Hey, That’s Just What I Was Thinking

Barbara Vey -- April 24th, 2013

You can always pick out the readers and writers on Facebook. Obviously, they are talking books, but more than that they are showing covers, announcing events, cheering each other on. But I’m a very visual person, so my eye automatically goes to the pictures. You know, those cute little sayings that manage to convey exactly what you’re thinking. I picked out a few to share with you today.

Ok, this is definitely my motto. I’d much rather read a book than do anything else in the world. Which explains why my house is overrun by dust bunnies.

This complaint is heard often, but the smiles when exiting the bookstore with a bag full of books is well worth it.

I do think about it, but then I glance over at my TBR (to be read) pile and dig in for a new book.

One of my greatest fears, which is why I keep books in every room in my house (yes, every room) and in the trunk of my car. I also have my iPad loaded and my iPhone. This includes audiobooks. I still cringe when I think about being somewhere with nothing to read.

I don’t wear t-shirts, but this is adorable. We don’t want writers to become endangered species.

I’m sure you’ve seen some great one’s too, so send them to me if you find them. bvey@publishersweekly.com

Bottom Line: Great, another phobia to add to my list.

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World Book Night US

Barbara Vey -- April 22nd, 2013

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No, this isn’t a night that everyone in the world reads a book. “World Book Night is an annual celebration dedicated to spreading the love of reading, person to person. Each year on April 23, tens of thousands of people in the U.S. go out into their communities and give a total of half a million free World Book Night paperbacks to light and non-readers.” April 23rd was chosen because “(it) is the UNESCO International Day of the Book, as well as Shakespeare’s birthday! It was also chosen in honor of Miguel de Cervantes, who died on April 23, 1616 (the same day as Shakespeare).”

Last year over a half a million books were passed out. The books are chosen by a panel of booksellers and librarians. Their criteria is:

Accessible books of quality.
Recently-published books as well as established classics.
Books available in paperback.
Any genre of book – fiction, mysteries, romance, SF/fantasy, classics, poetry, humor, autobiography, and young adult books.
The list overall must have a gender, ethnic, and geographical balance.

The books for 2013 are:

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

City of Thieves by David Benioff

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

My Antonia by Willa Cather

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

La Casa en Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros -translated by Elena Poniatowska

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

El Alquimista by Paulo Coelho

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster; illustrated by Jules Feiffer

Moneyball by Michael Lewis

The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer

Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson

Population 485 by Michael Perry

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Montana Sky by Nora Roberts

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Glaciers by Alexis M. Smith

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain

Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward

Favorite American Poems in Large Print edited by Paul Negri

The books I read from the list are A Handmaid’s Tale (scared the crap out of me…too realistic), Fahrenheit 451 (scary and sad…all those books), My Antonia (ok, but not really my kind of book), Devil in a Blue Dress (better book than movie as usual), Me Talk Pretty One Day (listened to the audio book and David Sedaris is hilarious) and The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (ok, but didn’t really grab me). I didn’t read either Moneyball or A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, but I did see the movies. Loved Moneyball and you really can’t go wrong with Bing Crosby.

I think I would have picked out A Handmaid’s Tale to pass out. It’s a real grabber and makes you look at what’s happening in America today and wondering if this could possibly be our future. Creepy when you think that it was written in 1985. Margaret Atwood laughed when I told her it scared the crap out of me. She said, “Good.” Like 1984 and Fahrenheit 451, possible glimpses into a not too nice destiny, but extremely thought provoking.

Anyone can sign up to help pass out books (it’s closed for this year, but you can sign up for a newsletter for next year). You receive 20 not for resale paperbacks of one of the books to give out. The books are handed out to those who don’t regularly read and/or people who don’t normally have access to printed books, for reasons of means or access. Check the website to see what’s going on in your area.

Which books have you read? Any you want to read? Which would you pass out?

Bottom Line: “Books are fun—and they can be life-changing.” ~ World Book Night

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National Library Week

Barbara Vey -- April 15th, 2013

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I love celebrations and this week is one of my favorites….National Library Week. Like many of you, some of my fondest memories are from libraries. There was always something about the smell of all those books. So many to choose from and just imagining all those people who enjoyed them before me was mind-boggling.

All across the US, libraries in schools, campuses and communities will be celebrating National Library Week, a time to highlight the value of libraries, librarians and library workers. The National Honorary Chair this year is Caroline Kennedy and the theme this year is Community Matters.

