SAVOR THE FLAVOR OF ROMANCE

Since we're celebrating Romance Awareness Month, I thought I'd write about one of my favorite topics: Romance novels. They are as varied and textured as the food we eat. Some are more wholesome while others contain a spiciness that may or may not agree with readers. Still others might be “too mushy” for some – and then there are those novels which are so addictive that, like potato chips, you can’t consume just one.

The inspirational historical romance, then, might be compared to a fruit smoothie that’s served in a lovely, long-stemmed glass. It’s refreshing and sweet, but sometimes tart too. It’s good for the body and soul, and very classy. There are no additives so sensitive readers can enjoy it. And it comes in many different flavors (a.k.a. time periods).

For instance my novel Unwilling Warrior (Realms/Charisma House) takes place during the Civil War. This part of history has often been romanticized in sagas such as Gone With The Wind and I have to admit to watching the movie at least twenty-five times. I’ve always been intrigued with the American South’s antebellum period. While I’m aware of the inaccuracies within the Hollywood adaptation of Margaret Mitchell’s novel, I’m enthralled with the era all the same. The beautiful flared, silk gowns, the majestic plantation homes, and the gallantry of handsome beaus beneath towering oaks are the perfect ingredients for any sweet historical novel -- maybe even the chocolate-raspberry smoothie of them all! 

My latest novel, Undaunted Faith, takes place in the Arizona Territory. Gotta love that rugged Old West – even though I would never survived it. Sand, spiders, and snakes...OH, MY!! And the flavor...hot, spicy, and sure to get my GERD all worked up. Nevertheless, I loved the movie True Grit (the version with Glen Campbell is my favorite).

As for reading, one of my favorite stories is The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander -- an RWA RITA winner. I also enjoyed (and endorsed) Miralee Ferrell's latest book, Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming.  (Click on that book title and read my interview with Miralee!)

So what kind of romance novels do you like reading? Do you have a special "flavor" you enjoy the most?

A NEW ROSE OF PROSE

I feel privileged to be blogging with so many talented authors! And, since this is my first time blogging with Roses of Prose, I thought I’d introduce myself.

I’m Andrea Boeshaar, a mom who is proud of her three grown sons and a “grammy” of 4 precious grandchildren. Family is very important to me. I’m also a published author of fiction and nonfiction, a public speaker, and a certified Christian life coach. I am a firm believer that good decisions lead to happy endings. In a world filled with wounded hearts and broken lives, it's comforting to know there is hope -- and it's only a decision away.

You can find out more about me by logging onto my web site at: www.andreaboeshaar.com

I enjoy everything writerly – in fact, that’s the name of my personal blog: . Everything Writerly In it, I discuss the writing life, the publishing industry, my books, and I have guest interviews now and again, so be sure to follow me.

I’ve been writing since 1984 – that’s the year I received my first rejection letter. That made me a real writer! I kept trying and finally my first book was published in 1994. Since then, I’ve written about 25 novels.

My latest book is Undaunted Faith, was released by Realms/Charisma House in May of 2011. It’s the 4^th and final historical romance in my Seasons of Redemption series.

I think my favorite time period encompasses the Civil War years --Pre-Civil War times through the Reconstruction Era. My father was a Civil War enthusiast and his interest rubbed off on me. It's a wartime that's often romanticized, largely because of Gone With the Wind, However, it was a terrible, horrible war (and what war isn't?). Even so, the Civil War marked both an end of an era and new beginnings. To many Americans, it was an end to a way of life. To many more, the Civil War signified the start of true freedom in this country. So it's a very important time in US history!

My series, Seasons of Redemption, is set in this time in our Nation’s history. No shameless plugs intended. I’m just super excited about these Christian historical romance novels! So let me tell you about them.

The first book in my series is, Unwilling Warrior.
It’s 1862 and Valerie Fontaine must face her father’ rejection and escape New Orleans during the Civil War – or be arrested for treason!  

The second book is called, Uncertain Heart.

The year is 1866 and Sarah McCabe discovers true love during her summer as a governess in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. But will her employer, a bold and handsome veteran captain of the Civil War, stand in her way of happiness -- or be a part of it?

The third is titled, Unexpected Love.

In Chicago, Illinois, in 1866, Nurse Renna Fields must conquer her insecurities over an unsightly birthmark in order to love a man who needs it more than anything in the world! 

Finally, Undaunted Faith, book four:

It’s 1867 and school teacher, Bethany Stafford, travels to the Arizona Territory along with Jake and Luke McCabe. But there’s trouble brewing in the town of Silverstone and the last thing the McCabe brothers want is to get involved. Unfortunately, it’s too late!

All four books received 4-star reviews from Romantic Times and are available amazon.com.

You can also watch the exciting video trailer for Undaunted Faith, by clicking here.

So what’s ahead for me?

I’m currently writing book 2 in my new historical romance series, Fabric of Time. I finished up book 1, Threads of Hope, and it’s slated to be released in January of 2012. I’m extremely excited about this new series because it takes place in Wisconsin – the state in which I was born and raised. It’s been fun to do the research – and quite convenient too, I must say. In the next couple of weeks I need to visit the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Has anyone been there recently?

Well, that’s all about me. I look forward to getting to know both the readers and writers of this fabulous blog!