"Romance" Novels

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flyingfish said:
Well this doesn’t apply to the OP’s situation anymore, since she admitted that her husband didn’t want her to be reading pornographic scenes.

But if he asked her not to read something like Pride and Prejudice (very clean), then it would be akin to her asking him to give up his favorite sport or something along those lines. That would be controlling and ridiculous.
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Not to perpetuate this but I made it I was not saying that he was being a controlling jerk. He simply asked her not to do something that he saw as unmoral or dangerous. Why do you have to keep repeating the same thing I am saying as if i’m not saying and not understanding?
 
I’ve sometimes found that even clean romance novels make me dissastisfied with the humdrum of my ordinary life.

I’m also a big fan of young adult novels.

I like “fairy tale time stories” like

Robin Mckinley’s Beauty, Gail Levine’s Two Princesses of Bamarre, Ella Enchanted

Shannon Hale’s books–all good, except for her Jane Austen type book, ugh.

I really like these two mystery series-- very cool, with a nice romance subplot

Barbara Colley’s Charlotte LaRue series

Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swenson series

One of my favorite novels is

Peace like a River by Leif Enger.

And a couple of funny series I like is the Demon hunting soccer mom by Julie Kenner and Magic Inc by Shanna Swenson.

The Julie Kenner books are very positive towards the Church.

I also like Robert Whitlow’s books–they have a little bit of a fundamental Christian slant, but are very well written. I like Randy Alcorn’s books, too.

I don’t care for Michael O’Brien’s books, unfortunately. I wish some Catholic themed books on my list.

One trick I use is to get on Amazon and use their suggestions for similar books from authors I like.
 
tundramom said:
Wonderful suggestions everyone! Keep them coming pretty please!!

Just to clarify-- yup. I am guilty of reading the less-than-clean “romance” novels of the grocery store type. There have been some that have been wonderful with no erotica in them. However, the books my hubby asked me not to read are exactly the ones that DO have erotica in them… so I truly believe he is within his rights to ask me not to read THOSE kinds.

Tolkein has been read several times by me. I loved them! Dandelion Wine was awesome too. Although most of the other Bradbury novels I have read aren’t as great.

I really like the idea of picking an author and reading everything they’ve written. Maybe I’ll start with Jane Austen. 😃

I can truthfully say that the only book I have picked up and NOT finished was “Grapes of Wrath”. I couldn’t get past the turtle in the road in the very beginning.

Thanks guys! Keep the suggestions coming.

Steph
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I love the “romance” genre but I realize that there are parts that I need to skip over in some books. Some writers/companies write the more spicy and some don’t so you have to flip through sometimes in the library or store aisle before making a selection or find which brands/authors to skip. For some authors I love their writing so much that I’m willing to check out their books at the library and then skip the racier parts.

My grandmother used to only read the “older” romances basically from Harlequinn because they never went beyond the forceful stares and a couple of kisses. Even the stories that involved people who fell in love after the “marriage of convenience” would not get explicit about the marital relations. You may be able to find those at garage sales or used book stores/paperback exchanges and find a compromise your husband will find OK.
 
*Interesting thread…I don’t read much fiction, as I don’t like a lot of modern-day writing. I don’t think I have ever read a romance novel in my life, huh, I don’t know where that section is in the bookstore? …I tend to read Stephen King or really warped horror books, if I am going to read fiction. 😊

I love to read, too…but just shift from the romance type to the classics, or some non-fiction. Here are some good ones:

*The Overspent American
*Richard Bach’s short stories (aka Stephen King’s alias)
*Escape (this is excellent, and hard to put down…true story about a woman who was part of the polygamist offshoot FCJCLDS, and how she literally had to escape)
Any book written by Pope JP2, Pope Benedict, or the saints!
 
Okay, I was a judge on a fanfic site last year. We judged fanfiction based on grammar, plot, characterisation, etc. Some of the fics nominated were in the Romance category and not all of those were rated “G”. If I ran across those “lemons”, I would grab my red pen and mark for mistakes like any other scene. If it helped to move the plot, so be it. If they were unnecessary and only there for smut’s sake, then I’d mark it down in the Plot requirement. I didn’t have to judge that many, actually. Most were decently moral.

Romance is a lot different than erotica and, let’s face it, a lot of amateur writers forget about that. Romance should be, in my opinion anyways, more about the emotion and less about the physical. A kiss or two is alright, but smut doesn’t seem to … mesh well. If it doesn’t do the plot any good, why put it there? Shock value cheapens things.
 
ltlflwr5 said:
Do you all think reading “trashy” novels is wrong if they actually *add *to the intimacy you share with your spouse? I have found that I have a hard time getting “turned on” of my own accord, but reading romance books help put me in the mood…is that necessarily wrong? I’m curious to know what others think… (and by trashy I don’t mean pornographic; but probably what would be considered “soft” porn by some…)
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I agree with you entirely.