,According to the American Library Association:

Libraries today are more than repositories for books and other resources. Often the heart of their communities, campuses or schools, libraries are deeply committed to the places where their patrons live, work and study. Libraries are trusted places where everyone in the community can gather to reconnect and reengage with each other to enrich and shape the community and address local issues.

Librarians work with elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at large to discover what their communities needs are and meet them. Whether through offering e-books and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, programs for job seekers or those to support early literacy, librarians listen to the community they serve, and they respond.

“Service to the community has always been the focus of the library,” said [name and title of the spokesperson]. “While this aspect has never changed, libraries have grown and evolved in how they provide for the needs of every member of their community.”

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

Libraries now offer so much more than just checking out books. You can borrow e-readers, iPads, there’s tutoring for adults, book clubs, author visits, movie nights, teen events, classes and taxes done. During the celebration week, some libraries will be offering coffee and cookies, poetry contests for kids, photography contests and one library will have a Food for Fines day.

What does your library have planned? What’s your favorite thing to do at the library?

Bottom Line: “If I was a book, I would like to be a library book, so I would be taken home by all different sorts of kids.” ~ Cornelia Funke

Monday Giveaways

From Cecily White: Cecily White, author of PROPHECY GIRL, will be giving away a 7 inch Kindle Fire on April 19th, 2013. Just share a SPOILER-FREE favorite or random quote from PROPHECY GIRL on Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr. Get all the info here.

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Romance Writers of America Launches 2013 Award Finalists Online Series

Barbara Vey -- April 11th, 2013

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To help the readers get to know the Rita Award nominees this year, RWA will be sponsoring a series of online events. Think of it like the Academy Awards and how they let people see the movies before the awards ceremony. You get to find out all about the books nominated, so you’ll have a chance to read the books before the awards are given out in July.

Here’s what the RWA has to say:

In an effort to connect America’s most popular romance writers with their fans across the world, Romance Writers of America® (RWA) is launching an 11-week series of interactive video chat events highlighting 2013 RITA Award finalist authors. Fans will have the unique opportunity to meet one another and ask their favorite authors questions face-to-face in an intimate online environment.

The series kicks off April 11 at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST with RITA finalists in the Contemporary Single Title Romance category: Barbara Freethy, Barbara Hannay, Ruthie Knox, Kim Law, Roni Loren, Jill Shalvis, and Roxanne St. Claire.

To view a full schedule and to RSVP, please visit http://www.rwa.org/RITAchat. Follow RWA on Twitter @romancewriters (#RITAchat) during the chats.

The events are free to the public, and only 1,000 spots are available at each of the weekly events.

Each week, one lucky participant will win a copy of the books in that week’s spotlighted RITA category.

The RITA award categories are: Best First Book, Contemporary Single Title Romance, Historical Romance, Inspirational Romance, Long Contemporary Series Romance, Novel with Strong Romantic Elements, Paranormal Romance, Romance Novella, Romantic Suspense, Short Contemporary Series Romance, and Young Adult Romance.

Bottom Line: Now no one will be able to say, “I’ve never heard of that book.”

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Remembering Annette

Barbara Vey -- April 9th, 2013

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Annette as a Mouseketeer

I couldn’t let today pass without mentioning the passing of the amazing Annette Funicello. It almost seems appropriate that it’s gloomy, gray and raining outside. I realize that many of you probably don’t know who she is (Google her or look her up on Wikipedia), but those of you who do remember Annette can only smile when you think of her.

I grew up with Annette. Yes, she was one of those people who only needed one name. Everyone knew who she was, one of the original Mouseketeers on The Mickey Mouse Club. There was a whole group, but Annette stood out. I’m not sure why, but there was something about her that made you take that second look. I, along with many others, wanted to be Annette. Not only was she a Mouseketeer, but she was on the serial Spin and Marty. It was set on a ranch and, of course, both boys liked her. Boy, what I would have done to be Annette, ride a horse and have 2 boys like me at the same time!

Loved reading the Annette mysteries

As a kid, Annette starred in several mystery books. I read them all and they definitely had a Nancy Drew vibe. She could do anything. (Check out the price, 49 cents!)

