HOLT   Medallion Past Winners

We are proud to list the last three years of winners and finalist for the HOLT Medallion. We plan to expand this page to include all previous winners and finalists in the near future.

2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013

2017 HOLT Medallion Winners & Award of Merit Finalists
(Award of Merit Finalists alphabetical by author)

Best First Book

Winner
Highland Deception – Lori Ann Bailey

Award of Merit Finalists

  • To Steal a Heart – K. C. Bateman
  • A Family for the Farmer – Laurel Blount
  • The Memory of Us – Camille Di Maio
  • Beautiful Crazy – Kasey Lane
Best Book by a Virginia Author
 Bound by Duty
Winner
Bound by One Scandalous Night – Diane Gaston* 

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Memories of You – Jennifer Britt
  • Secret Scandal – Mari Carr
  • Prince Charming Wears a Badge – Lisa Dyson*
  • Willing Target – Kathleen Mix*
Short Contemporary

Winner
Texas Lullaby – Cynthia D’Alba 
Award of Merit Finalists

  • Memories of You – Jennifer Britt
  • Deep Secrets – Beverly Long
  • Steele and Stone – Kay Phoenix
  • Catch Me Cowboy – Jeannie Watt
Long Contemporary

Winner
Size Matters – Alison Bliss 

Award of Merit Finalists

  • A Taming Season – Claire Gem
  • Dreams of Her Own – Rebecca Heflin
  • The Kingmaker – Selena Laurence
  • Only Her – Sandra Owens
Short Inspirational

 

Winner
Protecting Her Daughter – Lynette Eason 

Award of Merit Finalists

  • A Family for the Farmer – Laurel Blount
  • A Rocky Mountain Reunion – Tina Radcliffe
  • Shielding His Christmas Witness – Laura Scott
  • Christmas Conspiracy – Susan Sleeman
Long Inspirational

Winner
Just a Kiss – Denise Hunter 

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Bounty Hunter’s Redemption – Janet Dean
  • Mattie’s Pledge – Jan Drexler
  • Sea Rose Lane – Irene Hannon
  • Cold Shot – Dani Pettrey
Historical

Winner
Highland Deception – Lori Ann Bailey 

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Highlander’s Runaway Bride – Terri Brisbin
  • My Enemy, My Heart – Laurie Alice Eakes
  • Texas Lonesome – Caroline Fyffe
  • Claimed by a Highlander – Margaret Mallory
Romantic Suspense

Winner
Finding Lyla – Cate Beauman 

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Deceiving Bella – Cate Beauman
  • No Exit – Lena Diaz
  • Wild Man’s Curse – Susannah Sandlin
  • Web of Secrets – Susan Sleeman
Paranormal/Time Travel/Futuristic/Fantasy


Winner
Highland Yearning – Dawn Ireland 

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Beacon – Cara Crescent
  • Demon Hunting with a Dixie Deb – Lexi George
  • From this Fae Forward – A. E. Jones
  • Awakening Kiss – Sharon Kay
Extra Spicy/Erotica

Winner
Flames from Ashes – Caitlyn Willows 

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Best Laid Plans – Lauren Gallagher
  • Seduce Me – Christina James
  • Bound to Submit – Laura Kaye
  • Beautiful Crazy – Kasey Lane
Mainstream / Single Title

Winner
Something Borrowed – Louisa George 

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Nico – Sarah Castille
  • Luxury Model Wife – Adele Downs
  • Ring of Fire – Susan Fox
  • Another Notch in the Beltway – L. A. Long
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
 
Winner
Catching Preeya – Rissa Brahm 

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Memory of Us – Camille Di Maio
  • Seized – Elizabeth Heiter
  • America’s First Daughter – Laura Kamoie & Stephanie Dray
  • Deadly Scandal – Kate Parker
 Romance Novella
 
