Elisabeth J Hobbes – Daughter of the Sea

Elisabeth commented, “The Romantic Novelists’ Association has been such an important part of my writing career in terms of developing my writing style and forming close friendships. I feel privileged to be part of such a supportive and talented group of authors, any of whom are household names, so being shortlisted is such an honour. I had to read the email three times to check it was meant for me! Daughter of the Sea started off as an entry (and winner) for The Elizabeth Goudge writing contest for the 2018 summer conference so I’m absolutely delighted that the novel it became has been shortlisted for the Fantasy Romantic Novel Award. Of all my books, this one is closest to my heart, dealing with characters who are outsiders, either because of their life choices or differences outside their control. As a parent of two autistic children (and probably on the spectrum myself) I wanted to portray a mother who loves her children unconditionally and sees the people beyond the label.”

DAUGHTER OF THE SEA BOOK BLURB (Publisher: One More Chapter)

On a windswept British coastline the tide bestows an unexpected gift … It was the cry that she first noticed, the plaintive wail that called to her over the crash of winter waves. Wrapped only in a sealskin, the baby girl looks up at Effie and instantly captures her heart. But when Midsummer arrives, so too does a man claiming to be the child’s father. And Lachlan tells a story she never anticipated … one of selkies, legend, and the power of the sea …

ELISABETH J HOBBES’ MEDIA DETAILS:

https://twitter.com/ElisabethHobbes
https://www.instagram.com/elisabeth_j_hobbes_author/
https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHobbes

N J Simmonds – Children of Shadows

N J is the author of fantasy trilogy, The Indigo Chronicles; she has also written Manga and is one half of paranormal romance author duo, Caedis Knight. When not writing, Simmonds is Head of Community and Editorial Commissions at Jericho Writers, and lectures at various institutes, including Raindance Film School. Originally from London, she now splits her time between her homes in Spain and the Netherlands, along with her husband, two daughters, and their ridiculously cute cats.

N J commented, “I’m overjoyed and honoured to be shortlisted for the 2022 Fantasy Romantic Novel Award. The characters and ideas for this story began to haunt me back in 2012 and refused to leave me alone. I didn’t think in my wildest dreams that ten years later all three books would be a reality, let alone the final book nominated for such a fantastic prize.”

CHILDREN OF SHADOWS BLURB (Publisher: BHC Press)

Single mother Ella is struggling. About to turn forty, the last thing Ella needs in her life is more complications, but she suspects her brush with angels may not be over yet. Ella’s daughter, Indie, is keeping a huge secret. But it’s not until she meets the new kids at school that she begins to learn about her true powers. Luci has been busy. With the help of her whisperers, she’s figured out how to destroy the Angelic Realm. The only problem is the one person who can help her secure the final ingredient won’t help. As Indie explores her growing abilities, she enters a world of fate and power that Ella left behind sixteen years ago. She will soon discover that this world is on the brink of war, and that she may be the most powerful weapon of all. For over two thousand years, Ella’s and Zac’s lives have been intertwined. When fate no longer exists and the past catches up to the present, will the bond of blood be enough to unite two worlds?

N J SIMMONDS’ MEDIA DETAILS:

Twitter: @NJSimmondsBooks
Facebook.com/NJSimmondsAuthor
Instagram: njsimmonds_author
www.njsimmonds.com

Helen Fisher – Space Hopper

Helen spent her early life in America, but grew up mainly in Suffolk, and now lives near Bury St Edmunds with her two children and a cat called Bear who thinks he’s a dog. She studied Psychology at Westminster University and Ergonomics at UCL and worked as a senior evaluator in research at RNIB. She is now a full-time author, trying to appear calm while rarely feeling it.

She commented, “I have dreamed about being shortlisted for a book award for almost as long as I have dreamed about writing a book that made it to the book stores. So in short, it’s a dream come true. I’m delighted.”

