I’m an ageless romantic trapped in a forty-something year old body. Yes, I inhale stories of first love, young love, Generation-X love. But every now and then I get the itch to read about women my own age or thereabouts. Women with grown children, or almost grown children or no children. Women who never married, or married and lost a husband to an accident, illness or another woman. Women convinced they’re doomed to spend the rest of their lives alone, or think that they prefer to because they’re bitter or . . . happy. Women who meet the most unlikely man at the most unexpected time and BAM!—fall in love . . . again.
On the reading front, I got a real kick out Jennifer Crusie’s “Fast Womenâ€, a story that featured a slightly older hero and heroine. I could totally relate. Hollywood offered up a couple of recent film favorites. “Under The Tuscan Sun†and “Something’s Gotta Give†both toyed with the older woman/younger man angle. The latter proved that falling in love can be just as exciting and HOT in your sixties as it was in your twenties. Somehow, I found that inspiring, not to mention heartwarming.
On a whim, I searched the Internet for “older heroines of romanceâ€. As far as trends go, older heroines seem to be getting a second chance/life.
In July, Harlequin is launching NEXT. According to eharlequin.com these books “…feature women facing a wide variety of life stages: from that first baby at 45 to the first date after divorce or widowhood; from that first day of college – accompanied by your freshman daughter! – to dealing with three generations living in the same house.†However in these novels “…romance is a piece of the pie, rather than the whole one.†Okay. I’ve been warned. These won’t be traditional romances, but at least I’ll get a hint of romance, right? I’ll definitely check these out.
My search for older heroines continued. I came upon Hen Lit and Mommy Lit. Almost every major publisher offered some form of mature Chick Lit. I scanned titles and blurbs. “Angry Housewives Eating Bonbons†by Lorna Ladvick. The title cracked me up, but I didn’t see mention of romance in the blurb. “Julie and Romeo†by Jeanne Ray. Cute title. Definite romance mentioned. “Flip-Flopped†by Jill Smolinski. One reviewer said, “…if you are of an age to have any lingering romantic memories about Davy Jones of the Monkees, you will love it.†Raising hand. That would be me.
All right. I’m intrigued. But . . . okay, I’ll admit it. I don’t read Chick Lit. I’ve never tried Hen Lit or Mommy Lit. Even if the blurbs mention a romance, are these books going to feature heroes and heroines as I know and love them? Am I going to get my thigh-sweating sexual tension? I know I’m not guaranteed my happily-ever-after.
What’s a HEA addicted middle-aged woman to do? Firstly, I can start by asking fellow romance readers for recommendations. Have you read a good romance lately featuring an older heroine? Do tell. Secondly, I can broaden my horizons and give Hen Lit a whirl.
So, where do you stand on older heroines, and heroes for that matter, and the publishing industry’s current offerings?
No related posts.
Years ago, I read Crosstitch by Diana Gabaldon, and loved it! It features older woman and younger man. It’s now turned into a historical family saga, where the original couple are now 50-somethings and their kids are finding romance.
I don’t mind reading older romances, but I do find anything older than my Mom, a bit icky. I may change my mind when I’m in my 60’s.
Hi Beth!
I can give you an author to try – Maryanne Stahl – she writes what I call ‘woman’s lit’ – intelligent, romantic stories. (Published by NAL) Books about women, not girls. Romance is a central theme, but there are other themes mixed in. Anyhow, I know what kind of books you mean and they are out there!
(try ‘Forgive the Moon’, and ‘The Opposite Shore’ by Maryanne Stahl)
What I’ve always wondered about is why this topic isn’t explored more in short stories within the romance genre? I mean I can understand publishers not wanting to put out a huge number of books about older heroines and heroes but why not explore some of those other “life moments” besides young love that can be just as romantic? Come on, fess up, haven’t any of you romance authors ever had an idea pop into your head along this line that could at least be a short story?
I think they might find a larger audience out there than they realized if they dabbled a bit and tested the waters.
The idea of romances featuring older characters isn’t new. Kensington once had an entire line devoted to stories of older couples. It was called “To Love Again”. It failed quite quickly as if the audience wasn’t there. Next will be interesting since they’re not necessarily romances, but women’s journeys.
Lyvvie and Jennifer, thanks for the suggestions. I need to grab a pad and pen and start making a list.
Beverly, do you mean short stories that would be combined into an anthology? Interesting thought.
Donna, I agree. It will be interesting to see how NEXT fares. I’ve noticed a lot of readers crying out for diversity. If NEXT does well, perhaps other publishing houses will explore stories with less traditional heroines.
I loved Julie and Romeo. Wonderful book. Susan Wigg’s book out last year is supposed to be outstanding. I haven’t read it yet, but it’s on my list.
