Fall in love with romance fiction 

According to the Romance Writers of America, two key features distinguish the genre of romance fiction: a central love story and a happy ending. However the genre includes a great diversity within this restriction. Romance fiction includes love stories of all sorts — historical, contemporary, fantasy, inspirational and suspenseful — in a variety of settings with plot twists and appealing characters.

While true fans of romance fiction will recognize many of the authors, such as Linda Howard, Judith McNaught, Julie Garwood, Jennifer Crusie and Stephanie Laurens, some might not think of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander as romance fiction but it does meet the criteria, with the added bonus of time travel. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, a wonderful novel of drama and suspense also includes a poignant love story.

Jane Austen is often credited as being the originator and indeed the epitome of the romance fiction genre and her books are still widely read today. In fact, they have inspired fan clubs, movies and further fiction.

The Bracebridge Public Library has an extensive collection of romance fiction easily searched by author, title and subject or genre. If you search the catalogue by the phrase “love stories” you will find a list of well over 700 titles. Searching “romantic suspense” lists 246 titles. Included are heartwarming stories of romance from medieval times to modern day, some chaste and gentle, others hot and spicy.

A quick look at the New Book shelf reveals an assortment: Catch of The Day by Kristan Higgins, Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde, Beyond Seduction by Stephanie Laurens, The Courtesan’s Daughter by Claudia Dain, To Scotland With Love by Karen Hawkins and The Sooner the Better by Lynda Page.

The American Library Association has recently named Natural Born Charmer, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, the 2007 Outstanding Title in Romance Genre. This title and others by Phillips are available at the library.

For those who want to find out more about romance fiction, may we suggest a couple of websites to visit? The Romance Writers of America website www.rwanational.org provides excellent coverage of the genre, sub-genres and authors. All About Romance www.likesbooks.com includes interviews with authors, book reviews by readers, lists of favourites and articles about the genre.

Indulge your romantic side this week by reading a story of true love that lives happily ever after.