I never understood that phrase… “seasoned” characters? I don’t know if it is my inability to think of anything but food 80% of the time, but I can’t help but wonder what particular seasoning we are talking about here. Salt and pepper like the hair of a “distinguished” older man, I guess? Haha!
Romance with mature characters, silver fox romance, later-in-life romance, or seasoned-romance. Whatever you call it–romances with characters in their 40s, 50s, and beyond is a special subset of romance! And I see all you out there asking for more of it.
If you’ve read any of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge books, then you’ve met Jan Clark. She’s Aiden’s (the firefighter from Book 1 – Rescued by the Hero) mother, and the proprietress of Stories and Scones, the beloved bookstore/coffeeshop/bakery. She might be the only character to appear in every single book, come to think of it.
When I first met Jan, I was reading an advanced draft of Rescued by the Hero and I immediately wanted to write her story. An entire year later, I finally got to do so.
I’ll be real with you — I’m only 31.. at least for another week until I’ll be 31. Again. Obviously.
So, when I set out to write the romance of two characters in their late fifties, it really stretched me. I’ve never had a child who is a grown man. I’ve never been a grandparent. I’ve never been a widow like Jan…or a lifelong bachelor/secret agent like Pete!
Despite what I felt like were inadequacies in my ability to write Jan’s story, let me tell you what I did LOVE about writing it (and reading a few “seasoned” romances in my preparation).
- Later-in-life characters know who they are. So often, writing characters in their 20s and 30s means they are still trying to figure out who they are. While it can be fun to discover that at the same time they discover love, it was also refreshing to write the story of two people who have the confidence of a lifetime of decisions and experiences behind them.
- Mature characters are just that — mature. In their thought processes, in their approach to conflict, in their realistic expectations… Mature characters bring some much-needed balance to the world of romance. Sometimes characters (even my own!) who keep secrets, avoid conflict, make assumptions, etc. make me roll my eyes at their immaturity!
- Seasoned characters come with baggage. Sometimes a lot of it. While younger characters can definitely have trauma in their past, older characters always have a lifetime of either independence or prior relationships. Sometimes, they have grown children or grandchildren. Other times, they’ve been alone for so long it can be hard to imagine being with anyone at all. Navigating that with the characters is really rewarding.
I enlisted some extra help to make sure my seasoned romance really hit the mark, including bringing in some extra beta-readers (Thanks Trudy, Vicci, Mandi, and Liwen!) and I did some extra reading of my own.
If you’ve been looking for some romances with “seasoned” main characters, here are a few recommendations!
–The Chapel Cove Romance Series (multiple authors) – I haven’t read all of these, but I read a few and they were great reads.
– Hope Ranch by Elizabeth Maddrey (The payoff for this one is reading all the previous books in the series, because each book is about Elise’s adult children, and she gets her happy ending in this story! It’s very well done.)
–Beyond Titles and Tiaras by Carol Moncado (I’m a sucker for an off-limits love story, so the Queen-mother and the head of royal security… I loved this story!)
–Heart’s Treasure by Dora Hiers – This is part of the newest Potter’s House Collection and it was a really sweet small-town second-chance story!
Here’s a small excerpt where you get to see some of my favorite parts of Jan and Pete together.
Jan frowned. Were men really that clueless? She’d almost forgotten. “What happened? You happened! I was perfectly content, Pete. I was happy with my little coffee shop and my grandson and my church friends. I was happy with our friendship.” Pete’s face revealed nothing. Her frustration bubbled over. “And then you went and—” she whipped her finger in a spiral, “—stirred everything up.”
She took a deep breath and continued with a calmer voice. “Pete. I’m too old for this. I don’t want to play games with you. I want to be with you. For the first time in a decade, I feel as though I found someone to call a partner again.”
Pete’s eyes softened and he sighed. “Jan, I can’t–”
“Oh, stop it, Pete. Give me one good reason you can’t! And if you say you don’t feel the same way as I do, I’m calling malarkey.”
A smile broke through the stoic facade of Pete’s face, but he didn’t say anything.
Jan pushed a little further. “Do you? Feel the same way?”
Pete pressed his fingers to his eyes and he groaned. “Argh. Yes, Janet. Of course I do. I’ve been trying to show you how I felt for a while now.” He moved closer to her spot on the couch and grabbed her fingers.
Hope blossomed deep in her chest again, and she tried to tamp it down. They’d been here before.
You can pre-order Believing the Hero now. It releases on November 3rd! In the meantime, you can catch up on the other 8 books in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series and get to know Jan and Pete even before you get to see their story unfold!
Do you enjoy “seasoned” romance? What do you want authors to know about what you are looking for in those stories?
Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab - Ruby - and a good cup of coffee or tea. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living.
My first thought was seasons – as in seasons.
Happy to read about more mature characters. Baggage and all.
