A Brecon author who has already won acclaim for her writing is attracting national attention with her debut novel, ‘Time For Tuscany’.

The book has been shortlisted for the 2026 Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers, run by the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA), which recognises outstanding first novels by graduates of the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme. Past graduates of the scheme include Sue Moorcroft, Jessica Redland, Heidi Swain and Katy Summers.

Susie Sharp is a women’s fiction author who writes heart-warming, emotionally layered stories for midlife women navigating change, loss, and second chances. Born in Wales and shaped by years living in Tuscany, her novels are rich with Italian settings, deep friendships, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again. Her stories celebrate women over forty, resilience, and love later in life. When she is not writing, Sharp enjoys gardening, travelling, and spending time with her grandchildren.

She said: “To find myself among such talented writers on this year’s shortlist is a real honour, and I’m hugely grateful to the RNA for the support they give new writers at the very start of their journeys.”

The Joan Hessayon Award (JHA) is for authors whose novels have gone through the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme (NWS) and are subsequently published. Sponsored by the estate of the late Dr David Hessayon OBE in honour of his wife, Joan, who was a longstanding RNA member and NWS supporter, the award showcases the variety of debut novels within the romantic fiction genre. The RNA is grateful to Dr Hessayon’s daughter, Angelina, for her continuing support and sponsorship of the award.

Published by Pink Swan Publishing, Time For Tuscany follows Sara Mortimer, five years on from the heartbreak of losing her young son. With her marriage hanging by a thread, she suggests a summer in Tuscany in the hope that the rolling hills and golden light might bring her husband back. But as he drifts further away, Sara begins to wonder whether she is fighting for her marriage – or for herself. Then she meets Eddie Hunt, a rugged ex-traffic officer carrying grief that mirrors her own. When a long-buried secret comes to light, Sara must decide where her heart truly belongs.

The 2026 judges are RNA Chair Seána Talbot, Emily Glenister of DHH Literary Agency, and bestselling author Carrie Elks. Claire McCauley, the RNA Joan Hessayon Award Coordinator and winner of the award in 2024, said: “The five contenders for the prestigious Joan Hessayon Award in 2026 include, for the first time, both traditionally published and self-published authors, all of whom graduated from the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme with their fantastic debut novels. Congratulations to all of you.”

The JHA winner will be announced at the Romantic Novel of the Year Awards ceremony, held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City, 8–14 Cooper’s Row, London EC3N 2BQ, on Monday, May 18, at 6:30pm.

For the full list of JHA contenders, visit the RNA website: https://romanticnovelistsassociation.org/news/ronas2026-finalists