For next year’s Christmas novella, I wrote a pregnant heroine. I didn’t know if this would be allowed at first, so I asked my editor.
Me: Can I have a pregnant heroine?
Her: How did she get pregnant?
Me: Yada, yada, yada…
She clarified that she knew HOW my character got pregnant, but she needed me to tell her the circumstances before she made a decision. Thus I wrote a synopsis and a couple of sample chapters, and she granted her approval.
I’ve never written a pregnant heroine before, and I do agree that for her to have a healthy romance, the circumstances mattered. I did my research, and found that this trope seems to be more acceptable in historical novels when the character is a widow and/or it’s a marriage of convenience. The only contemporary Christian romance I’d read with a pregnant heroine was Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter, but I figured if she could do it, so could I.
I didn’t simply want to write a pregnant heroine to check it off my list of tropes. I wrote it because I remembered how much more real the nativity story became the December I was pregnant with my first baby. In the same way, I wanted my heroine to be more in awe of Jesus than she’d ever been.
I also wanted to include her realization of a gift being something she couldn’t earn. She feels shame from her divorce, and she’s determined to do the single parenting thing on her own for good reasons. So when a man steps in who has the ability and desire to give her more than she’s ever wanted, she thinks she has to turn him down.
The message isn’t about being rescued by a billionaire. It’s about how every one of us has already been rescued.
My heroine must overcome the pride of thinking she had to earn her salvation. If she could earn it, then she wouldn’t need Jesus. Christmas wouldn’t mean anything.
Writing this story made the gift of salvation more real for me. I know it’s not even October yet, but, you guys, this is a gift that needs to be celebrated year round. I seriously can’t wait to share this novella with you. (It will be in the We Three Kings collection.)
So, let’s hear your thoughts. If you were my editor, would you have granted a pregnant heroine story? Have you read any other contemporary Christian romance with a pregnant heroine? If so, what made it work (or not work) for you?
Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there's nothing else she'd rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK.
Oooo, this story sounds awesome! You’re right, it needs to be celebrated year round.
I would have said yes. There are many circumstances of how she could be single and pregnant, for a Christian book.
And I love this: My heroine must overcome the pride of thinking she had to earn her salvation. If she could earn it, then she wouldn’t need Jesus. Christmas wouldn’t mean anything.
Can’t wait to read it!
Thanks, Sheree!
I would have said yes.
There are all kinds of people out there who need Christ’s love . That includes pregnant heroines!
Can’t wait to read the story.
Agreed! Though I think the issue was more about her being ready for romance.
This sounds such an interesting book!
I haven’t read many books with a pregnant heroine, certainly not any where it’s not about reconciling with the baby’s father.
I love the message of your book, something I often struggle with is accepting and understanding the love of God’s and the gift of his Grace as mine in spite of, not because of what I have done or not done to deserve it. That line Sheree has quoted above is beautifully put, again recognising our need for Jesus and learning to rely on him and not ourselves is something I think is hard for all of us so it’s great to see a romance heroine going through that. Looking forward to reading it!
Thanks, Ruthie!
I love why you wrote a pregnant heroine. I love to read about pregnant heroines because they are going through so much hormonal wise, that it can make for an interesting read.
Oh, for sure.
I would have said yes, too.
Everyone’s story of how they were led to Jesus is unique. And women get pregnant. Sometimes it’s the “right” way, sometimes it’s not. Sometimes it’s through violence. Sometimes it’s through a lapse in judgment. I believe God doesn’t make a mistake though. If He has plans for a baby to be born then that baby gets born. In my experience pregnancy and raising a child has led me closer to God than before my child. There’s just something about being a mom that makes me understand God a little bit better.
Your novella sounds like it will be amazing!
That’s beautiful.
I have actually, though in that book, the female character decides to abort her baby, and the book is about her coming to terms with that, and then finding the love of her life. And, it touched a little on the baby’s father’s feelings, too. As long as the message is clear that God doesn’t condone pre-marital sex, and that the woman is dealing with all of the feelings that relate to that, I can handle it. And, if she’s divorced then finds out that she’s pregnant with her ex’s child, I can deal with that, too, depending on how things are handled. I just read one like this, as a matter of fact, but I don’t do well with names of books! lol!! I’ve already read 165 this year, so the titles get mixed up!! The one I’m thinking of was also a contemporary, but again, I’m drawing a blank on the name.
That’s a lot! Let me know if you think of the title.
I would definitely read/write a story with a pregnant heroine.
Your story sounds very … intriguing, but also heartfelt and emotional. I look forward to reading it. :)
Thanks, Ginger. I can totally see you writing a pregnant heroine.
Hi, yes for sure! Your story sounds like a very good one, and pregnant women are very normal, it makes it more real when pregnant women are included in books , no matter the circumstances. Have a great week and stay safe. I will be looking forward to your book.
Thanks, Alicia! I really loved these characters.
From your description above, I would definitely grant your pregnant heroine story. It is such a beautiful opportunity to share the wonder of Christmas and the redemption that it led to! The “pregnant heroine” book I’ve read that immediately comes to my mind is “The Soldier’s Newfound Family” by Kathryn Springer. The heroine is the widow of the hero’s best friend and it starts out as a marriage of convenience–which leads to more, as both of them are strengthened in their faith .
That sounds beautiful.
The AtonementChild by Francine Rivers is an outstanding story about a pregnant heroine. I’ve read a number of pregnant heroine stories and they’ve all been great. So glad you’re going for it!
Oh, I haven’t read that one by Francine! Is it her abortion book? If so, I’ve heard of it.
Angela, yes, it is. Powerful story!
I don’t have any kind of issue with a pregnant heroine.
I really enjoyed the nuances created by such circumstances!
I do not mind reading about a pregnancy in a book. There are many reasons a woman may opt to do this alone. She could be leaving an abusive relationship. She could have become pregnant before she became a believer. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Great points! And thank you. God bless you too.
no issue
Awesome. Thanks for your succinct response.
I would approve it too. I’m really intrigued to read your story since I loved your post and everything you highlighted you’ve included in this novella.
Oh, thanks. I just read the first novella in our collection, and I think you’re all in for a real treat!
Oh my goodness, yes! We need more books about pregnant, single moms who find Christ! We need way more Christian books about people rolling around in the mud of their imperfect and hopeless lives, and finding Him. Tired of books that don’t deal with the hard topics, so good for you AND your editor!
Aww… Thanks. Some did question whether I could tackle all this in a novella, but I think it works!
Not problem with the topic. All the best on the releasing of your book.
Thank you so much. <3
A Forever Family by Brenda Colter
The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers
A Baby for the Minister by Laurel Blount
Awesome! Nobody had mentioned A Baby for the Minister yet.
This sounds like a great story. I can’t think of any CCR books I have read that featured a pregnant heroine.
Thanks, Jessica B.
Yes! I love this because let’s face it – it’s real life. It happens and we shouldn’t shame those people, nor try to pretend it’s not real.
Emily Conrad wrote an amazing book with a pregnant heroine in it and in fact her hero is one of my favorites ever. The title is Justice.
I look forward to your story!! 💜
This sounds like a great story. I can’t wait to read it!