If I had to read one CBA romance novel, what novel should it be?
Call this an olive branch, a white flag, a peace accord. Or if you want to be nasty, you can just say I caved.
I recently exchanged emails with a published CBA “inspirational historical romance writer.” She said she had to stop reading my blog because of how hard she felt I was on Christian romance writers.
…we know that we are held up as an object of ridicule in the mainstream literary community, even more so than regular romance. And it’s flat out bigotry from some of them. So, when we start to get it from Christian authors too, it’s kinda like going to the Christian grad seminar and finding out that not all Christians need apply.
I’m not saying that I expect others to say they like historical romance if they don’t. In fact, I don’t personally care for a great deal of the historical romance on the CBA market, and I’m passionate about finding authors who are raising the bar for Christian fiction. But there are ways to say such things that don’t feel hurtful…
This saddens me.
Look, I write supernatural suspense. Sometimes I refer to it as horror. My genre is not nearly as popular in the CBA as is the above author’s. In fact, I am often on the defensive about it. You see, horror writers and the horror genre have been stereotyped in the same way that romance writers have. Christian horror writers maybe even more so! (And in case you hadn’t noticed, most of these are men.)
That said, I have no desire to demean, disparage, or ridicule romance writers. Seriously. Will I continue to be critical of Christian romance? Absolutely. But in case you haven’t noticed, I am critical of a lot of “Christian” things. Point is: I am not really an ogre. I don’t like that the above romance writer is mad at me. I am a lover not a fighter. In fact, I want to include more romance in my novels.
Stop snickering!
Anyway, I wanted to challenge myself and I need you to help me. I have never read a CBA romance novel — historical, contemporary, or otherwise. And I wouldn’t know where to start. This is your chance to give me some advice.
If I had to read one CBA romance novel, what novel should it be?
I realize there are probably many worthy selections. But if you have one, please leave a comment on this post. Tell me what CBA romance novel you think I should read and why you think I should read it. If there is any sort of consensus, or if one of your recommendations just strikes my fancy, I will do two things (1) Read that entire novel, and (2) Post a review on this blog. I promise to be open-minded, fair, and nice.
P.S. — This white flag is intended as a truce, not a target.
I’m sure someone will say Francine Rivers or some other juggernaut. But I just finished reading A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell. It’s historical fiction, takes place in the early 20th century in Boston amid Italian immigrants. There’s talk about class divide, anarchists and the approaching WWI. The romance is not overpowering, but it’s a definite part of the story yet the historical background plays a big role as well. I wouldn’t really call it historical romance though it is, but not like other CBA historical romance where pretty much the only historical aspect is that it’s set in 1800s and people wear long dresses and there’s no electricity but otherwise no history is mentioned.
I’m not a big romance reader at all but Siri Mitchell’s books blends the two elements together perfectly. The romance in this book makes one swoon BUT it’s not unrealistic. There’s no perfect guy or Prince Charming.
Though the cover is pink, so maybe read it on an ereader…
Thanks, Deborah. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Siri Mitchell. However, I think reading a book with a pink cover in public may act as a sort of penance…
yeah pure romance I’d say Kissing Adrian by Siri Mitchell – but it is VERY girly (and completely pink cover) – But it was fabulous for addressing issues of differences between American Christianity and European Christianity, and all kinds of just interesting stuff, without being preachy or whatever – it was just all so well integrated….
Started to try and write more and realized most of my favorite historical fiction (which are all older – haven’t gotten to Siri Mitchell’s yet) are books that may have romance in at least one book in the series, but really wouldn’t be considered romance… (Like Michael Phillip’s Corrie Belle Hollister series, or The Secrets of the Rose series)
Even on the contemporary side, even amongst rather girly books (that I admit aren’t that great, but I read because of my teenage obsession with the author’s books and wanting to find out what happens to her characters because they like all exist in the same “universe”) they’re not mostly romances anymore…
Siri’s Kissing Adrian and her one about the couple that meets at the Air Force academy may be the only pure romance I’ve read recently in any genre, but especially in the Christian field. So unfortunately no recommendations from me.
I thought A Heart Most Worthy fell more into historical women’s fiction than romance, although there were definitely strong romantic storylines. It’s just that the romance didn’t start until around Chapter 11.
Kudos to you Mike for the olive branch. My wife at times ventures to read suspense that I like but I seldom repay the effort by reading her favorites. So here’s one I would suggest: The Fire In Ember by DiAnn Mills. Mills has a pretty wide range of author skills.
