I'm a voracious reader. Bet you are too, as you're interested in a blog called Romancing The Genres.
TWO REASONS I READ NONSTOP:
1. "Hiding in Fiction" is my favorite entertainment--and distraction.
2. Stephen King granted permission.
THREE TITLES FROM MY KEEPER SHELF
So many books, so little time.
Recommendations for quality, worthwhile reading material can go a very long way. If someone else enjoyed it, I just might love it.
Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files, a 15+ paranormal urban fantasy series cemented my love of Fantasy. Given I pretty much only read romance (of various sub-genres), I credit Butcher with broadening my horizons and making me fall hard and fast for wizard Harry Dresden, an unlikely hero whose moral compass sees him in more trouble with vampires, witches, the Fae, goblins, ghosts--and the writing is superb. If you've not yet discovered this series, the really great news is 1) the series is long enough to hold you a while, and 2) they only get better and better [as every author truly should improve in their craft with experience].
Maybe it's cheating to lump the Inheritance Cycle series by Christopher Paolini into one book recommendation.
I don't remember why I started reading the series, but once I finished book 1, I was hooked. As one who primarily identifies as a romance reader, I'm surprised how this Teen / YA / Fantasy-Action and Adventure-Magic series grabbed me and refused to let go. They're long, in-depth, superior, and captivating. Consider the audible editions for a family road-trip.
Ah, historical romance. Deanne Gist is a master of the genre. Set at the The Chicago World Fair (1893), Fair Play is a wholesome romance with historically accurate detail. Reading it put me squarely in the middle of a female physician's challenges in 19th century Chicago, and I felt the rush of excitement surrounding The Fair...and fell topknot over button-up shoes for Texas Ranger on loan to The Colombian Guard. While a Christian historical romance, the religious elements are minor; I completely forgot it was categorized as Christian fiction while reading. I listened to the audible edition many months (and dozens of books) ago, and elements still echo through my memory. It was that good. |
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Hi! I'm Kristin Holt.
I write
frequent articles (or view recent posts
easily on my Home Page, scroll down to mid to lower) about the nineteenth
century American west–every subject of possible interest to readers,
amateur historians, authors…as all of these tidbits surfaced while researching
for my books. I also blog monthly at Sweet Americana Sweethearts (first Friday of each
month) and Romancing the Genres (third Tuesday of each
Month).
I love to hear from readers! Please drop me a note. Or find me on Facebook.
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9 comments:
Gotta love Stephen King lol! You've made a good case of reading outside the romance genre. Thanks for the suggestions.
Thanks, Judith!
You mention Deanne Gist but not the actual title of her book. I know I can look it up but many readers will just want the title like the other two mentioned a click away from getting the book themselves. I adore a book so good you forget the Christian part was the listed genre and not the other sub-genre because it's teaching was subtle but effective rather than Bible verses every page or chapter with notes listed all over and the Scripture pounded into you. That happens and as a reviewer I took off for pushing the religious aspect so much it interferes with the story. Subtle will get 4 or 5 Stars whereas the other a 3 Star is much more common. I may have read hers but will have to see if the World's Fair book I really loved is the one you mention. Thanks Kristin and yes as Readers some of us have actually been Judges for some contests. Yes, I have been a Reader Judge before for something but have to not say exactly which one since I put in for next year too.
Thank you for the heads up, Lainey. I corrected the paragraph about Deanne Gist's book (Fair Play) to include the title. So glad you let me know about the omission.
How marvelous that you've been a Reader Judge for contests. I imagine your list of book recommendations is valuable. =)
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting.
Warm regards,
Kristin
Yes and thanks Kristin. I noticed just after you had added the book so I pulled my comment and never more than glad to pull it since you were on it immediately. And yes being a judge is neat because this time as a Reader Judge where as the last time I was a book reviewer and author interviewer for CTR Coffee Time Romance & More years ago as a book cover and book video judge as one of a panel asked. That was an honor to be asked then. This time I answered a post with the question _ Readers we are ... and I was just lucky to get picked. Thanks again Kristin and Deanne Gist is one of my favorite authors since I had quite a few of her books but not Fair Play so now another for my to be bought pile.
I read outside the romance genre too. I think it only broadens our 'writing ' talents. Great post!
Thank you, Lainey!
I may have been quick on the draw on May 17th, and much slower to revisit again (May 31st). I enjoy the conversation-like back-and-forth and your responses to my questions. You've had a rich list of experiences judging and contributing to reviews and feedback available to readers (SO valuable!).
I adore Deanne Gist, too. So glad one of my recommendations was of help to you. This particular title, FAIR PLAY, is one that lingers with me so very long after I finished reading it. It's on my keeper shelf!
Cheers--
Kristin
Thank you, Diana--
I wholeheartedly agree. Reading broadly is a very good thing.
Cheers--
Kristin
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