I’VE SCORED A HAT TRICK!

Many of you may have already seen my FaceBook post a few days ago. For those who may have missed it, I’ve decided to share by way of a special news bulletin.

This past weekend (April 17-18-19), 2026, I attended the 2025 Chanticleer Book Awards in Bellingham, WA. My latest novel, ‘Tsarina’s Jewels’, was in the running for a Hemingway Award for 20th Century Wartime Fiction and a Goethe Award for Post-1750s Historical Fiction. My book was already a finalist in each category. The question was: would it win one category, or both, or would it win a first-place spot.

As I waited on tender hooks, hoping to hear my name called, I was thrilled to be asked to introduce the finalists of the Hearten Award for Uplifting and Inspiring Non-Fiction. To be chosen in advance as a finalist is an honour; then as a First Place recipient on awards night; and then a Grand Prize Winner, is quite an accomplishment. I was delighted to read the name of the winner of the 2025 Hearten Award, written by Barb Drummund: “I Finally Have the Smoking Hot Body I have always Wanted (Having been Cremated)”.

My story ‘Tsarina’s Jewels’ wasn’t called for the Goethe Award; however, it was called when the Hemingway Award first place titles were called. The first time that I heard my name called for a Hemingway First Place ribbon was in 2022 for ‘The Emerald’ (2021). I heard my name called again in 2024 for ‘Tsarina’s Crown’ (2023). One Saturday evening, I heard my name called a third time. I’ve scored a Hat Trick of First Place Hemingway Award ribbons!

I am so humbled and grateful to everyone at Chanticleer Book Awards for their support and acknowledgement of my works. Many thanks, too, to the Chanticleer community for helping make the conference and the awards evening a marvelous success.

On Sunday, several authors hosted tables to promote their works at Village Books in Fairhaven. I always enjoy spending time at Village Books and greeting patrons. Even dogs are allowed to wander the aisles of Village Books!

.