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Colleen Coble writes romantic suspense with a strong atmospheric element. A lovable animal of some kind--usually a dog--always populates her novels. She can be bribed with DeBrand mocha truffles.
Denise Hunter writes women's fiction and love stories with a strong emotional element. Her husband says he provides her with all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too.
Diann Hunt writes romantic comedy and humorous women's fiction. She has been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, chocolate, her dog, and well, chocolate.
Cheryl Hodde writes romantic medical suspense under the pen name of Hannah Alexander, using all the input she can get from her husband, Mel, for the medical expertise. For fun she hikes and reads. Out of guilt, she rescues discarded cats. She and Mel are presently taking orders from four pampered strays.
28 Comments:
Ok, I'll play! I haven't read any of those books and I love romance.
On our 25th wedding anniversary (2 years ago) we took off for the wilds of Michigan for a week! Imagine. A whole week without our four boys and all of their friends interrupting conversations--much less anything else!
First we drove up to the Mackinaw Bridge. We thought we would hike around on the trails across the bridge (which they were working on) but when the most potent Deep Woods Off wasn't even slowing down the birds, er, mosquitos, we ran for our lives back to the car. So, then, we went into the Harley Shop--I mean, we had to have a Harley tee shirt to commemorate this trip!
Next we played 18 holes of golf. Yes, my husband was so happy. He adored me. Then, later in the week, we hiked the most horrendous dune I've ever seen--in Sleeping Bear Dunes.
So, in order to enjoy this wonderland to celebrate a silver anniversary, I worked out at a gym and dieted like mad for six months. Let me say that I was in great shape, but even this did not prepare me for the huge welts from the Michigan State Bird, the sore muscles (ok, ok, we had a jacuzzi in our room--divine!) and the humiliation of collapsing, wheezing half-way up the huge dusty, sandy dune. (While little upstart children, whom we thought we'd left at home, kicked sand in our face.)
It was the most romantic, delicious,(the BEST food)and satisfying anniversary we ever had. We never had a honeymoon, and to me this was the most romantic thing I've ever experienced--a whole week of "just us" laughing and yes, kissing( and yelling about our lousy shots on pristine golf courses.) I will always remember it. (And I think even Chris loved it.)
Most romantic? I don't know. I mean, everyday when my husband of 16 years tells me he loves me it's like hearing it again for the first time. He still gets my heart all fluttery.
Can I have a pity vote? My dad met me and my prom date at the door when he brought me home. Turns out he's gay, so I guess that didn't matter. Years later, the first time I was "seeing" anyone on Valentine's day, he sent flowers. But when I couldn't figure out if we were dating or not after two years (and all my friends said he had something in common with my prom date), I decided it was in our best interest to move on. But I never moved.
For a romantic story, when I lived in Sevierville, Tenn., I went to Dollywood way too many times accompanying family friends/tourists. One such trip was on my parents 37th wedding. It was pouring rain, but we had fun anyway. There was hardly anyone there. We were over in the 50s section when a love song from my parents' dating years came on. To my surprise, my dad took my mom in his arms and the two slow danced through the whole song. There they were, rain cascading down their ponchos, people stopping to stare, and they were oblivious of anything but each other for the whole time.
I want dancing in the rain one day.
melanie
I thought of many things when I read this. Like our first date, we went to Burger King. He had the tray with the food and drinks. He turned so suddenly into the booth that the cups flew off the tray and all over the table. He was so embarrassed. But handled himself so well. He just cleaned it up and refilled our cups.
The next thing I thought of is the little things he does now. During our 21 years of marriage, I have never had to fill our vehicles with gas (good thing! I dont know how!). He always makes sure my van is never below half a tank in the winter in case something would happen in the snow on my way to work. He fills it each week for me. He also runs it through the car wash when needed. He helps out with dishes each evening. He is a great and involved dad with our sons.
He always (well almost) shovels the snow so I don't have to walk through it. Here is proof of the example he is for our sons. A week or so ago he had shoveled but snow fell off the roof onto the sidewalk. He was busy and didn't take the time to shovel it. So I grabbed a shovel and moved a small pile. When he came home with our youngest son, the son stopped and commented that mom must have shoveled. Dad agreed. Our son turned and looked at him and said "Aren't you supposed to do that?" We had a good laugh at that but realized the kind example he was setting for him.
There are many more of those little things. Those are the things that I find romantic and important.
LOL, Crystal! That was silver anniversary! :-)
Suzanne, I know how you feel. I'm the same way when my man says it. :-)
Melanie, the story of your mom and dad melted my heart! I love that--I want dancing in the rain some day! It should go in a book!!!
Wow, Andrea, you've got a keeper!
