I’m delighted to announce that one of my books has been shortlisted for the Romantic Novel Awards (RoNAs) in the Romantic Comedy of the Year category for the second year in a row.
A Question of Us centres around a West Yorkshire pub quiz team, the Mighty Morphin’ Flower Arrangers, as they compete in their town’s inter-pub quiz league. The stakes are raised when team captain Clarrie accepts a bet from her best friend Simon that if they win, she’ll go on a date with him. As victory looks increasingly likely, Clarrie is forced to question what she really wants out of life – and love…
A Question of Us is one of five finalists to make the category shortlist for romance novels that are consistently funny, with 500 entries submitted for the awards overall.
The awards ceremony will take place at the Leonardo Royal London City Hotel on 2nd March, when shortlisted authors will find out who has won in their categories. Awards will be presented by comedian Jenny Eclair. Other nominated authors include Jojo Moyes, Sophie Kinsella and Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke.
Mary Jayne says: ‘I’m thrilled and honoured to see my name on the shortlist alongside so many talented people, and can’t wait to raise a glass or two to the diamond anniversary of the Romantic Novelists’ Association at the awards event. The RNA is a wonderfully supportive organisation for its members and I’m proud to be a part of it.’
Since its inception in 1960, the RNA has promoted excellence in romantic fiction. RNA Chair Alison May commented: ‘The shortlists this year show the fantastic range of romantic fiction being produced by hugely talented authors. In the RNA’s 60th year it’s heartening to see the genre in such good health, and to see such an exciting mix of established and up-and-coming writers taking romantic fiction forward into the next sixty years.’
Previous winners of the Romantic Comedy Award include heavyweights Milly Johnson, Jenny Colgan and Jill Mansell.