Willett “Shadows of Doubt” Jenny Archer
Traditional Romance “Strong, Silent Type” Leanna Wilson “Coming Up Roses” Cary Boggs “Garden of Eden” Martha Shields “A Gift from the Heart” Kristina Faye Wright “Love Thy Neighbor” Anne Ha “A Wish for Santa” Pam Menz Baker
Young Adult Romance “Junkyard Annie” Rita Herron “Boston to Texas” Theresa M. Zumwalt “In the Wings” Leonore C. Schuetz
