Three Authors of Romance Who Swept Me Off My Feet (again and again)

Three authors of romance who swept me off my feet (when I thought I knew it all as a heavy consumer of all romantic fiction) and deposited me on the fainting couch (or something like that) must be noted.

Are you one of those readers who’s kind of sort of definitely read it all? You read books because you love it, not because the story is going to really surprise you anymore? Girl meets boy. Girl hates boy. CONFLICT. Girl and Boy live happily ever after.

At this point, you can either become a cynical reader or a reader who delights in the character journey.

But who doesn’t love to be swept off their feet (okay, okay, me…I like my feet firmly set on the ground)? Of course, sometimes I don’t know I’m being swept off my feet because the motion is so gentle and smooth that one moment I’m on my two feet and the next I can’t put the book down!

Three Authors Who Swept Me Off My Feet

Sandra Byrd

I first became acquainted with Sandra Byrd through To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. I don’t consider myself a crier. At all. But, I remember having tears streaming down my face as I came to the end of this book. That surprised me.

But Sandra absolutely swept me off my feet with her French Twist series. Here was a young woman who I could relate to in so many ways, and it’s one of my top suggestions when friends are looking for a series to read. And I didn’t see how the series would end (unusal..I almost always can foretell these things!).

I’m not done yet. Nope. You see, Sandra is working on The Daughters of Hampshire series, and it is exquisite. Each book has swept me off my feet with twists (that make sense) but I didn’t see coming. And the villains…! The third book, A Lady in Disguise, is not out yet, but I can hardly wait!!!

Katherine Reay

Okay, what I adore about Katherine Reay is that she takes classic literature and weaves it through a contemporary fiction story. No, it’s not a retelling. BUT if you love classic literature, you’ll see how the classic influences the contemporary.

I remember reading Dear Mr. Knightley and being absolutely floored by how a novel told mostly in letter format could be so powerful. I was riveted. And, I didn’t realize that I had been swept off my feet by the story that Katherine Reay told until I’d read the last page.

But I think I loved The Bronte Plot the most. I am completely intrigued by how Katherine Reay can take classics (that many high schoolers probably groan about reading) and brush the magic of the classic over the contemporary tale. Am I gushing…sorry…Katherine Reay swept me off my English Major feet with her delightful stories.

Pepper Basham

Pepper Basham is FUNNY. And she writes amazing kisses. But my favorite thing about her books is that she gives her characters some nitty gritty problems. She doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. Sure, there’s lots of fairy dust everywhere but her stories bring the rough and tumble of life.

Pepper Basham swept me off my feet with the comedic moments (where I can totally picture myself doing something that clutzy or whatever) as well as the shockingly real moments where I came face to face with a character struggling for healing in the deepest part of their being.

When I read The Thorn Bearer, I finished it and I wanted more from Pepper. Finally, a Christian author seemed to be delving into the difficulty of healing from abuse. Pepper Basham swept me right of my feet and took me on an unforgettable journey of healing.

 

Three Writers I Want To See Become Published Authors:

I brainstormed this blog post while sitting around a table with author writers at the Writing to Inspire Workshop in Maryland. As I soaked in the wonder of being in a room full of people who love words and desire to tell stories, I wanted to give back.

So, if you don’t mind, I’d like you to meet three women I consider encouragements in this writing life.

Meghan Gorecki

Oddly, Meghan and I have lived in the same area of each other for most of our growing up years and it wasn’t until this year that we connected. I’m sad I didn’t know her before, but I’m grateful to know her now. When I think of Meghan, I think of a hug because she can be so welcoming. But I like her most because she LOVES books, and she’s passionate about writing books. So much so, that she self-published.

That’s guts.

And you know, I think the story is captivating. I mean, what’s not to like about sparks flying between a boy and a girl (who really actually like each other but they can’t tell).

So I guess, Meghan is published, but I want to see more of her books in the world.

Jacqueline Patterson

Jacqueline and I stood in line next to each other at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. We were both newbies to that conference, but Jacqueline oozed excitement. She had no qualms talking up any new person that she met and taking selfies with her favorite authors (*cough cough* Steven James).

She always posting snippets about her book on instagram and twitter, but I think what I like best is her excitement. Every interaction with her rubs some of that excitement off on me.

I want to see Jacqueline’s book in print someday.

Elizabeth Olmedo

Now Eli, I’ve known the longest. We used to sit in a college class together, but I didn’t really get to know her until later when we were both in an online writers group. And, psst, I’ve had the chance to read portions of her work-in-progress, and let’s just say…it gave me chills.

The other neat thing about Eli is that she has a website called Eli’s Novel Reviews, and I know authors who know her because of her insightful review. Hellllllooooo, Eli’s rubbing shoulders with book royalty. 

Oh, it would thrill me to see Eli’s book in print!

 

And you know, I believe it’s only a matter of time until all three of these ladies see publication. The journey won’t make sense probably nor will it happen as quickly as they wanted, but if they keep working at it, they’re books will be read and published.

So stay tuned!

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