I’m not typically an historical romance reader either, but a few years back I discovered a new author I love, Laura Frantz. She’s different from others for a couple of reasons. Her stories are journeys, and she doesn’t follow a set formula. I love that I don’t know where her story will go next. Also, Laura’s prose is rhythmic and colorful. The sound and cadence of her words are just as important as the meaning. But, to warn you, her covers are very girly.
A new writer that appeals to men is Henry McLaughlin. His debut work, Journey to Riverbend, is an historical romance that includes gunfights and bar room brawls. I’d almost consider it a western.
Does it have to be “CBA”? Or can it be Christian without being published by a CBA publisher? If you’ll allow that, I’d recommend “No Other” by Shawna Williams.
I “met” Shawna online through a writers network, and we decided to exchange first chapters of our WIP’s. I was really nervous–I write fantasy and horror and she writes historical romance. Know that at this point we hadn’t become friends, just sort of realized we had a couple things in common. I read her first chapter and begged her to send me more. I do not read romance, or historical, and her work is both. Set in the late 1940’s, post-war, it is realistic, but clearly written from a Christian world-view. The reason it wouldn’t fly in the CBA most likely–the Christians make mistakes, too. Big ones.
Anyway, she’s now published through Desert Breeze, which is a secular publisher that has a Christian line.
Again, I have a close friendship with Shawna now, but that is not why I’m recommending her. I initially became friends with her because we were looking for crit parters and her writing blew me away.
Uh-oh Mike. If you’re giving in, where’s the hope for the rest of us?!
Oh wait, I’ve already caved…
I’m not afraid of reading a romance if it is well-written. It helps me if there’s humor involved. I recently read Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones and it was laugh out loud and a page turner. Boo by Rene Gutteridge is similarly funny yet romantic.
I’ve always meant to read Deeanne Gist. She was the first author picked up through the old faith*in*fiction blog by Dave Long. My wife loves her, but I’ve not taken the time yet to sit down and read hers. Maybe to ease in you could try her book Beguiled, which is co-written with J. Mark Bertrand and is a little more mystery. All of her other books seem to be historical romance down the line though.
Good luck buddy. I’ll be waiting for you on the other side.
Mike, as an author of inspirational historical romance I applaud your willingness to gain an understanding of and appreciation for the genre. I also think it’s neat that you want to include more romance in your stories. Everyone needs love, right? =)
Since you’re a guy, I’m not going to suggest some of the books or authors I would if you were a woman because, quite frankly, I don’t think you’d enjoy them. Instead, I’m going to recommend a WWII inspirational romance by a new author who has a great voice and writes page-turning stories with well-developed characters. A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin is about a bomber pilot and a flight nurse. There’s romance, of course, but there are action-packed scenes that take place aboard a B-17 in the flak-riddled skies over Europe. I read one of them to my husband, and he enjoyed it.
Now, I’m going to turn the table. I’m not a reader of CBA (or ABA) supernatural suspense/horror stories. If I were to read one to get a taste of the genre, which would you suggest?
I’m not Mike, but I read ABA supernatural and horror regularly. (I’m waiting for the ebook version of Mike’s book…)
The best book in that genre–which is oddly, ironically in many ways appropriate for CBA, message wise–is Stephen King’s _The Stand_. Yes, it’s the size of a cannon mortar. But you’ll love it and not want to be parted from the characters when it’s over.
For lighter, smaller ABA I’d recommend Bentley Little as he has good characterisation with his scares.
Within CBA I’d recommend some of Eric Wilson’s later works–The Jerusalem Undead series is pretty good. But I know Eric, so I’m a wee bit biased here.
Based on his blog I suspect Mike’s book is a good example, too. But like I said, I have to wait for the ebook version before I can know for sure.
Not Mike, but like Katherine, I’m a fan of horror/supernatural suspense:
ABA: The Taking by Dean Koontz
CBA: The Oath by Frank Peretti
Keli, one of my favorite CBA supernatural suspense authors is Tosca Lee. Demon: A Memoir is fantastic. Not really horror except in the psychological sense. Hey, thanks for commenting!
I absolutely and whole-heartedly agree with the suggestion of Tosca Lee and Demon. Seriously the best novel I’ve read in years (haven’t read yours yet, Mike. I plan too, though.) I’m really looking forward to her next release, Iscariot.
Thanks, Katharine, Tony, Mike, and Rain, for the suggestions. I think I’ll start with the Tosca Lee’s Demon. Sounds like it would be a good way to dip my literary toes in the supernatural suspense waters.