Winner
Burnout – Sarah Castille 

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Steeple Chase – Carrie Fancett Pagels
  • Bulletproof – Avery Flynn*
  • Bodyguard – Jessica Linden*
  • “Shadowed” Sins of the Past Novella Collection – Dani Pettrey

 

 


2016 Winners and Award of Merit Finalists

 

Best First Book
Winner

Echoes of the Heart – Stacey Purcell

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Viking Warrior Rising – Asa Maria Bradley
  • The Last Marine – Cara Crescent
  • A Man of Character – Margaret Locke
  • No Convenstional Miss – Eleanor Webster
Best Book by a Virginia Author
Winner
Bound by Duty – Diane Gaston

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Deciding Fate – Tamra Lassiter
  • A Matter of Time – Margaret Locke
  • No Woman Left Behind – Julie Moffett
  • Highlander Redeemed – Laurin Wittig

Short Contemporary
Winner
Three Nights Before Christmas – Kat Latham

Award of Merit Finalists

  • One Night Before Christmas – Susan Carlisle
  • Carry Her Heart – Holly Jacobs
  • Hidden Witness – Beverly Long
  • Ravensdale's Defiant Captive – Melanie Milburne
Long Contemporary
Winner

Echoes of the Heart – Stacey Purcell

Award of Merit Finalists

  • It Had to Be Love – Tamra Baumann
  • Let Me Love You Again – Anna DeStefano
  • Secret Garden – Cathryn Parry
  • Ransom Canyon – Jodi Thomas
Short Inspirational
Winner

Dangerous Tidings – Dana Mentink

Award of Merit Finalists

  • When Love Leads You Home – Carla Rossi & Jami Crumpton
  • Person of Interest – Debby Giusti
  • Safe in the Fireman's Arms – Tina Radcliffe
  • The Doctor's Second Chance – Missy Tippens
Long Inspirational
Winner

Falling Like Snowflakes – Denise Hunter

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Red Is for Rookie – Anne Greene
  • Another Way Home – Deborah Raney
  • Two Roads Home – Deborah Raney
  • A Worthy Pursuit – Karen Witemeyer
Historical
Winner

Bound By Duty – Diane Gaston

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Earls Just Want to Have Fun – Shana Galen
  • Possession of a Highlander – Madeline Martin
  • Highlander Redeemed – Laurin Wittig
  • No Conventional Miss – Eleanor Webster
Romantic Suspense
Winner

Deciding Fate – Tamra Lassiter

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Alec's Royal Assignment – Amelia Autin
  • The Wrong Husband – Nancy Brophy
  • Broken Honor - Tonya Burrows
  • Falling for Her – Sandra Owens
Paranormal/Time Travel/Futuristic/Fantasy
Winner

Viking Warrior Rising – Asa Maria Bradley

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Last Marine – Cara Crescent
  • A Highlander's Passion – Vonnie Davis
  • A Matter of Time – Margaret Locke
  • Ghost of You – Kelly Moran
Extra Spicy/Erotica
Winner

Full Contact – Sarah Castille

Award of Merit Finalists

  • A Love We Deserve – Betsy Anne
  • Closer and Closer – Jenna Barton
  • Suspended Game – Roz Lee
  • Eternal Brand – Sami Lee

Mainstream / Single Title
Winner

This Heart of Mine – Brenda Novak

Award of Merit Finalists

  • All of Me – Jennifer Bernard
  • Divorced, Desperate and Daring – Christie Craig
  • His First and Last – Terri Osburn
  • I'll Be Home for Christmas – Lori Wilde

Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
Winner

The Deep End – Julie Mulhern

Award of Merit Finalists

  • How to Fall – Rebecca Brooks
  • No Woman Left Behind – Julie Moffett
  • Ice Magic, Fire Magic – Shauna Roberts
  • The Perfect Son – Barbara Claypole White

Romance Novella
Winner

Her Immortal Viking – Adele Downs

Award of Merit Finalists

  • "Just a Fling" in New Year's Resolution: Romance! – Tanya Michaels
  • The Secret of Obedience – Liv Rancourt
  • The Other Side of the World – Suzanne Whitfield Vince
  • Can't Buy Me Love Beth K. Vogt 