SPACE HOPPER BOOK BLURB (Publisher: Simon & Schuster)

If you could go back in time to find answers to the past, would you? For Faye, the answer is yes. There is nothing she wouldn’t do to find out what really happened when she lost her mother as a child. She is happy with her life – she has a loving husband, two young daughters and supportive friends, even a job that she enjoys. But questions about the past keep haunting her, until one day she finally gets the chance she’s been waiting for. But how far is she willing to go to find answers? Space Hopper is an original and poignant story about mothers, memories and moments that shape life.

SPACE HOPPER BOOK BLURB (Publisher: Simon & Schuster)

If you could go back in time to find answers to the past, would you? For Faye, the answer is yes. There is nothing she wouldn’t do to find out what really happened when she lost her mother as a child. She is happy with her life – she has a loving husband, two young daughters and supportive friends, even a job that she enjoys. But questions about the past keep haunting her, until one day she finally gets the chance she’s been waiting for. But how far is she willing to go to find answers? Space Hopper is an original and poignant story about mothers, memories and moments that shape life.

Kate Ryder – Beneath Cornish Skies

Kate is an Amazon Kindle international bestseller who writes romantic suspense and timeslip / otherworldly / fantasy novels. On leaving school she studied drama but soon discovered her preference for writing rather than performing. Since then she has worked in the publishing, tour operating and property industries, and has travelled widely. Originally hailing from the South East, today Kate lives in Cornwall (where she predominantly sets her novels) and is constantly inspired by the ruggedly beautiful landscape of her adopted county.

She commented, “I am truly honoured to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. When I first joined the RNA in 2016, little did I know how this writing journey would evolve but I am proud to say that I now have two international best-sellers amongst my published titles. I’ve met some wonderfully inspirational fellow writers and industry professionals along the way, and the RNA continues to be a great source of support and learning.”

BENEATH CORNISH SKIES BOOK BLURB (Publisher: Aria)

To outsiders, Cassandra Shaw’s life looks perfect. She lives in a luxurious house in the English countryside with her handsome, wealthy boyfriend who insists she needn’t do a day’s work. But she knows something is not right. Her partner has grown colder, treating her more like a housekeeper than a future wife, and her time feels empty and purposeless. Although riddled with insecurities and self-doubt, Cassie takes a chance on a new beginning. She answers an advert for a live-in nanny and all-round ‘Superhuman’ for a family living in a rambling manor house on the rugged North Cornish coast. Despite finding the work hard and tiring, she has never felt so fulfilled. As Cass learns to connect with the natural beauty unfolding around her, Cornwall starts offering up its secrets and soon she wonders if she was drawn to this isolated part of the coast for a reason. Why was she guided to Foxcombe Manor? What are the flashes of light she sees in the valley? Is it her imagination or does someone often brush past her? And who is the mysterious man living deep in the woods? A beautiful romance with a hint of ghostliness, Beneath Cornish Skies is for anyone who has ever longed to start their lives again.

KATE RYDER’S MEDIA DETAILS:

Website: www.kateryder.me
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateRyder_Books
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kateryder.author
Instagram: @kateryder_author

Freya Marske – A Marvellous Light

Freya Marske lives in Australia, where she is yet to be killed by any form of wildlife. She writes stories full of magic, blood, and as much kissing as she can get away with. She co-hosted the Hugo Award-nominated podcast Be the Serpent, and in 2020 she was awarded the Australian National SF (Ditmar) Award for Best New Talent. Her hobbies include figure skating and discovering new art galleries, and she is on a quest to try all the gin in the world.

Young baronet Robin Blyth was already in a spot of bother. He’s struggling to be a decent older brother and a responsible employer, and to rescue the estate ravaged by his late parents’ excesses. Then an administrative mistake appoints him parliamentary liaison to a secret society – and he discovers magic lies beneath the reality he’s always known.

Soon Robin must contend with magic’s dangers as well as its beauty – for as he tries to find his missing predecessor, he attracts a deadly curse. To navigate these hazards, he’ll need the help of Edwin Courcey, his prickly magical society counterpart. But his aloof associate clearly wishes Robin were anyone and anywhere else.

Drawn together by unexpected perils, Robin and Edwin will discover a mystery as old as the power that binds the land, a plot that threatens every magician in the British Isles – and a secret that some have already died to keep.