With Frankie Avalon for a beach movie

After Disney, Annette went on to make the very popular beach movies with Frankie Avalon (insert sigh here). Among them were Beach Party, Muscle Beach Party, Bikini Beach and Beach Blanket Bingo. While not cinematic masterpieces, they were perfect viewing for the teen crowd and I happily went off to the movies with my friends to share the sometimes silly adventures. it didn’t matter. There was singing, dancing, romance and a happily ever after. I had even heard that Frankie had a crush on Annette, but Walt Disney was so overprotective that nothing came of it and that’s why Frankie wrote the heartfelt “Puppy Love.” (Yes, I know all the words.)

In 1987 she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I remember being saddened by this because Annette was “too nice” to get this horrible disease. She was the ultimate good girl. In 1993, she opened the Annette Funicello Fund for Neurological Disorders at the California Community Foundation. Last year I wondered what happened to her, so I looked her up only to come across a video of her bedridden and her husband caring for her. It certainly shocked me and it wasn’t the way I wanted to remember her.

CNN did a short tribute to Annette that had me remembering and crying.

Bottom Line: “It’s funny, but sometimes when I feel discouraged or have a problem I can’t work out, I find myself thinking, ‘If only Mr. Disney were here, he would know what to do.” ~ Annette Funicello

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Why I Love Hard Cover Books

Barbara Vey -- April 5th, 2013

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Years ago (ok, I was probably in my 20s), I belonged to the Doubleday Book Club. Every couple of months I could get the book they picked out for me, an alternate pick or choose something of my own. They were all hard cover books.

I was working a full time job (at Master Lock) and a part time job (at Walgreens). I had my own apartment, a 1968 New Yorker and a refrigerator that always had a bottle of wine in it (Annie Green Springs).

I joined the club by filling out a post card in a magazine that offered 5 books for 99 cents and 2 additional books for a discounted rate, so of course, I did that. When the books came, I felt like I was living the life of a rich person. I bought a bookcase that took up a large portion of my studio apartment and went to work filling it. The excitement of receiving those books every other month never diminished. It was often the highlight of my day. Many times I read the book the same day or the next and then would want to share it with friends.

When I’d have guests over, I’d just have to show off my latest addition to the collection. We were all such cerebral young adults, even though many of my books were just plain fun, I did manage to have a few “serious” books.

Hard cover books in my youth meant a certain social standing. But more than that, they were mine. I could read them over and over again. I would take the dust jackets off while I read them so I wouldn’t ruin it.

Where ever I moved, the hard cover books came with me. There were a lot of memories attached to them that didn’t necessarily have anything to do with the stories. I’d remember who I shared them with, the discussions we had about them and the authors who wrote them. I’d think about where I lived and what was going on in my life when I got them.

Now it doesn’t really matter to me what format I read a book in, but I’m not sure a lot of memories are getting attached to them. I think I miss that part the most.

Bottom Line: “The paperback is very interesting but I find it will never replace the hardcover book – it makes a very poor doorstop.” ~ Alfred Hitchcock

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Real Live Happily Ever Afters

Barbara Vey -- April 4th, 2013

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Some people may scoff at our love of romance, but it is so heartwarming to read of love conquering all and finding each other no matter how many years have passed.

I saw a couple of stories this week that have renewed my faith in the happily ever after. The first involves teen lovers who’s parents didn’t approve. This British couple caved under the pressure and went on to marry others and have children. Eileen became a widow and upon hearing that Warner was now a widower, called him up. After getting reacquainted, the two married over 60 years after they met. (Yahoo Shine)

Eileen and Warner, then and now. Photo: SWNS.com

Next up is Lois Kolenda, left, and Lewis Glashower, both 82. They parted as teenagers because of religious differences. She was Catholic and he was Christian reformed. They found each other again after 62 years. (MichiganLive)

Then there is Anna Kozlov who last saw her husband, Boris, 3 days after they were married. He left to rejoin his Red Army Unit and Anna was forced into exile in Siberia. When Boris returned, she was gone. After 60 years apart, they find each other when he visits his parent’s graves and finds Anna standing in front of the house where he last saw her. (This gives me goosebumps.) (The Telegraph)

Anna Kozlov and her husband Boris were reunited after 60 years apart.

Bottom Line: Hearing about these stories make me realize that there could be more fact than fiction in some of those romance novels.