Hmm,
Well, my husband and I met in college and got married when we were 21. Five years later, my husband decided that he needed space, so we separated. Keep in mind, after the first six months, we decided that we could be friends for the sake of our daughter and we got along better than ever. In February, I happened to have a 'real' birthday. I am Leap Year baby, so birthdays come only every four years. The year that I was turning 7 (well, 28), I was working at my uncle's mortgage company and Ikept hearing my name paged to come to the front, but I was on the phone with a customer. They kept paging and I finally was able to get up front and waiting for me was SEVEN DOZEN red roses. One dozen for each birthday, waiting for me....from my soon to ex-husband. I have never seen that many roses in one place at one time. It was such a thoughtful thing to do, even if we were apart. Well, another year and a divorce later, we decided that we really loved each other, got back together, and have been together ever since. I did get a new engagement ring out of the deal...as a fresh start! So that's my unconventional romance story. Married too young, divorced, but got back together and have been happy ever since. We like to say we've been married off and on for almost 15 years. People give us the strangest looks when we tell them that!
I do believe I have one of the best husbands ever. He is about the most gentle person I've ever been around and yet is big and strong and tough, too. 10 Valentine's Days ago he asked me to be his girlfriend and 9 Valentine's Days ago he asked me to marry him. I am so thankful for my husband and what this day means to us.
My husband, when we started dating, told me he'd never tell me he loved me unless he was going to propose becuase he said that I deserved more than words, but a commitment I could rest my heart on.
Every autummn my parents and I would go to a cabin on the shores of Lake Superior in the Porcupine Mountain range of Michigan's UP (see why I love your books, Colleen!?). This particular autumn, I was overwhelmed with the absence of Nathan on a vacation that my parents had invited him to join us on but he was going to Chicago instead.
We arrived and I was moping like a good mopey 22-yr-old can do on the porch swing overlooking the crashing waves. My dad came out and asked me to go with him to the Lake of the Clouds. It's a beautiful spot; my favorite. Overlooking a chasm of autumn colors in the Porkis on a rocky cliff, it's the most beautiful place on earth. Becuase I'm a daddy's girl, i couldn't refuse him, so I went with my first favorite man to the Lake of the Clouds.
When we arrived, no one was there at the lookout except some guy in a green jacket that looked mysteriously like Nathan. I started to cry when he turned around.
"You lied to me! You were supposed to go to Chicago!" I wailed through my totally non-overdramatized sobs.
"Well, I can go there if you want!" Nathan replied dryly.
I grabbed onto him as though I'd never let him go, so glad that he'd suprised me and joined me for vacation.
But then he whispered,
"have I ever told you how beautiful you are?"
I looked at him and said, "yes, everyday".
He answered, "But I have I ever told you 'I love you'?"
I started to tear up again, and I shook my head.
In true prince charming fashion, he leaned in and whispered, "I love you". Then he slid to his knee and asked me to be his wife.
And the Lake of the Clouds will forever be the most ROMANTIC SPOT IN THE WORLD ... for me at least ;)
Oh my gosh, Jaime, I have goosebumps! What a great story. And there is no more beautiful spot on earth for a proposal than Lake of the Clouds. I have it as my computer wallpaper right now while I'm writing the next Rock Harbor book.
Oh my goodness, Jaime, i have goose bumps! That is one romantic guy!!! How awesome!
I love your story, Christy! True love! Sigh.
Anna, this IS a special day for you!! Have a great celebration!
Hmmm, I'm not married, so I'd say my most romantic date was last week when I took a prayer walk. Just twenty-five minutes of talking to Jesus. It was awesome to feel His touch on my heart as I laid all my problems at His feet. And what better love moment than with the King of Love Himself?
By the way, I love the Girls Write Out blog. I started reading it last year, and now I'm hooked! I check it up at least once a day. You Girls are neat!
Oh Gracie, what a sweet thing to have that walk! I'm glad you spoke up. A relationship with Jesus is THE most important thing in the world!
Beautifully said, Gracie! Nothing compares to His love! Thank you for sharing!
Melanie, I dated a guy in high school who came to pick me up in this gorgeous car of his mother's, brought me roses and was really the BEST looking guy. Next time I saw him after high school, he too was gay and he had gotten a perm. (Bad look even in the 80's) and he worked at Costco. Sigh.
I don't think I'm a romantic person. One guy tried to take me horseback riding. I hate horses. My DH took me to the symphony on my birthday. what am I 80? Somehow, I don't invite romance. LOL
Honestly, I think the most romantic date that my husband planned didn't go at all the way he hoped it would, but I loved it!! It showed that he tried and wanted to make me feel special, but with all the mishaps it was so real and honest.
It was our first Valentine's Day after we were married. We were married in January, so we were only married a little over a month. Matt had flowers send to my work, but they delivered them too late and I was already gone! A friend was suppose to keep me out of the house, but her class went longer than expected! Then he cooked dinner for us...but it burned and burned very badly, so we had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!!
