Hello, Reader Friends
Merri, why do you love writing about love?
This week’s post was prompted by a discussion with my close friend Desiree. Thanks to her suggestion, I’ll share a different glimpse of the other side of the computer.
It starts with a question: Of all the genres, why romance?
I’ll answer the question and share four sweet romance reads that have held my heart long after the last page has been turned.
The Magic of Love Stories
For me, love is a language that we need to practice. Writing about love is like drawing a picture with human emotion – vibrant, complicated, and beautiful. Every love story I write is a journey of discovery. While exploring the possibilities of love, my characters learn to love themselves. It’s this exploration of connection, vulnerability, and joy that draws me to the genre. I’ll also confess that I’ve learned a lesson or two or thirty by growing with my characters.
Characters and Their World
Romance novels allow us to explore the beauty of relationships – Like in life, the characters I write juggle hesitations, hopes, fears, and triumphs. When I write, I admire the courage it takes to be vulnerable, to open one’s heart to another person. And let’s not forget the delightful banter, and those moments of tender sweetness that make our hearts flutter.
The Promise of Hope
In a world often clouded by uncertainty, romance novels offer a beacon of hope. They remind us that no matter the trials and tribulations, love has the power to triumph. Each happy ending renews our faith in the possibility of joy and the strength of the human heart.
My 2023 Favorite Romance Reads
And now, here are some romance novels that have lingered in my heart long after the last page:
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: A timeless classic that perfectly captures the complexities of love, society, and the human spirit. I try to reread this every year
2. The Lady’s Room by Carolyn Brown: This is a great story about a woman who finds herself and true love when she loses the weight of expectations others have placed upon her. This is another one of my reread stories.
3. Straw and Diamonds by Elana Johnson: A billionaire and an entrepreneur struggling to make ends meet come together and prove that love can make their world a better place. Can we say swoon?
4. Mavis’s Forever Christmas by Lyn Cote: A later-in-life romance is sparked when Mavis adopts a dog.
5. It Started In the Chatroom by Jessie Marie: A Cinderella story and tech. It’s my two favorite things brought together for a different but sweet happily ever after.
Your Favorite Love Stories
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite romance novels? Which stories have captured your heart and why? Let’s share our love for ‘love’ in the comments below.
In closing, whether you’re a die-hard romantic or simply enjoy the occasional foray into the world of love stories, remember that each romance novel is a celebration of the heart’s capacity to love and be loved.
I’m closing here with wishes of a 2024 filled with sweet moments, real and in stories.
Merri 🌟📚💖
p.s. I’ve given my bestie Desiree permission to occasionally share a blog. You’ll know by the byline. Make sure to give her a comment so she knows that you like what she’s written.