2005 Golden Heart Winners
2005 Golden Heart Contest
Category Descriptions Contemporary Single Title Romance Romantic novels released as individual titles, not as part of a series. The word count for these novels is over 70,000 words. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying. Inspirational Romance Romantic novels in which one or more characters' religious or spiritual beliefs (in the context of any religion or spiritual belief system) are a major part of their developing relationship, not merely a minor element or subplot. All inspirational books, both contemporary and historical, shall be eligible for this category. The word count for these novels is a minimum of 40,000 words. Judging guidelines: In this category, one or more characters' religious or spiritual beliefs (in the context of any religion or spiritual belief system) are blended with and form a significant and substantial part of the love story, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying. Long Contemporary Romance Romantic novels in which sensuality may constitute a strong element in the romance. The word count for these novels is over 70,000 words. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying. Long Historical Romance Novels or sagas which have a strong romantic element throughout. The word count for these novels is over 95,000 words. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying. Novel with Strong Romantic Elements A work of fiction not belonging in another category that contains strong romantic elements, such that one or more romances contained in the story form an integral part of the story's structure, but in which other themes or stories may also be significantly developed. The word count for these novels is a minimum of 80,000 words. Judging guidelines: Any kind of fiction, of any tone or style and set in any place or time, is eligible for this category. The romantic elements, while not the primary focus of the story, should be an integral and dynamic part of the plot or subplot. The NR term does not apply to this category. Instead, the book may be judged NSRE (no strong romantic elements). 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 category descriptions. The word count for these novels is a minimum of 40,000 words. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying. Regency Romance Romantic historical novels with primary settings during the Regency period, typically 1795-1840. The word count for these novels is 40,000-85,000 words. Judging guidelines: The category includes comedy of manners as well as darker stories, and the books may contain a variety of story elements such as sexual content, paranormal elements, mystery, suspense, adventure, and non-traditional settings. Romantic Suspense Romantic novels in which suspense is a major element of the plot. The word count for these novels is a minimum of 40,000 words. Judging guidelines: In this category, a suspense plot is blended with a love story, which is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying. Short Contemporary Romance Romantic novels in which sensuality may constitute a strong element in the romance. The word count for these novels is 40,000-70,000 words. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying. Short Historical Romance Novels or sagas which have a strong romantic element throughout. The word count for these novels is 40,000-95,000 words. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying. Traditional Romance Sweet romantic novels. The word count for these novels is 40,000-60,000 words. Judging guidelines: In this category, the emphasis is on the development of an emotional relationship that ultimately results in the promise of a long-term commitment. The stories may include sexual tension and, within marriage, sexual fulfillment. Young Adult Romance Romantic novels geared to young adult readers. The word count for YA novels is a minimum of 25,000 words. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying.
Winners & Finalists
Contemporary Single Title Romance “Hard Lies” S. Lorelle Marinello “Coffee, Tea, or Mr. Right” Beth Watson “Fiance at Her Fingertips” Kathleen C. Bacus “For Better or Worse” Elizabeth Bemis “In Pursuit of Caviar” Ardath L. Albee “Prey Tell” Valentina A. Plant “Shadow of the Butcher Boy” Tanya T. Holmes “Three Parts Dead” Christine Fletcher
Inspirational Romance “Autumn Rains” Myra Langley Johnson “A Chasing after the Wind” Julie A. Lessman “Orphaned Hearts” Janet K. Dean “Trouble in Paradise” Tina M. Novinski
Long Contemporary Romance “Finding Hope” Kimberly M. Fisk “Bachelor Auction” Diana M. Loftin “Eye of the Tiger” Ann Emmons Yost “Learning Curve” Terry McLaughlin “Marriage on His Mind” Tammy M. Johnson “The Midas Touch” Phyllis Bourne Williams “Sheltering Arms” Mary E. Bray “A Will to Love” Dawn Temple
Long Historical Romance “Ruined” Victoria H. Grondahl “An Angel's Kiss” Stacey L. Riemer “Courting Scandal” Tonda Kalen Fuller “Guardian of My Heart” Annette L. McCleave “Hint of a Dream” Lavinia Howe Klein “Mirage” Kathi B. Scearce “The Thief and the Rogue” Yvonne E. Cook “The Unthinkable” Monica C. McCarty “Warrior's Bride” Geri Russell
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements “Viva Las Vegas” Robin Flury “Blind Justice” Mary Louise Kelso “Crossing the Line” Cindy T. Marolt “The Dragons' Veil” Sherri Lynn Godsey “Finding Isadora” Susan Lyons “How to Kill the Other Woman” Bridget H. Stuart “Liberating Hope” Lois Winston “Unclaimed Money” Deborah Clawson Johnson
Paranormal Romance “Sapphire Dreams” Pamela P. Poulsen “Bed & Breakfast” Kelly H. Gay “Dreamweaver” Thieme Jackson Bittick “Heart of Fire” Kristen L. Brunori-Painter “Highland House” Chloe M Palov “The Lord of Always” Cynthia M. Wicklund “Lywin's Quest” Debra L. Holland “Oh, What a Knight!” Theresa Ragan
Regency Romance “Lady Wicked” Nadele Jacobs “A Disturbance at Cheshire” Shereen R. Vedan “The Muse” Barbara M. Satow
Romantic Suspense “Dancing in the Dark” Holli S. Bertram “Alpine Affair” Mary Wynn Seguin “Desperate Memories” Ruth MacLean “Eye of the Storm” Rob Preece “Firefly Run” Patricia Milburn “Missing in Action” Kelley Bowers Zeringue “Out of Character” Donna L. Meier “The Saint and the Sinner” Kathleen W. Hodges
Short Contemporary Romance “Venus Rising” Karina A. Bliss “Beauty and the Billionaire” Kelle Zeiher Riley “Fever Dream” Jennifer Lewis “Lemon Drop Lover” Cheryl L. Wilson “Red Hot Angel” Tawny Weber “Satisfying Suz” Kelley Bowers Zeringue “Something to Build On” Paula M. Altenburg “Temporary Fiancee” Judith A. Johns
Short Historical Romance “Secrets of All Hearts” Christine R. Merrill “Fearless” Andrea Wilder “The Lightkeeper” Kathryn L. Albright “Once Upon a Midnight” Pamela A. Fryer “Outlaw Heart” Thomasine Rappold “The Price of Love” Delilah A. Ahrendt
Traditional Romance “Snow-White Wedding” Jenna Ness “The Rancher Takes a Family” Pam Menz Baker “This Groom for Hire” Barbara Tanner Wallace “The Wedding Plan” Sandra D. Hyde
Young Adult Romance “Almost Cool: Confessions of the Popular Girl's Best Friend” Julie Ann Linker “Leaving Eden” Elizabeth C. Langston “The Secret Life of Amber Hickenbottom” Heather Koenig
