*Featured photo: Orange County Library System
Lorelei & Precious Minuet!
Hello there, lovelies! My name is Lorelei. I'm the creative director of Lorelei's Lit Lair and host of the virtual club Let's Talk Romance Books. I've been connecting readers and romance authors since 2010. Welcome!
This is my story. I’d love to share my journey on how I fell in love with the romance genre and its community. I did not expect what was coming. All I thought was that I'd be reading books with happy endings. What I discovered was so much more.
I'm including some of my favorite books from when I began reading romance. ( *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.)
All these books hold a very special place in my heart. Yes, I'm a romantic, what else can I say...
Many of you probably discovered romance in your teens through your mom’s stash of romance novels . I instead discovered romance through my daughter in 2007, and purely by accident.
It started when she wanted to read the Twilight Series. Incredulous as to what drew people to read such tales, I went to the first page, just to check it out and to see what all the commotion was about.
Seven days later, I read all four books and it was like a switch in me was flipped ON. I went to my library and started reading women’s fiction, mysteries, but I truly found my match in romance! Why? Because I found romances brought joy, laughter and love to my heart. I was inspired by how heroes and heroines overcame obstacles, plus so many other positive traits and for the happy endings!
Reading romances made me realize that we’re not alone in certain experiences in our lives. Also, I think subconsciously certain events inspire us to become a better person, building a sense of community, offering a helping hand to our seniors, friends and family.
We also learn a great deal of respect and appreciation for others, as well as the brave servicemen and women who protect us each day. Romance authors take us back in time, to different worlds or right here in the present evoking emotions with such ease that sometimes for a few hours we forget that what’s happening in the story isn’t real. We go through highs and lows with the characters, cheering them on or shedding tears of laughter, joy or sorrow with them. In the end, love always prevails.
You may enjoy the sweet kind of romance novels, with kisses that melt your heart or those where passions ignite the pages in flames. It’s not a one-size-fits -all kind of genre. I discovered quickly the difference when I went from the Twilight Saga to books by Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, and Lisa Kleypas just to name a few. Yes, there's drama, action, suspense and happily ever afters, yet all very different in the love department.
While I now know where my comfort zone lies, it depends what I’m in the mood for, whether it be for historicals, contemporaries, YA, mysteries, paranormals or military romances. So, whether you prefer reading novels that are one, ten or fifty shades of romance, there's a book for everyone.
Something amazing happened on my quest to find books in my comfort zone. I felt like Goldilocks and the three bears. I read and read in search of my “just right” authors. I enjoyed all of Suzanne Brockmann’s books. Prince Joe will forever remain a favorite, as well as Robyn Carr’s Virgin River.
But in 2010 I discovered one particular author and did something I’d never done before. I wrote my first fan mail. Her books had all the elements I was looking for in a story, and I felt the need to let her know. Honestly, I thought I’d get a response in a month or maybe never. To my surprise she replied the next day! I remember replying “ OMG!” and proclaimed to be her BFF- Biggest Fan Forever.
This author was Kristan Higgins.
She was so nice and down to earth, just like her stories. She invited me to follow her on Facebook. That’s when her daily posts and recommendations opened my eyes to the world of romance writers. I discovered what a supportive, generous and talented community this is.
It inspired me to create Lorelei’s Lit Lair on Facebook and other social media platforms to share happiness with others.
I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Authors are real women, like you and me. Yes, that’s right. They all have different personalities, hobbies and interests. Some are shy, others are outgoing. Many are moms with kids and have pets. Some are even grandparents. They also have good days and bad days. Some enjoy baking, gardening, sewing, running, boxing, etc. Some are afraid of hummingbirds, while others are fascinated with penguins. I’ve noticed most love wine and chocolate. I mention this because we often forget authors are real people, like us. I’ve met authors who have day jobs and still find time to write amazing stories. Social media has been a wonderful resource to learn more about favorite authors.
I have to share this story with you. One time I met a lady at one of those Mall Kiosks. I told her about so many wonderful authors and books that I’d read and started giving her recommendations, but then she said, “Just tell me which one is the best and I’ll read that one.”
You know the deer in the headlights stare? No one had ever asked me that question before! After standing there speechless for a few seconds, it came to me. I said to her, “The best author or book is the one that makes you happy”. It’s true!
Without a doubt, I can truly say that the anecdotes I share, the causes I’ve supported, the prizes I’ve won, the joy and laughter that fill my days and most especially the friendships I’ve made with readers and authors around the world, would never have been possible if I hadn’t received Kristan Higgins’ reply. It has changed my life in a positive way, brightening my days, my little escape of this busy and hectic life.
I also know with certainty had I written first to any of the Susan's, Sarah's, Virginia's, Robyn's, Nancy's, Jennifer's, Michelle's, etc. that I've discovered throughout the years, I would have received just as an enthusiastic reply as Kristan's, because that's how the Romance writing community is. Authors LOVE hearing from readers!
I hope you'll join me in the exclusive Lorelei's Lit Lair Free Community, so you can enhance your reading experience and share your romance journey with our friendly community!