Reading (And Writing) For Hope, Comfort And Happy Ever After
By Jen Gilroy
Although I’m a published author, I was and always will be a reader first. From when I consciously “read” my first word (owl to match the colorful picture on a favorite childhood mug), stories have inspired, taught, helped and, especially at difficult times, given me much-needed hope and comfort.
Pandemic reading
As numerous countries around the world continue to be in lockdown to halt the spread of Covid-19, for me and many others, being able to dive into the world of a book has never been more important or indeed necessary.
While some readers choose to embrace current reality in fiction (The Plague by Alfred Camus, a book I originally read in French as La Peste was recently trending on Goodreads), others prefer more uplifting reads and I’m firmly in the latter category.
For me, books with happy endings, in romance novels the happy ever after (HEA), are especially important right now, not only to provide hope, but also as a bulwark against uncertain times. Such stories are a means of drawing strength and reassurance that somehow, and no matter how difficult the obstacles, all will eventually end well.
At the most stressful times in my life when I’ve struggled to find a way forward—beyond grief, disappointment, medical worries and more—uplifting fiction has given me temporary respite, helped me feel less alone and, in some cases, also given me new ways of looking at problems.
HEA moments from classics to contemporary
From Jane Austen (Persuasion is my go-to read when I need a reminder that second chances are always possible), to L.M. Montgomery (The Blue Castle is a real-world adult fairytale), and the Bess Streeter Aldrich books I inherited from my grandmother (A Lantern in Her Hand is a perennial favorite), stories about women who persevered and eventually came out the other side of whatever difficulties they faced have a special place in my heart and on my bookshelves.
While romance novels and “women’s books” are often mocked (something I’ve experienced as an author in ways large and small), these stories come into their own during hard times.
As Irish novelist Marian Keyes noted in a recent interview with the UK’s Guardian newspaper, “When my dad died…I mainlined Mills & Boon. It’s the absolute escape from my sorrow. I know nothing’s going to jump out and scare me.”
Mills & Boon, Harlequin romances in North America, have given me that kind of comfort too and I’ve read several in the past month.
At scary times, romance and women’s fiction titles on my keeper shelf by authors like India Grey (now writing historical fiction as Iona Grey), Sarah Morgan and RaeAnne Thayne have offered the book equivalent of wrapping myself in a warm and cozy blanket on a cold winter’s night.
For humor with romance (and often cute dogs), Jill Shalvis always delivers and I’ve been re-reading her Lucky Harbor series, along with favorites by Susan Elizabeth Phillips whose author tagline, “life is better with happily ever afters,” testifies to the power of this kind of fiction.
In this time of lockdown, fictional HEA moments are just as essential to me as the hand sanitizer, toilet paper and tins of baked beans tucked in my pantry.
Writing what I read
Like many authors, I had a circuitous journey to publication and did many things before rediscovering my childhood writing dream and working seriously toward making it a reality.
While I tried writing in many different genres, I only found my voice (and my passion) when I came back to romance and women’s fiction, the books I’d always read for hope and comfort, that now give me that same sustenance as a writer.
Exploring women’s lives and relationships, whether with a romantic partner, or family, friends and work, is endlessly fascinating. And in a small way, telling hopeful, comforting stories with happy endings that may help others at distressing times is, at least for me, a type of giving back.
It’s both humbling and gratifying when a reader contacts me to say that one of my books has meant something special to them—a distraction when they or a family member were ill, or reassurance when a fictional character experiences challenges they were also grappling with.
“This too shall pass”
One of my late mother’s favorite expressions for anything from a bad haircut (as a teen I was obsessed with the state of my hair) to more serious life crises was “this too shall pass.”
I’ve reminded myself of that one often lately because although most of us will be forever marked by current events, we will, eventually, get through them and find if not an HEA, at least a happy for now (HFN).
In the meantime, and as I’ve always done, I’m seeking HEAs in fiction and returning to real life with renewed hope and comfort.
When I can’t get (or give) many actual hugs, book hugs are next best. And unlike comfort chocolate, they’re also calorie free so I don’t have to walk them off on my limited forays outside the house!
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Jen Gilroy writes romance and women’s fiction with heart, home and happy endings, including her most recent release, The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls. She’s been a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s (RWA) Golden Heart® award and shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) Joan Hessayon Award. After many years living and working in England, she returned to where her roots run deep and lives with her family in a small town in Eastern Ontario, Canada.
Website: www.jengilroy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JenGilroyAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/JenGilroy1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.gilroyauthor
THE WISHING TREE IN IRISH FALLS
Sometimes happily ever after is only a wish away . . .
There’s a wishing tree in Irish Falls. The bits of paper tied to its gnarled branches hold the hopes and dreams of everyone in town . . . except Annie Quinn.
Single mom Annie has spent years rebuilding her life and trying not to have regrets. After giving up her dream of music stardom, she returned to her Adirondack hometown—and convinced herself she’s content with a simpler life.
The last thing she needs is a man to remind her of the heartbreak she left behind.
A divorced dad, Seth Taggart used to be a successful LA songwriter. But now his reputation is in tatters, he’s burnt-out, and estranged from his adult son. Inheriting a small-town radio station just might be the do-over he needs.
Although he always planned to go back to LA, when working with Annie turns into sharing music and more, Seth realizes second chances—and home—are where he least expects.
Buy links
Between April 30 and May 2 2020, the Kindle edition is on sale on Amazon US & UK for only 0.99 (and still free with Kindle Unlimited).
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2TWtUsh
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3d4t8Rq
Barnes & Noble (paperback only): https://bit.ly/34J9c2S
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