2007 Golden Heart Winners

2007 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 “Romeo, Romeo” Robin Kawcynski “Beneath the Surface” Mary Fechter “Diamonds To Die For” Michelle Gilles “Enemy Hearts” Krista Reynolds “Sing for Me” Laura Graham Booth “Ten Simple Steps to Becoming a Sex Goddess” Leshia Stott “Touch of Danger” Susan Paytas “Walk Away Joe” Donnell Ann Bell

Inspirational Romance “The Heart Beckons” Carla Hughes “Accidental Truth” Ramona Thompson “One Day” Gina Welborn “Trouble in Paradise” Tina Radcliffe

Long Contemporary Romance “All or Nothing” Beth Burgoon “All My Tomorrows” Mary Gardner “Feel the Vibrations” Jena Brown “Her Hometown Man” Cindy Procter-King “Mortgaged Hearts” Anahita Sugden “Subliminal Seduction” Laurie Kellogg

Long Historical Romance “Sager's Passion” Elaine Levin “The Captain’s Ring” Patricia Cerrone “Forever a Rogue” Elizabeth Stock “Lady’s Knight” Kayla Westra “McKenzie’s Secret” Jerilyn Willin “Montana Sky at Dawn” Caroline Fyffe “A Rose among Thorns” Patricia Detweiler

Novel with Strong Romantic Elements “According to Jane” Marilyn Weigel “Chasing Midnight” Laura Martello “Double Rainbow” Yvonne Harris “I Do…Don’t I?” Beth Watson “The Miseducation of April Hillson” Maureen McGowan “Nairobi Nights” Kimberley Howe “Remembering How to Make Music” Teresa Elliot Brown “When Last I Loved You” Jan Eklund Tracy

Paranormal Romance “Black Jack” Jennifer Stark “All Fired Up” Kristen Painter “Dyad Dreams” Ann Hinnenkamp “The Kiss of Fate” Katey Coffing “Return of the Rose” Theresa Ragan “Shadow of a Dream” Jennifer Hubbard “Time Treasure” Sheila-Rae Z. Mohs “The Wolf Within” Melanie Scott

Romantic Suspense “Falling into Darkness” Bronwyn Clarke “Deadly Intent” Anna Perrin “Don’t Look Back” Vicki Williams Tharp “Make Me Believe” Elisabeth Naughton “One Shot, Two Kills” Kimberley Howe “Son of the Enemy” Joan Goodman “Tread Softly: A Want Ad Mystery” Kelly Ann Riley “Twilight’s Children” Shelley Coriell

Short Contemporary Romance “Weekend Agreement” Barbara Tanner Wallace “The Baby Interview” Robbie Terman “Best Buddies” Connie Cox “The Ex-Factor” Melanie Scott “Mr. Right Now” Laura Barone “The Runaway Heiress” Gail Fuller “Sexy by Design” Melissa Ann James “Something To Talk About” Jullie Harrington

Short Historical Romance “The Lost Jewel” Debra Bess “Dangerous Magic” Alix Rickloff “Letters from Home” Kristina McMorris “The Price of Love” Delilah Ahrendt “The Third Bride” Thomasine Rappold

Young Adult Romance “Coven” Trish Milburn “About Face” Elizabeth Langston “Cupid Girl” Wendy Kay Toliver “My Best Friend’s a Real Dog” Kimberly Duffy ”The Wishing Tree” Trish Milburn