Day LAST - Kristan's win

This is the glamorous Kristan Higgins, holding her RITA for Contemporary Single Title Romance. She looks like a movie star holding her Oscar, doesn't she?

Kristan's book, CATCH OF THE DAY, is her second novel, first RITA nomination, and first win.

I have a hard time writing about this winner and her award, as most of you know that this is the one award I was really cheering for, and Kristan is the person I most wanted to win out of all of the other entrants in any category. I literally screamed for joy, then cried like a baby, when she won. Except during her speech. I'll post the youtube video clip of that as soon as it's available. But you already know how much I LOVED the book, choosing it as my Book Diet book, and then as Best Book of the Year. I read this book over 50 times. I loved Maggie. I loved Malone. I loved Father Tim. I loved that Kristan broke almost every single "rule" and stayed true to the spirit of her vision.

The thing that I possibly love the most though is that she really deserved this win. I was concerned that some other book would win, some more established author, a bigger name, an industry favorite. I'm very thankful to the people that voted for this category, choosing COTD as the very best in Romance this year.

I will have an exclusive interview with Kristan very soon. Her family arrives here today, and she's driving back to the East coast with them. It will take a few weeks. When she's back home and has had time to find a home for her new golden lady, she's going to answer a few questions here. So if you'd like to ask her anything in particular, ask it in the comments of this post, and I'll make sure to get an answer for you. You can also e-mail me questions at deesbookdish@gmail.com . Please put "Questions for Kristan" in the subject line.

Also, I have signed copies of the RITA-award winning book, CATCH OF THE DAY, for the following people:
Ann M.
Marianne
Diane
Brandy
Larena
If you would each please e-mail me at deesbookdish@gmail.com and put COTD WINNER in the subject line, and please include your mailing address, I will be happy to get your books in the mail as soon as I get home. (Ann - Kristan just told me that she got your e-mail, and she remembers sending you a book. Do you want another copy? Let me know.)

I'll have so much more to write, but not now. Right now, I'm going to breakfast with my roomie. I'm also going to pack up and get to the airport. Once I'm settled back at home, I will do one final recap. I might, of course, blog some of my personal observations on my personal blog. I haven't decided yet.

I'd like to again thank my husband for his help last night. He was updating the site with every winner, and I really appreciate him.

And yes, to those of you wondering, that is ME up there with Kristan. How did I get so close to her? Well duh - she's my roommate.

I'll Keep You Posted!