Women in particular have a hard time focusing on sex. In most women, the left and right sides of the brains are working at the same time. Lots of thoughts popping in and out, distractions, kid noises, hot, cold, food smells, husband smells, To Do list, painting the ceiling, shopping for new bed linens, etc. Not to mention concerns over cellulite, hairy legs (and other places), pimples, age spots, gas pains, etc. etc.

A torrid romance novel can zoom you right in on SEX with your husband and help you to block out everything and everyone else.

I personally see nothing wrong with that.

I mentioned in another post that I have been writing a romance novel (Catholic) for at least five years. I just finished another huge re-write. One of my goals is to make women fall in love with their husbands all over again, and desire them in and out of bed.
 
I used to be into science fiction/fantasy – but quickly found that certain authors like Andrea Norton were designed to be troublesome to young men – and were rather popular books stocked by the librarians, who were of a rather liberal mindset anyway.

I gave up science fantasy for the most part when I Got married – eg: wanted to spend some time with my wife after work rather than the book.
But, in the science fiction series – Just about anything by Isaac Asimov is going to be clean; foundation and empire, short stories, etc. Many enjoyable plots and enough length to take a full day to read through – Its kind of sad, but I couldn’t put them down – and library reopened in the morning before anyone realized I had been in the reading room all night…and nobody noticed when they locked up.

Also, of all the science fantasy – one of the most enjoyable to me (though pointless) was by David Eddings – his detailed writing style and imagery were much fun – as the last science fiction/fantasy series I ever read – and I don’t recall it being at all smut oriented. Just a few fake Gods, sorcerers, etc. the normal run of the mill… But I just LOVED the writing style.

Oh, and I doubt you will be able to find these, which I have long admired – or rather longmire. Which is why I list them. 😃

http://worldoflongmire.com/features...ngmire.com/features/romance_novels/closer.jpg

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

http://http://worldoflongmire.com/features/romance_novels/buttonless.jpg
 
Huiou_Theou said:
I …
Oh, and I doubt you will be able to find these, which I have long admired …
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:rotfl:

Those are hilarious! I can’t decide which is my favorite. I narrowed it down to: “Gimme Back My Shirt” or “Okay, You’re Taller Than Me…Happy Now?”
 
Cat said:
I agree with you entirely.

Women in particular have a hard time focusing on sex. In most women, the left and right sides of the brains are working at the same time. Lots of thoughts popping in and out, distractions, kid noises, hot, cold, food smells, husband smells, To Do list, painting the ceiling, shopping for new bed linens, etc. Not to mention concerns over cellulite, hairy legs (and other places), pimples, age spots, gas pains, etc. etc.

A torrid romance novel can zoom you right in on SEX with your husband and help you to block out everything and everyone else.

I personally see nothing wrong with that.

I mentioned in another post that I have been writing a romance novel (Catholic) for at least five years. I just finished another huge re-write. One of my goals is to make women fall in love with their husbands all over again, and desire them in and out of bed.
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I disagree with you and the PP on this one. at least in regards to the “torrid” aspect of romances. I’m all for a clean romance, that is, no overly descriptive love making scenes. Maybe I’m misunderstanding you, but to me your reasoning (“a torrid romance novel can zoom you right in on SEX with your husband…”) sounds very much like a man’s defense of his “torrid” pictures/movie: “It’s not like I want the girl in the picture, it just gets me going in general… and then I go find my wife.” Some couples even enjoy watching soft porn together, saying that helps them get in the mood. But I don’t think this is moral or healthy.

I hope I’m not misunderstanding you, Cat and ltlflwr5. 😊

And I think your goal of helping women fall in love with their husbands is very 👍!
 
tundramom said:
Hi my friends,
I need some help here. I am an avid reader. It is my one activity that gives me the most pleasure. I read extremely quick. I have fallen into reading grocery store novels, mostly historical romance novels.

My husband has asked me not to read these any longer. He believes that it is sinning and I tend to agree with him. Reading about other’s romantic liasons can’t be good for nourishing my soul.

I can read through one of these in a day’s time. It is my means of escape and entertainment.