Anything by Barbara Samuel is terrific. I loved her latest, LADY LUCK’S MAP OF VEGAS. Deborah Smith is good too. SWEET HUSH is my favorite of hers. I believe it’s being made into a movie.
I adored Sweet Hush! I also love reading older heroines and heroes. Perhaps, that’s because I am now an older (47) heroine in my own life story. Great column, Beth!
Thi definitely is a coming trend. Here in the UK a publisher called Transita is launching a whole new line featuring just the kind of romance you’re looking for.
And my shopping list grows… Thank you Mary Beth, Edie, and Mary. Nell, that’s intriguing news on the UK front. I’m wondering how women in their twenties feel about reading romances featuring heroines in their forties?
I have another for your list. A NEXT book, SANDWICHED by Jennifer Archer, will be out in June. You’ll love it.
Beth, I like to read, as you do, a wide variety of ages for my heroine. There are a lot of older readers and I think the potential is there if the story is good. That’s the bottom line. The story needs to be compelling.
I agree it will be interesting to see what Harlequin does with Next. I know years ago a friend of mine wrote for Special Edition a story about an older couple (50s) in their first continuity series they did. It did well.
Beth, thank you so much for writing this article. I’m 37 and currently co-writing a romance with another author that features a woman just turning 50 and the beginnings of a relationship with a man who is 39. I hope that by the time we are finished with this fiction and ready for submission, the market will be a little friendlier to this kind of pairing. I, for one, would love to see more of this out there.
Thanks to all for the recs. I will be purchasing a few titles here in the near future.
Thank you to all who chimed in. April–SANDWICHED–got it! I mean I will get it. LOL Great title. Margaret, knowing that your friend’s story did well is inspiring! Denise, good luck! That’s a story I’d love to read.
I appreciate the reading suggestions and your thoughts! Keep ‘em coming!
Jaci Burton recently wrote a short story for Ellora’s Cave called Dream On. It features an older heroine and is a very emotional read. I would recommend this book to everyone and feel confident you wouldn’t want be disappointed. And not just because she’s my friend but because it’s that touching.
And Beth, I met you at CR and I would never, ever have guessed- or believed it if someone told me- that you are in your forties. You look so young!
I’m in my twenties and have found that I don’t mind romances featuring protagonists older than I am, and even old enough to be my mother.
Recommendations: They are historicals and HTF, but Sandy Hingston’s “The Affair” and Judy Cuevas’ “Dance” feature protagonists who aren’t in their twenties(Hingston’s book is an older heroine/younger hero story–he’s 30something and she’s 40something; Cuevas’ book has a 41 yr old hero and 33 yr old heroine).
I met the ex-army Ranger who’s writing a book with Crusie, and so I’m kind of intrigued by that whole mindset. I started a novel last November about a 40-something woman. Pitched it to an agent this past weekend, and she showed me the holes in the plot. By this morning, I’d fixed them, and hope to start on that story again. By the time I finish it, who knows what will popular? Doesn’t matter. I’ll write it because I love it, and in the mean time, I’ve just realized what the next thing *might* be, if it isn’t already. Dang, I gotta get busy.
Now that I’m older (smile), I like to see heroines/heroes around my age.
Sheryl Woods had an excellent single title out maybe 15 months ago about an older woman who’d never married or had children, but raised a passle of nephews. The story was her romance in her (I think) 50s. I may be younger the “typical heroine” age (I’m 25) but I prefer the older heroines. Woods really delivered one that score.
I am 42, widowed alittle over 3 yrs ago. About 2 yrs ago, I became lonely but was not wanting to be married again due to personal reasons. I was in a chat room one night and started talking to this guy. We talked for hours and made a ‘date’ to talk the next night. We ended up meeting for dinner but we were just going to be friends. I fell in love with this guy before I met him. And the romance is something I never experienced. In fact, he has inspired me so, I started writing my very first romance book. So, I think romance at mid-age is GREAT!
Julie and Romeo is awesome. And very romantic. I love all Jeanne Ray’s books.
Thank you so much for chiming in everyone. Sorry I’ve been late to reply. I was away all week at RT. I’m just now seeing these later posts and boy did they make me smile. Great feedback. Thank you!
I just wanted to say WOW! your site is really good and i’m proud to be one of your surfers
Hi Beth
My romantic comedy, Scuba Dancing, is one of the launch titles from new publisher Transita Ltd. It’s getting great reviews and has been read by teens to at least one 91 yr.old! and so far, thank God, they all love it. Been categorised as Hen Lit, Frump Lit, HRT Lit, Lady Lit and Hag Lit so far but defies all boundaries. Just discovered this site, great fun. All best, Nicola
Your website is beautifully decorated and easily navigated. I have enjoyed visiting this site today and hope to visit many more times in the future.