Loving Austen, The First Sweet Romance with Shaleen Kapil

My love affair with romance novels began in 12th grade. Pride and Prejudice was on my summer reading list. I drudged through Paradise Lost and Picture of Dorian Gray. When I came to Pride and Prejudice, I felt its presence on this list had to be an error. This was too light, too happy to be on the school book list. And from there, I fell in love. I fell in love with Jane Austen like so many other women. I read Emma and Sense and Sensibility. I watched the BBC movie versions. By then, it was like a fever, and it has never stopped.

I have read every novel at least twice, including my least favorite, Northanger Abbey. I’ve hunted down all the different versions of the movies. I’ve even read every spin off that I can easily, or not so easily, get my hands on, from Bridget Jones’ Diary (book & movie) to The Lake House (movie) to Austenland (I would probably visit such a park!). My husband sees a period movie and at once assumes it might be another Austen film. He might be right because the sweet romances that she wrote seem at once innocent and filled with deeper, more complex emotions that resonate still. So as I began to write my first novel, it seemed natural to write my own spin-off. And one day soon, my own Austen-like character is going to be ready to make her début.

~*~

While a lover of Jane Austen, Shaleen also enjoys a wide array of book genres but prefers those with a happy ending. She is completing final drafts of her first sweet romance; meanwhile, the characters for her next book are jumping up and down in excitement to make their way to the page. Until her book publishes, you can find her writing about her other love of yoga and health at HaveMatWillTri

WHEN THE IMPOSSIBLE BECOMES POSSIBLE

Has there ever been something you swore you could never, ever do without – and then one day it’s forced on you – and you end up the better for it?

It turns out for me, that one thing is owning a car.

I’ve had a car since I got my driver’s licence decades ago, and the idea of not having one, of being dependent on public transport, of not having that freedom, I mean, how can anyone possibly survive?

Then 18 months ago the car was written off in a crash and – well, I became carless. But I was insured and I would get a replacement, so I wasn’t particularly worried. Then over the next few weeks, as I waited for the insurance company to sort it all out, I discovered I was actually getting by quite well without a vehicle. I was actually saving money. So much so I began to think... maybe I really can get by without a car.

After all, I have a job where I bus to work, and I live near a couple of useful bus routes. I could walk to the supermarket or do an on-line shop, could walk to church, and friends had offered to help me out if needed. My kids didn’t need me running them around anymore. And one of the biggest things – it was forcing me to exercise. I couldn’t just leap in the car and go down the road to the shops. I walked. Getting fit and saving money!

By the time the insurance money arrived, I’d decided: I wasn’t getting a new car. I was going to walk and use the bus.

That was eighteen months ago when it was all sweet and light and new. How has it actually panned out? Actually, it has panned out really well.

Look at all the pros. I don’t have to clean a car anymore (so happy about that!) I save money. I’m fitter - I don’t get nearly as puffed walking up hills. I’d like to say I’ve lost a few pounds but actually, I haven’t. (I’m not sure what that’s all about when you go from pathetic amounts of exercise to several hours a week, and most of it brisk cos I’m running late!) Socially – well, a social butterfly would be in trouble. Most of my “things” are close or bussable or friends offer to pick me up but I figure, going out less is a good thing. More time to write.

In spite of the odd inconvenience, it feels strangely free not having a car. I don’t lose keys. I don’t have to remember to lock it up. Don’t have to worry about it getting damaged or stolen. Don’t have to queue for petrol when I’m badly organized and running late. Don’t have to drive around looking for a park. Don’t have to fork out money for registration and insurance and repairs and petrol. Bliss.

But, yes, there are inconveniences. Having to take the bunny to the vet on the bus was interesting. Bad weather and no coat or umbrella is a pain. Taking the wrong bus and taking twice as long to get home was frustrating. But for the most part – it’s all good.

