Sharing some exciting news

A book very close to my heart.

I can finally let you all in on a secret I have been keeping for a little while now….

The Romantic Novelists Association has announced the shortlists for the Romantic Novel of the Year Awards – and my book, Little Girl Lost, is there. And yes – I did cry when I first heard the news.

Little Girl Lost is shortlisted for the Epic Romantic Novel of the Year –that’s for a book which has a strong romance at its core, but also deals with wider issues beyond the romance.

I have been fortunate enough to be shortlisted, or won, other awards – but this one is particularly special to me.

First of all, the RNA is a wonderful organisation for which I have boundless respect and affection. I’ve been a member for many years and tried, where I can, to do my bit to help the organisation that helped me so much when I was first starting out as a writer of fiction.

I am also sharing the shortlists with writers whom I admire and, in some cases, have the honour of calling my friends. There have been some pretty wonderful books and authors on these shortlists over the years – including our own Sue Moorcroft.

Little Girl Lost holds a special place in my heart. Some of the issues it deals with have touched me personally. As I wrote it, I had my doubts about the book – but people I love and trust supported me and urged me on.

So – thank you to the RNA for this honour. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London in March. You can read more about the awards and the shortlists on the RNA website.

With such great books on the shortlists – I am not at all expecting to win…. but I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed, just in case. Wish me luck.