The Golden Heart and Rita Awards buzz ramped up at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas, Texas, when stretch limos and women in beautiful gowns of every colour and design began arriving early on Saturday evening. Walking around the hotel provided much interest and delight for anyone who enjoys seeing authors dressed in their finest and looking their most beautiful. A reader’s treasure trove of their very favorite authors mingling and networking with fellow writers in the breathtaking city of Dallas.
Excitement hummed as the doors opened for the Golden Hearts and Rita Awards and people began moving inside and finding their seats. The ballroom was set up with three large screens behind the podium so everyone could see their favorite authors either introducing the winners of the awards, or accepting their own very prestigious Golden Heart and Rita Awards.
Carly Phillips, Master of Ceremonies, did a superb job introducing categories and authors, providing interesting information about many of our favorite authors throughout the event. A series of short and humorous films about mega-authors like Nora Roberts and Susan Elizabeth Phillips filled the Ballroom with laughter. The evening was magical as the ceremonies progressed and the winners were announced, and the best of the best stepped forward to receive recognition.
Nearly 2,000 authors, both published and unpublished, editors and agents, left the auditorium and mingled at the after-ceremony reception. Tasty pastries and desserts that would make your mouth water were located in several locations and best of all the opportunity to congratulate the winners and chat. This marked the end of another very successful Romance Writers’ of America Conference event, and created anticipation at the thought of attending the next one which will be located in San Francisco.
2007 RITA Winners: Best First Book - THE HUSBAND TRAP by Tracy Anne Warren Best Contemporary Single Title Romance - ADIOS TO MY OLD LIFE by Caridad Ferrer Best Inspirational Romance - REVEALED by Tamera Alexander Best Long Contemporary Romance - THE MOMMY QUEST by Lori Handeland Best Long Historical Romance - ON THE WAY TO THE WEDDING by Julia Quinn Best Romantic Novella - 'Tis The Silly Season in A NASCAR HOLIDAY by Roxanne St. Claire Best Paranormal Romance - A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER by Kresley Cole Best Romantic Suspense - BLACKOUT by Annie Solomon Best Short Contemporary Romance – FROM THE FIRST by Jessica Bird Best Short Historical Romance - THE BOOK OF TRUE DESIRES by Betina Krahn Best Novel With Strong Romantic Elements - A LADY RAISED HIGH by Jennifer Ashley writing as Laurien Gardner Best Traditional Romance - CLAIMING HIS FAMILY by Barbara Hannay 2007 Golden Heart Winners for Unpublished Manuscripts Best Contemporary Single Title Romance - ROMEO, ROMEO by Robin Kawczynski Best Long Historical Romance – SAGER’S PASSION by Elaine Levine Best Inspirational Romance – THE HEART BECKONS by Carla Hughes Best Paranormal Romance – BLACK JACK by Jennifer Stark Best Short Contemporary – WEEKEND AGREEMENT by Barbara Tanner Wallace Best Novel With Strong Romantic Elements – ACCORDING TO JANE by Marilyn Weigel Best Long Contemporary Romance – ALL OR NOTHING by Beth Burgoon Best Romantic Suspense – FALLING INTO DARKNESS by Bronwyn Clarke Best Short Historical Romance – THE LOST JEWEL by Debra Bess Best Young Adult Romance – COVEN by Trish Milburn | 
