Mainstream (1999-2006)
or Mainstream Romance
Subcategory of Romance Writers of Australia, Romantic Book of the Year Award
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Latest Winners / Recipients

Year: 2006

winner y separately published work icon Pride of Lancashire Anna Jacobs , London : Hodder Headline Australia , 2005 Z1281618 2005 single work novel romance

'Carrie Preston is used to hard work – oldest of ten, with an incompetent mother and a drunken father, she struggles to find food for the younger children. But nothing could have prepared her for the day fate deals her family the cruellest of hands, rendering the Prestons more helpless and desperate than ever.

'In a harsh world, small acts of kindness can bring great hope –Eli Beckett’s offer of a job at the Dragon pub promises a better future for Carrie, especially as Eli’s uncle has offered his nephew some spare land to build a music room.

'With the great cities of England beginning to come alive to the sound of music halls, the locals of Hedderby are soon looking forward to their own place of celebration and merriment. Yet not everyone in the town shares this excitement, and some will stop at nothing in the pursuit of selfish gain...'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

Year: 2005

winner y separately published work icon Almost Perfect Dianne Blacklock , Sydney : Macmillan (Pan Macmillan Australia) , 2004 Z1150314 2004 single work novel romance

'The lives of three different people--Mac, whose perfect marriage is falling apart under the strain of infertility; bookstore owner Georgie, dealing with a deadbeat roommate and no romantic prospects; and Liam, a new customer whom Georgie believes might be the perfect man--collide in an unexpected way with unforeseen repercussions for all of them.'

(Source: bookseller's website). 

Year: 2004

winner y separately published work icon Palace of the Winds Ashleigh Bingham , London : Robert Hale , 2003 Z1260851 2003 single work novel romance historical fiction 'A palace of the winds is that part of an Indian royal household where the ladies in purdah live behind marble screens, looking out at the world, but are never allowed to be part of it. So, when Julia Lockwood is despatched in disgrace to India, she discovers that her own life growing up in an austere ladies' academy in Yorkshire has been just as restricted as that of any woman living in purdah. Travelling through India, Julia finds an exotic world where her sensuality is awakened by the kindly, middle-aged man who marries her and for whom she develops a deep affection. However, it is when Major James Fitzalan rides into her life that she comes to understand true passion, and theirs is a long and troubled road of intrigue and danger. Will they find true happiness?' (Publication summary)

Year: 2003

winner y separately published work icon Traces of Dreams Tricia McGill , Allenby Gardens : Jacobyte Books , 2002 Z1032625 2002 single work novel romance When everything you love and trust is destroyed by war, you can give up or you can carry on. Alicia's way is to carry on, and through two wars, illness, death and loss her indomitable spirit sustains her family for generations. From her mother's example, Sara finds the courage to escape an intolerable situation and forge a new life in a new country. "Traces of Dreams" moves from the horrors of the 1914-18 war to present times, and paints an unforgettable picture of a changing world and of working class people whose only riches are love and the knowledge that they did their best. - from publisher's website

Year: 2002

winner y separately published work icon Daughter of Darkness Janet Woods , London : Robert Hale , 2001 Z980685 2001 single work novel romance historical fiction Four years after being drugged and tricked into marrying the 14-year-old Willow Givanchy, a suspected witch and unwanted daughter of his deadliest enemy, Gerard Lytton returns home to find his wife and family changed. Having lost none of her fiery independence, Willow has become a well-loved member of Lytton's family. But although nobly born, she cannot belie her mother's dark reputation and her father's dishonour. The pair fall in love, but is their love deep enough to overcome the obstacles of her parentage and reputation, which threaten to tear them asunder - especially in light of the mysterious events which begin to unfold. - From author's website
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