The Shorthand of Love by Sierra Donovan

After 20 years of marriage, do my husband and I finish each other's sentences? Well, not that I've noticed. But over the years, we've definitely developed a vocabulary that makes sense to very few other people.


For instance, we watch so many versions of "A Christmas Carol" together each year that it's scary. It could be July, and I might toss out a quote like "I'm beginning to think you've gone through life with your eyes closed." He'll immediately know, not just what I'm quoting, but which version of the film. (Answer: 1984, starring George C. Scott.)


My husband might give me "the Fluke look" when I suggest something he finds ... questionable. Years ago, we were picking out a movie when we didn't know a lot about the choices at the theater. I suggested "Fluke," about a man who's reincarnated as a dog. He was dubious, but we went with it. Two hours later, he was still dubious, and he's kidded me about it ever since. Obviously, I can't replicate the expression here on the blog ... but you'd know it if you saw it.


Sometimes we call an expense "the best hot water we've ever had." A while back, we had to replace our water heater, to the tune of about $2000. We groaned because it's not even like needing to buy a new car or a new refrigerator, where at least you can see the difference. Now it's turned into a wry joke we make whenever we have to spend money on something that's absolutely necessary, but doesn't make a noticeable difference in our lives.


And on and on, most of them with background stories that take a long time to explain. But even with an explanation, it's not the same. Because you had to be there. And I'm so glad both of us were. (Hey, it beats facing a broken water heater alone.)


Movie lines, song lyrics, funny or embarrassing moments ... it's all part of the vocabulary we've built up through the two decades of our marriage.


I write -- and read -- romance novels because the discovery of new love is fun and exciting. Stories on the printed page let us experience that discovery again and again. But for my money, nothing beats a love that's been around the block. As the years go by, we gain more and more shared history. And with it, we build a deeper and richer relationship.


It's one of the major rewards of a long, loving marriage ... and it's one I wish for the couples in every romance as they head down the road toward their happily-ever-after.

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Sierra Donovan is a wife, a mother of two and a writer, though not always in that order. Her job and greatest joy is helping people find true love on the printed page. She's a firm believer in old movies, Christmas, chocolate fudge and happy endings. To find out more, feel free to drop by her website.

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Sierra is the author of Meg's Confession and Love on the Air, which was a Holt Medallion finalist. Her next novel, No Christmas Like the Present, is due out in October from Kensington Books. Her books are available at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

“Sweet Romance Novels”, and the Smart Men Who Learn to Appreciate Them by Christine Bush

 When we think of Sweet Romance novels, we usually think of our readers as the feminine gender.  Women and romance stories go together.  Basically this is true.  The demographics of our readers show a much higher percentage of female readers than male.  Of course, there are a few writers of books who   crossover genre lines (mostly in romantic suspense, a few paranormal) and have garnered a nice percentage of readers from both genders.  

But among our sweet romance readers, we do find some males who are buying and enjoying our books. I consider them very smart guys.

One of the hats I wear in life, when I am not writing, is working as a Marriage and Family Therapist.  In this role, I hear a lot of stories of what works and what doesn’t work in today’s relationships. I hear how things can fall apart, but have witnessed the joy of healing, growth and new understanding and respect in couplehood in many instances. In my role as a therapist, I use many different  therapies and approaches when working with people.

One of the things that can break down a relationship is simple misunderstanding, or miscommunication. This seems to be sometimes fueled by  the differences in how men and woman approach love and relationship.  I’ve heard so many frustrated men exclaim, “I just don’t understand how she thinks. I can’t understand what she wants!”  

There are two suggestions I have dared to make in these cases.  One is to read Chapman’s book called “The Five Love Languages”, which is the most clear and insightful explanation of how we can each express and/or have differing measures of love.  Powerful.

The second idea is a bit more unusual. I have occasionally suggested reading a particular romance novel.  Often it’s a favorite of his wife/girlfriend.  This works because if she has a favorite hero type, it’s easy to see. But more importantly, a well crafted romance today is a direct line into the workings of a modern day woman’s brain and heart. Think about it. These books that steal our hearts, also explain our hearts. And  a fictional novel can do this in non confrontational way, if the man dares to do his homework and read.   This may not make sense to someone who has not explored the character deep/ real life conflict nature of a well written book.  But it works.

