I’m trying something new in my Sacred Bond series, and I’d love to know what you think of it.
Hero John Moretti—really, he’s the patriarch of the series—first appears in the pre-prequel novella, Before the Bond, as a man in his early thirties. In that story, we see some mistakes he makes in love, mistakes with consequences that will resonate throughout his life.
But this is romance, so in A Christmas Bond, John finds true love. It’s a sweet holiday novella that kicks off the Sacred Bond series. Here’s the blurb:
When an old woman’s Baby Jesus is stolen from her lawn crèche, a handsome, jaded veteran and a beautiful crime victim must overcome their differences to help her, finding love in the process.
John starts a school for troubled boys, the Covenant School. There, the men who become the Sacred Bond brotherhood meet and, under John’s guidance, vow to protect the weak throughout their lives. John is a presence in most of their stories as they mature, become heroes themselves, and find love.
It’s nice when people marry their first loves and live happily ever after, but let’s face it, that’s not the reality for everyone. John Moretti has ups and downs in his life, and at sixty-one, he’s single again, recovering from health problems, raising a foster son, and, yes, finding love again. That’s the story of A Harvest Bond.
I’m so eager to see how people react to this “silver fox romance” that I’m offering it for 99 cents through October 8th,
when it’ll go up to its normal price of $2.99. And if you want to learn how the whole story started–when the silver fox was a young man–sign up for my newsletter, and you’ll get the short story for free.
So what do you think of romance across the lifespan? Of a romance novella that features an older hero and heroine?
As long as the story is good and characters relatable, the ages of hero and heroine do not matter to me. Romance across a lifespan is probably quite realistic but I’m never sure if I like those stories or not.
That’s honest! I hope you’ll take a chance on A HARVEST BOND… I’d love to know what you think of it!
Hi Lee! Just purchased A Harvest Bond. I was already signed up for your newsletter. I enjoy reading stories (romances, etc.) about characters of all ages. Looking forward to reading A Harvest Bond. A Christmas Bond’s blurb sounds familiar. Was that novella in a boxed set? Seems like I read the story. Best wishes and will let you know how I enjoyed a silver fox hero. Best wishes.
Thanks so much for giving A Harvest Bond a try, Renate. I’ll be curious to know how you like it. And yes, A Christmas Bond was in a boxed set, Christmas 2015.
I loved this story and being a Senior,it’s relatable to me.
Thank you for stepping out and writing the book.
this sounds like a fascinating idea. I really like this idea. you are so right about not everyone has there happily ever after. thanks for bringing this up and being brave enough to do this. If the characters are realistic enough, it should be a wonderful series.
I’ve enjoyed the Bond stories. I don’t really care what the ages are in the novels I read. You didn’t mention how he was single though. I don’t know if that spoils your story line.
I think a lot of readers are more senior these days and even dating again. So it’s going to be relatable and it sounds intriguing to me. I generally like something a little different. If it’s well written and the characters grab me I’m in.
Well, I’m 68 so I like hearing about silver haired hero’s! Hey, we may be old but we’re not dead!
I love following characters from a series. I always want to know what happened next. Last I remember Annie had cancer & it wasn’t looking good. I would Love to know what happened next.
This sounds great! A romance reader in another FB group commented recently how she wished there were more stories about folks over 50. I’ll recommend your book to her. :)
So glad you liked it!
Diana, you have to read through the series to see! Or at least, read this book. Or A BOND FULFILLED–he becomes a widower right before that book.
Thanks, Lori! I hope the characters are realistic… it helps that the heroine is exactly my age!
Thanks, Dalyn! You’re right: older people do date. Me included! There’s no better way to start a conversation among single 50-somethings and 60-somethings than to ask about their online dating experiences!
Ha, so true! With fewer work and family responsibilities, the sixties are a great time to date!
I’m so excited that you remember the storyline, and I hope you’ll like this book.
Thank you so much, Liwen! And welcome to Inspy, I look forward to reading your posts.
Since I’m in my 60’s, I do sometimes get tired of stories about really young romances, so this one sounds good.
I think love comes at all ages. I’ve read books about older people falling in love, and those books have been just as good as others. I think what really matters is that they are well-written and capture the reader’s attention. Looking forward to reading these “Bond” books.
Me too… that’s one of the reasons I wrote it! Hope you enjoy.
Let me know how you like them, Becky!
I think it’s a wonderful idea, Lee! I’ve read a myraid of romance stories over my reading “career” and not often do I run into people falling in love in their older years. I think there should be a market for them! Especially for widows/ widowers who find love again after a spouse dies….and to find your first love again after many years? That right there is pure perfection in my mind anyway…lol! :-)
I’d say “Go for it”!!
Being older myself, I love it!
Karen Kingsbury does that in her Baxter Series
The Baxter Family series just came to my mind too. It’s nice to be able to follow a character throughout his life and experience the ups and downs with him.
Great post! As an avid older reader, I enjoy stories like Karen Kingsbury/Baxter Series! Look forward to reading yours, Lee!!
Thank you for the encouragement, Trixi! If you get the chance to read A Harvest Bond, let me know if it lives up to your expectations.
I haven’t read those… thank you for the tip!
Okay, Gail, Jessica, and Jackie–you’ve convinced me. Headed over to Amazon to check out the Baxter series. Thank you!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance with the characters in their 60s but I’d be willing to give it a try! I don’t think it will matter as long as the story is good.