Bowral novelist AnneMarie Brear's passion and creativity has been shortlisted in an international award which recognises romantic novels from across the globe.
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Ms Brear's tale A Distant Horizon, could take out a top spot in this year's Romantic Novel Awards, which are run by the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) in the United Kingdom.
The Highlander's tale about famine and new beginnings has been recognised in the Romantic Saga category.
"I am utterly delighted to be shortlisted for this award," she said.
"I have been a member of the RNA for many years and to have one of my novels shortlisted is an amazing result, especially when I am with such fantastic authors."
Ms Brear has always had a passion for reading and history, which was influenced by her upbringing with parents from Yorkshire and times living in England.
The author's fascination with genealogy has also aided her storytelling - it has provided names and backgrounds for her historical novels.
Most of her work is based in Yorkshire or Australia, during the Victorian era and World War Two.
Ms Brear's first novel was published in 2006, and has since published over 29 books which have been awarded a variety of accolades.
The Slum Angel won a gold medal at the Reader's Favourite International Award and was a finalist in the Romance Writer's Australia (RWAustralia) Ruby Award in 2020.
The Tobacconist's Wife was also nominated in the RWAustralia Romantic Book of the Year Award in 2021.
The Market Stall Girl's cover was a finalist in the Ind'Tale Magazine's cover design awards, won silver in the USA Readers' Favourite Awards Contest and won a Chill with a Book Reader's Award.
The Romantic Novel Awards have recognised outstanding romantic fiction since 1960.
"During a difficult year, people needed escapism and romance more than ever," said awards coordinator Sharon Ibbotson.
The winners of the awards will be announced during the RNA's Romantic Novel Awards ceremony in London, on March 7.
People can learn more about Ms Brear on her website.
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