I focus on sweet stories, because those stories focus on feelings.  I’m not talking about the purely sexual side of a relationship.  That’s another issue. I’m talking about the expectations, the emotional needs, the communication side of a relationship. Our books emphasize those issues.

But sometimes (imagine this!) she hasn’t read romance novels in the past.  So reading one, like it or not, can be a great conversation starter for both parties.  It’s amazing how successful it can be to get couple’s communicating. Talking openly about love and needs and conflict and frustration and sensuality after reading one together can be as empowering as a weekend getaway. Romance is fun.

Sometimes men are threatened that they can’t “compete” with these alpha heroes on the page. When they read one who shows the hero as human, learning as he goes, if often turns out to be a good thing.  For a man who is clueless how to romance his wife, it can be a great example of how to relate to the ‘romance needs’  and imagination of their real life woman.

Though I don’t think that men will ever be our main readers, the ones who dare to open the cover can find a lot of insight into how we think.  Have a favorite and powerful romance story?  Read it with your guy. And tell him why.

~*~

Christine Bush is the award winning author of many books and novellas of sweet romance and light mystery. When she isn’t writing, she can be found working with clients as a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, or teaching Psychology at a local college.  She lives with her family and two crazy cats in northeastern Pennsylvania, and loves to hear from readers and aspiring writers.

www.ChristineBush.com

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A blast from the past....by Roxanne Rustand

This winter has gone on...and on...and on. I love snow.  I really do!  But it's been a number of years since we've had such a snowy, bitterly cold winter in Iowa.  None of the 12-14" blizzards (yet)  but  lots of significant snowfalls that just keep coming, like the Energizer Bunny.  Reminiscent of the pre-climate change days of growing up in Minnesota, in fact.  Which has been making me a tad nostalgic.

So much so, that my daughter and I went off to a consignment store, found some old fondue sets for a few dollars, and then we had a fondue  supper over the weekend.  Any of you remember those days, when a bride got duplicates of fondue sets?  I remember my mom putting on some fondue dinner parties when I was young, but I'd forgotten how fun it was.  Labor intensive too, though!  On Friday night, we had chicken, steak cubes, and meatballs to cook on those little forks;  a pot of hot cheese sauce for broccoli, cauliflower and bread cubes;  and  chocolate fondue for fresh fruit and angel food cake cubes.  It was fun, sitting around the table,  eating much slower, talking a lot more.

And nostalgia has now had me pulling some favorite old novels off my shelves.  Do you remember the first romance novel you ever read?  The one that first captivated your heart and made you eager to find more, and more of such wonderful books? I'd never read a romance until my friend Judy handed me an old Judith McNaught novel and dared me to put it down.  I laughed...and then started to read.  At 4 am the next morning I hit The End and wanted nothing more than to start it all over again.  I'd never read anything that touched on the core of a woman's emotion like that book.  It was One & Always...and then I rapidly read every historical romance I could find.  And when McNaught wrote Paradise (be still my heart!)  I read that twice and then fell in love with contemporary romance.  It is still on my keeper shelf, and I must have read it five times by now.  What are your all-time keeper novels?  The ones that made you a devoted romance reader?

My avid reading evolved into writing, and now here I am, twenty years later, with thirty published novels under my belt and dreams of writing (and reading!) many more. I evolved from secular into inspirational and sweet romance, and couldn't be happier about writing what I love to read, 

Nostalgia--and a longing for summer--still has me in its grip as I write this post.  With predictions of ice and five more inches of snow, we're having family over for dinner tonight: a summer sort of meal, with fried chicken and all the fixin's,  fresh fruit salad, and homemade ice cream. I'd love to invite you all over...but since that's not possible, I'd love for us to talk about our favorite books--the ones on our keeper shelf, that drew us into the world of romance fiction and really touched our hearts.

