2013 Golden Heart Winners

Winners & Finalists

Contemporary Series Romance

Winner: “Baby on Board -- Help!” - Miranda Liasson

• Finalists:

“The Billionaire's Hypnotized Mistress” - Greta MacEachern

“Confessions of the World's Oldest Shotgun Bride” - Gail Hart

“Her Soldier Returns” - Kristin Noel Fischer

“Jayhawk Down” - Sharon Calvin

“Southern Comforts” - Nan Dixon

Contemporary Single Title Romance

Winner: “Objection Overruled” - Jane O'Hanlon

• Finalists:

“The Bollywood Bad Boy” - Sonali Dev

“Clean Sweep” - Nan Dixon

“Climb to Freedom” - Sheila Athens

“Everybody Knows...” - Jacqueline Floyd

“Hijacked” - Leslie Lynch

“Place Your Bets” - Katie Graykowski

“What's Yours Is Mine” - Tamar Bihari

Historical Romance

Winner: “Drawn to the Earl” - Joanna Shupe

• Finalists:

“Between Love and Lies” - Jacqui Nelson

“A Champion's Heart” - Piper Huguley

“Come to Me” - Oberon Wonch

“The Last Light of Dusk” - Joanne Lockyer

“The Promise of Dawn” - Elissa Baker

“The Rake's Handbook” - Sally Orr

“Sense and Seduction” - Thomasine Rappold

Paranormal Romance

Winner: “Mind Sweeper” - Amy Jones

• Finalists:

“Dark Secrets” - Mariah Ankenman

“Demon's Bane” - India Powers

“Guardian” - Tara Sheets

“Jinn & Tonic” - Kay Hudson

“Sea Panther” - Dawn Marie Hamilton

“Shadows in the Deep” - Lark Howard

“Unbroken” - Ella Sheridan

Romantic Suspense

Winner: “Broken Places” - Krista Hall Reynolds

• Finalists:

“Crazy for Her” - Sandra Owens

“Juliet's Rogue” - Sharon Wray

“The Predator” - Chris Taylor

“Rampant Perfection” - Laurie Cooper

“Rogue's Redemption” - Sharon Wray

“The Shadow Hour” - Jacqui Nelson

“Spies, Lies, and Debutantes” - Miranda Liasson

Young Adult Romance

Winner: “Summer of Supernova” - Darcy Woods

• Finalists:

“Camp Awakening” - Bonnie Staring

“Hidden Deep” - Amy DeLuca

“Leath'Dhia/Birthright” - Kari Miller

“Miranda Perry's Imported Prom Date” - Sheri Adkins

“Sticks and Stones” - Kimberly MacCarron

“Ten” - Holly Bodger

Category Descriptions All categories may have varying levels of sensuality Contemporary Series Romance Romance manuscripts that focus primarily on the romantic relationship, and are targeted toward a category line/series with publisher predetermined word counts and basic content guidelines. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is the main focus of the manuscript, and the resolution of the romance is satisfying and optimistic. Contemporary Single Title Romance Romance manuscripts that focus primarily on the romantic relationship. 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. Historical Romance Romance manuscripts set in any historical time period. 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 Romance manuscripts in which religious or spiritual beliefs (in the context of any religion of spiritual belief system) are a major 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 Romance manuscripts in which the future, a fantasy world or paranormal happenings are an integral part of the plot. Judging guidelines: In this category, a futuristic, fantasy, or paranormal element is blended with the love story, which is the main focus of the manuscript, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. Romantic Suspense Romance manuscripts in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot. Judging guidelines: In this category, a suspense/mystery/thriller plot is blended with a love story, which is the main focus of the manuscript, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic. Young Adult Romance Romance manuscript geared toward young adult readers. Judging guidelines: In this category, the love story is an important element of the manuscript, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.