Monday 28 August 2017

What are 'Romantic Elements' in a Book?

Hello darlings, and welcome to Miranda's August Musings!


Every now and then a book with the label 'Romantic Elements' pops up, and you think - what does that mean? Is it still a romance?

Yes it is, but in a slightly different way. In romance fiction the romance is the main part of the story.

In a book with romantic elements the romance is definitely there in the plot, but it's not the main part of the story. The protagonists enter on their journey and get to their fantastic end, but the bonus is a romance sub-plot and often a happy - or at least 'optimistic' ending.

Examples? Why yes, glad you asked. Just so happens I've read three in the last few weeks.


Image courtesy of: amazon.com


I read The Dangers of Truffle Hunting because I planned to go to the recent Mudgee Reader's Festival and hoped to meet the author, Sunni Overend. Unfortunately (long story) I didn't get there, but I really enjoyed the book! It's written in a very cool, refreshingly unapologetic, on trend, hip voice. The relationships are fun and realistic, and the questions about the heroine's fiance Scott and potential lover Raph lured the story on. I loved the theme of being true to yourself. (Psst! 'Strong language' warning.)



Image courtesy of: amazon.com


Isn't this book gorgeous? I totally snapped up The Romance Reader's Guide to Life by Sharon Pywell. It packed a punch, building up to a huge showdown at the end. There is a book within this book, notably The Pirate Lover, a fairly dated bodice-ripping pirate romance which is then eerily echoed in the main story. So much so I found myself wondering which bits of the book within the book were going to be part of the main book. (!) Lots of bad, violent guys here, lots of angst and grief, some ghosts, and a great story. Plus, you know, pirates.



Image courtesy of: amazon.com


Last but definitely not least is Lost For Words by Stephanie Butland. For starters, this is set in a bookshop. Immediate huge big tick for me. The issues the book touches on are mesmerising to read, and done with a huge heart. Domestic violence, fostering, mental illness, panic attacks, a love story, more. By the end of the book I loved Loveday, the main character, and those around her. I really wanted a happy ending for her, and you will too. Such a great read I didn't want it to end.

What do you think? Do you enjoy books with Big Issues and a Great Story that, incidentally, also have Romantic Elements? Let me know!

Love from Miranda xx


Love to Love:
Sunshine on winter days.

Love to Laugh:
At my default setting: books set in a bookshop or library, must read...!

Love to Learn:
About other people's fave books. My TBR just grows and grows.

17 comments:

  1. Oooh! Thanks for these recommendations, Miranda. They look great. I'm especially interested in the last one, which I've never heard of. Off to check if the library has a copy.

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    1. Cathryn, You'll love Lost For Words. It's set in York, UK, which I have visited, so I could just imagine a lot of the city as well. But you don't need to 'know' the city, it's all portrayed so well. I'm going to find some more of Stephanie Butland's books to read now!
      Miranda xx

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  2. Hi Miranda. I love suspense with romantic elements. Authors Nora Roberts and Bronwyn Parry are auto buys.

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    1. I love Nora Roberts and Bronwyn Parry, excellent authors Enisa! I do find the romance in their books sits side by side with the suspense plot. I think the above books have other Big Issues, and the romance is not quite the driving force, more an 'element'. Does that makes sense?
      Miranda x

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    2. You're right. Obviously, my reading caters to more romance or none at all than to just romantic elements.I do recall one that I think fits the RE genre. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George. That book was a gorgeous read and the writing was so lovely.

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    3. Oh yes, that was a simply charming book. Thanks for reminding me!
      Miranda

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  3. I really enjoy any sort of book with romantic elements and these look great, thanks Miranda! The last 'RE' book I read was Barbara Erskine's 'Whispers in the Sand' (I love her time slip novels, and I'm writing one of my own at the moment ;)).

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    1. Thanks, Marilyn, I do love another suggestion! 'Whispers in the Sand' sounds amazing, I just looked it up. I read Barbara Erskine's 'The Lady Of Hay' many years ago, what a knockout read. I really enjoy time slip books, they are tremendous fun. Can't wait to read yours - I've just read and adored your 'Falling in Love Again' - and loved it.
      Miranda x

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    2. Many thanks for your kind words about Falling in Love Again. I'm getting some great feedback from other readers, too. :)

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    3. Opals and a very special character I fell in love with, someone who 'glowed'... :) Wonderful book, Marilyn.
      Miranda

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  4. FROM MIRANDA: Hi everyone, so sorry my comments keep coming up 'Anonymous'. My (very old) computer is having the biggest hissy fit of all time and doesn't want to play with me... Sigh... But I'm here and I'm reading all your lovely comments - and can't wait for more!

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  5. I actually really like romantic element books as long as there is a HEA or a HFN ending. Like the sound of all three of these books. Thanks Miranda.

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    1. Absolutely, Cassandra, I like them for the same reasons. I don't like books to end all bleakness and misery. These three definitely don't end that way, there is HFN and more expected!
      Miranda x

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  6. Hi Miranda

    I too love a book with RE in it and have read a lot over the years just recently I read Leaving Ocean Road by Esther Campion fabulous story and thanks for the recommendations :)

    Have Fun
    Helen

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    1. Helen, that sounds fabulous, I just looked it up. Lovely Irish characters, too, and since I've just been in Ireland that totally appeals! Always love more reading suggestions, thanks!
      Miranda x

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  7. Hi Miranda, I enjoy reading books with romantic elements as well as romances. Any book with great characters and an exciting plot is worth reading but the positive elements of romance can make it a joy to read.

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    1. Yes, absolutely Sharon, yes to all the different ways a wonderful book can capture you for a while. As we all know romance really is our 'thing' - but these books with romantic elements were fabulous.
      Miranda

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