Roxanne has sold thirty novels, and  writes inspirational romantic suspense, inspirational romance, and sweet romance.  She lives in the country with her family, and a menagerie of pets that frequently find their way into her books. Her blog, at www.roxannerustand.com, features authors and readers blogging about their pets...and books, of course!  Animal lovers may also enjoy stopping by www.facebook.com/roxanne.rustand  or  www.facebook.com/roxanne.rustand.author 

Her newest releases are available on Amazon:  COMEBACK COWBOY and SUMMER AT BRIAR LAKE

The Lost Art of Letter Writing by Kate Hewitt

Recently I cleaned out my desk (in preparation for moving to my first own study, but that’s a whole other topic!) and discovered letters my husband wrote me when we were dating. Lots of letters, with lots of pages, because (and I am revealing my age here, I know) this was before texting, emailing, or any online communication or presence at all. 

Rereading my husband’s letters reminded me of how I used to write letters too. Not just to my husband, but to friends during summer breaks from college, my parents when I was in school, and friends I made when I traveled through Europe. So many letters, but back then there simply wasn’t any other way of keeping in touch.

I lamented to my emailing and texting children that we have lost the ability to write letters, and how sad I think that is, and got the expected eye-roll in response. But upon reflection, we’ve been losing the art of letter writing for centuries. Read a letter written a generation or two ago, and they are far more eloquent than the bits of news and trivia I wrote in my letters!

My historical romance, Far Horizons, is based on letters my ancestors wrote in the early 1800s, which have been passed down through my family. My great-great-great Uncle Allan emigrated from Scotland to Canada in 1819, and wrote to his fiancée Harriet for seven years before he was able to return for her. The language and emotion expressed in these letters is, I think, both heart-wrenching and lovely. This is from Allan to Harriet:

How can I express the consternation of my heart, or account for the long and cruel silence on your part? This is the fifteenth letter I have written you since, but I am afraid they never got your length, or you would not be so long in writing me. I know you too well to imagine you capable of any change or caprice towards me, and I hope you know me too well to expect any change on my side...

The imagined reason for Harriet’s silence is what inspired Far Horizons, and I loved incorporating the letters that have been passed down through my family into the story.

Rereading my husband’s letters to me made me resolve to write more real (ie, on paper!) letters, although I’m afraid I’ve only managed one so far. My hand cramps from writing now, because I’m not used to it! How sad is that?!

Letters aside, there are many benefits to the new, technological ways we have to communicate. Having moved to England from America, I am thrilled to use email, Skype, Facebook, and other social media to keep in touch with family--but I think I will always miss the poignant beauty of a handwritten letter! What about you? Is there anything you miss in this brave, new digital age?

 Kate Hewitt is the USA Today bestselling author of over 30 novels for Harlequin, Carina Press, and Lion Fiction, as well as several titles she has published independently. She lives in the Lake District in England with her husband, children, and a Golden Retriever. You can find more about her and her books at kate-hewitt.com

Far Horizons is available FREE as an ebook through all retailers:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, and Sony.

Remembering Oldies with Mona Risk

Valentine Day is a great time to remember the romantic movies we loved, or hum some heart-melting songs. Today I kept thinking about my mother's favorite shows. We used to watch them daily when she lived in her small apartment in assisted living.

We started the morning with NBC TODAY show with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. Mom would comment on their beautiful dresses more than she paid attention to what they said. Later we switched to "Who wants to be a millionaire?" with Meredith and Regis, and we'd try to answer the questions.

During Mom's lunchtime, we watched reruns of her favorite comedy shows.

Here is a trivia game to play for the chance to win my Valentine Babies.

Can you remember what year these shows started? If you're too young to know, take a wild guess. Choose one of the years below.

• All in the Family, with the loveable but racist Archie Bunker, George Jefferson and long-suffering Edith: 1966; 1971; 1973; 1982
• Bewitched, the lovely witch Samantha who twitches her nose to cast a spell: 1960; 1964; 1974; 1984
• The Golden Girls with the delightful Dorothy, Blanche and Rose: 1978; 1985; 1992; 2000
• Everybody Loves Raymond with Raymond, his wife Debra, brother Robert, and his Italian-American parents, manipulative Marie and obnoxious Frank: 1968; 1986; 1996; 2005

So go ahead, give me your answers to win a copy of Valentine Babies.

