2017 Golden Heart Winners

Winner & Finalists

Contemporary Romance

Winner: “No Man Left Behind” - Penelope Leas

• Finalists:

“Always Sunny” - Kimberly MacCarron

“Far-Fetched Love” - Priscilla Cook

“Framed” - Susan J. Bickford

“Mounting the Marquess” - Kelli Newby

“Sometimes You Need a Sexy Scot” - Melonie Johnson

“Take the Lead” - Alexis Daria

“Tempting Fate” - Jeri Black

“Things I'll Never Say” - Christina Hovland

“This Child Is Mine” - Jo Anne Banker

Contemporary Romance: Short

Winner: “Job Opening: Billionaire's Wife” - Susannah Erwin

• Finalists:

“A Love Wide Open” - JoAnn Sky

“Princess of Meridian” - Catherine Stuart

“What Would Ginger Do” - Kimberly MacCarron

Historical Romance

Winner: “With Love in Sight” - Christina Britton

• Finalists:

“Confess, Your Grace” - Scarlett Peckham

“The Governess's Glance” - Jennifer Henderson

“How to Train Your Baron” - Diana Lloyd

“Lord Lion and the Lady Publisher” - Laurel Kerr

“The Lost Chord” - Suzanne M. Turner

“The Price of Desire” - Emily Sullivan

“Unmasked” - Elizabeth Rue

Paranormal Romance

Winner: “Constant Craving” - Kari W. Cole

• Finalists:

“Beryl Blue, Time Cop” - Janet Halpin

“Bless Your Heart and Other Southern Curses” - Heather Leonard

“Fire's Rising” - Grace Adams

“The Mer Chronicles: Love's Diplomatic Act” - Kate Ramirez

“Soul Affinity” - A Y Chao

Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements

Winner: “Wings of Love” - Pamela Ferguson

• Finalists:

“Dangerous Exposure” - Dianna Shuford

“Fair Haven” - Laura Conner Kestner

Romantic Suspense

Winner: “Semper Fi” - Meta Carroll

• Finalists:

“The Fire Beckons” - Lynnette Labelle

“The Guide” - Sarah Morgenthaler

“Seductive Strokes” - Patty Hoffman

“Shot Down” - Tracy Brody

“Vengeance” - Diana Belchase

Young Adult Romance

Winner: “Listen” - Jennifer Camiccia

• Finalists:

“All the Feels” - Kimberly MacCarron

“Mouthful” - C R Grissom

“Swimming through Fog” - Nicole Hohmann

Category Descriptions All entries must contain a central love story and the resolution of the romance must be emotionally satisfying and optimistic. With the exception of Erotic Romance, all categories may have varying levels of sensuality.

Contemporary Romance Manuscripts that are set from 1950 to the present that are greater than 65,000 words. Contemporary Romance: Short Manuscripts that are set from 1950 to the present that are less than 65,000 words in length. Erotic Romance Manuscripts in which strong, often explicit, sexual interaction is an inherent part of the story, character growth and relationship development and could not be removed without damaging the storyline. These manuscripts may contain elements of other romance subgenres (such as paranormal, historical, etc.) Historical Romance Manuscripts that are set prior to 1950. Paranormal Romance Manuscripts in which fantasy worlds or paranormal or science fiction elements are an integral part of the plot. Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements Manuscripts in which religious or spiritual beliefs are an inherent part of the love story, character growth and relationship development and could not be removed without damaging the storyline. These novels may be set in the context of any religious or spiritual belief system of any culture. Romantic Suspense Manuscripts in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot. Young Adult Romance Novels in which young adult life is an integral part of the plot.