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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What Romances Do I Think Are Perfect for Valentine’s Day?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to curl up with a nice romantic book and escape into a world of happily-ever-afters. But which one?? via @chautonahavig

With Valentine’s Day this weekend, it seems only fitting to look at some great reads to celebrate the day. I probably wouldn’t have thought of it if a friend hadn’t said something.  Thanks to Lucinda for the Valentine’s Day reads suggestion.

Whether you’re looking for a few short novellas, a gentle trilogy with a bonus, a collection of interconnected novellas, or an Austen-inspired romp, it’s all here.  I’ve even got a romance for married folks!

Let’s check it out, shall we?

valentine's Day episode

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

What Romances Do I Think Are Perfect for Valentine’s Day?

With the million and one possible book options for Valentine’s day, how was I supposed to limit them to just enough to fill a podcast episode?  It took far too long, but I finally came up with five solid suggestions–not all new works. Instead,  I went with books that make great first reads and rereads.

It feels weird to make such a big deal about reading romance for a holiday I didn’t even remember is coming, but despite my personal aversion to it, I recognize that it’s a beautiful thing the Lord created to illustrate His love and care for us as well as enrich our lives here.

So, let’s talk books!

Liz Johnson’s Prince Edward Island Dreams

The best thing about this series is how Liz Johnson manages to combine lovely characters, riveting plots, excellent writing, and a strong but gentle weaving of faith through the words.

  • The Red Door Inn
  • Where Two Hearts Meet
  • Love’s Gentle Shore
  • Christmas at the Red Door Inn

Sarah Monzon’s Book Nerds and Boyfriends

Humorous, poignant, and engaging, Sarah’s Book Nerds and Boyfriends series contains three novellas that somehow intertwine avid readers and plots that shake up said readers’ lives. The entire series is about the length of an average novel, and you’ll walk away in love with the characters, encouraged in your faith, and with a lighter heart than when you started.

  • Bookishly Ever After
  • Literarily for Keeps
  • Novelly Upon a Time

I’m pretty sure these are all in Kindle Unlimited.

Betwixt Two Hearts

This CrossRoads Collection combines a matchmaking service and six couples who may or may not be just perfect for each other. Novellas in various lengths from authors Amanda Tru, Cathe Swanson, Kari Trumbo, Alana Terry, Carol Moncado, and me!  HERE is a link to the story I tell about how I got the idea for my book in this collection.

This collection is available in Kindle Unlimited and is only 99 cents!

As Only Mr. Darcy Can

With all the humor that only Laura Hile can provide, As Only Mr. Darcy Can combines Valentines, Wickam in trouble, and one hilarious moment after the next.

I believe you can read this one on Kindle Unlimited as well!

Bookers on the Rocks

After twenty-five years, you’d think Ross and Tessa  Booker would have this romance thing down pat.  Instead, she avoids it as if Covid incarnate. See what she and Ross learn through one of the most romantic books I’ve ever written, Bookers on the Rocks.

Available in print, on Kindle, with Kindle Unlimited, or on Audio!

And that Valentine’s Day gift to yourself I mentioned?

save the date valentine's day

Preorder this fantastic collection of TWELVE romance novellas for just $.99!

When you do, you’ll be eligible to receive some fabulous monthly free gifts from our authors. Click HERE to enter.

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
byChautona Havig

Shannon Sue Dunlap isn’t new to rom-coms, and her first book in the Sweetheart Series promises to be a literary riot, and it lives up to that promise. I’m only halfway through it and am thinking mean, ugly thoughts of everything keeping me from being able to escape into the crazy small-town politics and quirky characters. So far the com far outweighs the rom, which makes me thrilled to bits. Listen in to discover what makes Lone Star Sweetheart so much fun.

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Why Did This Author Write a Rom-Com about a Loveable Shrew?

Well, I think we can safely blame Shakespeare for that. Shannon Sue Dunlap has taken inspiration from Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew in her Katherine, but unlike Katerina, Dunlap’s character is actually trying to learn to tame the tongue. Maybe someone should send her over to the book of James. There’s that whole bit about not being able to tame it, being an “unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

Kate’s isn’t that bad, but not for lack of trying. Or something.

Shannon Sue Dunlap isn’t joking when she says that her Katherine is a “loveable” shrew. Seriously, I love this character. She’s forthright, no-nonsense, and “what you see is what you get” in her approach to life. I respect that. Add to that her boss who has shaken up the town of Sweetheart, Texas, and you’ve got the makings of a great story. I’m loving Lone Star Sweetheart.

But this isn’t all Dunlap has written.

Under the pseudonym, Shannon Kent, you can find her sweet and clean romances (including one Christian romance) inspired by Korean dramas. If you said I’d be not only chomping to read a sweet and clean romance about Korean tour guides and all that entails but also ready to watch a Korean drama on Netflix… Okay, I might not have laughed in your face, but I’d’ve been laughing on the inside.

Best part… one of them ties into her Sweetheart Series

Lone Star Sweetheart by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Katherine Bruno’s passionate, unfiltered temper makes her the shrew of small-town Sweetheart, Texas. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife run against her own husband, Katherine meets opposing big city political consultant Ryan Park. The good-looking, flirtatious campaign manager gets under her skin, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits.

Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his jaded rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends?

You can find out more about Shannon Sue Dunlap AND get that first novella in the Korean Crush series free on her WEBSITE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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  • and more!

 

Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
May 26, 2023
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Episode 230: A Chat with Bryan Timothy Mitchell
May 17, 2023
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Episode 229: A Chat about Murmur in the Mud Caves with Kathleen Denly
May 12, 2023
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Episode 228: A Chat with Author Emilie Haney
May 9, 2023
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Episode 227: A Chat about the New Jewels of Kalispell Series
May 5, 2023
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Episode 226: A Chat with Archaeological Thriller Author, Doug Powell
May 2, 2023
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Episode 225: A Chat with Dani Pettrey
April 28, 2023
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Episode 224: A Chat with Author Megan Besing
April 25, 2023
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Episode 223: A Chat with Tosca Lee about A Long March Home
April 21, 2023
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Episode 222: A Chat with Regina Rudd Merrick
April 18, 2023
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