With Valentine’s day this month, romance is on everyone’s mind. But not everyone thinks realistic romance belongs in a book.
Romance novels in general have had more than their share of haters. Anyone can write a romance novel. It’s drivel. It’s not real literature. And Christian romances, in particular, have been speared by those who believe all romance novels are trash, and that reading about someone else’s happily ever after will somehow make the reader’s life and love less palatable.
I don’t believe any of this, of course. The authors on this blog write wonderful, realistic books with excellent role models as they address sometimes serious issues. And sometimes the books are meant to make you smile.
But most Christian romances dig much deeper than just boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love and get married. In Christian romance, you’ll find themes ranging from overcoming temptation to learning to forgive and everything in between.
Something I’ve noticed recently as I’ve read through many authors’ full lists, is that there often appears to be an over-arcing theme than runs through most of their books. It may not be a conscious decision, but I suspect if you asked them, you’d find that theme plays an important role in their lives.
Which, of course, made me think about my own novels. Many of my most recent books involve cowboys suddenly becoming fathers by some event or another. Talk about a life-changer! His world is no longer his own. His decisions now revolve around how best to love and protect his little one (or ones, in the case of twins or triplets.)
In short, my theme appears to be that Life Can Change in a Moment. (Which is also a line in one of my favorite songs by The Texas Tenors, but I promise I came up with it first.) In my real life, especially over the past few years, that theme definitely sums it up. Every time I think I’m starting to regain my balance, life pulls a bait and switch, or even worse, just yanks the rug right out from under me. It’s no surprise that it influences my writing. How could it not?
Even as readers, I think the Lord has something specific to teach us, something that makes our lives special and different from everyone else’s. I would love to hear about the major themes of your life and how it affects your day-to-day work and home life. I know—too much deep thinking, right? It took me several extra cups of coffee just to write this blog post.
For the extra effort on your part, I’ll offer an eBook of The Cowboy’s Baby Blessing to one commenter.
Deb Kastner’s next Harlequin Love Inspired is And Cowboy Makes Three, available for preorder here. Also available soon: Book Two: Running Wilde in her indie published series Weddings by Wilde.
~~Love Courageously~~ Publisher's Weekly Bestselling, award-winning author of 30 novels, Deb Kastner enjoys writing contemporary inspirational western stories set in small communities. She feels especially blessed to be able to include faith as a natural and genuine part of her characters' lives. Deb lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband and a pack of miscreant mutts. She is blessed with three adult daughters and two grandchildren. Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandchildren, but she also enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music (The Texas Tenors are her fav), singing in the church choir, and exploring the Rocky Mountains on horseback.
Hi Deb, great post! I have stopped telling some people that I read Christian romance fiction because of those exact reactions you have mentioned! The reality is, that I feel like I have learnt so much from these books, as well as seen God in new ways.
One of the things I see playing out in my life is that of trust- stepping forward, even when I don’t why. Practically it means continuing to be positive and give my best even when I get tired and frustrated, trusting that we are where God wants us to be, even though we are so far from family. Trust, and cherish those who God has placed near us:)
Blessings:)
The them i keep seeing is patience is a virtue. I am being made to wait on that special someone entering my life and waiting for medicines to work and waiting for this or that to happen……it seems an endless amount of waiting. And my life has always been peppered with change happening and having to adjust. So that would be the other theme. I’m not very good with either one. I adapt ok at least it appears i do but i truly struggle with it. But i am not a patient person so the waiting game is not my friend. (please don’t enter me for the e book)
My theme seems to be “patience in all circumstances.”
Life’s little curveballs have been flying and my patience has been wearing thin. But this is a lifelong theme I must learn and am trying to take steps towards it.
My theme lately has been “God’s got this”. I tend to worry about so many things and think things will be really difficult, but God is always in the situation, sometimes with amazing results.
There are redeeming qualities in a Christian Fiction book. Not the ugly things in a non Christian novel that drag you down! Thanks for the post.
I love Christian fiction and romance. There are usually inspirational lessons to be learned. I don’t have to worry about having to stop reading due to inappropriate content. Currently I’m working on not fearing and worrying or having faith that God is in control and will provide. I’m thankful to be in a place where we can minister to our kids and grandkids.