A few years back, it would have been horrible without a car, and I’ve no doubt at some point – if I changed jobs, for example – I might need one again. But in this case, it has worked out and I’m glad I didn’t just automatically think “got to get new car” but actually gave it a try.

So what about you? Have you ever given up something you swore you would never get by without, and have survived to tell the tale? Or – yikes! – given up something and regretted it?

Joanne Hill got her driver’s licence as soon as she was legally old enough but daren’t admit how many hours she’s wasted over the years looking for lost car keys. Her upcoming sweet romance Return to Frazier Bay will be released early April.

You can find her on Twitter at @joanneauthor or visit the website at www.joannehill.com

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe by Donna Fasano

 Here’s an easy side dish that’s delicious and good for you! It’s low-fat, low-calorie, and tastes SO incredible…you can’t ask for more than that. Use fresh Brussels sprouts for this recipe, not frozen.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

1 ½ pounds of fresh Brussels sprouts
1 teaspoon course salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
a misting of olive oil

Wash and prepare Brussels sprouts; trim off ends, pull off any yellowed or damaged outer leaves, and cut larger sprouts in half. Mist sprouts lightly with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and arrange in a single layer on a roasting pan. Roast in a 400º F (204º C) oven for 20-30 minutes or until sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Shake pan occasionally so sprouts brown evenly. Perfect for the vegans and vegetarians in your life.

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Donna Fasano is a USA TODAY Bestselling author. Visit her on the web at her blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

Romance, Movies and Healing Relationships by Milou Koenings

The End.

We close the book, or swipe off our e-reader app, with a sigh, satisfied that true love has once more prevailed and our hero and heroine will live happily ever after.

But isn’t that just the beginning?

Because, face it, whatever trials, tribulations and challenges our hero and heroine have had to face to get together, they’re all probably going to pale in comparison to those they’ll have to overcome if they’re going to stay together for the long haul.

Getting a relationship started isn’t all that hard. It’s new, fun, exciting and the mere fact that there is still so much to discover about each other holds such hopeful promise.

Sticking it out over decades, through thick and thin, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health … well, that’s not always so easy. Our hero and heroine usually need a little help.

There’s no end to the number of books on improving relationships. When that’s not enough, it’s time for therapy. But seriously? Couples’ counselling is no fun. I mean, how romantic is it to sit there picking apart your failings and worst qualities in front of two other people, one your partner and the other a complete stranger? Or even worse, pick away at your partner’s failings? (Well, decide for yourself which you think is worst!)

How lovey-dovey are you likely to feel when you leave that session?

I’m not saying it doesn’t work, just ... wouldn’t it be nice if there were a more pleasant way?

According to researchers at the University of Rochester, there is and this one doesn’t involve dissecting your points of contention and working out the negatives. Nope. It calls for popcorn and a blanket.

Their study compared different kinds of early marriage intervention programs. They compared the effectiveness of three different therapies. The first two groups were led by therapists, who teach couples either how to navigate the difficulties in their relationship, or relationship skills that focus on positive acceptance. Over three years, the couples in these groups doubled their chances of sticking together.

What surprised everyone was that the third group did just as well. What did they have to do? Watch romantic movies! Now isn’t that way more fun and … well … romantic? It isn’t that strange of an idea either - award-wining romance novelist Christine Bush, who is also a Family and Marriage Therapist, recently wrote on this blog that she sometimes recommends reading a romance novel as therapy for her clients. (And to prove Christine right, just watch The Jane Austen Book Club!)

The couples in the University of Rochester study were sent home with a long list of romantic comedies. They had to watch one a week together, and then spend thirty to forty-five minutes discussing twelve questions about the movie.

Imagine our hero and heroine having a date night once a week, snuggled under a blanket, hot chocolate and popcorn at hand, watching a romantic movie. Doesn’t just the idea of it make you feel all warm and cuddly? And then imagine them spending time talking together - no cable news, no reality TV, no phones … really talking, in the privacy of their own home, no strangers around.

Golly - no wonder those relationships flourished!

