Hi everyone! Lee Tobin McClain here, to talk about old Harlequin novels, “the good parts” of Christian romances, and my new release, A Doctor’s Bond.
I first read romance novels when I would visit my cousin Kathy in Titusville, PA. Her mom had a whole shelf full of Harlequins, and we were allowed to read them . . . IF we read the whole book, not just the “good parts.” Kudos to Aunt Sally for encouraging young girls to read!
Of course, back in the day, the “good part” was, at most, a passionate kiss.
Fast forward to today. Older and wiser, I now find myself reading the spiritual passages of Christian romances as avidly as I used to read the kisses. Last night, as I was enjoying a Karen Kingsbury novel, I found myself highlighting passages that would help my own spiritual walk. Those God passages are the real, lasting “good part.”
I put a lot of thought and prayer into the Sacred Bond novels. In fact, the idea for the series, and the way the books came together, was one of those light-bulb moments from God. And when I get reader comments like “I found my own faith growing as I read their struggles” and “you can feel God working in this book,” I am humbled and absolutely thrilled!
But my Sacred Bond novels usually include a few passionate kisses as well. Christians have the same desires and longings as anyone else, and in a realistic love story, I want to portray the whole range of things Christians feel—within limits that are comfortable for everyone, including my own teenage daughter, to read. The Sacred Bond brothers are powerful, intense alpha males with rough backgrounds, and taming their physical desires is a challenge when they fall in love. It takes strong faith and self-discipline for them to restrain themselves, but they do it because they’re godly men and they’ve made a vow to use their strength in protection of those who may need their help.
If you’d like to try out the Sacred Bond novels, book one, Her Baby Bond, is free. And if you’re already a fan, you’ll be glad to know that the final novel in the series, The Doctor’s Bond, brings all the brothers and their wives together by the book’s end.
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Narelle Atkins says
Hi Lee, It’s great seeing those old Harlequin covers. I was the teen who read my grandmother’s Mills and Boon books from the UK back in the 80’s. The Harlequin romance books (and Silhouette titles) from North America weren’t as common in Australia at that time.
Lee Tobin McClain says
Yes, and didn’t Mills and Boon do tons of medical romances? I think they still do, in fact!
Robin Bunting says
Hi Lee, isn’t it fun to go back and remember how we got started reading??? My first remember is Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb. Shakespeare was rewritten in modern english and story like. Loved it. From there, it was Nancy Drew. I have so loved your series Sacred Bond. Looking forward to what is coming next. Thank you.
Lee Tobin McClain says
Thanks, Robin! The Charles and Mary Lamb is a pretty literary rewrite of Shakespeare. Good for you or good for your parents for giving it to you! I have strong memories of a Jane Eyre Classic Comic, myself . . .
Trixi O. says
Used to read Harlequin romance books just for the “good” parts when I was a teen. Thankfully, since I gave my life to the Lord a long time ago, I only read Christian romance books because of the pure love they represent. I like not having to skip over some language or very questionable scenes. I think just about every book I read has made me aware of not only how much love God has for me but also the love between my husband & I. Makes me fall in love with them all over again :-) Also, I must have at least 100 Love Inspired books on my shelf with various other Christian romance novels. I couldn’t tell you how many I have read over my lifetime, lol! Thanks for sharing today Lee, I enjoyed reading your blog! Blessings
Lee Tobin McClain says
Trixi, thanks for commenting! I agree that reading romance, especially inspirational, really makes us value and appreciate the love we have in our lives.