On Saturday 12th August the winner of the The Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers for 2023 was announced. This award is for authors who have had their work accepted for publication following completion of the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme. 

The RNA Joan Hessayon Award showcases debut novels in the romantic fiction genre and is sponsored by Dr. David Hessayon OBE in honour of his late wife, Joan, a longstanding RNA member and supporter of the New Writer's scheme. Previous winners include Charlotte Betts, Suzie Hull, Lorna Cook and Jo Thomas. 

This year, current and former RNA chairs formed part of the judging panel. Current Chair Jean Fullerton, former Chair Pia Fenton and literary agent at the LBA Hannah Schofield came to a unanimous decision when selecting this year's winner. 

At the award ceremony held on Saturday 12th August at Imperial College, as a part of the RNA's annual conference this year's RNA Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers winner was announced as Katy Turner for her book, Let's Just Be Friends. 

Let's Just Be Friends is a feel-good romance set in Scotland, following veterinarian Holly, who's life veers off track of her five-year plan when she finds herself in Eastercraig, a small fishing village in the Scottish Highlands.

Commenting on this year's awards, Jean Fullerton said, "As a graduate of the scheme myself, I’m thrilled each year to see members of the New Writers’ Scheme publish their first novel. As always, choosing a Joan Hessayon winner from such a fabulous crop of books has been an almost impossible task, as this year’s entrants in the awards were all cracking page-turning reads. Well done to all of you, and especially to our winner, Katy Turner."

Hannah Schofield, praised this year's winning novel: "‘Katy Turner’s charming debut Let's Just Be Friends was our unanimous winner, with all the ingredients we’d hoped to find: swoony love interests, a diverse and well-realised cast, and a beautifully evocative setting (plus: cute animals)! I’m sure Katy has a brilliant writing career ahead of her."

Pia Fenton, who writes as Christina Courtenay, added "Katy Turner's Let's Just Be Friends is a lovely story of perseverance against the odds and the importance of friendships, all set against the fabulous backdrop of the north Scottish coast. The story drew me in, with a wonderful meet-cute, great chemistry between the hero and heroine, and a perfect ending. I look forward to reading more by this author!"

More information about the Romantic Novelists’ Association can be found on their website: https://romanticnovelistsassociation.org

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Photo of Katy Turner used in this blog and the header image, credit: Katie Hipkiss Visuals