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Amanda Quick: An Auto-Read for Me

Barbara Vey -- April 2nd, 2013

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With the help of Joysann, who is visiting from Ohio, we opened 4 crates of books from the Post Office. To my delight, there was an Amanda Quick book enclosed. This is one of my auto-reads, keep me up all night books. So, I scooped it up before Joysann saw it and I couldn’t wait to tear into it.

The Mystery Woman features Beatrice Lockwood, who has the uncanny ability to read people’s psychical footprints. Anyone who has crossed a path she is near, shows up in her senses. Beatrice feels their emotions, energies and health. She uses her ability to do psych readings for The Academy of the Occult until she witnesses her employer’s murder. Time for her to disappear into a new identity.

Joshua Gage was a premiere agent working for the Crown until an accident makes him unfit for the type of intrigue he was involved with. It takes a crisis from his sister to bring him out of retirement. Although he doesn’t believe in paranormal activities, he’s immediately attracted to Beatrice as soon as she whips out her small pistol from under her long, companion dress. There is much more to this woman than meets the eye.

The Mysterious Woman is book 2 in the Ladies of Lantern Street series. I was very dismayed to realize that I missed book one, but it in no way affected my delight in reading the second book first.

Jayne Ann Krentz, writing as Amanda Quick (my favorite of her three aliases), takes Victorian London by storm. Amanda Quick’s books always manage to give me a little bit of everything. Mystery, suspense, light paranormal, but always romance that leaves me breathless. No wimpy heroes need apply, these characters jump off the page and into my heart. Definitely goes into my reread pile.

Do you have any books that are auto-reads? Books that you must start reading when you get them, no matter what? Books that make you feel like you can’t breath until they’re in your hands?

Bottom Line: Off to search for Crystal Gardens, book one in the series.

Giveaways

From Susan Hanniford Crowley: On Saturday, April, 6th, paranormal romance author Rebecca Royce will be giving away an ebook copy of her latest release Forever: The Dragon Wars – Book One to one lucky winner. Details at Nights of Passion blog.

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WW Ladies Book Club

Barbara Vey -- March 28th, 2013

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Yesterday you all had the chance to name Chris Keelar’s baby. There were some great suggestions, but here’s what Chris had to say:

Well, first off, I want to say how slightly bizarre it is to have my personal life up on display like this. LOL. That said, Barbara’s been a great friend for a long time–I don’t think she’s old enough to be my mom, sadly–and so it was worth it. I also want to thank all of you for taking the time to weigh in. Liz and I are flattered.

There were a lot of great options. Obviously, I can’t promise I’m going with any of them–especially because Liz isn’t even home at the moment, and she probably wants a bit of input. That said, they’ll go on the list, and here are my favorites (ranked from third place to first, though I think there’s only a prize for first):

Isabelle. I have always liked this name, and Izzy as a nickname.
Minerva. Actually, our top contender at the moment is indeed a goddess, though Greek not Roman.
and…my favorite is…

Musette. I like the name a lot, not least of which because it reminds me of Musica, mistress of the Cosmic Harp (the chick from Robotech), which was a name I liked but that got shot down early. Ah well.

So, thanks again, everyone!

So the winner is Kathleen Nordstrom. Kathleen, send me your street address to bvey@publishersweekly.com and Boroughs Publishing will send you your prize.

Now here’s the WW Ladies reads this week.

joysann

Bite Me, Your Grace by Brooklyn Ann

Read by joysann

Angelica Winthrop defies the conventions of the ton to find a spouse, dreaming of being a famous gothic novelist like Mary Shelley and Dr John Polidori. Polidori’s popular book The Vampyre has put the Lord Vampire of London, Ian Ashton, the Duke of Burnrath, in danger. When Angelica discovers his secret, he convinces her the only course to follow is for them to marry. But their deception of love comes to mean something more to each of them.

It was fun to read about the strong stubborn independent-thinking heroine, a woman before her time. Amusing and romantic, and, to some degree, historically sound, this debut book in Brooklyn Ann’s series just makes me anticipate the next one.

Joan

Did You Miss Me? by Karen Rose

Read by Joan

FBI agent Joseph Carter has for long months pined for Baltimore prosecutor Daphne Montgomery, rearranging his work in order to be close to her. He believes he has now missed his chance with her until he is pulled into her life when her son and his girlfriend are kidnapped.

