Enter to win Anita's latest release,
Home at Last
(there will be four winners!)
(there will be four winners!)
Scroll to the end of the post to see how to enter.
What is Truly Passionate?
When a man kisses a womanāand the two care about
each other in an amorous wayāwell, weāre most likely guaranteed some sweet
magic. Maybe even some bolts of lightning. And we women never tire of
experiencing or watching or reading about those dreamy moments when a man and
woman feel those first stirrings of attraction, affection, and then love.
However, in many of todayās modern novels, the romantic scenes go far behind an
ardent kiss.

First of all, writers
and readers of inspirational romances are not saying that these fiery feelings
arenāt being played out in their own marital beds. However, they are saying
they donāt want to be peeping toms in someone elseās boudoir. They have
discernment for what is meant to be enjoyed and a healthy respect for what is
meant to be private.
These same readers know their minds and
heartsāthey are more satisfied when the hero and heroine struggle toward real
love, rather than merely give in to lust. Charlotte Bronteās masterpiece, Jane Eyre, is one of the most wildly
passionate love stories ever written, and yet we never read about anything more
intimate than a kiss.
Also, like in the novel, Jane Eyre, the story encourages readers to consider the whole of a
personāwhich includes the soul rather than just mere flesh. This novel reminds
us that we are not only in great need of human affection and love, but that we
also desire to be connected to Someone who is greater than ourselvesāthe One
true source of all of that love.
On the other hand, if a story revolves around a
hero and heroine who are consumed by lust-filled thoughts and erotic behaviors,
well, letās just say, these kinds of mental images arenāt going to raise the
reader to any lofty ideals. Truly, lovers of inspirational fiction want to go
beyond the mere desires of the body. They want to know there is purpose to
their existence and meaning to life. They want to be roused to the passions of
goodness and decency and honor. And if a hero and heroine experience
temptations and transgressionsāand humans are riddled with itāthen they also
want light and hope and redemption.
Those same readers know that the most romantic
heroāone who is truly swoon-worthyāis the one who can set his own desires aside
and think of the good of his beloved. That is the measure of a real man. Those
are the qualities of a truly attractive and desirable hero.
As an inspirational romance author, you might
wonder how I write those romantic scenes so they will be passionate without
being salacious. When do I stop the kiss before it gets too hot for the page?
Well, Iāve had a general rule that has always worked for me. If I can give my
novel to my daughter or offer it as suggested reading to a friendās grandmother
to read without worry that I will offend, and if I feel I have truly
entertained as well as inspired the reader, then I have succeeded in finding
the right balance. Then I have searched for and found what is admirableāwhat is
good and lovely and beautiful. And yes, what is truly passionate.
.
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has thirty-six books published. Sheās been a Barnes & Noble āAuthor of the Monthā for Houston and has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
Please visit her website at www.anitahigman.com and drop her a note by clicking the āContact Meā button.
Home at Last-Anita's latest release
Olivia Lamington's never had a home or family
When her late employer leaves Bromfeld Manor to her, Olivia
feels secure for the first time in her life. Then Bromfeld's prodigal son
returns, challenging her claim to the estateāand everything Olivia understands
about familyā¦and love.
The woman his father left his fortune to is as beautiful as
she is innocent, which is why Noah Bromfeld offers to let Olivia stay while he
settles his father's affairs. The closer he gets to Olivia, though, the more
Noah wonders if this sweet beauty is the key to his future. But will his dark
past destroy his only hope for happiness?
A Marriage in Middlebury-Anita's previous release
Charlotte Rose Hill has been serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky but beloved customers for more than 10 years. But for her, marriage seems like an elusive butterfly, always out of reach. At 18, Charlotte fell in love with a young man, Sam Wilder, but his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. She did, and then became engaged to another man, who later died before they were married.
Now, more than a decade later, Charlotte finds that she still has feelings for her first love. Initially thrilled to learn that Sam has come home to Middlebury, Texas, Charlotte is devastated to learn that heās brought someone with him: his fiancĆ©e. But all is not lost when the townsfolk decide to get involved. Will Charlotte and Sam find their way back to each other?
To enter the contest for an autographed copy of
Anita's book: "Home at Last":
leave a comment (and email addy)
AND become a follower of this site, if you aren't already.
Four Winners Will Be Chosen!
Sorry US only
Four Winners Will Be Chosen!
Sorry US only
Winner announced on my facebook page.
Thank you, Anita, for Joining us This Weekend!
.
Let's talk about it. What are you views on inspirational romance fiction?
If you like inspiration fiction, can you give us a title of a book or an author you have enjoyed?
Comments
susanmsj at msn dot com
Blessings!
Anita Higman
Thanks for another great interview and blessings to both of you.
Connie
cps1950@gmail.com
sherrinda (at) gmail (dot) com
and I am a follower!!!!
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Also, I'm a follower!
Good to see you today. Jane Eyre is a fabulous story. Romance for all the right reasons. I totally agree.
I agree, not only when writing a book, but as we read books or help promote books, for me anyway. I'd like to have people regard me in this way as well.
Good to see you here, Connie.
I think of the times I have guests in my hours. My library in the family room is one place the guests always see. Of course their eyes scan the titles. I would feel horrible if even one title popped into their view and cause the person to think otherwise of me. So even my library is my testimony. Of course my library also includes works like Gone with the Wind, Jane Eyre, and many other general audience titles. I want others to know I am well read, and picky what I read.
Good to see you here, Sherrinda.
That is a very good question. I don't really know. On one hand I am glad she had the freedom to express her view, on the other hand, her view seemed narrow and showed me I should be cautious when expressing my opinion.
Thanks so much for joining our chat today, Barbara.
I have missed seeing you here at our chats. I'm so glad you had a chance to stop by today.
Tell me more about the Tea Rooms. It sounds fun.
Love the way your daughter suggested she wouldn't mind getting one of Anita's book's for a gift. Gotta love the signals she gave on that comment:)
I totally agree that Anita's books are well written, fun, and clean stories, and recommend any of her books.
Loved seeing you today, Maxie!
How could I forget a sweet friend like you?
Anita Higman
Thanks, Anita, for sharing.
I'm so glad you stopped by and chatted with us!
Looking forward to seeing you again.
Sounds like you already know Anita! What a joy to have friends of friends join us here. That's how we all can make new friends!!!
Looking forward to seeing you again, Norma.
Linda Finn
Faithful Acres Books
www.faithfulacres.net
I'm so glad you stopped by. I loved what Anita shared with us today. It was a very timely message.
I told Anita of my concerns one day when an article came out stating quite the opposite. She whipped this wonderful message up. I wish we could broadcast her words to the world because, as you say, she has "true insight into romance as it should be."