A blog post or two ago, we chatted about how romance sells.
Side note: I love when the conversation flows on this blog. I read every comment and am determined to respond to every one. After all, if you take time to read and comment on my post, I want to respond in kind.
Back to today’s topic: ‘Tis the season for Christmas romance novels. My friend, Camille Eide, has a delightful contemporary romance Christmas novel titled Savanna’s Gift, published by White Rose Publishing. The novel is part of the publisher’s holiday specials that go through December 22nd.
Another new favorite Christmas romance is best-selling author Susan May Warren’s Baby, It’s Cold Outside, a historical romance set in 1949.
Yes, industry statistics back up the “readers love Christmas romances” belief. The question today is why? Why do readers love Christmas romances? Is Christmas the most wonderful time of the year to fall in love? The theme of love is so deeply woven through the true Christmas story begun so long ago in Bethlehem that it’s a perfect backdrop for those themes often woven into romances: forgiveness, second chances, hope, happily ever after.
In Your Words: Why is a Christmas romance novel an extra-special read? What are your favorite Christmas romances?
Other Christmas romance novels:
Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella (Contemporary romance with a magical twist. A favorite of mine by best-selling author Donita K. Paul.)
A Log Cabin Christmas Collection (Historical romance)
Love Finds You on Christmas Morning (Contemporary romance)
Sleigh Bells for Dry Creek (Contemporary romance)
The Prodigal’s Christmas Return (Contemporary romance)
Comments 19
I think for me, it’s the setting – snow, outdoor activities, a warm fireplace, a new year, or new beginning around the corner, and so on. It’s a time of hope, faith, and love.
It’s the time of year we get cozy under blankets, eat candy, a fall in into a good romance novel.
Excellent insights, Loree.
And, as writers are often told: Setting can be a “virtual” character in your book.
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There’s something so cozy about Christmas romance books, and they also usually have gorgeous book covers too …
Joanne,
It’s true. I am often drawn to Christmas book covers: the lights, the snow, the candles …
My new favorite is honestly Susan May Warren’s Baby It’s Cold Outside–so delighted w/ that and it leaves readers happy & thinking about the characters & setting long after closing the book.
I’ve picked up Baby, It’s Cold Outside and re-read some of my favorite scenes, Dee!
🙂
Christmas romances….they usually include snow. Since a white Christmas is never a certainty, it’s fun to read about it. I think the memories and feelings from Christmases past (at least for me) weave themselves into the Christmas stories I read. There’s also something about the Christmas “spirit” being rekindled in the lives of characters who’ve had difficult memories associated with this special holiday. I also love to see Jesus’ love interwoven and made new in some characters’ lives.
Jeanne,
You’ve zeroed in on the emotions of Christmas — and the hope of Christmas. All reasons why readers love Christmas romances.
Like others have said, I think it’s partially about the setting–cuddling up together in blankets, the snowflakes, the lights, etc.–and partially about this notion that Christmas is romantic and all about love. I think of all the Christmas songs that talk about love, how this is the perfect time of year to fall in love, spending Christmas with those you love, etc.
Lindsay,
Some favorite Christmas songs that talk about love:
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Merry Christmas, Darling
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
This Christmas
This is the closest I will come to snow!! Love it. But it melts when it hits the ground! LOL!
I love Christmas books too. Must start reading some, so much to do, so little time!!
Cathy, it was worth having my web guru (Stacy at DigitalPicnic.com) get the snow blowing just for you! And I’m reading a great story right now … your WIP!
My favorite Christmas romance doesn’t take place between the covers of a book. It’s my own. I married my beloved Gwynly on December 19th. In just a couple of weeks we’ll celebrate 24 years of marriage. Notice I didn’t say wedded bliss. That’s intentional. Marriage takes work, commitment, and lots of I love you’s, Thank you’s, and I’m sorry’s. Undermining all that is romance–a deep and abiding joy in being bound to the other, a love exemplified by the Author of Love itself, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Keli,
Thank you for sharing your Christmas romance with us. How wonderful that you’ve stayed true to one another for almost 24 years! And my one word definition for marriage has always been “work.”
🙂
My favorite movie is Love Actually. There’s something about the romance, life stories, etc. woven together with Christmas that always makes me happy when I watch it. I try to watch it every Christmas season. Hubby is not so interested.
I have my favorite Christmas romance movies too, Stacy. Some are newer, and some are classics like White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life (yep, there’s romance in that too.)
I think I will have to pick up a Christmas romance novel. You all have such fondness for them. I can’t think of even one I’ve read. I did read a Tamera Alexander book that took place in the winter and they went for carriage rides in the snow and built fires which really added to the romance factor.
I do love Christmas movies though. I always tell my kids Chrsitmas can’t start until I’ve watched While you Were Sleeping. I watched it three days again … so let those bells ring!
Oh, I hadn’t thought of While You Were Sleeping — yes, it’s a Christmas romance for sure! Now I’ve got to watch it.
Jodi, you’d love Baby, It’s Cold Outside. And Camille’s novella was good. I just finished another novella, Polar Bear Christmas. Also good.