NOVELIST Jane Lovering has been shortlisted in two separate categories the 2018 Romantic Novel Awards (RoNAs).

Jane, who lives in Kirkbymoorside, previously won the Romantic Novel of the Year in 2012, and is one of

six finalists in the Romantic

Comedy Novel category, for consistently humorous or amusing novels.

Her novel The Little Teashop of Horrors, published by Choc Lit, is set in North Yorkshire and is loosely based on Nunnington Hall, a local National Trust property.

Jane also received inspiration from the Duncombe Park International Birds of Prey Centre.

Jane’s second nomination is for Christmas at the Little Village School, also published by Choc Lit; one of five finalists in the RoNA Rose Award category, which recognises the best in category/series and shorter romance that focus on developing a love affair between the hero and heroine.

Reverend Richard Coles, broadcaster, dancer and former pop star, will present the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) Awards for 2018 in London on March 5.

The winners of the seven categories will then go forward to compete for the overall prize of The Goldsboro Books’ Romantic Novel of the Year Award, which will be revealed later in the evening.

RNA chairman Nicola Cornick said: “The breadth of fiction which features on this year’s shortlist is a brilliant illustration of what a broad spectrum the romance genre encompasses.

"I’m delighted that this year’s contending novels explore some profound and thought provoking themes.

"Our awards celebrate the many shades of romantic fiction, highlighting the wide appeal of the genre and some of the best examples from the last year.”