Debut author Helen Simonson has won the fifth Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance for her novel Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand. The winning writer, who is published by Bloomsbury, was awarded with the accolade at the prize ceremony at Cafe de Paris in London last night (Tuesday). She beat a shortlist comprising Jane Fallon, Chrissie Manby, David Nobbs, Katie Fforde and Lucy Diamond. The award was founded in memory of the author Melissa Nathan, who drew up the prize’s criteria but died of cancer in 2006.

Simonson said: “Great Britain is blessed with a proud tradition of fine writing in the areas of comedy and romantic fiction…Melissa Nathan knew just how comedy creates connection, and I believe she understood that love requires, if not demands, a sense of humor. May her legacy of warmth and optimism continue to inspire writers everywhere.”

Andrew Cleaves, m.d. of National Express Coaches, who sponsored the awards, said: “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand is just the sort of book to take on a long journey, it’s funny and warm and yet it deals with the big issues of life and love. As with all great novels, I found myself transported and inspired.”

(Taken from the Bookseller.com)

Our congrats go to Helen for winning the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance this year, and I might just have to go out and get myself the book! Commiserations to all the other authors, too, who were also nominated.

• Digg
• Stumble it!
• Reddit

• Melissa Nathan Awards Shortlist
• AW Book News: RITA Award Finalists Announced
• Chick Lit Reviews' Awards 2010!