1997 Golden Heart Winners
1997 Golden Heart Contest
Category Descriptions Contemporary Single Title Romance Romantic novels released as individual titles. Inspirational Romance Romantic novels in which personal religious concepts as well as strong romantic relationships are conveyed as major elements of the plot. All inspirational books, both contemporary and historical, shall be eligible for this category. The word count for these novels is a minimum of 45,000 words. Long Contemporary Series* Romance Sensuous romantic novels over 70,000 words. Long Historical Romance Novels which have a strong romantic element throughout. The word count for these novels is over 110,000 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 50,000 words. Regency Romance Romantic historical novels with primary settings during the Regency period, typically 1800-1820. The word count for these novels is a minimum of 50,000 words. Romantic Suspense/Gothic Romance Romantic novels in which suspense is 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 50,000 words. Short Contemporary Series* Romance Romantic novels in which sensuality may constitute a strong element in the romance. The word count for these novels is 70,000 words or fewer. Short Historical Romance Novels which have a strong romantic element throughout. The word count for these novels is 110,000 words or fewer. Traditional Series* Romance Romantic novels in which sensuality is not intense and in which love scenes are not graphically described. The word count for these novels is 50,000-60,000 words. Young Adult Romance Romantic novels geared to young adult readers. The word count for YA novels is a minimum of 25,000 words.
- Series books are defined as those books issued under a common imprint/series name which are usually numbered sequentially and released at regular intervals, usually monthly, with the same number of releases each time.
Winners & Finalists
Contemporary Single Title Romance “Skin Game” Michele Albert
Long Contemporary Series Romance “Hawk's Child” Vivyan Connolly
Long Historical Romance “The Path of the Wind” Deborah Hale
Paranormal Romance “Dared to Dream” Tammy Hilz
Romantic Suspense “Dangerous Curves” Kristina Wright
Short Contemporary Series Romance “Stop in the Name of Love” Nina Bruhns
Short Historical Romance “Forever in Your Arms” Kristen Smith
Traditional Romance “A Father's Love” Pam Baker
