from BOOKSELLER : Debut takes Melissa Nathan prize
16.06.10 | Katie Allen
Janet Skeslien Charles' debut novel about a mail-order bride has won the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance.
Moonlight in Odessa, published by Bloomsbury, is the story of Daria, who takes a job at dating service Soviet Unions. It beat titles from Katie Fforde and Danny King, among others.
Charles received the award this evening (15th June).
Judge Joanna Trollope said: "This novel is certainly romantic, and certainly witty—but very much more besides. . . It's a novel that stays with you for all the right reasons."
Charles said "What a thrill to receive the Melissa Nathan Award . . . Growing up in small-town America, I dreamed of Europe and longed to be a writer. Winning this Award exceeded my dreams."
The Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance is the UK's only literary award dedicated to comedy romance writing.
The other shortlisted novels were: I Heart New York by Lindsay Kelk (HarperCollins), Wedding Tiersby Trisha Ashley (Avon), Tug of Love by Allie Spence (Little Black Dress), Love Letters by Katie Fforde (Century) and Blue Collar by Danny King (Serpent's Tail).
Congratulations Janet !!
for interview with Janet Skeslien Charles, click here.
