[J. S. Clingman]

Hi! Currently, I’m attempting to write a romance novella. It’s going semi-well, but the fact that I haven’t read any romances ever (excepting The Tale of Despereaux, if you count that as one, and Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen), makes it a little difficult. Not difficult, exactly, I guess. I just want to make sure I’m not writing cliche stuff or something.

Anyway, I was wondering whether any of you have any recommendations. Ideally, I wouldn’t want to read anything overly sappy or with too much kissing or weird stuff. But throw at me whatever you have in mind. Thanks so much! 🙂

 

—J. S.

Believe. Hope. Love.

[Erynne]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>@jsclingman</p>
I have five words for you: The Witch of Blackbird Pond. You’re welcome.

It sounds exactly like what you’re looking for. That’s my favorite romance I’ve read. And one of the only ones XD (unless you count Nancy Drew🤔) I am working through one at the moment, Twice Freed by my favorite author Patricia St John. So far it doesn’t have any kissing or weird stuff in it, but I’m only about half way through.

That’s really all I can think of at the moment. I’ll let you know if I think of anymore though! I really hope I helped!

Be weird. Be random. Be who you are. Because you ever know who would love the person you hide.

[Tasha Van Kesteren]

Hm…I’d have to think about that one…do you mean ANY kissing…or can there be some?

 

"Courage is found in unlikely places." JRR Tolkien

[Arindown (Gracie)]

@jsclingman

I can’t say that I can recommend stories that would fall under the “Romance” category (I don’t read a lot of that), but I have read some stories with really amazing romance.

Well-known ones that I use for my own reference are Anne of Green Gables (Book 3: Anne of the Island), Little Women, and Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith. I’ve also really enjoyed Brandon Sanderson’s hate-to-love romance in Skyward and Starsight. I’m not done with Starsight, and there’s a bit of swearing, but as far as I know, he keeps the romance clean.

Hope that helps a bit. I might be able to think of more later.😄

"If I'm gonna break, I'll break like the dawn." -Nightbirde

[Erynne]

@melancholicwriter

There’s no kissing in The Witch of Blackbird Pond. At least I’m pretty sure there isn’t… It’s been a while since I’ve read it. (Fyi there’s no witchcraft in it, don’t let the title scare you 😉 )

Be weird. Be random. Be who you are. Because you ever know who would love the person you hide.

[Zee]

@jsclingman, if you’re looking for something in the comedy vein, Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances are super-fun. While they are not free of language, kissing, etc. it is definitely kept to a minimum. There are not inappropriate sexual scenes in any of the ones I’ve read.

While I have no claim to being an expert, I’ve done a lot of reading and writing about romance, so I understand how tricky it can be to do it well. At the moment, I’m writing a series of romantic suspense novellas myself (currently working on the fourth one.) If you’re interested, I’d be happy to share with you. Just email me at btznvntATgmailDOTcom.

[Tasha Van Kesteren]

@erynne

Sorry my question about the kissing was for @jsclingman. I’ve read the Witch of Blackbird Pond and love it

"Courage is found in unlikely places." JRR Tolkien

[Tasha Van Kesteren]

@arindown

I’m reading Starsight and LOVE it! and @jsclingman a book with some younger person romance (still cute) is the last book in the Wingfeather saga.

"Courage is found in unlikely places." JRR Tolkien

[Erynne]

@melancholicwriter

*facepalm* No, sorry, that was my fault! For some reason my crazy brain thought that it was @jsclingman asking the question. I thought it didn’t make any sense! Now I understand why! 😂

There’s romance in the last book!? Now I definitely have to read it…

Be weird. Be random. Be who you are. Because you ever know who would love the person you hide.

[Tasha Van Kesteren]

@erynne

ya the little sister, Leeli has something going with a guy from her mom’s village…it’s not ROMANCE romance but it’s cute…

"Courage is found in unlikely places." JRR Tolkien

[Erynne]

@melancholicwriter

Aww I bet that’s going to be adorable! But now, I’m excited for the last book, and I’m only in the middle of the second. I need to start reading it more often… XD

Be weird. Be random. Be who you are. Because you ever know who would love the person you hide.

[Tasha Van Kesteren]

@jsclingman

I know you didn’t ask this, but a series I would warn you to stay away from is the selection series by Kiera Cass. When I read the Heir after a friend recommended it, they seemed fine, but that is the cleanest one and a couple of them have some not-so-good parts.

"Courage is found in unlikely places." JRR Tolkien

[J. S. Clingman]

@MelancholicWriter @Zee @Erynne @Arindown

I’m sorry this is so late, but thank you so much for all of your recommendations and non-recommendations! XD Erynne, I have The Witch of Blackbird Pond on my reading list. It’s wonderful to know it contains no witchcraft. XD Some of my other friends like it as well! MelancholicWriter, I’ve just finished the first book in the Wingfeather Saga, and I’m definitely planning on continuing the series. Zee, thank you for offering your counsel and advice in writing stories in this genre. I’ll definitely keep your offer in mind, and may send an email your way sometime soon. Right now, my romance is on hold, just ’cause, but when I change that, I now know who to turn to for help. Thank you. Arindown, thank you for your non-romance books-with-romantic-subplots recommendations! I definitely plan on reading Brandon Sanderson and absolutely loved Anne of Greene Gables, so methinks I will now add some of those to my reading list. Thanks! 🙂

Believe. Hope. Love.

[Erynne]

@jsclingman

Glad I could help!!

Be weird. Be random. Be who you are. Because you ever know who would love the person you hide.

[Tasha Van Kesteren]

@jsclingman

Glad to help!

"Courage is found in unlikely places." JRR Tolkien

[Author]

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