Romance novels are in the air ...

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, October 2015; written by Tammy Dinsmore

Last Saturday (October 17th) was “Sweetest Day”. This is a day celebrated the third Saturday of October, mainly in the Midwest, but is now starting to spread to other areas of the U.S. I had never heard of it until recently. Sweetest Day was originally intended as a day to remember others less fortunate than ourselves by giving small gifts or candy, to let them know that they are being thought of and that someone cares about them. What a great idea!

Although this isn’t exactly the same as Valentine’s Day, I find it to be similar in many ways, and that got me thinking about love stories. I know, it’s fall and nearly Halloween, but I don’t read or watch the scary stuff. (One Stephen King book in my lifetime was plenty, thank you very much!) I do like a good romance novel every once in a while though, and we have a number of new ones being readied for the shelves right now.

In a story that spans 30 years, “Who do You Love” by Jennifer Weiner, is a story of Rachel and Andy, two people who meet in the emergency room of a hospital when they are only 8 years old. Rachel is recovering from heart surgery and Andy is being treated for a broken arm. They come from different backgrounds-Rachel, one of privilege and Andy’s a bit more humble. Each chapter is told from their individual perspectives. They come and go in each other’s lives throughout the years, and you get to see their growth as individuals over time.

The newest in the Lakeshore Chronicles series by Susan Wiggs is “Starlight on Willow Lake.” Faith McCallum is a recently widowed Licensed Practical Nurse who is having trouble making ends meet. She hires on as a nurse to a wealthy lady, Alice Bellamy, who was in a skiing accident and is now a quadriplegic. Mrs. Bellamy is very cranky and makes Faith’s job more difficult. Faith is also raising two daughters, one of which is a handful. Mason Bellamy is Alice’s son and has been looking after his mother and has hired several caregivers only to have them quit, until he hires Faith. He wants to get back to his life and fiancée in the city, but after Faith arrives, Mason wonders if the city life is really what he wants.

In Irene Hannon’s “Hope Harbor”, Following the deaths of both their spouses, Tracy Campbell and Michael Hunter are in the town of Hope Harbor, Oregon. This is where Tracy grew up, but not where she ever wanted to go back to, but she is needed to help with her family’s cranberry farm. She is not looking for a romantic relationship, but when Michael Hunter is asked to help on a project, there are feelings between the two that neither of them expected so soon. Their faith plays an important roll in the story as well.

These are just a few of the Romance novels that are hitting the shelves this month. Even if love stories aren’t your cup of tea, we have many other things to offer. Come in and browse!