Bridging the Past and Present: Writing Romance Rooted in History

By Shanna Hatfield

Books have been a wonderful source of adventure for as long as I can remember. My mother shared her love of books with me, reading to me most every night as a young child. When I was old enough to read the books myself, my favorite stories were those that brought the setting to life in a way that made it seem like an additional character.

There is something so undeniably incredible about being drawn into the place of the story—whether it’s in a rustic cabin inhabited by a seasoned rancher in the 1890s, a soldier in France during World War I, or a contemporary small town.

One of the first and most memorable books that pulled me into its setting was A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter. Her descriptions of Elnora’s beloved woods made me feel like I was there, standing shoulder to shoulder with the heroine, breathing in the surroundings. I was intrigued by the vibrant hues of the butterflies and moths she collected and listened to the nocturnal symphony of nature that drifted through her window. I wasn’t just reading the story; the setting made me feel like I was living it.

Using real landmarks and historical details in my fictional love stories adds another layer of connection to my readers, especially if they are familiar with the area. It’s a wonderful feeling to pick up a book, begin reading, and think, I’ve been there!

Every place has a history and a tale to tell, and when some of those tidbits can be woven into a book, it adds richness to the words and draws the reader deeper into the story. 

In my new release, The Bridge, the main backdrop in the book is Portland’s St. Johns Bridge. Anyone who has seen the iconic bridge or driven across it has an instant connection to it. Sharing the history of the bridge—when it was built, how long it has stood against weather and time—provides another point of connection for readers. 

In the book, the bridge becomes a character because it has a past, a purpose, a problem, and hope–just like the other characters in the story. 

The idea for this story came to me when my husband and I were trying to get to Portland from Seattle on a chilly December day. One of the main bridges that spans the mighty Columbia River was closed due to a tragic circumstance, leaving traffic backed up for miles (and hours). As we sat stuck on the freeway, I started thinking about a bridge being at the center of a story. How many lives would it impact if the bridge had to close on one of the busiest days of the year? 

I dove into research for the story, considering the best bridge in the Portland area to use. As soon as I landed on the St. Johns Bridge, I knew I’d found the perfect setting. The bridge has a unique history as well as design, but more than that, it has such character and charm. The park beneath the bridge is often used for photo shoots, and the bridge itself is an unmistakable landmark. 

Once I knew St. Johns Bridge would be the centerpiece of the setting, I looked for other interesting details in the neighborhood to incorporate into the book. One of the characters in the story ends up on an unexpected date with his ride-share driver, and they go to the movies at a domed pub teeming with history. 

In reality, the building was constructed by the National Cash Register Company for the 1905 Lewis & Clark Exposition that was held in Portland. Part of the program offered at the building was the screening of a short movie—the first that many people had ever seen. While most of the other buildings were demolished, this one was donated to the First Congregational Church of St. Johns. A barge carried it along the Willamette River to the St. Johns neighborhood, and teams of horses hauled it to its current location. After several years, it became St. Johns Lutheran Church. Later, the American Legion took over and leased the space for things such as dance classes and gypsy wakes. Eventually it became a pub, and once again, movies are shown there. 

Instead of having the couple go to a theater owned by a chain, it added depth to that scene to send them to the pub where the building itself became another character in the story.

Incorporating real history and places shifts a fictional romance from “just another love story” into something so much more relatable to readers—something sprinkled with a dash of magic and filled with endless possibilities of learning and adventure. 

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USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where hay fever and life lessons were always in season. Today, she blends her rural roots with a love for storytelling, crafting sweet, wholesome romances filled with hope, humor, quirky characters, and realistic heroes paired with strong, inspiring heroines, like those found in her newest release, The Bridge.

An award-winning author, Shanna delights readers with heartwarming stories that celebrate love and laughter. When she’s not writing or baking new recipes, you’ll find her cherishing quiet moments at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband—affectionately known as Captain Cavedweller.

Find out more about Shanna on her website: https://shannahatfield.com/

THE BRIDGE

One Bridge. Five Strangers. A Christmas Eve That Changes Everything.

On a bridge suspended above the Willamette River, five lives collide for a journey through hope and hardship in a suspenseful, heartwarming tale of courage, connection, and the magic of second chances.

Sergeant Archer Raines has worked every holiday all year for one reason: to finally spend Christmas with his wife. But when a desperate man threatens to jump from Portland’s St. Johns Bridge, Archer’s expert negotiation skills are required to defuse the situation.

Rosalee, a high-powered accountant and mom-to-be, only meant to swing by home for a forgotten phone and client file. Then her car is caught in the chaos on the bridge, she unexpectedly goes into labor, and her carefully planned world begins to unravel amidst the unfolding drama.

Exhausted nurse Nova just wants to make it home for Christmas after too many night shifts. When the pileup halts traffic and Rosalee’s baby is on the way, Nova puts her own plans on hold to help a stranger in need.

Carter, the owner of a busy tow truck business, regrets taking the call to clear the multi-car collision off the bridge. He’d intended to spend the day tackling last-minute holiday errands. Instead, he’s praying the lunatic pointing a gun at him doesn’t pull the trigger.

Fresh out of college and anxious to kick-start his career, Ian’s running late when his car won’t start the morning of his big interview. His rideshare driver turns out to be a captivating girl with a penchant for aggressive driving that narrowly saves them from being part of the wreck on the bridge, sending Ian on an unexpected path of his own. 

The Bridge is the perfect uplifting holiday read and a story of how one frozen moment can thaw even the loneliest of hearts.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9RQVLP8  Or https://books2read.com/u/4jQLev

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: Contemporary Women Writers, On Writing