 


2015 Winners and Award of Merit Finalists

 

Best First Book
Winner

Chasing the Dollar – Ellie Ashe

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Price of a Pearl – Laura Carroll Butler  
  • "A Perfectly Dreadful Christmas" in Christmas Revels: Four Regency Novellas – Louisa Cornell
  • Adirondack Audacity – L.R. Smolarek
  • The Winds of Fate – Elizabeth St. Michel
Best Book by a Virginia Author
Winner
Unexpected Reunion – Carolyn Greene

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Primal InstinctJanie Crouch
  • High-Heeled WonderAvery Flynn
  • More to GiveTerri Osburn
  • The Promise of RainRula Sinara

Short Contemporary
Winner
At No Man's Command – Melanie Milburne

Award of Merit Finalists

  • At Home in Barbourville – Carolynn Carey
  • Accidentally Married on Purpose – Rachel Harris
  • Alaskan Adventure – Crystal Jordan
  • Cowboy on Her Doorstep – Pam Mantovani
Long Contemporary
Winner

Wind Chime Café – Sophie Moss

Award of Merit Finalists

  • That Summer Night – Barbara Freethy
  • Christmas in Cupid Falls – Holly Jacobs
  • Resisting the Hero – Cindi Madsen
  • All for a Cowboy – Jeannie Watt
Short Inspirational
Winner

Unexpected Reunion – Carolyn Greene

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Small-Town BillionaireRenee Andrews
  • Finally a MotherDana Corbit
  • Hazardous HomecomingDana Mentink
  • Identity WithheldSandra Orchard
Long Inspirational
Winner

When I Fall in Love – Susan May Warren

Award of Merit Finalists

  • A Dream of HomeAmy Clipston
  • Nowhere to TurnLynette Eason
  • Firewall DiAnn Mills
  • The ForgivenMarta Perry
Historical
Winner

Traitor's Moon – Janet Lane

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Once Upon a Highland AutumnLecia Cornwall
  • Dark Secrets, Deep BayousMeg Hennessy
  • Captured by a LairdMargaret Mallory
  • Shadowed by GraceCara Putman
Romantic Suspense
Winner

Lovely, Dark, and Deep – Susannah Sandlin

Award of Merit Finalists

  • A Cold Dark Place Toni Anderson
  • Cold Light of Day – Toni Anderson
  • Love's Touch of Justice – Yvonne Kohano
  • Convicted – Dee Tenorio
Paranormal/Time Travel/Futuristic/Fantasy
Winner
Taken –
Angeline Fortin

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Never ForgetHeather Ashby
  • Heart of StoneDebra Mullins
  • Love PotionsMichelle M. Pillow
  • This Weakness for YouWendy Sparrow
Extra Spicy/Erotica
Winner
Divine Solace –
Joey W. Hill

Award of Merit Finalists

  • No More Mr. Nice GuyAmy Andrews
  • Staking His ClaimTessa Bailey
  • Drive Me CrazyTracy Wolff
  • Rising AssetsRebecca Zanetti

Mainstream / Single Title
Winner

Adirondack Audacity – L.R. Smolarek

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Red Bikini – Lauren Christopher
  • Shoreline Drive – Lily Everett
  • When Shadows Fall – Barbara Freethy
  • A Scandalous Husband – Bev Pettersen

Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
Winner

Chasing the Dollar
Ellie Ashe

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Waking Up JoyTina Ann Forkner
  • Sealing the DealSandy James
  • CypherCathy Perkins
  • The In-Between HourBarbara Claypole White
Romance Novella
Winner

"A Perfectly Dreadful Christmas" in Christmas Revels: Four Regency NovellasLouisa Cornell