Mike, I must say this has to be the most eloquently written ‘surrender’ I have read! You are, without doubt, a gentleman! I have no suggestions for you, as far as Christian Romance novels go, as I have been impartial to Johanna Lindsey and her Historical Romance, for a very long time. I also thoroughly enjoy Fern Michaels.
I simply wanted to say, I thought your post here conveyed an inspiring message to everyone who has been misunderstood and wished to respond with tact and respect.
You have certainly earned my respect!
cheers, Amma
Thank you, Amarissa. I appreciate that.
Listen Mike, you earned the praise! No snickers either… I applaud you for admitting you wish to write romance into your work. I am curious to know how you fare in your venture. I absolutely love historical romance, and when I decided to write it into a ‘historical war’ narrative… yikes! It never dawned on me until the story was well-formed in my head, that if I indeed wanted to write about the Trojan War, I would eventually have to kill of one of my main characters! That stinks… I have grown attached to him! Well, you get the idea. There are many people out there who criticise Christian novels.
I look at it like this: Have you read any of those trashy romance novels that run some of the markets? Not what I call talent, per se. It’s like a hockey coach teaching his players to win by high-sticking, or by body-checking; you can win, but don’t really know how to play. Where’s the satisfaction in that? To read a well-written (clean) romance is far more gratifying!
My other favourite books are ‘The Iliad’, ‘The Aeneid’, and yes, ‘The Holy Bible’. And you would be amazed at how all of them, and others, criss-cross somewhere in their texts! There are many stories to be told about life before the common era. I wholly support Christian writers! They’re fabulous!
Enough said. I’m getting long-winded again! (Always)
Keep up the good work, and keep us posted on that new venture of yours.
Cheers, Amma
I find this kind of ridiculous. Several months ago, I went to B&N armed w/ a list of supernatural Christian fiction, and I couldn’t find a single book on my list. What did I find? Historical romance–of one variety, mostly–American/19th C. Don’t get me wrong, there were a few thriller/supernatural books available, but not the ones I wanted. I applaud you for being magnanimous, but it sounds like the historical romance author needs to grow a thicker skin and stop playing the martyr. They get to edge out other types of books AND have the right to complain that non romance writers don’t like it? (As a reader, I’ll read anything, but genre romance isn’t my favorite, and I don’t appreciate its hold on the market.)
And if you want something funny to balance out my automatic negative reaction to your article, read P.G. Wodehouse’s short story, Honeysuckle Cottage. Trust me, read it. Obviously, this fight between male, hard-boiled authors and sweet romance writers is nothing new.
For a lighter one that’s got some humor in it, I loved RObin Lee Hatcher’s Vote of Confidence. Early 1900’s and a woman is running for mayor. Ya gotta love it.
It makes sense to include romance in novels because seeing as its a function of common human relationship. Now the question is: it should be the archetypal romance found in the everyday or the generic (generic in the sense of “relating to a genre”, not in the pejorative sense) romance found in romance novels, with all of its cultural and stylistic trappings?
I’ve never read any romance novels, Christian or not. My current work in progress — sorry…WIP for all you acronym jockeys — involves the former type of romance, between a Christian and (uh oh) an unbeliever; the romance is not the focus but it plays heavily in the rising action.
In my highly amateur opinion, if you’re writing horror but want to include romance, it can’t be heavy handed, generic kind that overshadows the supernatural element. It could be done effectively, but I imagine it would be a hard sell for agents.
You’re writing about missionary dating?!? COOL. I’d love to read that. I am quite fond of the natural tension that arises in that scenario. I have no idea why, as I’ve never actually dated a non-Christian.
I appreciate the enthusiasm, but it’s not missionary dating. She just kind of falls into it (another uh oh, a reactive protag), but the natural tension is there in some form. I don’t think that sort of thing happens without a conflict.
If you want, shoot me an email and I can explain more: jay@jaydinitto.com
“because seeing as its a function”
i kin rite gud
Jay,
I thought you were writing Scottish there for a second 😛
Mike,
C.S Lewis would point you to novels by George MacDonald, and so would I. Pretty chaste stuff by today’s standards, but very good stories. “The Fisherman’s Lady” might be a good place to start.
Dave
Oh, I loved all those MacDonald books done by Michael Philips and Bethany House. Just great.
Well, given that most of them aspire to be Christy, I’d recommend starting there.
I’ll grudgingly recommend any Francine Rivers other than the one about the prostitute that everyone else likes.* That one gets me riled up for a dozen reasons.
My favourite CBA romance of late has been Melody Carlson’s Christmas At Harrington’s. Although it’s quite obviously seasonal.
