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!
Hi Miranda. That chair does look super comfy. I actually don't have a reading chair. I think I might have to remedy that. My comfort reads tend to be Amanda Quick's Ravished, Loretta Chase's Lord of Scoundrels and Danelle Harmon's the de Montforte Brothers series.
ReplyDeleteCassandra Samuels, I LOVE Lord of Scoundrels. It's cold outside today and the wind is a bit too blustery...so I might just have to pull that one off the shelf and get stuck in...again.
DeleteYes, yes and YES, Cassandra! All fantastic suggestions for comfort reads. And now we can add your very own A Scandalous Wager to the pile. *kiss
DeleteHi, Miranda!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right...this time of year IS perfect for snuggling on the lounge with a comfort read!! Sigh...anything from Julie Garwood is a comfort read for me. Cuddled up with one of her historicals the world just feels right.
Julie Garwood... check... YES! Have you read her contemporary romantic suspenses? Awesome sauce books!
DeleteHi Miranda. I have to confess I don't comfort read. When I read a book that in the end I really, really love it embeds itself in my memory forever. I can talk about books I read years ago as if I read them yesterday. I think that's why I don't pick them up again. In those times when I may need comfort in reading, I pick up a new book, usually one full of angst and danger where good always prevails over evil. If the book angst wins, then my need for comfort eases. Strange but there it is.
ReplyDeleteEnisa, everyone is different. And let's face it, there's a whole world of reading out there for everyone, with the TBR's teetering high in the clouds! So what a great way to enjoy reading, picking up a newie in the genre you adore. Fantastic.
DeleteHi Miranda, Susan Elizabeth Phillips is my go to comfort reading author. I especially love "Nobody's Baby But Mine".
ReplyDeleteIsn't that just the funniest and yet poignant book? A classic comfort read, Sharon! Love it.
DeleteHi Miranda. The first dual timeline book I read was Barbara Erskine's Lady of Hay and I went on a major binge reading all her books after that. I still have all her books as my 'keepers' and comfort reads. I'm very excited to be going to see her at the Hay-on-Wye Book Festival this coming weekend!
ReplyDeleteThat is just so marvellous I cannot even begin to count the ways, Marilyn. Do have fun! And tell us what other bargains you pick up.
Delete