I need some suggestions for other books that I could read instead. I’ve read many of the classics and a lot of theology books, etc. I just seem to consume them so fast…

Please offer suggestions!! Maybe series that isn’t romance. I don’t really care about murder/mystery books, but I do like fantasy books. I tried Janet Evanovich, but there seems to be so much swearing in them. I know… romance is ok, but swearing isn’t? Go figure…🤷

Steph
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I am replying to the original poster. Sorry I have not read thru this thread to see whats already been said.

Years ago I similarly liked these. I felt God telling me to put them down. I don’t mean in an audible voice, but in my conscience. Ther was always no doubt in my mind these were not good for me.

Later I read that St. Teresa of Avila was stuck on novels, I think romance novels. Even in her day there was trash reading. She felt God calling her to give them up at the start of her move towards holiness.

Live is short. Really, really short. Reading through a novel in a day is definately not a good use of time and does nothing to get you closer to God. It only kills time. Precious time.

And if your husband is asking you to stop, definately listen!

Try reading the volumes and booklets free here: www.directionforourtimes.com

Its enthralling. And so are her books, Mist of Mercy, with visions of pergatory, and Climbing the Mountain, with visions of heaven. I think there are excerpts on the site.

If you read that stuff, you will lose all intterest in novels!
 
Cat said:
A torrid romance novel can zoom you right in on SEX with your husband and help you to block out everything and everyone else.
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Pornography is never moral. Never (there is a wide group of protestants who feel that porn under the guise of romance or erotica is okey dokey for married people, that is contrary to moral law).

From the CCC

**2354 ***Pornography *consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense. Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials.

**2396 **Among the sins gravely contrary to chastity are masturbation, fornication, pornography, and homosexual practices.
 
:bigyikes: I’m sorry - but whoever is saying “soft” porn (porn nonetheless) through very naughty romance novels helps you engage in sexual intimacy with your spouse…that’s really wrong (Must I say more?).

P.S and don’t think I didn’t read this whole thread and may have misunderstand what you said - cause I did read this whole thread and understand…🤷

Blessings,
Therese
 
I used to write them… 😊 However, it is a form of pornography, and I just can’t see the Lord approving of that. I’ll stick to my humor and soft romance. I’ve gotten good feedback on that part of my writing.

When I was a practicing Protestant, I did think that certain porn was okay in marriage. God eventually gave me a swift wake-up call. It wasn’t helping my marriage any, and writing it was no different than watching. Both can lead to occasions of sin. The risk is there, and frankly? No thank you.
 
Not sure if anyone has suggested this yet (sorry - didn’t have time to read every entry…), but about five months ago I discovered a terrific series of paperbacks called “Love Inspired” which are considered “Inspirational Romance” on the cover. Many are published by Steeple Hill, and I’ve read about eight so far - all have been wonderful and definitely based on Christian practices. They sell them all over and not just in book stores - large grocery stores, drug stores,etc… The ones I’ve read have not been “preachy” at all - just good absolutely clean and inspiring romance in everyday life. They also have some historical ones in the series. No horrible language or soft porn at all either - what a relief to find! They really put me in a great mood before sleeping at night. There are also a lot of them at local libraries - you can just search for the series name on the computer or in their card catalog - FREE!
Happy reading whatever you choose.
 
Do not read romance novels. There are pretty much pornography in text form designed for women (or at least the vast majority of them are). I tend to think that it is sinning to read them, and especially if your husband asks you not to, just stop.

Another reason not to read them is that they are just plain trashy and not well written. Go out there and read great literature, which there is plenty of. It’s a waste of time to read just ****.
 
I have not read all of the replies yet but thought I would suggest the Yada Yada Prayer Group series. It is Christian, not Catholic, but pretty enjoyable.
 
You guys are so awesome!

Ok… another dilemma 😉

What do I do with all my novels? Would it be sinful to try to sell them? Give them to GoodWill? Am I participating in another person’s sin if I do that?

I’m not trying to be melodramatic here… :eek:

And just to clarify for anyone with any question in their heads… These romance novels I have read are for the most part are quick, easy reads. Not necessarily the best literature, by any means. They are borderline porn. Some have sex scenes, some don’t. ALL have involved the couple eventually getting married with sex before or after.

I truly believe that my husband was led by God to request this of me. I knew before he even brought it up that they were not good for me.

So, let’s put that to rest. They’re erotic.

Steph
 
When I have something I realize is sinful I throw it out rather than pass it on. For example a thick volume on astrology that I had once found so readable and interesting; I thought it was okay since I was a Christian and wouldn’t take things too far. I realized it was not okay, gave it up, but then was tempted to put it in a yard sale. But I threw it out. What if one of your books given to Salvation Army or sold in a sale ended up being the start of someone else’s addiction?
 
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