Oxford author Claire McCauley has won the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) annual RNA Joan Hessayon Award for 2024 with her novel, The Wedding Hitch. 

The award is for authors whose debut novels have gone through the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme (NWS) and are subsequently accepted for publication. Sponsored by Dr. David Hessayon OBE in honour of his late wife, Joan, who was a novelist, RNA member and supporter of its New Writers’ Scheme, the award showcases a variety of debut novels within the romantic fiction genre.

Claire commented, ‘I am utterly delighted to have won the Joan Hessayon Award 2024 with my debut novel, The Wedding Hitch. I’m incredibly grateful to the RNA, and all the volunteers involved in running the New Writer’s Scheme, for their support and encouragement every step of the way.’

The judges for this year were Jean Fullerton, outgoing RNA Chair; Sue Moorcroft, current RNA President; and Megan Haslam, Editorial Director, Boldwood Books. They were unanimous in their decision to choose The Wedding Hitch as this year’s winner.

Jean Fullerton said, ‘Claire McCauley’s book is a romantic tale, skilfully told, with a clever twist at the end I certainly didn’t see coming. The Wedding Hitch is a worthy winner of this year’s Joan Hessayon prize.’

Sue Moorcroft added, 'It was a pleasure to be asked to read and judge such an outstanding shortlist. In The Wedding Hitch, written by Claire McCauley and published by Joffe Books, we have a worthy winner. The plot keeps moving, the characterisation's spot on and I love the grand-house setting that contrasts with the staff accommodation in the woods. And I absolutely did not see the twist coming.'

Megan Haslam also praised the winning novel. ‘It was a great honour to judge the Joan Hessayon award this year and the talent was so high. But our winner, The Wedding Hitch by Claire McCauley is the perfect blend of uplifting romance, relatable characters and a beautiful setting. Claire has added her own unique twist to the jilted bride trope and writes with such warmth and wit that she keeps you turning the page, rooting for her heroine until the very end.’

Melissa Oliver, the RNA Joan Hessayon Award organiser (and winner of the award in 2020), commented, ‘The standard of the Joan Hessayon Award was very high this year with six wonderful debuts to choose from. However, our guest judges were unanimous in crowning The Wedding Hitch by Claire McCauley the winner for its fabulous characters, warmth, plot setting and of course the wonderful writing. Well done Claire!’

The award ceremony was held on Saturday 10th August 2024 at Royal Holloway, University of London, as part of the RNA’s annual conference.