2022 HOLT Medallion Finalists

HOLT Medallion image

Congratulations to all of the finalists!

Winners will be announced in June!

Thank you to all of our entrants and our reader judges!

Short Contemporary

  • A Santa Fe Christmas – Cecelia Guzman
  • Home for the Holly Days – Cindy Kirk
  • V is for Valentine – Jeannie Watt
  • In the Key of Family – Makenna Lee
  • Cinderella and the Brooding Billionaire – Michelle Douglas

Mid-Length Contemporary

  • Bride on the Run – Anna J Stewart
  • The Christmas Cruise – Barbara Lohr
  • Trusting the Rancher with Christmas – Cari Lynn Webb
  • Mr. Write – Catherine Rull
  • Gray Hair Don’t Care – Karen Booth

Long Contemporary

  • The Matchmaker Bride – Ginny Baird
  • How To Cowboy: Creedence Horse Rescue Book 3 – Jennie Marts
  • Ancient Winds – Kristy McCaffrey
  • Yes & I Love You – Roni Loren
  • A Waterfront Wedding – Leigh Duncan

Extra Spicy/Erotic

  • Ruthless Creatures – J.T. Geissinger
  • Carnal Urges – J.T. Geissinger
  • Neon Gods – Katee Robert
  • King of Battle and Blood – Scarlett St. Clair
  • Keep Me (Phoenix #2) – Stacey Kennedy

Historical

  • Not Quite a Marriage – Bliss Bennet
  • Sleepless in Southampton – Chasity Bowlin
  • Why Do Earls Fall in Love – Deb Marlowe
  • The Scot Who Loved Me – Gina Conkle
  • A Cowboy Christmas Legend – Linda Broday

Short Inspirational

  • Amish Country Threats – Dana R. Lynn
  • Covert Amish Investigation – Dana R. Lynn
  • Buried Evidence – Kellie VanHorn
  • Wyoming Mountain Escape – Laura Scott
  • The Billionaire’s Secret: A Christian Romance – Meghann Whistler

Long Inspirational

  • Blackberry Beach – Irene Hannon
  • Labyrinth of Lies – Irene Hannon
  • A Deep Divide – Kimberley Woodhouse
  • Beyond the Tides – Liz Johnson
  • Hostile Intent – Lynette Eason

Young Adult

  • The Summer of Broken Rules – K. L. Walther
  • Please Fall for Me – M.W. McKinley
  • What Lies Beneath – Marissa Doyle
  • Be Dazzled – Ryan La Sala

Novel with Romantic Elements

  • The Keeper of Happy Endings – Barbara Davis
  • The Golden Hearts Club – Cinda Swalley
  • Summer by the River – Debbie Burns
  • When Evil Finds Us – Linda J. White
  • Under the Italian Sun – Sue Moorcroft

Romance Novella

  • A Texas Christmas Carol (in Under the Texas Mistletoe) – Karen Witemeyer
  • Unintended Target – Katie Reus
  • Falling for Irish – Katie Reus
  • Seduced by a Selkie – Lauren Connolly
  • One More Kiss – Tara September

Romantic Suspense

  • On My Terms – Ashley Farley
  • Twist My Heart – Brooke Taylor
  • The Rough Ride – Nonna Henry
  • Mountain Rescue – Sandra Owens
  • Incendiary Attraction – Sarah Andre

Speculative

  • Night’s Illusion – Amanda Ashley
  • A Moment After Dark – Janet Raye Stevens
  • Honorable Rogue – Linda J. Parisi
  • Taming Her Highland Legend – Maeve Greyson
  • The Duke is Wicked – Tracy Sumner

Best First Book

  • The Golden Hearts Club – Cinda Swalley
  • Cole for Christmas – Janet Raye Stevens
  • The Rough Ride – Nonna Henry
  • Buried Cold Case Secrets – Sami A. Abrams
  • The Viking’s Stolen Princess – Sarah Rodi

Best Book by a Virginia Author

  • On My Terms – Ashley Farley
  • Alaskan Christmas Escape – Juno Rushdan
  • When Evil Finds Us – Linda J. White
  • Wild Chance – Mari Carr
  • Protecting Her Witness – Sarah Hamaker