Miranda's Musings in May

COMFORT READS

Darlings, at last the hot weather is cooling off... Hasn't it been a long, hot summer? Now, finally, it's time to snuggle with a book as the crispness of autumn sets in.

Do you have a favourite place to sit when you read? A throw for warmth? A favourite drink to sip? And dare I ask, a favourite snack to enjoy? Cassandra Samuels in her April 4th post Breathless Places 'outed' my reading chair. Here 'tis for those who missed it:




Chair, throw, cushion, coffee, and (she says virtuously) no snack...yet...plus a messy pile of books!

But what if you're not feeling brilliant with sniffles or pre-winter chills? Stressed with work or family? Do you feel able to pick up a new romance? Or do you turn to comfort reads? Those books you've had on your bookshelf for ages, yet love with each new reading?

I've got a few comfort reads that are like being hugged when I re-read them - I love them and they love me straight back; they give me tremendous pleasure and great joy. They melt stress. I feel happy. The world becomes a better place. Oh, the lovely power of romance!

For example, I love Trust Me by Jayne Ann Krentz. On a recent reread I was shocked to discover it's over twenty years old! (Actually, so am I. Who knew?) Who cares, this one still puts me in my happy place. It's fun and gorgeously entertaining, about a geeky computer guy who gets stood up at the altar (again), and he struggles to understand where he's gone wrong (again). The wedding planner and her crazy extended family bring huge chaos into his life...and love, and joy. Sigh. Guess who loves geeks? Moi, that's who!

Photo Credit: http://jayneannkrentz.com/trust-me/

Another is Duncan's Bride by Linda Howard. Goodness, another 20+ year old book! And...this is all about an arranged marriage. With a rancher and a city slicker. With a truckload of fun tossed in. Has it stood the test of time? Yes. My wordy, yes, yes, yes it has.

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

And there's Night Magic by Karen Robards. This one is a suspenseful on-the-run romance, with a big fat cat called Puff tossed in for sheer fun. I love cats in books - but I love any animal in books, come to think of it, as long as they have 'attitude,' which Puff does--in truckloads! The humans are fabulous, too. Another oldie but goodie.

Photo credit: www.amazon.com.au

What makes these books comfort reads for me? Simple. The romance, the laughter, a great hero and heroine, a bit of suspense, and fantastic sizzles. They might be slightly outdated with technology bits like phones or computers and gadgets and such, but frankly, I don't care. They've ticked all my romance boxes and the stories have endured over twenty years. They're all on my keeper shelf and I've read them many times, even though there's a truckload of new ones to read in my TBR! And by the way, that Keeper Shelf just keeps getting bigger. It's turning into a Keeper Room...

Next time I'll bring you some new reading, but for now what books have you read and reread and love so much you've had to buy a few new copies? Maybe find the ebook of your comfort reads, just in case you're stuck somewhere with nothing to read (horrors).

What are your comfort reads? Ooh, can't wait to find out!

Till next time, darlings,

Miranda

I love to love: Comfort reading! Snuggled in my chair, with my coffee... You get the drift.

I love to laugh: At fun animals in romances. Give them the biggest 'tude and I'm hooked.

I love to learn: What are your Comfort Reads? New or old, bring them on!