I loved this book! It is a great combination of suspense and an ongoing love story. There are many interesting characters that could be friend or foe. Karen Rose kept me frantically turning the pages all the way to the end.

joysann

The Lady Most Willing by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway

Read by joysann

After an evening of inebriating festivities in his decrepit castle, an aging Scottish laird leads his retainers in a raid on a neighboring estate to kidnap four young eligible heiresses for his two nephews, titled gentlemen themselves, and surely at least two of the ladies will serve. The women, knowing they are in no danger, mostly want to get where it’s warm ahead of the blizzard. But romance seems contagious, and one union after another makes the adventure worthwhile.

The Lady Most Willing is a lighthearted romantic collaboration by these winning authors, each taking a different couple’s story. In places it’s enchanting, and in others, laugh-out-loud funny. As an easy read that warms and charms the heart, I am recommending it to friends.

Heidi

The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Read by Heidi

Jane Ryland did the right thing, never revealing her source for her TV news report as an anchor, but at the cost of losing everything. Humiliated, she has become a newspaper reporter, running after every story, to prove herself a legitimate newswoman. Jane finds herself in the middle of a scandal, looking for a mistress of a Senator before a very important election. Detective Jack Brogan has his hands full, with three dead bodies of women who seem to be connected, but Jack knows there is something more. Jack and Jane soon realize their stories are somehow connected and look for the killer, before one of them becomes a victim themselves.

I have heard wonderful things about Hank Phillippi Ryan books, but have never had the opportunity read one, until now. What a book to start off with! My mind kept spinning with the mystery of who the killer was of the dead girls, who the mistress could have been, why was the Senate race so heated, and how will it end? Then, with all the plots, the super twists and turns, I found myself curling my toes through the whole book!! The ending didn’t disappoint either, which makes for a great read!! This will be a wonderful book to cuddle up with during Spring showers on a weekend afternoon.

Bottom Line: Cabbage Patch dolls always creeped me out, but the picture at the top kind of fits.

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RWA Rita and Golden Heart Nominees Announced

Barbara Vey -- March 27th, 2013

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Yesterday many writers received “the call” from RWA that their book finaled in the Rita and Golden Heart Contests from the Romance Writers of America. Romance Writers of America (RWA), the trade association for aspiring and published romance fiction authors, will be announcing the 2013 RITA® and Golden Heart® Award finalists on March 26. The RITA — the highest award of distinction in romance fiction — recognizes excellence in published romance novels and novellas. The Golden Heart recognizes excellence in unpublished romance manuscripts.

2013 RITA Finalists

Best First Book Finalists

The Anatomist’s Wife by Anna Lee Huber
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Publishing Group
Michelle Vega, editor

Crazy Little Thing by Tracy Brogan
Amazon Publishing, Montlake Romance
Kelli Martin, editor

Firelight by Kristen Callihan
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Alex Logan, editor

Forged in Fire by Trish McCallan
Amazon Publishing, Montlake Romance
Lindsay Guzzardo, editor

Ghost Planet by Sharon Lynn Fisher
Tom Doherty Associates, Tor Books
Whitney Ross, editor

The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James
Penguin Group USA, New American Library
Ellen Edwards, editor

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Penguin Group USA, Dial Books for Young Readers
Jessica Garrison, editor

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Harlequin, Harlequin Teen
Margo Lipschultz, editor

Contemporary Single Title Romance Finalists

About Last Night by Ruthie Knox
Random House Group, Loveswept
Sue Grimshaw, editor

Barefoot in the Sand by Roxanne St. Claire
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Amy Pierpont, editor

Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Alex Logan, editor

Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Alex Logan, editor

Melt into You by Roni Loren
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Heat
Kate Seaver, editor

Sugar Springs by Kim Law
Amazon Publishing, Montlake Romance
Kelli Martin, editor

The Way Back Home by Barbara Freethy
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books
Micki Nuding, editor

Zoe’s Muster by Barbara Hannay
Penguin Group Australia, Michael Joseph Books
Belinda Byrne, editor

Historical Romance Finalists

Beauty and the Bounty Hunter by Lori Austin
Penguin Group USA, Signet
Claire Zion, editor

Bride by Mistake by Anne Gracie
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation
Wendy McCurdy, editor

Defiant by Pamela Clare
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation
Cindy Hwang, editor

A Lady Never Surrenders by Sabrina Jeffries
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books
Micki Nuding, editor

The Recruit by Monica McCarty
Random House Group, Ballantine Books
Kate Collins, editor