I’ve never considered that meaning :)
Hi Tara! As a retiree, 7 decades plus, I enjoy reading Seasoned Romances for the reasons you stated above. Yes mature characters carry baggage, which often can be worked through. As a mom, I follow enough drama with my own sons and grandkids. Not all of there making. Life often throws the younger generations lemons, which sometimes is more unexpected and difficult to deal with – loss of job or relationship. Best wishes. Happy writing.
Thank you, Renate!
There are definitely specific lemons that come with younger seasons of life.
I do enjoy older characters! And I appreciate the mention of Elise and the Hope Ranch crew!
I did chuckle when I saw 40s included in your list of ages. And I mean you’re not wrong, but as one in my 40s, I don’t feel like it qualifies. I’ll probably also feel that way in my 50s and 60s 🤣
The older I get, the more I realize age is just a number.
But I am definitely looking forward to Jan and Pete!
One source I looked at for “seasoned” romance info quoted it as 30s and up…I was appalled, haha!
Hi, Tara! I look at the question of “seasoned” romance from the flip side. Because I am a gray-beard with health issues, having main characters who are young, beautiful, healthy and vibrant just tends to make me feel less able to identify with the characters in the story. When watching superhero movies, I know I will never fly or have super strength but it is fun to imagine myself in that role. I’m just as likely as the hero to actually have those super powers. Romance, however, is a very real part of my life. Why not have a story that I can identify with and appreciate more directly?
In fact, romance is one of the things that doesn’t lose its value or appeal over time and life experience. I no longer care that I cannot run a 4 minute mile. I never could, but I at least used to think it would be something valuable. Not anymore. Get an Uber. Love, on the other hand, has increased in value. Tell me a story where someone my age is reminded that they, too, are just as worthy of commitment and passion and companionship as some young person who is barely able to understand what a gift they have been given.
Sure, someone in the second half of life may have baggage, maturity and self-knowledge. More importantly, they have an appreciation of what is at stake when love has been lost. They have the experience of how to see others as being different and lovable at the same time. They will know how to sweep their beloved off their feet with confidence that no youngster could hope for. (Except, perhaps, at the hands of a clever romance author. :-)
We (insert euphemism for “old” here) folks may not be billionaires or CEOs or GQ cover models but we’ve got an appreciation of love that is definitely worth a story or two. Feel free to inquire should you need subject matter expertise. :-D
I think you said this so wonderfully! When you say “they appreciate the stakes” — thats a great point I didn’t point out. The value we place on love and relationships seems to only grow with age. Plus, you are absolutely correct that representation (diversity of all types!) is a great reminder that everyone is worthy of love, passion, and commitment.
I’ll definitely grab you next time I need a beta reader for an *insert euphemism for “old” here* folks romance :D
I love stories with “older” characters! Not sure I like “seasoned” as a descriptor, though. I definitely have to check out Elizabeth, Carol, and Dora’s books! I’ve read all of the Chapel Cove books! Love those Heroes of Freedom Ridge, too!! Thank you for asking me to beta read Believing the Hero! I want Pete! lol!!
It does seem to be an odd descriptor. When I worked in the steel industry, it was sometimes used to describe our aging workforce, haha!
I appreciate your time and feedback so much!
I haven’t read any romance books with seasoned characters but I have read books about mature characters who fall in love. My all time favorite series is the Mitford series by Jan Karon and the main character Father Tim is in his 60’s. I’m not sure what this says about me but I have loved those books since I was in my teens. I love the added depth that the characters maturity brings to the stories.
I hear wonderful things about the Mitford Series, but I haven’t read it.
I hope you’ll check out Believing the Hero and your first official “seasoned romance.” :)
Great post. I’ve just turned 47 and find myself gravitating more and more to stories with characters closer to my age. I’ve read several of the Chapel Cove stories, and will definitely read your upcoming book!
The new series I’m working on now has characters in their late 40s and early 50s, and I’m thoroughly enjoying digging into their lives and exploring the issues that come with having spent a few decades on this earth. :-)
Excited about your new series! Sometime I think I’m supposed to get a sneak peek at the blurbs for those, yes?
Gah! Yes. They’re coming!