VALENTINE BABIES is a heartwarming story that will take you from the heart of Kentucky to South Florida and Atlanta, and then to Iraq and Germany.

Fearless reporter, Roxanne Ramsay, doesn't think twice before traveling for important assignments, even in a war zone--until her last trip leads her to a life-altering mistake.

At his best friends' wedding, Dr. Greg Hayes, who has a serious phobia of planes, can't take his eyes off the lovely maid of honor. But why is Roxanne blinking away tears? Getting involved with the strong-headed and too generous reporter involves more complications than the bright doctor has ever faced in the OR. Yet what wouldn't he do to save the love of his life and her baby?

~*~

Mona traveled to more than fifty countries on business or vacation. Eventually she left a scientific career to share with readers the many stories brewing in her head. She writes contemporary romances, sweet or not so sweet, with suspense elements or medical themes. Sprinkled with a good dose of humor, her stories are set in the fascinating places she visited, from exotic Belarus, and historical France, to the beaches of Greece, the monuments of Egypt and the mysterious Islands of Seychelles--or more simply in Ohio, Florida, Boston and Washington, DC. Her titles garnered many awards. A winner of Best Romance Novel at Preditors & Editors, Best Contemporary Romance at Readers Favorite, Epic Award Finalist, first-place wins in Enchanted Quill, Launching a Star, and Wallflower. Find Mona on Facebook, or Twitter, or visit her website.

~*~

Mona’s latest releases are boxed sets for Christmas and Holidays all available at Amazon, KDP:
DOCTOR’S ORDERS Box Set: 3 romance novels, with emotion and humor. Christmas at the beach, on a cruise, or in Russia.
HOLIDAY BABIES SERIES: 3 bestsellers novels, about Christmas and holidays, with twin babies and humor.
FOREIGN LOVERS: a different genre of contemporary novels with sizzling romance, sensual tension, and suspense in international settings.

Happy Valentine's Day from the Sweet Romance Reads Authors!

Ah, the movies. Romantic comedies, great drama, teen flicks and the classics! What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than for our authors to share their favourite movie couples - and why they've touched our hearts. So without further ado, in honour of this most romantic day of the year, Sweet Romance Reads presents... our favourite romantic movie couples.

Donna Fasano, author of The Single Daddy Club: Derrick Duke (James Garner) and Allie (Gina Rowlands) in The Notebook. They're my favorite couple because I love Duke's dedication to Allie. He's a wonderful example of "in sickness and in health."

Magdalena Scott, author of Midnight in Legend, TN. My movie is from 1953 - ROMAN HOLIDAY with Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann, who is visiting Rome on a European tour, and Gregory Peck as an expat American reporter working in Rome. She is young and innocent, he's been around the block. I love how their relationship changes both of them. But each time I watch it, I mentally rewrite the ending to make it a "happily ever after." Maybe that's one of the reasons I write Romance!

Shaleen Kapil, whose upcoming debut is a contemporary update of Jane Austen's Persuasion. Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in "An Affair to Remember." The last scene when he starts to put everything together and looks for the painting is always heart-wrenching. Then he finds the painting, and you can see the transformation in his face.

Joanne Hill, author of Falling for Jack. It's a sentimental movie from my teens that I still love - Molly Ringwald and Michael Schoeffling as geeky Samantha and cool guy Jake in Sixteen Candles. The last scene where she's standing in the church doorway after her sister's wedding, and he waves at her, and she looks around to see who he's waving at, and says "Me?" and he says, "Yeah, you." Just gorgeous.

Margaret Daley, author of Love Gone To The Dogs Sean Connery and Lorraine Bracco in Medicine Man about two stubborn, brillant doctors that clash and fall in love in the middle of the Amazon jungle. The scene I loved was when they were walking above the trees by a system of ropes looking for a cure for cancer. Action packed combined with a romance—my kind of story.