Award of Merit Finalists

  • "Dance With a Cowboy" in Wild West Christmas Kathryn Albright 
  • Dare to ResistLaura Kaye
  • One Night of SinElle Kennedy
  • The Duke’s Shotgun WeddingStacy Reid

 


2014 Winners and Award of Merit Finalists

 

Best First Book
Winner
A Hopeful Heart – Amy Clipston

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Temptation – Kathryn Barrett
  • Haven – Celia Breslin
  • Five Days in Skye – Carla Laureano
  • Playing Doctor – Jan Meredith
Best Book by a Virginia Author
Winner
Seeds of Evidence – Linda J. White

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Rock Your Soul – Sara Brookes
  • Avoiding Mr. Right – C.J. Ellisson
  • No Place Like Rome – Julie Moffett
  • Up to the Challenge – Terri Osburn
Short Contemporary
Winner
The Forgotten Christmas Tree – Carolynn Carey

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Baby Bump – Jennifer Greene
  • Seven Day Fiancé – Rachel Harris
  • Never Say No to a Caffarelli – Melanie Milburne
  • The Rancher She Loved – Ann Roth
Long Contemporary
Winner
A Valley Ridge Christmas – Holly Jacobs

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Sleepless in Las Vegas – Colleen Collins
  • Texas Tango – Cynthia D'Alba
  • The Sweetest Hours – Cathryn Parry
  • Can’t Stop Believing – Jodi Thomas
Short Inspirational
Winner
Seaside Blessings – Irene Hannon

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Yuletide Twins – Renee Andrews
  • Eventide – Shelley Shepard Gray
  • Her Valentine's Hero – Gail Gaymer Martin
  • The Rancher's Second Chance – Davalynn Spencer
Long Inspirational
Winner
The Face of the Earth – Deborah Raney

Award of Merit Finalists

  • A Hopeful Heart – Amy Clipston
  • Vanished – Irene Hannon
  • Wishing on Willows – Katie Ganshert
  • Whispers on the Prairie – Vickie McDonough
Historical
Winner
Lord of Wicked Intentions – Lorraine Heath

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Last Duchess – Stephanie Feagan
  • Changes – Pamela Nowak
  • Springtime Pleasures – Sandra Schwab
  • Promise Me Texas – Jodi Thomas
Romantic Suspense
Winner
Sleep with the Lights On – Maggie Shayne

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Deadly Recall  – Donnell Ann Bell
  • Secure Location – Beverly Long
  • Hard Target – Kay Thomas
  • Seeds of Evidence – Linda J. White
Paranormal/Time Travel/Futuristic/Fantasy
Winner
Heart of Constantine – Barbara Monajem

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Temptation by Fire – Tiffany Allee
  • Moonlight – Lisa Kessler
  • The Five Deaths of Roxanne Love – Erin Quinn
  • Omega – Susannah Sandlin
Extra Spicy/Erotic
Winner
Rock Your Soul – Sara Brookes

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Rhythm of My Heart – Jess Dee
  • Avoiding Mr. Right – C.J. Ellisson
  • Dare to be Dirty – Savanna Fox
  • Programmed to Please – Jenna Ives
Mainstream/Single Title
Winner
Temptation  – Kathryn Barrett

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Sanctuary Island – Lily Everett
  • The Difference a Day Makes – Barbara Longley
  • Lost Melody – Dolores W. Maroney
  • Up to the Challenge – Terri Osburn
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
Winner
No Place Like Rome – Julie Moffett

Award of Merit Finalists

  • It Happened at the Fair – Deeanne Gist
  • Elysian Fields – Suzanne Johnson
  • The Firebird – Susanna Kearsley
  • Murder Under the Italian Moon – Maria Grazia Swan
Romance Novella
Winner
My Cupcake, My Love – Carolynn Carey

Award of Merit Finalists

  • “Eight Tiny Flames” in A Very Scandalous Holiday – Crista McHugh
  • Playing Doctor – Jan Meredith
  • Christmas at Copper Mountain – Jane Porter
  • Take Me, Cowboy – Jane Porter

