2015 Golden Heart Winners

Winners & Finalists

Contemporary Romance

Winner: “Call Me Mrs. Whitlock” - Kimberly Buckner

• Finalists:

“Caught on Film” - Arianna James

“Chasing Crazy” - Kelly Siskind

“Good Girl's Guide to Talking Dirty” - Alice Faris

“His Perfect Partner” - Priscilla Kissinger

“Homecoming” - Jo Anne Banker

“The House of D'Innocenzi” - Susan J. Bickford

“Mace, Men, and Margaritas” - Jennifer Brodie

“Port Fairlight Summer” - Jen Gilroy

“Puppy Love” - Kelly Farmer

Erotic Romance

Winner: “A Deal for Love” - Michele Arris

• Finalists:

“Indulge My Fantasy” - Caroline Bradley

“Sorting Out the Kinks” - Elle Mason

Historical Romance

Winner: “The Reunion” - Sara Leyton

• Finalists:

“A Convenient Engagement” - Kimberly Bell

“A Dangerous Chemistry” - Marnee Blake

“Dragon's Lair” - Lori Sanders Foley

“Never Dare a Wicked Earl” - Renee Ann Miller

“A Proper Scandal” - Laurie Benson

“A Question of Loyalty” - Ellen Lindseth

“Rescuing Mr. Gracey” - Eileen K. Barnes

“Sawyer's Rose” - Kim Turner

Paranormal Romance

Winner: “Demons Don't” - Jeanne Oates Estridge

• Finalists:

“Better Dead” - Pamela Kopfler

“Coyote Walk” - Maria Powers

“Howlin Hearts” - Kristal Hollis

“Magic City” - Heather Leonard

“The Magical Librarian of Tulsa, Oklahoma” - Nancy Coiner

“Mapping Fate” - Kimberly MacCarron

“Stone Hunter” - Tara Sheets

“Undercover Enchanter” - Melanie McCarthy

Romantic Suspense

Winner: “A Shot Worth Taking” - Tracy Poole

• Finalists:

“Deception Island” - Bronwyn McEvoy

“Every Unworthy Thing” - Sharon Wray

“Hope Craves an Execution” - Sharon Wray

“Murder, Curlers and Cream” - Arlene McFarlane

“Scandal” - Jessica Darago

Short Contemporary Romance

Winner: “Winning Her Over” - Alexa Rowan

• Finalists:

“At Her Service” - Mia Sosa

“A Night at the Rosemont” - Mary Oldham

“Waiting for Meggie” - Debra Moser

“Welcome Home, Katie Gallagher” - Seana Kelly

Young Adult Romance

Winner: “When I Wake” - Stephanie Winkelhake

• Finalists:

“The Culloden Immortals” - T L Sumner

“The Jade Quest” - Mary Sullivan

“Mind Traveler” - Diana Munoz Stewart

“Our Souls to Keep” - Stephanie Winkelhake

“Sharing Hunter” - Julie Glover

Category Descriptions With exception of Erotic Romance, all categories may have varying levels of sensuality. Contemporary Romance Manuscripts that are set from 1950 to the present that focus primarily on the romantic relationship and that are greater than 65,000 words. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the manuscript and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. Erotic Romance Manuscripts in which strong, often explicit, sexual interaction is an inherent part of the story, character growth and relationship development and could not be removed without damaging the storyline. These manuscripts may contain elements of other romance subgenres (such as paranormal, historical, etc.). Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the manuscript, scenes of explicit sexual interaction are blended with and form a significant part of the love story, and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. Historical Romance Manuscripts that are set prior to 1950. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the manuscript, and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. Inspirational Romance Manuscripts in which religious or spiritual beliefs (in the context of any religion of spiritual belief system) are an integral part of the romantic relationship. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the manuscript, religious or spiritual beliefs (in the context of any religion or spiritual belief system) are blended with and form a significant part of the love story, and the resolution of the romance is satisfying and optimistic. Paranormal Romance Manuscripts in which the future, a fantasy world or paranormal elements are an integral part of the plot. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the manuscript; a futuristic, fantasy, or paranormal element is blended with the love story; and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. Romantic Suspense Manuscripts in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the manuscript, a suspense/mystery/thriller plot is blended with a love story, and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. Short Contemporary Romance Manuscripts that are set from 1950 to the present that focus primarily on the romantic relationship, and that are less than 65,000 words in length. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the manuscript, and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. Young Adult Romance Manuscripts in which young adult life is an integral part of the plot. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the manuscript, the element of being a young adult is blended with the love story, and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.