2009 RITA® Winners

The following authors and books are finalists in the 2009 RITA contest. Over 1,000 novels and novellas were judged in 12 categories. Winners of the awards will be announced in July at the RITA and Golden Heart Awards Ceremony at the RWA's 29th Annual National Conference in Washington, D.C.

Best First Book

• Finalists:
  • No Good Girls by Jean Marie Pierson, Dorchester Publishing, Love Spell - Alicia Condon, editor
  • Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs, Penguin Group USA, Dutton - Sarah Shumway, editor
  • Passionate by Anthea Lawson, Kensington Publishing Corp., Zebra Debut - Hilary Sares, editor
  • Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas, Bantam Dell Publishing Group - Caitlin Alexander, editor
  • Strangers In The Night by Kerry Connor, Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Intrigue - Sean Mackiewicz, editor
  • The Secret Soldier by Jennifer Morey, Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Romantic Suspense - Natashya Wilson, editor
  • Your Roots Are Showing by Elise Chidley, Grand Central Publishing, 5 Spot - Alex Logan, editor

Best Contemporary Single Romance

• Finalists:
  • A Mother's Wish by Karen Templeton, Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition - Gail Chasan, editor
  • Adopted: Outback Baby by Barbara Hannay, Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Romance - Meg Lewis, editor
  • Antonides' Forbidden Wife by Anne McAllister, Harlequin Enterprises, Mills and Boon Modern - Jenny Hutton, editor
  • Falling For The Lone Wolf by Crystal Green, Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition - Susan Litman, editor
  • Last-Minute Proposal by Jessica Hart, Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Romance - Maddie Rowe, editor
  • Texas Heir by Linda Warren, Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin American Romance - Kathleen Scheibling, editor
  • The Children's Doctor And The Single Mum by Lilian Darcy, Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Medical Romance - Bryony Green, editor
  • The Cowboy's Christmas Miracle by RaeAnne Thayne, Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition - Gail Chasan, editor
  • The Right Mr. Wrong by Cindi Myers, Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin American Romance - Wanda Ottewell, editor

Best Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure

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Best Contemporary Single Title

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Best Historical Romance

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Best Inspirational Romance

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Best Novel With Strong Romantic Elements

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Best Paranormal Romance

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Best Regency Historical Romance

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Best Romantic Novella

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Best Romantic Suspense

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Best Young Adult Romance

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