Hi Deb! Taking a break from reading. I have already read 21 books this year, plus reread at least 5. Must be the awful gloomy fluctuating Midwest weather. Yesterday we received 5 inches of rain in addition to melting snow. All creeks and rivers are overflowing. Water has no where to go, because the ground is frozen. Roads are closed. Just can’t concentrate on reading. A theme in my life is Love is a Choice. Love is difficult and messy. Something often forgotten in today’s world. Best wishes. Thanks for the post.
I love to read Christian fiction….am an avid reader and want a book to leave me feeling inspired. I am in the waiting game for health issues to improve. Would love to win your book!
A theme in my writing seems to be that belonging starts with our identity in Jesus before we can “belong” in a relationship. Real life themes are more along the line of Patience is a Virtue… and more recently, Trust God, because He sees the big picture.
Great post, Deb! I use surrender issues and chocolate throughout my writing. Each book has something the hero/heroine need to surrender in order to find freedom in Christ. Usually there’s a chocolate mention in there, as well, given my tagline is Encouraging you to surrender the good, the bad, and—maybe one day—the chocolate. :)
I prefer to read Christian Romance because of their deeper themes. A major theme in my life right now is simply trusting God to lead me and to help me obey. My hubby retired a few months ago, and we have had to pray for God’s leading and help until the S.S. kicked in. We have watched God be faithful time & time again. I have also had to trust His leading for how to respond to people on a FB page, how to pray for them. Of course, every part of our life on earth is about trusting God, hearing His voice, and then obeying.
My major theme in life is to try to Let Go and Let God as both of us struggle with health issues.
Your comment really hit me in the heart. My life is once again in a precarious balance, and as I examined myself for Lent, I realized that facing an uncertain future has led me to paralyzing fear. I was challenged in a sermon to identify my problem/issue/sin, which for me is fear, and focus on its opposite–trust. So I am constantly reminding myself–Jesus, I Trust in You.
Ah…patience. I’m reminded of the old joke never to ask for patience, because God will give you trials to help you develop patience.
It is so hard to wait for something to change, hopefully for the positive. And patience is such a hard virtue to cultivate!
I love this. I need to remind myself God’s got this more often.
I’m right there with you, Diana. At the moment, our main ministry (outside of church) is to our children and grandchildren. It is SO hard not to worry.
Love is definitely difficult and messy, as anyone who has been married for awhile can attest. I love writing about difficult and messy relationships. It makes that happily ever after so much more satisfying.
Health issues, both mine and my family’s, are a major struggle for me right now, especially knowing I may never improve. Reading and writing take me out of my pain for awhile.
Trust is currently my theme, too, Val. What a great reminder to find our identity in Jesus before a relationship. The indie book I’m writing right now is exactly that theme.
Chocolate as a theme. I love it!!! In some way, I think whatever our themes or issues are, we have to surrender them to God before we can conquer them.
Facebook is an interesting phenomenon. It’s great to be able to connect, but sometimes people feel freer to write whatever is in their heads without a sensor. My hubby just recently went on Social Security (and we’re awaiting disability) so I know what a challenge that can be.
A simple quote, but oh, so hard to do sometimes. I tend to cling to my problems and worries.
I would say safety, stability, and predictability. I like knowing what’s coming my way, I don’t like change, and I try not to rock the boat.
Change is always tough. I’m with you on wanting stability.
I have to say trust is a big one in my life. I always like to have some control over things and don’t like taking chances. I don’t like going where I can’t see what comes next!
I’m a day late, as we were gone on a trip and then I had a lot to catch up on yesterday! The Lord keeps teaching me trust and patience :-)
I don’t really know of any major “themes” in my life right now. Reading through the comments sparks some ideas however. Learning to rest in the Lord and let things be and get my hands out of things…lol! You would think after all the years I’ve served the Lord I would be an expert at this :-) I’m also learning not to be so anxious or worried over things, maybe that’s part of the resting in the Lord. The one scripture I have to often keep in mind is “be anxious for nothing , but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to the Lord.” (Philippians 4:6-7). I’m finding more opportunities to increase my prayer life (or maybe God is nudging me more) and bring them before the Lord. I find peace and rest when I do.
So maybe that’s my “theme” right now in this season of my life. :-)
Great point about Christian romance!