 


2013 Winners and Award of Merit Finalists

 

Best First Book
Winner
Submerged – Dani Pettrey

Award of Merit Finalists

  • An Heiress at Heart – Jennifer Delamere
  • Real Virtue – Katy Lee
  • The King's Black Dragon – Martha Murray Moore
  • Sweet Enemy – Heather Snow
Best Book by a Virginia Author
Winner
Trinity: Military War Dog – Ronie Kendig

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Fix You – Mari Carr
  • Western Ties – Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon
  • Mona Lisa's Room – Vonnie Davis
  • The Promise – Kate Worth

Short Contemporary
Winner
Shattered Identity – Sandra Robbins

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Nurse He Shouldn’t Notice – Susan Carlisle
  • Fix You – Mari Carr
  • Summer Rose – Elizabeth Sinclair
  • Rules of Negotiation – Inara Scott
Long Contemporary
Winner
The Vineyard of Hopes and Dreams – Kathleen O'Brien

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Rescuing Lacey – Rebecca Heflin
  • Something to Prove – Cathryn Parry
  • A Soldier's Secret – Linda Style
  • A Safe Place – Margaret Watson
Short Inspirational
Winner
Fatal Disclosure – Sandra Robbins

Award of Merit Finalists

  • The Colonel's Daughter – Debby Giusti
  • Finding Home – Irene Hannon
  • Twin Peril – Laura Scott
  • Dangerous Impostor – Virginia Smith
Long Inspirational
Winner
Lethal Legacy – Irene Hannon

Award of Merit Finalists

  • An Heiress at Heart – Jennifer Delamere
  • Heart of Gold – Robin Lee Hatcher
  • Submerged – Dani Pettrey
  • After All – Deborah Raney
Historical
Winner
Wild Texas Rose – Jodi Thomas

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Keowee Valley – Katherine Scott Crawford
  • The King's Black Dragon – Martha Murray Moore
  • Duke of Deception – Stephie Smith
  • Sweet Enemy – Heather Snow
Romantic Suspense
Winner
Savage Cinderella – PJ Sharon

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Mona Lisa's Room  – Vonnie Davis
  • Truth and Humility – J.A. Dennam
  • Fatal Deception – Marie Force
  • Razing Kayne – Julieanne Reeves
Paranormal/Time Travel/Futuristic/Fantasy
Winner
Absolution – Susannah Sandlin

Award of Merit Finalists

  • A Hint of Frost – Hailey Edwards
  • Of Eternal Life – Micah Persell
  • Waning Moon – PJ Sharon
  • The Scent of a Soul – Jennifer Thompson
Extra Spicy/Erotic
Winner
The Dirty Girls Book Club – Savanna Fox

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Western Ties – Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon
  • Tangled Web – Crista McHugh
  • Unbridled and Unjustified – Elle Saint James
  • Unbridled and Untethered – Elle Saint James
Mainstream/Single Title
Winner
Far From Perfect – Barbara Longley

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Hot Under Pressure – Louisa Edwards
  • Bridge of Scarlet Leaves – Kristina McMorris
  • No Foolin’ – Lisa Scott
  • Sweet Laurel Falls – RaeAnne Thayne
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
Winner
Rules of the Game – Sandy James

Award of Merit Finalists

  • Christmas on Mimosa Lane – Anna DeStefano
  • Fault Lines – Rebecca Rogers Maher
  • Repossessed – Sandy Parks
  • Horses and Heroin – Bev Pettersen
Romance Novella
Winner
“A Recipe for Hope” in An Amish Kitchen – Beth Wiseman

Award of Merit Finalists

  • “Little Red Riding Wolf” – Jessica Aspen
  • “The Secret Christmas Ciphers” – Carolynn Carey
  • “Last Minute Bride” in Brides of the West – Janet Dean
  • “The Valentine Curse” in Be My Texas Valentine – Jodi Thomas
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