Finalists: The Festive Holiday Romantic Novel Award 2025
18 April 2025

A Scottish Christmas by Emma Bennet (Joffe Books):
I’m absolutely delighted that A Scottish Christmas has been shortlisted for The Festive Romantic Novel Award. I guess it was worth all the trouble that came from having a goat as a side character!
Website: www.emma-bennet.co.uk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaBennetAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanceemma/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmabennetwriter
X: https://x.com/romanceemmahttps://www.tiktok.com/@emmabennetromance

The Secret Santa Project by Tracy Bloom (HarperCollins):
At the end of last year I watched The Secret Santa Project come to life as it went into production to become a feature film. For that to be followed by getting shortlisted for such a prestigious award is a truly amazing feeling especially when I know there are such a lot of excellent books out there. Being a writer can be a tough road to follow and the rewards are often hard fought so I am so very grateful for this brilliant recognition and all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to put these awards together.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tracybloomwrites
Instagram: @tracybloom2021
X: @TracyBBloom

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter (MacMillan)
I am so grateful to the readers who shortlisted THE MOST WONDERFUL CRIME OF THE YEAR for this incredible honour. When I set out to write a book that was a romance—and a mystery—I had no idea if readers would embrace a book that was two genres in one, but they have, and I feel like the luckiest writer in the world.
Instagram and Threads: theallycarter
Website: AllyCarter.com

A Very Irish Christmas by Debbie Johnson (Storm Publishing):
I love everything about Christmas – I plan for it all year round, and start getting excited in September! That means I’ve always loved reading and writing Christmas books. There is something very special about a nice festive romance. This book was a delight to write, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that the judges at the RNA enjoyed Cassie’s Christmas journey as well – it is a huge honour!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/debbiejohnsonauthor

Look Up, Handsome by Jack Strange (HarperCollins):
I am over the moon to be nominated for an award, and to be recognised by such an iconic establishment as the Romantic Novelist Association. To have a gay romance recognised, and one set in Wales, too, feels so fulfilling. This is truly a dream come true for me!
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jackstrangeauthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jackstrangebook
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@jackstrangeauthor