Hi Tara! I’m a “seasoned” person, in my late 50’s who has never been married. I love the “seasoned” stories because it gives me hope. No matter what our age is, everyone wants to be a find love. Sometimes I do find writers who write “seasoned”, but their characters seem to be immature. I don’t think we necessarily have more baggage than younger people, it’s that we’ve experienced more of life’s ups and downs, hardships, relationships, etc. And it’s how we handle those things that make us more “seasoned.” I’m going to share a little of my recent experience, which is hard for me being an introvert, but I hope will illustrate what I mean. I recently joined a few online dating sites looking for someone in my area. I don’t get out much, even to church, as I take care of my mother who has several health issues. I joined the sites just as a basic member because I didn’t want to pay for it unless I actually met someone. Now I’m the type of person that actually reads about the person, it’s not necessarily their looks that draw me, but the things about them. I saw this man and read about him. His looks weren’t necessarily what I would originally go for, but we shared so many understandings and values. So I “liked” him. Low & behold he liked me back. And then he sent a message. On this site you can’t read the message until you pay. So I prayed & decided I should pay for one month. I do, read the message and it’s basically a thanks for the like but no thanks. I was very hurt at first. In fact, I wanted to cry. And angry at myself that I’d paid to correspond with someone who wasn’t even interested. I’m not a pretty woman and I’m overweight, so it hurt even more that this person couldn’t even take the time to get to know me. I sent up a prayer and I felt in my spirit, would you want to be with someone who wouldn’t want to take the time to get to know you. No of course not, so I prayed this man would find who he was looking for. It did make me think about a book out of this, what if he had made a mistake in saying this and deleting me from his profile. How could a mistake like this be reconciled? Could Jesus bring around circumstances that we could meet by other means? I really said all this to say, if I’d been younger, it would have taken me much longer to get over this rejection. But thanks to my life experiences I know that Jesus can do anything and bring the right person into my life.
I’m sorry you had that experience. Your gracious handling of it definitely shows the characteristics I strive for as I mature. I love where you landed after the story — Jesus can do anything! It’s hard when our timing isn’t His timing, but you will be blessed for the waiting.
While I absolutely adore the entire book, seeing as how I’m well seasoned, this section really defined it for me. As a 20 or possibly 30 something I would have called a bestie and cried, worried by myself and cried over Petes abrupt about face . Not Jan, she went right to him for answers because she’s been through many of life’s highs and devastating lows so she knows who she is and what she wants… All the series mentioned are among my favorites for so many reasons and I thank you wonderful authors for them.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. Your feedback was so valuable – in fact, I just got done adding a few important conversations based on what you said!
When I was writing and Jan showed up at Pete’s door (because I don’t plan ahead of time, so sometimes my characters just do things on their own), I was cheering her on! It was definitely a great example of how she was confident and strong.
I think reading romance stories with seasoned characters can teach us some things, namely that just because people are older doesn’t mean they stop feeling things. I’ll admit though that since I’m still in my thirties I don’t relate as much to older heroines and heros, but if its a good story it really doesn’t matter much because I end up rooting for them anyway!
Hi , yes I love to read stories about older characters, I believe that love does not have an age, unless of course they are way too young(under age) and one of the persons is way older than the other one. We all deserve to be loved and everybody deserves second chances .
I’m not “seasoned” yet LOL getting there…but I enjoy stories with older couples (wisdom)!
I’m WELL past my 20’s and 30’s….we won’t say HOW much more past….and I absolutely LOVE stories with the older, more mature characters like myself. In today’s world, I can no longer understand anyone under 40 if I’m being honest. They make choices or have a vast difference of opinions of the world then I do and it’s because we grew up in a different generation. And don’t get me started on young parents….oh my…lol!
That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy books with younger characters because I do. Like you stated here, mature characters are comfortable with who they are and where they are in life. There’s a whole lifetime of experiences, heartaches and joys that are under their belt. They look at the world differently. You know what I really love to see in a story? It’s a mature character being a type of mentor to a younger person….say in marriage matters (or dating), raising children, being the best wife/husband or friend they can be and also in their walk with God. They say we get wiser the older we get, and sometimes those young whipper-snapper characters need that wisdom, lol! :-)
I also love when a story features a widow or widower finding love again! I don’t know why I find that sweeter than a first love type story, but I do. Especially when it comes out of the blue when they weren’t looking for it.
They’re hard to find, but I enjoy reading them.
I read the story as a whole. To me, it does not matter the age of the characters. If the story is good that is all I care about. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
I enjoy seasoned books. I’d like to see more romance & even to end up with marriage & a child
I enjoy those books alot. I’d love there to be more books & different types of romance in them & bringing there lover home to the family.
My first thought were well thought out characters that were in multiple books but your meaning works well. I would love to see more of this type of book but would love to see some heros or heroines who have never been married or had a real relationship, may have have some dates but nothing lasting. This does happen. Its ok if one is a widower or widow. I am one who has never really have a meaningful relationship and I know of a few ladies who married a widower when over 50 but never really had a relationship before hand.
One book had a secondary character that was a carer for her mother who put obstacles in her path (till the grand daughter called her out on it). I could relate to her situation minus the boyfriend but it gave me hope
I just finished reading Believing the Hero, and you did a remarkable job of portraying Jan. I felt a kinship with her. I’m a bit younger than her at 48, but I have a 28 year old married son (and grandchildren), so I could easily relate to her character.
This was a beautiful story of faith overcoming fear.