Here are the list of movies and the twelve discussion questions used in the University of Rochester study. Now go get that popcorn ready.

Here’s to happy ever after beginnings!

~*~

Milou Koenings writes romance because, like chocolate, stories with a happy ending bring more joy into the world and so make it a better place.
Her new release, Reclaiming Home, A Green Pines Romance, is available at Amazon and Kobo. You can find her on her website, www.miloukoenings.com, on Facebook, Goodreads or Twitter.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Word by Merrillee Whren

We've all heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words." When it comes to book covers the saying is so true. Book covers are an important part of the package that makes a book. It is especially important for a physical book. An attractive cover will make someone stop and pick up the book to see what it's about. A book cover can give a potential reader the mood of the story or a glimpse of the characters or the setting. A good deal of thought goes into book covers. Authors give input with descriptions of characters and settings and with pictures. I have saved a lot of pictures I have cut out of magazines that I use to show what my characters look like. Here are two pictures I used for my book, Montana Match.

This one is my hero.

 This one is my heroine.

Here is the book cover. 

I think they did a fabulous job depicting the hero and heroine. For my latest book, A Place to Call Home, I wanted a cover that would represent the title. What says home more than a front porch with a rocking chair?

Do you like a cover with pictures of the characters, or do you prefer a cover that depicts the setting?

Merrillee Whren is an award-winning author who writes inspirational romance. She is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award for best inspirational romance manuscript presented by Romance Writers of America. She has also been the recipient of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. Please visit her website or connect with her on Facebook.

Her latest release is A Place to Call Home.

Sweet Deals! By Sweet Romance Reads

Everybody loves a sale, or that heady feeling of being first in line to grab something new. That’s why Sweet Romance Reads has decided to start offering Sweet Deals to our followers. Look for specials to be posted each Thursday.

What constitutes a Sweet Deal? New Releases by our fab authors, author contests and giveaways, discounted books and freebies! Is your mouth watering already? Come on over a grab a bite! We plan to keep the menu full with lots goodies for you in the future.

Everyone loves a great deal, and there’s no sweeter deal than one featuring an awesome sweet romance! We hope you’ll enjoy sampling them all.

Find our Sweet Deals posted weekly on Facebook.

Do You Like a Hero or Heroine with a.....? by Lyn Cote

Pet? 
I love animals and unfortunately we just lost our eldest cat Mutzie in January. He would have been 18 this year. We inherited Mutzie when my mother in law passed away in 2009. The name Mutzie is “Kitty” in Slovenian. My dh’s grandmother immigrated from that area in 1913, a good year to leave middle Europe (WWI broke out in nearby Serbia with the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand.)

It’s hard to say good bye to our little furry friends. And even a strong woman cries over loss--even the loss of a cat who greeted her every morning with loud cries for BREAKFAST. (He was my only talking cat. :-)) He also created a game in the evenings where he would wait in front of my chair and leap in it just before I’d get close enough to sit down. HILARIOUS.

Mutzie was only with us for just over four years but he brought us many laughs. I often say to my dh--”What would we laugh about if we didn’t have our cats?”

So do you like it when the hero or heroine in a romance you're reading to has a pet?

When I think back over my Wilderness Brides series, my first hero Noah takes in a stray pregnant dog who has three pups and the last heroine of the series Rachel takes in a stray cat she names Mrs. Cat.

My book with the most animal characters was Daddy in the Making where my heroine adopted two stray kittens. The hero was a vet and his basset hound served as the matchmaker of the romance!

          (This is a photo of Mutzie giving us THE LOOK.)

So, I repeat, do you like it when the hero or heroine in a romance you're reading to has a pet? What was your favorite pet in a story?--Please share!

PS: Want to see another author's cat? Drop by the Pink Heart Society

 Here's the cover of the final book in my Wilderness Brides series. Unfortunately they didn't add Mrs. Cat to the cover--a big mistake IMHO!