2002 Golden Heart Winners

2002 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. Inspirational Romance Romantic novels in which an inspirational message of personal religious faith is conveyed as a major element of the plot and not used as a plot device 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. 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. Long Historical Romance Novels or sagas which have a strong romantic element throughout. The word count for these novels is over 95,000 words. 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. Regency Romance Romantic historical novels with primary settings during the Regency period, typically 1800-1820. The word count for these novels is 40,000-85,000 words. 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. 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. 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. Traditional Romance Sweet romantic novels. The word count for these novels is 40,000-60,000 words. Young Adult Romance Romantic novels geared to young adult readers. The word count for YA novels is a minimum of 25,000 words.

Winners & Finalists

Contemporary Single Title Romance “This Is Where I Came In” Beth Lavin “Blessing Texas” Sherri Lynn Godsey “Bondage” Timothy Bentler-Jungr “A Face to Change” Kathy Mittelman “Hustled to the Altar” Dani Collins “Marry Merry” Angela Burks “Match Made in Heaven” Patricia White “Rapture of the Deep” Michelle Labedis

Inspirational Romance “A Healing Love” Ramona Thompson “Faith and the Cowboy” Jean Gray “Shadow of a Lion” Margaret Squire Moseley

Long Contemporary Romance “From This Moment” Brenda Harlen “Big Bad Wolf” Jenny Low “Firefly Wishes” Susan Guadagno “Heaven on Wheels” Lee McKenzie-McAnally “The Kramers Take a Dad” Carol Voss “Saving Grace” Norah Wilson

Long Historical Romance “Rules of Engagement” Kathryn Caskie “Borrowed Hearts” Lisa Marie Long “The Comfort Palace” Jacquie Rogers “If You Knew Me” Laura Graham Booth “Mereck's Bride” June Ulrich “Mountain Shadows” Stacey Lynn Reimer “Northern Surrender” Carol Lise Hayes “Sweet Heaven” Chloe Marie Palov

Paranormal Romance “A Rose from the Grave” Jenni Leight Grizzle “Frozen Assets” Kathleen Beaver “The Other Side” Lisa Marie Hilleren “Spellbound in Seattle” Garthia Anderson

Regency Romance “Cat of My Heart” Laurie Lance Bishop “The Baron and Miss Patterton” Cara King “The Miser's Moneybags” Louise Bergin “The Perfect Heroing” Nadele Jacobs “A Secret Passion” Sophia Nash Ours

Romantic Suspense “Forever and Always” Kathleen Hodges “Catch Me If You Can” Kathy Coatney “Diamond's Fire” Jenny Low “Guilty by Design” Mary Strand “Red Alert” Marilyn Ivison “Venus Rising ” Elizabeth Grainger “Widow's Tale” Maureen Miller

Short Contemporary Romance “Pleasure for Pleasure” Jamie Sobrato “Don't Trust a Man with Your Bra in His Hand” Christine Mary Fletcher “One Mack Too Many” Stephanie Davis Rowe “Satin Pleasures” Karen Docter “Touch of Bliss” Karen Preston “Undercover Nanny” Jodi Lynn Beyes “The Whole Enchilada” Sally Sorenson “Wildman Jack's Baby” Laurie Brown

Short Historical Romance “The Warrior Trainer” Geri Russell “Lady Wicked” Nadele Jacobs “Wildflower” Christine Harris “A Wind Swept Bride” Cheryl Doyle Lewallen

Traditional Romance “The First Kiss” Nancy Robards Thompson “A Kentucky Christmas” Tatia Baum Totorica “No Bones about It” Debra Moser “Supermom” Kate Bowman