...And 8 years later I still think about that date when I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! =)
I just talked to Matt and told him about leaving our date as a comment. He said that he couldn't believe that that date was the most romantic one. He said that it was embarrassing to him! So, I'm suppose to let you all know that he have planned many other wonderful dates that went very smoothly and were very romantic!! But I still have to choose it as my favorite!
Listen to how chatty you all get when free books are on the line! LOL
Romantic date? Oh well, that leaves me out. Go read this month's ACFW e-zine, Afictionado after the 15th, and you'll read about my romantic hubby.
snicker
I was 4 months pregnant with our first child and had extreme morning sickness. I could keep down nothing! I lost over 10 pounds in one week. The doctor put me on bedrest for a short time. I had already missed several weeks of church due to being so sick. Now I couldn't work either. After 3 weeks of bedrest I was so hungry to go to church and see friends and sing praise. The doctor said I could venture out and I excitedly got ready. Just as we were to leave a terrible wave of nauseousness hit. I ran to the bathroom and then came out sobbing. How could I go to church when I was sick again? My husband took out his guitar and we held a praise service right there in our room. Me in bed with a bucket and him at the end of the bed. No other service since has felt so precious. I felt sick all day for several more weeks and had morning sickness for the next several months. Our daughter is now 19; many years have passed but the memory is still so special to me.
Anything for free books :-)
My husband of 7 years and I had the most romantic vacation this last summer on the beautiful central California coast. We enjoyed breakfast overlooking the ocean, walks on the beach, lunch in Carmel by the Sea, and cable car rides in San Francisco. It was wonderful and neither of us wanted to return home to the Midwest.
As much as I love those romantic times, what I cherish most is the way my husband loves and treats me every day. It's been a rough year for us and he has held me when I've cried and been steady during my hormonal rages. God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and I'm so thankful for him.
I am absolutely LOVING these comments! Thank you so much for sharing. This has really been cool.
By the way, your special time doesn't have to be anything spectacular--it's all about what made it special to you!
Keep 'em coming!!!
My husband & I were newly married. It was Valentine's Day and he prepared a bubble bath for me. It was beautiful. Candles and a glass of wine waited for me.
As I got out, I opened the bathroom door and there were chocolate kisses on the floor leading all the way to the bedroom.....where he was laying on the bed with um.....no clothes on....Romantic and kinda funny too!!
Rhonda
I'm with Crystal. Count me in.
On my 21st birthday, my husband took me to Wendys for lunch and then out into the wilds of Maryland to go hiking. We hiked to the top of a cliff/small mountain overlooking Camp David somewhere in the forest below us. Not exactly what I had in mind for my birthday but nice. Then he fell to one knee and proposed. I'll never forget that!
When my husband proposed, he took me to a beautifully scenic place outside of Estes Park. We had decided previously, "no engagement ring" because it would be too difficult financially for him. He changed his mind (without telling me) and pulled out a ring after he "popped the question. :)
I'm late but I still figured I'd post. It's hard to say what my most romantic moment is. I'd probably say as my 12th anniversary approaches, I still think it was coming out of work one morning (at the time I worked night shift at Walmart) and finding a note on my windshield. Me and hubby had been married for 5yrs at that point and I was a few months pregnant with our first child, he left a note that simply said "I love You" and that was all. No name, nothing. But I knew his handwriting and knew it was him. I asked him later that day when I saw him why he did that and he said, "well usually you're home when I leave for work and I tell you then, but this morning you were still at work and since the store was locked and I couldn't get in, I left you a note." It wasn't a special day or anything, just one of those times when he wanted me to know he loved me. A simple everyday thing that he made very romantic for me.
Okay that's one of mine and one of my favorite memories.
hugs,
Wendyk
I can't believe I'm doing this!
One day last summer, I waited until dusk and took my beautiful wife, Shelly, to the nearby state park. I blindfolded her so she would not see where we were going, and once we got there, I led her to the site I had prepared. I had a blanket laid out with lit candles all around the edges and rose petals covering the blanket. I had bought a fruit pie to enjoy and sparkling grape juice to drink out of champagne glasses. As we ate and drank, we talked and really got to know each other all over again. It is one of the best dates we have ever been on and one that we'll both remember for some time.
Romance? What is that? I'm lucky when my dog gives me a slobbery kiss on the cheek and lets me hug him.
Thanks to all who played the Valentine Game! :-) All your stories were awesome! My husband used a random number generator program on the computer (I told you he was a techie) to come up with the winners. So the following people have each won a copy of my book, "We Have This Moment":
Sarah
Andrea
Christy
Melanie
And the grand prize of six books in the series goes to (drum roll, please):
Lisa!!
Winners, please send an email to: diann@diannhunt.com and leave your address so I can get the books in the mail to you.
Thanks for playing everyone!!! Congrats to the winners!!! Whoohoooo!!!
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