2021 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

  • Changing His Plans – Jo McNally
  • Undercover Billionaire – Amy Andrews
  • A Home for the Holidays – Jeannie Watt
  • A Spark of Romance – Jamie K. Schmidt
  • Taking on the Billionaire – Robin Covington

Long Contemporary

  • My Heart Before You – Laura Langa
  • Forbidden Promises – Synithia Williams
  • The Road Home – L.A. Witt
  • Rock Star – Leigh Court
  • A Christmas Proposal – Linda Warren

Extra Spicy/Erotic

  • Playing for Keeps – Ashley Bostock
  • Watch Me – Stacey Kennedy
  • The Redemption – Nikki Sloane
  • Rewrite the Stars – Jean Joachim
  • Pure Satisfaction – Rebecca Hunter

Historical

  • Rags-to-Riches Wife – Catherine Tinley
  • Nothing but a Rakehell – Deb Marlowe
  • A Lady’s Revenge – Edie Cay
  • The Outlaw’s Daughter – Margaret Brownley
  • WolfeSword – Kathryn Le Veque

Short Inspirational

  • Alaskan Christmas Redemption – Belle Calhoune
  • The Truth About Fame – Toni Shiloh
  • Jocelyn: A Sweet Romantic Comedy – Sarah Monzon
  • The Rancher’s Family Secret – Myra Johnson
  • Ready to Trust – Tina Radcliffe

Long Inspirational

  • Made in Hollywood – Michelle Keener
  • Point of Danger – Irene Hannon
  • Lost Down Deep – Sara Davison
  • The Solid Grounds Coffee Company – Carla Laureano
  • At Love’s Command – Karen Witemeyer

Mainstream/Single Title Contemporary

  • Head Over Paws – Debbie Burns
  • Claiming Carter – Jennifer Bonds
  • Her Cowboy Prince – Madeline Ash
  • The Marriage Game – Sara Desai
  • A Cowboy State of Mind (Creedence Horse Rescue Book 1) – Jennie Marts

Novel with Romantic Elements

  • Code of  Honor – April White
  • The Night’s Chosen – E.E. Hornburg
  • How Lulu Lost Her Mind – Rachel Gibson
  • Cardinal Virtue – J.R. Lesperance
  • Christmas Charms – Teri Wilson

Novella

  • Running Wild in Reno – Shirley T. Hailstock
  • Fair as a Star – Mimi Matthews
  • Inn for a Surprise – Karen Witemeyer
  • Love and the Library – Lauren Connolly
  • Merry MacNaughton Mishap – Aubrey Wynne

Paranormal/Time Travel/Futuristic/Fantasy

  • Hidden in Shadows – Lark Brennan
  • The Seventh Sun – Lani Forbes
  • Summoned in Time – Barbara Longley
  • Ancient Enemy – Katie Reus
  • Calypso’s Heart – M.C. Solaris

Romantic Suspense

  • Holding His Hostage – Amy Gamet
  • Secret Investigation – Elizabeth Heiter
  • Critical Doubt – Barbara Freethy
  • Hemingway – Zoe Dawson
  • Cold Wicked Lies – Toni Anderson

Best First Book

  • My Heart Before You – Laura Langa
  • Stealing Time – B.W. Haggart
  • Cardinal Virtue – J.R. Lesperance
  • The Seventh Sun – Lani Forbes
  • Calypso’s Heart – M.C. Solaris

Best Book by a Virginia Author

  • Tangled Fates – Denise D. Young
  • Sweet Talkin’ Lover – Tracey Livesay
  • Cardinal Virtue – J.R. Lesperance
  • The Love Factor – Quinn Ivins
  • My Heart Before You – Laura Langa