2006 Golden Heart Winners

2006 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 “Dangerous Choices” Donna Meier “Don’t Look Back” Mary Fletcher “Double or Nothing” Susan Seyfarth “Irish Dream” Sheri Buerkle “The Karma Sutra Chronicles” Kathleen Beaver “Murphy’s Law” Jennifer Kamptner “Playing for Keeps” Stacey Lynn Riemer “What You Deserve” Susan Crouse

Inspirational Romance “When Angels Fall” Lora Bale “Promises” Melissa Tippens “Stolen Hearts” Janet Dean

Long Contemporary Romance “The Memory of You” Laurie Kellogg “Accidentally Wed” Adele Gautier “Hard To Hold” Beth Burgoon “Kidnapped” Suzanne Welsh “Lethal Medicine” Victoria Wasserman “Love by Bequest” Anahita Sugden “Nothing But Trouble” Beth Burgoon “On Target” Robin Perini “The Ranbow Shell” Judith Raxten

Long Historical Romance “The Education of Mrs. Brimley” Donna MacMeans “Fortune’s Flower” Anthea Larence & Lawson Dumbeck “Hint of Desire” Lavinia Klein “The Marriage Truce” Nancy Northcott “Mustang Wild” Stacey Lynn Riemer “No Ordinary Duchess” Karen Schwartz “The Patrician’s Desire” Joan Kayse “A Talent for Sin” Lavinia Klein

Novel with Strong Romantic Elements “Snooping in Stilettos” Kathleen Beaver “Call of the Wilder” Christine Fletcher “False Dawn” Kimberley Howe “Greta’s Grace” Virginia McCullough “Kick Start” Caren Helms “Remembering How To Make Music” Teresa Elliott Brown “Telling Lies” Esri Allbritten “A Virgin in L. A.” Patricia Cerrone

Paranormal Romance “Blood Squad” Kelli Shewey “By the Book” Jennifer Smith “Dead Mom Talking” Kathleen Beaver “First Sight” Linda Rooks “Legacy” Misti Adams Barnes “Midnight Fire” Pamela Poulsen “Stone Warrior” Linda Rooks “Warrior Bride” Cathie Shaffer

Romantic Suspense “The Watcher” Jo Robertson “Black Knight” Jeanne Pickering Adams “Fanning the Flames” Patricia Milburn “Hiding in Plain Sight” Joan Swan “Hunted” Suzanne Welsh “Jewels of the Madonna” Cindy Munoz “The Ritual” Cassondra Murray “What You See” Joan Goodman

Short Contemporary Romance “Sweet Surrender” Yvonne Harris “Damn the Man!” Michelle Witvliet “Dream Gypsy” Janine Toole “Heat” Stacey Keith “Intensive Care” Julie Rowe “Prescription Marriage” Julie Rowe “The Scandalous Bride” Amber Norcott “Undercover Seduction” Tawny Weber

Short Historical Romance “Scandal's Daughter” Christine Diehm “Her Scandalous Proposal” Christine Zampi “The Leopard Prince” Nancy McKinnell Finney “The Magnificent Marriage” Karen Schwartz “Mark of the Monster” Leslie Dicken “More Than a Lady” Inara Scott

Young Adult Romance “Do You Really Want to Haunt Me?” Heather Koenig “All a Girl Wants” Laura Cumbie “Investigating the Hottie” Juliana Heaton “The Secret Life of Amber Hickenbottom” Heather Koenig “The Wishing Tree” Patricia Milburn