The RITA Award is the highest award presented by Romance Writers of America for a published novel. A limited number of golden statuettes are granted during a formal ceremony each year at the national convention. Named after RWA's first president, Rita Clay Estrada, the award is a prestigious symbol of success and distinction. I am fortunate to be one of the judges. Judges, who are volunteers from the membership, are allowed to select three contest categories. I look forward to receiving my box of books each January. It’s like receiving a surprise gift in the mail. Six books, freshly packed, for my enjoyment! I’m reading the first one now, and it’s pure delight. I can’t wait to tackle the rest of them. I guess this is how reviewers feel, although they must get inundated. We’re all book lovers, and once addicted, you can never have enough books in your collection! RWA’s national conference begins July 30th in San Francisco. Good luck to all contestants!

A box of books in the mail....pure heaven!
Enjoy them all!

Thanks, Linda. I am loving the first book I'm reading. Will have to take a couple on our cruise and pick up my reading speed to finish all six by the deadline.

I finished my reads -- I had 8 -- and turned in my scores. All 8 of my books were ones I wouldn't have picked up on my own, so it was interesting to be exposed to new authors and different sub-genres. I will say the one I liked best was one I thought would be a struggle to get through. I may have to dig up the author's back list.

Wow, Terry, you're fast! Yes, judging the Ritas is a good way to be introduced to new authors. I am liking everything I've read so far.