I am late posting about this, as the news was announced last week, but I wanted to let you know that my latest novel LONDON CALLING has been shortlisted for this year’s RoNA Awards. 
The RoNA Awards, sponsored by Goldsboro Books, are the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s annual awards for excellence. There are several categories. LONDON CALLING, set in the Second World War, is in the category: Historical Romance.
The prize-giving event is taking place in the Gladstone Library, in Whitehall, London on 13th March. (Tickets are £65 each so I am expecting it to be a glittering party! Luckily my publishers, Headline, are treating me to my ticket!)
It is a real honour to have been shortlisted and a lovely vote of confidence from the Industry. Years ago I was shortlisted really nice that LONDON CALLING has been picked up for this award.
Many of my friends and readers know that I took a long break from writing to nurse my mother through Alzheimer’s. Eventually, after eight years, as her condition deteriorated, we had to get full time care, and it was then that I began writing again. Sadly my mother died last year, but she knew that I had finished LONDON CALLING, and would have been delighted to know about it being shortlisted for the award.
Next week am off on a trip to France to do a little bit of research form my next book, the sixth in the Lavender Road series. But I will be back in London in time for the Awards ceremony. I am not expecting to win as there are obviously lots of great books on the shortlist, but I am expecting to enjoy the canapés and bubbly!
London Calling is now available in paperback or ebook
Helen’s next novel THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET comes out 6th April 2017.
Great news, HB; well-deserved!
Good luck and Congrats Helen. Sorry to hear about your Mom, but you blessed her life with your kind attention.
Really pleased for you and, whether you win or not – I think you are brilliant!
Dear Helen
Many congratulations. So well deserved,You have done Headline proud as they have done you proud,
Enjoy the bubbly, My money’s on you to win,
Cheers
Wendy
Read My Blog Dancing through the Panic
________________________________
Hi Helen, it’s fantastic to see you on the shortlist of the RONA awards and I’m sure you’re in with a good chance of winning. As you know, I will be there too (though not on any shortlists) and will be rooting for you. I hope I don’t have to fight you for the canapes. Enjoy a well-deserved break in France.
Congratulations, Helen. I love the series and am so happy the book is being recognized. I, too, think it is more than a romance.
Lovely to hear from you, Gregory. Not long to wait till the next book now! And congratulations Helen and much deserved.. and whoever wins, I hope they get to keep the award, rather than be halfway through their acceptance speech then have to hand it over, like in the Oscars!
I didn’t know this was a romance book! I have enjoyed the entire series and I am male age 74. I know it has romance in it, but it also contains intrigue, action, murder etc. I have loved this entire series. It relaxes me before bedtime. All of the books of Lavender Road have been good, but I find this especially good. I hope there will be a 5th book. I am sure there will be. Helen is a wonderful writer and I have just a few pages left to read. I have no idea what to read next. I love series books along the same line as this during WWII.
Thank you! Well, between you and me, I don’t think of it as romance either – but I’m not going to complain!!
I’m so glad you have enjoyed the books, and yes, the fifth book in the series, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET, is coming out in April. It is available now for pre-order in the UK. All best wishes and thanks for the comment, Helen
ps. If you had time to post a couple of comments on the Amazon review page and a star rating, that would be great! It all helps.
Thank you Helen. I can’t believe you replied to me. My wife reads a lot of books, close to four a week. She just said,”Isn’t that nice.” She read murder mysteries, serial killers, etc. And she wonders why she has such horrendous dreams.
Congratulations!
Thank you!