As we come to the end of another year, I’m thinking about the ending for romances. I don’t type “The End” when I finish one of my novels. I know it’s the end, but is it a good ending, the kind of ending that will make me cry or a least give a heartfelt sigh? When I read a romance, I want the author to touch my emotions, and that’s the way I want to write and touch my readers. As the writer, I’m never sure whether I’ve actually accomplished that unless a reader tells me.
As a reader, I never read the ending first. With a romance, we know there is always a happy ending. That’s the reason I read and write romance. I love happy endings.
Here’s one of my happy endings. I don’t know that it will make you sigh or bring a lump to your throat because you really have to read the whole book for that to happen. I thought I’d share it with you anyway. This comes from A Love to Call Mine, the third book in my Front Porch Promises series.
Max squirmed in his seat. This was not going well. Was she going to send him packing? He couldn’t blame her. She’d seen the worst of him, and yet she’d loved him. But he had pushed that love away. He looked down at the floor, afraid to see her closed expression. “I’m sorry I let my fears about the future steer me in the wrong direction. I thought I was sparing you all the things that might go awry.”
“Do you think just because you removed me from your life that I wasn’t going to think about you, worry about you, pray for you?” Anger simmered just beneath the surface of her calmly stated question.
“I know I don’t deserve a second chance, but I’m asking for one.” He looked up at her, ready to face her anger. “My life isn’t ever going to be exactly what it was before, but there’s one thing I don’t want to change—your presence in it. Can you forgive me for the wrongheaded decision I made? I promise I won’t do that again.”
She let out a half laugh, half cry. “You expect me to believe you won’t ever make any wrongheaded decisions again?”
He deserved her incredulity. Letting out a heavy sigh, he sank back against the sofa. “I didn’t mean I won’t ever make another bad decision. I’m just saying I won’t push you away again. That’s a promise.”
“I still haven’t heard what I need to hear.”
Max searched his brain. He’d apologized. He’d promised not to push her away. He’d asked for forgiveness. What else could there be? Realization hit him. He smiled wryly as he stood and stepped toward her. “You’re right. I forgot one very important thing.” He gently unfolded her arms, thankful she didn’t resist. He put his arms around her waist. “I love you, Heather Watson. You’re the most important person in my life, and I want you to stay there. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but I want you to be there with me when I face whatever I have to face. Can we start over?”
“I love you, too.” Tears sparkled in her eyes as she nodded.
“Thank you for giving me another chance. I promise you won’t be sorry. I love you more than words can say.”
She looked up at him. “Are you allowed to kiss me?”
“Allowed or not allowed. It doesn’t matter. I’m going to kiss you.” He pulled her closer. Their lips met as she melted into his arms. He would fight to keep his promises and make her happy. No matter what the future brought, he had found the love of his life and his happy ending.
Here are all the books in the Front Porch Promises series.
I’m excited to announce that these books are now available in audio book form. If you are into audio books, I hope you will give these a try and let me know what you think of the narration. You can find them here at this link.
Do you like audio books, and do you ever read the ending first?
I will give away an ebook copy of the first book in the Front Porch Promises series, A Match to Call Ours.
“Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.”
Merrillee Whren is an award-winning author who writes inspirational romance. She is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award for best inspirational romance manuscript presented by Romance Writers of America. She has also been the recipient of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of thirty plus years, and has two grown daughters. She has lived in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Florida but now makes her home in the Arizona desert. When she’s not writing, she spends her free time playing tennis or walking while she does the plotting for her novels.
Happy Tuesday, Merrillee! I enjoyed reading your Front Porch series. I do NOT read the ending first. I enjoying reading days, so I can hopefully read a book from beginning to end. But as I age, my eyes get tired more quickly. Therefore, especially when I read cozy mysteries if I need to quit reading because I am seeing double or need to sleep; I sometimes read the last chapter to see if my predictions were correct.
Weather is warming up in Michigan and roads are clearing, so time to do the errands.
Best wishes.
I really enjoy audio books, I think I just like being read to, plus it’s great to listen while doing chores around the house.
I never read the ending of a book first! My mum does it all the time, especially with mystery novels – everyone tells her she spoils the suprise, but she maintains she can relax and enjoy the book once she knows what happens!
I don’t do audio books. I find I’m either listening to the story or doing something else, but I can’t do both! I have read the endings of some books first!! I’ve gotten myself out of that habit, though!! Now, I only read the ending after trying to get into the book. If I can’t get into the book, I will read the end to see if I want to keep reading. Then, I’ll skip parts to see if I can get into the book. If not, I’m then done.
I listen to audiobooks when I’m doin errands in town sometimes I read the ending first but not much anymore.
Thanks, Renate. I know that thing about getting tired eyes. I got computer glasses that help with that when I read on a tablet. Glad your weather is getting warmer.
Hi Ruthie,
I’m with you. I don’t like to read the ending first. However, I’m not a fan of audio books. My mind wanders too much when just listening.
Hi Trudy,
Audio books aren’t my thing either, but I know people do like them. I have also read the end when I couldn’t get into a book, but I don’t do that very often.
Hi Kendra,
I get too distracted by other things when I’m listening to an audio book. I tried one once, and it didn’t go well, but I wanted to have some of my books in audio so those who like audio books can listen to my stories.
Hi Merrillee! I do not read the ending first. I guess I do expect the stories I read to end in happily ever after. I have never gotten into audio books. I don’t know why. Seems like I could be productive as I listen, but I just prefer to read for myself. Maybe one day I will listen to a book.
I do not listen to audio books. My mind gets distracted with other things. I do not read the ending first in a book. I have before though a long time ago.
Hi Kathleen,
That’s me too when it comes to audio books. I get distracted and lose my place in the story.
Hi Bonnie,
Yes, I expect the romances I read to have a happily ever after.
sometimes listen to audio books
I can’t listen to audio books as I can’t concentrate on just that. I’m a sight person so I have to read it myself. I never read the ending first. Blessings
I have problems concentrating on audiobooks. I guess if I was in the car listening, I would be able to not get distracted. No. I do not read the ending first. Thank you for sharing. God bless you. Happy New Year.
Ok I have to say cos at times I really need glasses to read the posts I read Max the Squirrel not Max Squirmed. (I got excited I love Squirrels).
I don’t listen to audio books. I think I would tune out. I do that with tv or with music and think I would miss to much. Of course if I did I would have heard Max squirmed not Max the Squirrel.
On reading the ending. Ok I admit at times I do sneak a peak at the ending. Not every book but occasionally.
Hi Lucy,
I am also a sight person. I like to see things rather than listen. My hubby and I both believe we are sight people. Something written down helps us remember.
He Debra,
I find even driving in a car I got distracted while listening to an audio book. Maybe if I was the passenger and not the driver it would be better.
Hi Jenny,
I also find it easy to tune out when listening to an audio book. I’m glad there are multiple ways to enjoy a book these days.