Pure Passion 2011 : Romantic Novel of the Year Shortlist

The RNA Pure Passion Awards celebrate the very best in romantic fiction. Over 200 titles were submitted for this year’s four categories, from the long-standing and hotly-contested Romantic Novel of the Year, to more recent additions which recognise the breadth of romantic fiction – the Historical Novel Prize, Romantic Comedy Award, and Love Story of the Year.

‘This year’s short list represents the whole gamut of romantic fiction,’ said Katie Fforde, RNA Chair. ‘We have royalty, love letters, history and humour, from both newcomers and established authors. A truly impressive list.’

The Romantic Novel of the Year shortlist of six titles has been selected by a panel of 85 readers from the general public. The winner will be selected by three independent judges – Amanda Craig, author and book reviewer, Foyle’s War actor and contributor to the blog Vulpes Libris, Jay Benedict, and fiction buyer for Waterstone’s, Janine Cook.

The shortlist, in alphabetical order by author name, is:

• To Defy a King by Elizabeth Chadwick (Sphere)
• The Golden Prince by Rebecca Dean (HarperCollins)
• Kissing Mr Wrong by Sarah Duncan (Headline Review)
• The Jewel of St. Petersburg by Kate Furnivall (Sphere)
• Amazir by Tom Gamble (Beautiful Books)
• The Last Letter From Your Lover by JoJo Moyes (Hodder & Stoughton)

The Romantic Comedy Prize shortlist:

• The Way to a Woman’s Heart by Christina Jones (Piatkus)
• I Heart Paris by Lindsey Kelk (HarperCollins)
• Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (Bantam Press)
• Take a Chance on Me by Jill Mansell (Headline Review)
• Katy Carter Wants A Hero by Ruth Saberton (Orion)
• A Date in your Diary by Jules Stanbridge (Little Black Dress)

Historical Novel Prize shortlist:

• To Defy a King by Elizabeth Chadwick (Sphere)
• Trade Winds by Christina Courtenay (Choc Lit)
• The Golden Prince by Rebecca Dean (HarperCollins)
• The Wayward Governess by Joanna Fulford (Mills & Boon Historical)
• The Jewel of St. Petersburg by Kate Furnivall (Sphere)
• Heart of Stone by Jane Jackson (Severn House)

The Love Story of the Year shortlist:

• The Piratical Miss Ravenhurst by Louise Allen (Mills & Boon Historical)
• Mother of the Bride by Caroline Anderson (Mills & Boon Romance)
• Bride in a Gilded Cage by Abby Green (Mills & Boon Modern)
• Moving On by Valerie Holmes (Linford Romance)
• Fortunate Wager by Jan Jones (Robert Hale)
• The Captain’s Mysterious Lady by Mary Nichols (Mills & Boon Historical)

The winners for each award will be named at the Pure Passion Awards 2011, Monday, 7th March 2011 at a champagne reception at One Whitehall Place, Westminster.

Read more here and here.

Congratulations to everyone on the shortlists and to those who were on the longlist. Well done!