Patricia Forsythe (aka Patricia Knoll), author of Here To Stay I'm a sucker for musicals. My favorite movie couple is Professor Harold Hill and Marian Paroo from 'The Music Man'. I love the way her love changed him from a man who worked his con on unsuspecting citizens and got the last train out of town to a man who 'got his foot caught in the door'. I also love the way he changed her idea of who the perfect man for her could be. And I know all the lyrics to all the songs!

Melinda Curtis, author of Summer Kisses Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, Pride & Prejudice. I go against the grain and prefer the movie over the PBS special, because it hits all the emotional high points succinctly.

Helen Scott Taylor, author of The Army Doctor's Valentine's Baby My favorite movie couple are Johnny (Patrick Swayze) and Francis (Jennifer Grey) from Dirty Dancing. I love that the ordinary girl gets the cool guy.

Sierra Donovan, author of Meg's Confession Rick and Ilsa from Casablanca. SPOILER ALERT: No, it's not a traditional HEA, but they get back the love they lost and become better people who put their personal hurts aside for the greater good. Chokes me up every time. And yes, they WILL always have Paris.

Milou Koenings, author of Reclaiming Home Rose Sayer and Charlie Allnut, aka Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart in the African Queen. Their differences lead to conflicts, but by working together they each bring out the best in each other and become more likeable people. Despite their arguments, they have such respect for each other and are aware of the other's kindness and strengths. And even though they face tremendous challenges just saving their own lives and could easily have focused on that alone, they come together over a common goal that is bigger than themselves.

Aileen Fish, author of Cowboy Cupid Emma and Murphy from Murphy’s Romance. SPOILER: At the end, after Emma declares she’s in love for the first time, Murphy, who is “somewhat” older, says, “And I’m in love for the last time.” That line gets me – such a declaration of eternal love.

What if Mr. Wonderful gets it all wrong? by Beate Boeker

Well, our Valentine party is over (sniff), but it was short and intense, and it rained free e-books and prizes and gifts - I'm sure I'm not the only one who felt like I was twirling in an e-book shower!

We had so much fun with all of the games, but one post was even better than all the others, and when I couldn't help chuckling, I decided to repeat it here. This is it:

"We all dream of romantic marriage proposals, flowers, dinner, your own hero going down on one knee and offering a huge diamond. But what if Mr. Wonderful gets it all wrong? What is the worst marriage proposal you can imagine? A $5 Amazon Gift Card for the most imaginative answer."

And boy, did we get answers! I hope that a few men find their way to this blog, just to learn what NOT to do when proposing. Here we go, a free lesson for guys who don't want to get it wrong:

First, don't mention any monetary background. It absolutely kills the romance. Would be even better if you didn't think about it.

Second, avoid new media. Texting, messaging, via Facebook - whatever. Yes, you may be the latest technology wizard and you may have really funky gadgets, but forget about that when proposing. You're dead if you propose in any other way but personally.

Then, make sure you don't address her with a wrong name (no, really!) and make sure you ASK and don't just assume that she'll prepare the wedding without being asked first!

Next, make sure you create a full sentence. "You wanna?" is kind of off-putting, to put it bluntly. Would be nice if you added some background here.

Also, proposing in public - and while singing - may make some ladies swoon, but as far as I know, the majority of girls prefer a secluded, romantic spot with just the two of you. Because remember - she may not want to say yes, but she's a kind girl who may not want to embarrass you in public - and you don't want a fiancée who said "yes" out of compassion.

And finally, here's my personal favorite, an absolute no-go: Don't ask your mother to propose for you. It kind of sends the wrong message, you know?

However, in another post, we discussed the perfect setting for a proposal, and many of us girls liked the sea - preferably at sunset (hint, hint). So, good luck with that proposal and if you want to read more, check out our Facebook page and read up on all the free information on convincing the lady of your heart that you're the right guy! https://www.facebook.com/SweetRomanceReads

Have you read any proposals in books that went wrong, or saw something on the news that made you shudder for the poor girl? Or, heaven forbid, have you been proposed to in a less-than-memorable way?