Here she is….no, it’s not Miss America…it’s THE RITA

As you’ve probably heard, if you’ve read other JQ blogs this week, the purpose of the RITA® contest is to promote excellence in the romance genre by recognizing outstanding published romance novels and novellas.

Today, we’re focusing on the Inspirational RITA finalists. If you’ve never read an inspirational romance, you may have a picture in your mind of sweet-as-pie books that don’t have anything to do with the real world and the issues we all face. Nothing could be further from the truth.

This is a large category with eight finalists. Today, we’re going to focus on three who were so kind to send me a brief blurb about their book.

An Eye for an Eye by Irene Hannon
Baker Publishing Group, Revell Books

Here’s what Irene had to say about this book:
Psychologist Emily Lawson loves her private practice, her weekly teen
radio show, chocolate chip frappuccinos, and a routine, predictable life
she can control. Uh oh.

I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely intrigued. And what a fabulous cover!

Breach of Trust by Diann Mills
Tyndale House Publishers

What did DiAnn say about her book when I asked?
Librarian Paige Rogers had more exciting days dodging bullets in Africa, until she made a decision to bring a corrupt politician to justice.

Yes, she’s got a librarian heroine, but I’ve read this book and Paige is anything but sweet-as-pie.

The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper by Kathleen Y’Barbo
Random House Publishing, WaterBrook Multnomah

In twenty-five-words-or-less here’s what Kathleen told me about Miss Eugenia Cooper’s confidential life:
Buckskins and boots or diamonds and Worth gowns? With New York socialite Eugenia Cooper, it depends on the day. Then there are the
dime novels…”

I don’t know about you, but I love this woman already!

Here are the other finalists in this category:
The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander
A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley
The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw
Entertaining Angels by Judy Duarte
The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

All of these books have a faith element, great writing and heroines we can cheer for…

This weekend, I’d like to know what characteristic you like to see in a heroine…or what characteristic turns you off. On Sunday night, I’ll draw one name from everyone who has commented this weekend and that person will win a copy of Kathleen Y’Barbo’s RITA finalist book: The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper

Thank you, Kathleen for your generous donation!

So, congratulate these finalists and comment for a chance to win. Then check back on Sunday night to see if you’re a winner!