Langold: Local author shortlisted for one of British writing’s most prestigious honours- The Romantic Novel of the Year

Imogen Howson will find out if she has secured the accolade at the glittering Romantic Novel of the Year award ceremony in London on Monday 16th March.

Her book ‘Unravel’, published by Quercus, is one of the six finalists in the Young Adult Category, which features protagonists who are teenagers or young adults.

It is the story of Lissa, who has found her long-lost twin – and exposed the horrifying reason why the government imprisoned her.

Imogen was inspired to write thie story after reading a real-life article about twins who could sense what was happening to the other.

Delighted to be shortlisted for the RoNAs, Imogen said: “Unravel is the sequel to Linked, which won in the YA category of the RoNAs last year, so I’m so thrilled that Unravel has been shortlisted this time round.”

“I am looking forward to celebrating with all my fellow authors at the awards ceremony.”

Once the category winners have been announced, and elegant star-shaped crystal trophies presented to mark their success, the winner of each category will go forward to compete for the overall prize of The Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Presenter Barbara Taylor Bradford will then reveal the author whose book has won the RNA’s most coveted award.

In addition to a special glass trophy, which is passed on from the previous year’s recipient, the winner of the Romantic Novel of the Year will also receive a cheque for £5000.

There were a record number of entries this year and 2015 also sees three male authors amongst those contesting the awards.

Novels submitted cover a wide spectrum of topics and subjects. Readers can expect anything from ditzy romantic comedies, and hot steamy contemporary romance to intrigue, suspense and bold, fearless heroes in highly charged dramatic or historical situations.