A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books
Carrie Feron, editor

Too Dangerous to Desire by Cara Elliott
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Lauren Plude, editor

Wedded in Sin by Jade Lee
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation
Kate Seaver, editor

Inspirational Romance Finalists

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden
Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers
Raela Schoenherr, editor

Betrayal by Robin Lee Hatcher
Zondervan
Sue Brower and Leslie Peterson, editors

An Heiress at Heart by Jennifer Delamere
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Lauren Plude, editor

A House Full of Hope by Missy Tippens
Harlequin, Love Inspired Books
Emily Rodmell and Rachel Burkot, editors

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers
Sarah Long, editor

Naomi’s Christmas by Marta Perry
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Trade
Ellen Edwards, editor

The Soldier’s Wife by Cheryl Reavis
Harlequin, Love Inspired Books
Tina Gavin, editor

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Ami McConnell, editor

Long Contemporary Series Romance Finalists

A Cold Creek Noel by RaeAnne Thayne
Harlequin, Special Edition
Gail Chasan, editor

From Father to Son by Janice Kay Johnson
Harlequin, Superromance
Wanda Ottewell, editor

A Gift for All Seasons by Karen Templeton
Harlequin, Special Edition
Gail Chasan, editor

A Life Rebuilt by Jean Brashear
Harlequin, Superromance
Adrienne Macintosh, editor

Making Her Way Home by Janice Kay Johnson
Harlequin, Superromance
Wanda Ottewell, editor

No Ordinary Joe by Michelle Celmer
Harlequin, Superromance
Charles Greimsman, editor

Out of the Depths by Pamela Hearon
Harlequin, Superromance
Megan Long, editor

A Texas Chance by Jean Brashear
Harlequin, Superromance
Adrienne Macintosh, editor

Novel with Strong Romantic Elements Finalists

The Anatomist’s Wife by Anna Lee Huber
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Publishing Group
Michelle Vega, editor

Before and Ever Since by Sharla Lovelace
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation
Wendy McCurdy, editor

Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris
Kensington Publishing Corp.
John Scognamiglio, editor

A Girl Like You by Maria Geraci
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Trade
Wendy McCurdy, editor

The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James
Penguin Group USA, New American Library
Ellen Edwards, editor

Time’s Echo by Pamela Hartshorne
Macmillan Publishers, Ltd., Pan Macmillan
Wayne Brookes, editor

The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek by Jane Myers Perrine
Hachette Book Group, Faith Words
Christina Boys, editor

Paranormal Romance Finalists

Angel in Chains by Cynthia Eden
Kensington Publishing Corp., Brava
Megan Records, editor

Edge of Oblivion by J.T. Geissinger
Amazon Publishing, Montlake Romance
Eleni Caminis, editor

Immortally Yours by Angie Fox
St. Martin’s Press
Monique Patterson, editor

Lothaire by Kresley Cole
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books
Lauren McKenna, editor

Mark of the Witch by Maggie Shayne
Harlequin, MIRA
Leslie Wainger, editor

Moonglow by Kristen Callihan
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Alex Logan, editor

Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Amy Pierpont, editor

Shadow’s Claim by Kresley Cole
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books
Lauren McKenna, editor

Romance Novella Finalists

Breathless by Sophie Jordan
HarperCollins, HarperTeen Impulse
Kari Sutherland, editor

The Duchess of Love by Sally MacKenzie
Kensington Publishing Corp., Zebra
Audrey LaFehr, editor

“Room at the Inn” by Ruthie Knox in Naughty & Nice
Random House Group, Loveswept
Sue Grimshaw, editor

Seduced by a Pirate by Eloisa James
HarperCollins, Avon Impulse
Carrie Feron, editor

“Sleeping with a Beauty” by Leslie Kelly in Once Upon a Valentine
Harlequin, Blaze
Brenda Chin, editor

“The Valentine’s Curse” by Jodi Thomas in Be My Texas Valentine
Kensington Publishing Corp., Zebra
Peter Senftleben, editor

Romantic Suspense Finalists

Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb
Penguin Group USA, Putnam
Leslie Gelbman editor

Dead Heat by Bronwyn Parry
Hachette Australia
Bernadette Foley, editor

Don’t Cry for Me by Sharon Sala
Harlequin, MIRA
Leslie Wainger, editor

Forged in Fire by Trish McCallan
Amazon Publishing, Montlake Romance
Lindsay Guzzardo, editor

