Monday 8 October 2018

Romance Around the World: Wales


Wales: A Country of Majesty and Tradition
 

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Wales is a country with incredible scenery, culture and history. It is an ancient land with rugged coastlines, soaring mountains and beautiful National Parks. Inhabited by modern humans for more than 29 000 years, it is known for its medieval castles, Welsh language and Celtic culture. The Welsh people have distinct romantic traditions such as lovespoons which young men would carve for women as a sign of their affection.


Some beautiful romantic novels have been written about this special country. Here are the details of three books, I especially enjoyed.


After Forever Ends by Melodie Ramone



This beautifully constructed novel tells of a love to last a lifetime. Sylvia is from Scotland. She lost her mother at a young age, and her father is somewhat preoccupied. She goes to boarding school in Wales where she meets and falls in love with Oliver Dickinson, a rebellious young man and a twin. The story is told from the viewpoint of Sylvia, now widowed and a grandmother. She decides to return to the Welsh cottage in the woods where she lived most of her life. There is magic in the woods.



The Tides Between by Elizabeth Jane Corbett


 



This young adult novel with elements of romance introduces us to Bridie, a creative and imaginative young woman, migrating to Port Phillip Bay with her stressed mother and practical stepfather. She befriends a Welsh couple, Rhys and Sian. Rhys, a musician who suffers from agoraphobia, was regarded as a coward in his home town. Sian has special healing powers. We follow Bridie’s journey to adulthood and growing realisation of her love for Rhys.



Thunder and Roses by Mary Jo Putney


 



When Nikki is a young boy, he is taken by his gypsy mother to live with his wealthy, titled Welsh grandfather. Feeling abandoned by his mother and scorned by his grandfather, he grows up, inherits the earldom and totally neglects the estate. Clare Morgan, the orphaned daughter of an impoverished Methodist minister confronts Nikki about the starving people in the village and the dangerous mine on his estate. She asks for his assistance. He counteroffers. What he wants is her reputation. If she will live with him platonically for three months, he will give her what she asks.



Have you been to Wales? Which part of the country did you like best? What is your favourite romance novel, set in this beautiful country?




I love to love: I went out to dinner the other night with my father, sister and husband. A very special evening.

I love to laugh: I saw 'Crazy, Rich Asians' at the cinema yesterday. This film is so much fun.

I love to learn: We visited some of the monasteries in Meteora, Greece on our recent overseas trip. The meaning behind the artworks and the ancient traditions of the monks are absolutely fascinating.




8 comments:

  1. I haven’t been to Wales. Hope to get there one day, especially as I have West heritage on my mother’s side. For now, I’ll need to be an armchair traveller! Thanks for the recommended reads!

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    1. No problem Alyssa. I've been to Abergavenny which is a short distance across the border from England. I loved it, and hope to see more of this beautiful country.

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  2. I love Wales! The scenery, the history, the people - all of it. I can't nominate just one part as my favourite as I have too many places I'd return to in a heartbeat. Thanks for the recommendations, Sharon.

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    1. Thanks Marilyn. I loved the little bit I've seen of Wales, and hope to see much more of this fascinating country in the future.

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  3. I've been to Wales (well the top half) and it is so beautiful. I'm not suprised that it is the inspiration for many stories.

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    1. Thanks Cassandra. It has certainly inspired some fantastic tales.

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  4. I was in Wales last year. Winter in Snowdonia. Gorgeous scenery. Super friendly people. Castles. Ruins. Lambs in fields. Beautiful. Want to see the test one day.

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    1. Hi Enisa, we were also struck by the fascinating history and the friendliness of the people. An amazing country. I definitely hope to visit Wales again and travel there more extensively.

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