Sherryl Woods: Why More Women Should Read Romance Novels
While the arrival of a knight-in-shining-armor in the middle of a crisis might be a welcome sight and being carried off to a carefree life of wealth and pleasure might even be a secret dream, most of us are going to find romance in other ways. It’s going to be in that sweet, unexpected comment that makes us smile or the little gesture that demonstrates just how much we’re appreciated. Our hero is going to be the guy who notices that something needs fixing and just does it or who plans a special date that might mean nothing to another woman, but means the world to us. It may even be the man who stands by, ready to help in a crisis, but wise enough to know how much we need to discover we can depend on ourselves.
I think our view of romance — what we want and what we need — changes over time. Age and experience kick in. While the very young want the heart-stopping excitement and passion, in time we come to appreciate a good laugh, respect, and common interests.
The one thing that never fades is the longing to see “that” look in someone’s eyes, the twinkle that makes us feel desirable and alive. I think that’s one reason so many of my books are multi-generational, with people of all ages discovering that a new romance may be just around the corner. I believe in those possibilities that remind us life can be worth living till the very last breath we take.
