RITA®: Best First Book

The Best First Book Category was established in 1990. In 1992, a subtle change was made to the First Book category, with the word "book" becoming "novel". The title of this category changed again in 1993 to First Book.

Winners

• Lani Diane Rich - 2005 - Time Off for Good Behavior; Warner Books
• Susan Crandall - 2004 - Back Roads
• Wendy Lindstrom - 2003 - Shades of Honor
• Elizabeth English - 2002 - Border Bride, The
• Fay Robinson - 2001 - Man Like Mac, A
• Isolde Martyn - 2000 - Maiden and The Unicorn, The
• Adele Ashworth - 1999 - My Darling Caroline
• Elizabeth Boyle - 1998 - Brazen Angel
• Lynn Kurland - 1997 - Stardust of Yesterday
• Elizabeth Elliott - 1996 - The Warlord
• Angie Ray - 1995 - Ghostly Enchantment
• Megan Chance - 1994 - A Candle in the Dark
• Jeane Renick - 1993 - Trust Me
• Christina Dodd - 1992 - Candle in the Window
• Dee Holmes - 1991 RITA® - Black Horse Island
• Alaina Hawthorne - 1990 - Out of the Blue