A non-CBA writer who writes in the CBA style for a mainstream publisher (i.e. wholesome characters, good message, no stopping the story for a three-page Salvation Message) is Sheila Roberts. I especially enjoyed her last non-seasonal book “Small Change”.
As a general rule I find you’ll have better luck if you stay away from anything published as part of a CBA series. The “series” works seem to be weaker and less skilled overall. In fact, I think it is those Series Books that give much of CBA romance a bad name. They are the CBA market equivalent of the Penny Dreadful, written quickly and often poorly in order to cash in on an avid market which is less concerned about quality than it is with having a steady stream of entertainment. I feel great pity for those who labour for years to craft a well-researched and well-written novel only to be out-represented and out-sold by the dross in the “Ladies Of Antiquity Series” types of books.
*Redeeming Love. Couldn’t think of the name at first.
I was not a fan of Redeeming Love, either and I started one more book by Rivers, The Sin Eater, and gave it up half-way. Never tried her again. I’m not sure why. She’s a very skilled writer. I just didn’t like her characters, I guess.
I agree with all the above re: Rivers but just have to add ~ her series “The Mark of the Lion” is fantastic. Truly mesmerizing. I felt like I was watching a rich historical movie while reading all three; her characters are very believable and if you are even a little interested I’d really recommend giving them a try. They are nothing like Redeeming Love or Sin Eater. Here’s a link to the first one in the series:
http://www.amazon.com/Voice-Wind-Mark-Lion/dp/0842377506/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301541179&sr=1-2
Thanks, Rain. I’ll check those out.
I loved Francine Rivers’ “Redeeming Love”, but that’s just me. 🙂
I don’t read much romance, Christian or otherwise. But I’d like to put a plug in for Meg Moseley’s soon to be released (May 3), When Sparrows Fall. I read it twice (in different drafts) before it sold and liked it both times, which says something, I think. I really, really enjoy Meg’s way with turning a phrase and I also think her characters are real and likable and interesting. I have no idea how a man would react to her book, but it’s not just about the romance. It’s about abusive churches and separationist homeschoolers so that might draw you in.
Hey, Mike
Congrats! You are willing to try something that depressingly few individuals will do–read outside a narrowly defined and rigidly defended set of interests.
I’m an omnivorous reader, and over the years have enjoyed great, great books in all genres and categories (literary/commercial; Christian/General Market; Horror/Romance; etc)
Reading widely…really widely…should be automatic for any writer, imo.
Christian Romance: I’ll join Jason and recommend Deeanne Gist. Deeanne’s prose is above average for the genre, she works historical events & details into the story without overkill, and she’s not afraid to bend the rules (her characters act like real people with real faults, so they’re not *always* pleasant to watch or perfect paragons; the story threads don’t always resolve in a fairy-tale ending; and…shhh…they have sexual feelings, an aspect of God’s creation which Deeane does not “look away from” (to quote from one of your recent writings)..though she does handle it with taste and class.)
Some criticize her for these very things…to me, they make her work stand out in a crowded field. A couple favorites from early in her career: A Bride Most Begruding, and The Measure of a Lady.
As a dude, I highly recommend Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion trilogy. First one is called A Voice in the Wind. Starts slow. But oh my goodness….those are some GOOD books!!! I dare you not to like them. 😉
hee hee. Funny post.
I guess I’m sort of writing one now…I guess. Although I have never read any romance novel Christian or otherwise. So, I’d suggest…mine… You just might have to wait…oh, I don’t know…forever? (Who knows. Maybe one day it will get published. 🙂 )
There’s a reason Francine River’s name has come up on this thread over and over again. She is a juggernaut in inspirational romance and Redeeming Love is the gold standard, imo.
Pulling a close second for me is Deeanne Gist’s Measure of a Lady or A Bride Most Begruding.
I read a lotta romance and those three title are my all time favorites.
My main problem with Redeeming Love is that it is supposed to be analagous to Gomer and Hosea.
Yet Rivers repeatedly stresses that her prostitute is hauntingly beautiful.
That kills the whole point of the dual analogy. Hosea married Gomer as a picture of Christ marrying the church. While the church is made lovely by Christ’s sacrifice we are repellent with out it.