Last Man Standing by Cindy Gerard
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Star Books
Micki Nuding, editor

Scorched by Laura Griffin
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Star Books
Abby Zidle, editor

Twisted by Laura Griffin
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Star Books
Abby Zidle, editor

Vortex by Cherry Adair
St. Martin’s Press
Rose Hilliard, editor

Short Contemporary Series Romance Finalists

Becoming Dante by Day Leclaire
Harlequin, Desire
Mary-Theresa Hussey, editor

Cowboy in the Crossfire by Robin Perini
Harlequin, Intrigue
Allison Lyons, editor

The Last Single Maverick by Christine Rimmer
Harlequin, Special Edition
Gail Chasan, editor

A Marriage Worth Fighting For by Lilian Darcy
Harlequin, Special Edition
Bryony Green, editor

A Night of No Return by Sarah Morgan
Harlequin, Presents
Lucy Gilmour, editor

Surgeon Sheik’s Rescue by Loreth Anne White
Harlequin, Romantic Suspense
Susan Litman, editor

The Tycoon’s Secret Daughter by Susan Meier
Harlequin, Romance
Sally Williamson, editor

We’ll Always Have Paris by Jessica Hart
Harlequin, Romance
Lucy Gilmour, editor

Young Adult Romance Finalists

Bound by Erica O’Rourke
Kensington Publishing Corp., KTeen
Alicia Condon, editor

The Farm by Emily McKay
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Publishing Group
Michelle Vega, editor

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, Houghton Mifflin
Kate O’Sullivan, editor

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Harlequin, Harlequin Teen
Margo Lipschultz, editor

2013 Golden Heart Finalists

Contemporary Series Romance Finalists

“Baby on Board—Help!” by Miranda Liasson

“The Billionaire’s Hypnotized Mistress” by Greta MacEachern

“Confessions of the World’s Oldest Shotgun Bride” by Gail Hart

“Her Soldier Returns” by Kristin Noel Fischer

“Jayhawk Down” by Sharon Calvin

“Southern Comforts” by Nan Dixon

Contemporary Single Title Romance Finalists

“The Bollywood Bad Boy” by Sonali Dev

“Clean Sweep” by Nan Dixon

“Climb to Freedom” by Sheila Athens

“Everybody Knows…” by Jacqueline Floyd

“Hijacked” by Leslie Lynch

“Objection Overruled” by Jane O’Hanlon

“Place Your Betts” by Katie Graykowski

“What’s Yours Is Mine” by Tamar Bihari writing as Talia Quinn Daniels

Historical Romance Finalists

“Between Love and Lies” by Jacqui Nelson

“A Champion’s Heart” by Piper Huguley

“Come to Me” by Oberon Wonch

“Drawn to the Earl” by Joanna Shupe

“The Last Light of Dusk” by Joanne Lockyer

“The Promise of Dawn” by Eliss Baker

“The Rake’s Handbook” by Sally Orr

“Sense and Seduction” by Thomasine Rappold

Paranormal Romance Finalists

“Dark Secret” by Mariah Ankenman

“Demon’s Bane” by India Powers

“Guardian” by Tara Sheets

“Jinn & Tonic” by Kay Hudson

“Mind Sweeper” by Amy Jones writing as AE Jones

“Sea Panther” by Dawn Wolzein

“Shadows in the Deep” by Lark Howard

“Unbroken” by Ella Sheridan

Romantic Suspense Finalists

“Broken Places” by Krista Hall Reynolds

“Crazy for Her” by Sandra Owens

“Juliet’s Rogue” by Sharon Wray

“The Predator” by Chris Taylor

“Rampant Perfection” by Laurie Cooper

“Rogue’s Redemption” by Sharon Wray

“The Shadow Hour” by Jacqui Nelson

“Spies, Lies, and Debutantes” by Miranda Liasson

Young Adult Romance Finalists

“Camp Awakening” by Bonnie Staring

“Hidden Deep” by Amy DeLuca

“Leath’Dhia/Birthright” by Kari Miller

“Miranda Perry’s Imported Prom Date” by Sheri Adkins

“Sticks and Stones” by Kimberly MacCarron

“Summer of Supernova” by Darcy Woods

“Ten” by Holly Bodger

Bottom Line: Good Luck to everyone! It is indeed an honor to be nominated.

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