Books that believe in the happily ever after can lift us above the stress and strain of our daily lives. However, if we’re going to read fiction, it should be something that can make a difference in our lives. We need to look for books with strong morals and a Christian worldview rather than fluff that offers no benefit. I would love to hear your opinions!

 

Fabulous Fridays

Books that Believe in the Happily Ever After

I believe in happily-ever-after because I believe God created us to live with Him forever. He is also the author of love. Therefore, when I look for a love story, I look for one that agrees with my Christian beliefs. The Song of Solomon, found in the Old Testament, is the oldest romance in existence and some of the most beautiful poetry ever written because God is love and is the author of human love.

Romance novels are one of the top-selling, highest demand genres in modern-day literature. As a Christian who enjoys reading romance, I offer a warning to others: Be selective. Sweet, clean romance, yes. Christian/inspirational romance, yes. Erotica, no.

The world has forgotten that lust and sex are not synonymous with love and romance. Perhaps this is why Christians struggle with marriage and dating relationships as much as non-Christians. The rise in popularity of Christian fiction of all genres indicates a desire for stories with strong morals and a worldview that offers hope in a society where there is none. A romance should encourage relationships that honor God and build the readers up as individuals. The author must promote wise, biblical viewpoints of marriage and dating.

The confusion about what constitutes love is at the heart of an astonishing array of opinions surrounding Christian/inspirational romance novels. One school of thought says romance novels endanger marriages, making women dissatisfied because male protagonists set standards real men can’t meet. However, a well-crafted romance can offer insight into how to pray for a loved one and encourage the reader to allow God to display unconditional love and forgiveness to others.

The hallmark of the romance genre is a happily-ever-after ending. In a world where too many bad things happen, it is comforting to escape into a story that offers something predictable and sweet. Humans have a great predilection for hurting each other but Christian/inspirational romance takes us on a spiritual journey with a promise that everything will turn out right.

Seek love stories that point you to the Author of love. Seek God’s direction in real-life relationships. Remember that while fiction may contain valuable life lessons, it is only a story written by a fallible human being. True Christian romance will never cause the reader to act in a way that is incompatible with God’s word. Enjoy romance novels with common sense and prayer. Remember that true love always honors and obeys God. After all, God is the only one who offers the greatest happily-ever-after ending of all.

© By Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, June 7, 2016.

About the author:

Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.

Connect with Norma:

Website: www.normagail.org

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE

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LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2

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Book Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170