FIRST NOVEL (60,000-80,000 words)
WINNER:
Daughters of Long Reach, by Irene M. Drago (Maine Authors Publishing)
This historical novel set in Bath explores the loves and relationships of three women. The tome begins with Anna in 2013, goes back to Charlotte in 1860, and weaves Lily’s story in between. Drago paints a realistic picture of the seaside community. Her character portrayals are authentic to the period. The subtle nuances that distinguished small town life and maritime history over the 150-year span was fascinating to read.
Jill E. Bemis, Next Generation Indie Book Awards Judge