RNA unveils Joan Hessayon Award contenders

The Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) has revealed the contenders for its annual Joan Hessayon Award for 2022. 

The award recognises authors whose debut novels have gone through the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme and were subsequently accepted for publication. It is sponsored by Dr David Hessayon in honour of his late wife, Joan, who was a novelist, RNA member and supporter of its New Writers’ Scheme.

Authors in the running this year include Jennifer Bibby, Anita Faulkner, Suzie Hull and Laura R Leeson.

Melissa Oliver, the organiser of the Joan Hessayon Award, and recipient of the prize in 2020, commented: "As a previous winner, I know first-hand that this prestigious award champions and recognises newly published authors who have graduated from the RNA’s fabulous New Writers’ Scheme. It’s a fantastic achievement and this year the depth and variety of the books up for the award are a testament to the continuing appeal and popularity of romantic fiction and all its subgenres."

RNA acting chair Jean Fullerton added: "Yet again, the Joan Hessayon Award showcases a wonderful crop of RNA debut writers."

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at 6.30 p.m. on 16th July at Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, as part of the RNA’s annual conference. 

The New Writers’ Scheme provides support to unpublished writers of romantic fiction. Manuscripts can be submitted for assessment and are critiqued by published authors. In addition, the members of the scheme can attend RNA events and participate in members-only activities and networking opportunities.

The contenders in full: 

Jennifer Bibby for The Cornish Hideaway (Simon & Schuster UK)

Anita Faulkner for A Colourful Country Escape (Sphere)

Suzie Hull for In This Foreign Land (Orion Dash)

Laura R Leeson for The Valentine Retreat (Champagne Book Group)

Lissa Morgan for The Welsh Lord’s Convenient Bride (Mills & Boon Historical)

Kirstie Pelling for Life’s a Catastrophe (Embla Books)

Alex Stone for The Perfect Daughter (Boldwood Books)

Jessie Wells for The Good News Gazette (One More Chapter)

Helen Yendall for A Wartime Secret (HQ Digital)