Leigh Michaels received the Johnson Brigham Award presented by the Iowa Library Association to an Iowa author for outstanding contributions to American literature.

The Johnson Brigham Plaque is awarded periodically by the Iowa Library Association to “the Iowa author for the most outstanding contribution to literature.” The award was named for its first recipient, Iowa state librarian Johnson Brigham, and is a bronze plaque more than eight inches in diameter, designed under the guidance of Iowa artist Grant Wood. Previous recipients of the Johnson Brigham Plaque include Ruth Suckow (1935), McKinlay Kantor (1936), Paul Engle (1940), William L. Shirer (1945), Bess Streeter Aldrich (1949), Wallace Stegner (1962), R. V. Cassill ( 1968), Julie McDonald (1983), Jane Smiley (1991), Robert James Waller (1994), and Max Allan Collins (2001).
Six of Leigh’s books have been finalists for Best Traditional Romance novel in the RITA contest sponsored by Romance Writers of America.
She has received two Reviewer’s Choice awards from Romantic Times (RT Book Reviews).
Praise for The Mistress’ House
“A work of art…Deliciously decadent from start to finish.”- Seriously Reviewed
“Deft storytelling, abundant humor… and tenderness in all the right places.”- Linda Banche Romance Author
“Full of love, scandal, and mystery… readers will be captivated by Leigh Michaels’ sophisticated style and immense knowledge of Regency England.”- Debbie’s Book Bag
“A book you will want to share with everyone you know.”- Passionate Historical Romance