Mike, I’m not sure what historical era interests you most but I grew up fascinated with WWII fiction. As a woman who is not a fan of chick flicks and who hasn’t read a “romance” in probably fifteen years ~ preferring psychological thrillers, supernatural topics, and / or suspense in novel and film, I recommend the Zion Covenant series by Brock and Bodie Thoene. You’ll get romance, intrigue, history.
http://www.amazon.com/Vienna-Prelude-Zion-Covenant-Book/dp/1414301073/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301541560&sr=1-1
Hey, I just wanted to thank you all for the wonderful comments! Making a choice will be pretty hard, as you can imagine. Here’s the three novels I’m leaning towards right now, in no particular order: Something by…
Siri Mitchell
Francine Rivers
Deeanne Gist
Those seem to be the three names springing up regularly. I’ll let you know what I decide and, once again, appreciate your responses.
Way to go, Mike! I dare all the guys on the blog to do the same. First, I would recommed, Francine Rivers, Redeeming Love and secondly I would recommend Jillian Kent’s, Secrets of the Heart, The Ravensmoore Chronicles, Book One. Coming out May 3rd baby.
Okay Here’s why. Redeeming Love is a classic and there are not many who can write like Francine. My book shows a glimpse into lunatic asylums in England as well as a great romance. As a counselor I’ve always wanted to explore various aspects of the history of mental health through fiction. This is it!
Okay, I know most people won’t consider my contribution to be a true romance, but I thought the romantic thread through this book was amazing. Tell No One by Harlan Coben. I love when an author can communicate the kind of true love that exists between a husband and a wife and I felt that Coben did just that in this book. (It’s one of my all-time favorites.) Now, most people would consider this a thriller or a suspense novel. It is. But there’s also a layer of romantic love that flows throughout and I actually think a guy might enjoy this book. My husband liked it.
BTW, my book suggestion was from the general market.
Mike, I’m late to the party as usual, since I see in your next post that you already made your selection. Here’s the thing I found most interesting in your post: I have never read a CBA romance novel — historical, contemporary, or otherwise. You are one honest dude, and the email writer shouldn’t be mad at you or stop visiting your blog. But she should, in my opinion, call you on things like this. On what basis have you vociferously oppose the genre in the past since you haven’t read it? It would appear you have done so by hearsay. But who are you listening to and forming your opinion?
And finally, will reading one book in the genre put you in a position to make categorical statements about the entire group?
See, this is the very thing I chafe against when it comes to editors making categorical statements about speculative fiction. Which one represents them all?
Becky
That’s a great question, Becky and, frankly, one I find pretty easy to answer. First, let me say I think it’s a mischaracterization to say I “vociferously oppose the genre” of Romance. I don’t. A world — and a bookstore — without romance would be a boring place. However, I think Christian authors and readers should bring a different set of values and expectations to the subject, just as we should to any genre we write and read in. Much of my objections / criticisms relate to this collision between the Romance genre and Christian culture and values. We should think deeply about this (as we should about the Horror genre, the Sci-fi genre, etc.). In fact, if you peruse my archives, you’ll find plenty of articles on Christianity and Spec-fic, Horror, Sci-fi, etc. So Romance is not the only target of my ongoing over-thinking. But I personally don’t consider myself “vociferously oppose[d] the genre.”
Second, Do you withhold criticism and/or opinion from everything you have NOT seen or read (like R-rated movies, horror novels, chick flicks, Rob Bell’s books, etc.)? Answer: None of us do. Of course, without firsthand knowledge, some of our criticism / opinions may be skewed. But depending upon the info we’ve gathered about said genre, our criticism / opinions might be spot on.
So…
The issue is not whether I’ve read CBA romance novels, as much as Are my criticisms valid? The objection that we can’t criticize or form opinions about things we haven’t seen or read CAN BE a smokescreen. I mean, How many CBA romance novels must one read before they can start leveling “informed” criticism? Five, ten, twenty? And is the same true of horror, steampunk, erotica, vampire lit, urban fantasy, espionage, bio-thrillers, westerns, noir, New Age, etc., etc.? I haven’t read the Twilight series but know enough about it and its fans to be able to make some educated observations. Is this wrong? Some may think so. I don’t.
Much of my critique about Romance comes from what I know it to be. Written by women, for women, dealing with women’s issues, often light, sometimes snarky, occasionally heavy, and frequently containing “relational” elements. Am I wrong? All one needs to do is peruse the covers of the Women’s Fiction aisle to get an idea what they’re aiming for. Could this be stereotyping? Absolutely. Is it always? Not necessarily.
I don’t mind being told where I’m wrong about my observations / criticisms of CBA Romance (as I hope some of my recent posts have shown). However, I think some of the flak I get may be an indication that I’m hitting a nerve.
And, oh, by the way… Since I’m taking the Romance Challenge, maybe you should take the Horror Challenge. I’ve got several novels I can recommend. 😉