BOOKS: Romance Novels are the Best Selling Book Genre: Here are 4 Novels for Your Reading List

Did you know that: Romance is the best-selling book genre in the English language.

That being said, to explore the topic further, the question you must ask is:  What “type” of romance novel do you enjoy reading? 

• The Subgenres of Romance | Writing-World

My preference is historical romance, set in say the 16th to 19th century, in Europe, with an intense plot that keeps you engaged, a passionate romance that unfolds, and where you also learn little tidbits and trivia about life during that period of history.

Here are four (4) romance novel you should add to your reading list:

- A Rose in Winter - Set in 1792 England. Erienne Fleming's father forces her into an arranged marriage with the mysterious and disfigured Lord Saxton to settle his gambling debts. It's almost like a beauty and the beast tale. She begin to see the gentle side of her husband and is drawn to him, although she's never seen him in the daylight. But Erienne also meets Christopher Seton, a handsome American, and is attracted to him. Can she be in love with another man and betray her husband? She feels strongly toward both of them. But which one does she truly love?

- Shanna - Shanna Trahern, makes a desperate attempt to avoid an arranged marriage by contracting a marriage with Ruark Beauchamp, a condemned prisoner, facing the gallows. She reasons she’ll be a widow in a short time, and her father can not easily marry her off. As a widow, she has a certain liberty. However, Ruark does not die. He manages to escape and decides to find Shanna and claim her as his wife. She is legally his wife.

- Skye O'Malley - Skye O'Malley, is a beautiful and strong-willed Irish heiress, who is forced into a marriage with a brutish lout. On her wedding night, the lord claims the droit du seigneur ('right of the lord'), meaning he can be the first to bed the virgin. The lord wanted to do more than bed her, he wanted her for his own. But Skye's life is filled with dramatic twists and turns. She encounters several lovers. At the beginning of the novel, she was a young innocent teenager. By the end of the novel, she was 28 years old and had lived quite an adventurous life, pirates and all!

- The Velvet Promise - Set in 1502 England. A marriage is arranged between Judith Revedoune, a noblewoman, and Gavin Montgomery, a powerful and handsome lord. Their relationship does not get off to a good start, but once they worked through their misunderstandings, they fall in love. Finding their path to happiness is not easy, but once Judith and Gavin learn to trust and love each other, they develop a heartfelt and enduring romance.

(Book cover images found on Good Reads)

Three (3) Vintage Classic Movies That Created Wonderful Childhood Memories

I was born in the 1950s. That means that I am from the first generation that got to experience television in the home. What a marvelous invention! I know my late mother never intended for the TV set to become her babysitter but my sister, my brothers and I spent hours in front of the television. There were so many wonderful programs to watch that educated and entertained us. I especially loved to watch movies with my big sister. The movies back in my day were memorable and made a lasting impression on my young developing mind. Below are three (3) films from my childhood that created indelible memories.

Heidi (1937) ~ This is a classic children's story written by Swiss author, Johanna Louise Spyri, adapted to film. Famous child star Shirley Temple played Heidi, the little orphan girl who was taken to live with her grandfather. After she and her grandfather had bonded and become close, she is tricked into leaving “the grandfather” and sold to be a servant in a wealthy man's household. If I tell you more and you have not seen the movie, that would spoil everything. So I'll stop right here.

The Wizard of Oz (1939) ~ I loved this movie!! It was a musical but everything about it was magical. The Yellow Brick Road, the Wizard, the Munchkins, the Wicked Witch, Glenda the Good Witch, the ruby red shoes that Dorothy wore, and that song she said that melted everybody's heart: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Judy Garland was cast as Dorothy. Yes, it was also based on a book. L. Frank Baum's 1900 children's fantasy novel titled “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”.

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National Velvet (1944) ~ This is a film about a horse race. Not just any race. England's Grand National Sweepstakes horse race. There is a young girl who has a dream that she can win. It is based on a story by Enid Bagnold. Famous child star Elizabeth Taylor played the role of Velvet Brown. Did she win the race? You'll have to watch the movie.

Do you have any favorite childhood movies?

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Favorite Asian Actors: Chow Yun-Fat

I can't remember the first movie I saw starring Chow Yun-Fat but I have been a huge fan for a really long time. He is a notable Hong Kong celebrity … I mean … Super Star! While his portrayal as the king of Siam (now Thailand) in “Anna and the King” (1999) was a very touching love story, I am more a fan of his kick-butt action films like “Hard Boiled” (1992) and “Replacement Killers” (1998). 

His acting career has not been without controversy.

For example, several years ago (2014), he was banned from making films in mainland China because he took roles in “films like Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Bulletproof Monk, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon ...”

Read more: Why Chinese Legend Chow-Yun Fat Is Banned From Making Movies In China - CINEMABLEND

That was a reason that was given. However, some believed that his real crime is being pro-democracy.

What do the Chinese government expect? He was born in Hong Kong when it was not a part of China and under the British; and he has enjoyed democracy and freedom all of his life. His name used to be Donald Chow.

The last three Chow Yun-Fat movies that I watched were: “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2006); “Curse of the Golden Flower” (2006); and “Cold War 2” (2016).

Even though I am a fan, I have not kept up with his filmography because the last report that I heard about him was that he was in poor health.

Get details: Chow Yun-fat takes a break to focus on health, Entertainment News – The Straits Times (Report dated July 18, 2016)

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Interesting Related Links ~ 2020 Articles About Chow Yun-Fat:

Global Star Profiles : Chow Yun Fat | Golden Globes

What makes Hong Kong’s Chow Yun-fat ‘the coolest actor in the world’? At 65, the Pirates of the Caribbean star is still up for action – and romance | South China Morning Post

The 10 Best Chow Yun Fat Movies – Taste of Cinema – Movie Reviews and Classic Movie Lists

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Are you a fan of Chow Yun-Fat?

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