EVONNE WAREHAM AND JAN BAYNHAM SHORTLISTED FOR THE RNA ROMANTIC NOVEL AWARDS 2024
We are delighted to announce that Evonne Wareham and Jan Baynham have been shortlisted in this year’s Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Novel Awards. Established in 1960, these awards celebrate excellence in romantic fiction and are judged entirely by readers.
“I am utterly thrilled that Jan and Evonne count among the finalists at this year’s RNA Awards!” says editorial director Emma Grundy Haigh. “These nominations are such a testament to their gorgeous storytelling. They are masters of their respective genres and it’s wonderful to see their talents recognised by such prestigious awards.”
A big congratulations to Evonne and Jan! Read on to find out more about the shortlisted titles:
MASQUERADE ON THE RIVIERA
By Evonne Wareham
Shortlisted for The Jackie Collins Award
From Egyptian treasures on the English Riviera to a mystery in glamorous Monaco . . .
Renowned Egyptologist Dr Elliott Elwood is slightly puzzled when he’s invited to Torquay to take part in a bizarre bidding war for a well-known artefact collection. But, of course, he couldn’t pass up the chance to view the ‘Cleopatra Necklace’ — an infamous piece from the collection, rumoured to be cursed.
However, Elliott’s weekend away with his fellow bidders, including the strangely familiar Maisie Norris — if that is her real name — ends up involving far more than afternoon tea and historical chit-chat.
Cunning thievery and clever games abound in the days and weeks that follow, eventually culminating in a glitzy but potentially perilous masked ball on the Côte d'Azur.
Will Elliott find an element of truth in the Necklace’s notorious reputation, or could his growing connection with the mysterious Maisie bring him all the luck he needs?
THE SECRET SISTER
By Jan Baynham
Shortlisted for Romantic Saga Novel
Wales, 1943.
Sara Lewis should be heartbroken when her husband doesn’t return from war. But he was never the kind husband she hoped for.
Maybe this could be the new beginning she’s always wanted. She and her young son move from her husband’s farm to live with her sister.
Despite herself, she begins to notice handsome Carlo. An Italian prisoner of war in Wales, he has been volunteered to work in her brother-in-law’s builders’ yard. Longing looks soon turn into love letters and a connection neither of them can sever.
But fraternization between the prisoners and local women is strictly forbidden. As their love grows, so does the danger all around them . . .
Twenty-five years later, their daughter holds her father’s hand as he takes his last breath and whispers a name: Giulietta.
But who is Giulietta, and who are the young woman and baby in an old photograph?
The secrets of the past collide as the family are shaken to their very core, forced to revisit memories they’d rather forget to uncover the truth.
The winners will be announced at the Romantic Novel Awards ceremony at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, London, on 20th May 2024. For more information, visit the website.