Sunday, September 02, 2007

Keeper Shelf


Congratulations, Maureen! You're the August winner of the HAR Blog contest. Claim your prize from the following authors, Ann DeFee, Judy Christenberry, Ann Roth and myself, Marin Thomas by contacting each author through their website and providing your name and snail-mail address. Author websites are listed in the sidebar of the blog.

Keep those comments coming--Jacqueline Diamond, Laura Marie Altom and Kara Lennox are giving away a book for the month of September!

A while back when the kids were out with friends and hubby was watching baseball on TV--I popped over to Amazon and perused their romance discussion topics. I'm always interested in what readers say or how they feel about romance books. The following are a few of the comments readers responded with to the question "What makes a romance novel a "Keeper?"

1) An unpredictable plot
2) An Interesting setting
3) Realistic characters

I have to agree with #3. For a romance to make it to my "Keeper Shelf" the story must have strong, believable and flawed characters. I want a hero and a heroine I can cheer for as they muddle their way through the obstacles keeping them from their Happy-Ever-After.

What's your "Keeper" requirement?

Marin
Ryan's Renovation *McKade Brothers* Aug 07
For The Children *Hearts of Appalachia* Oct 08
http://www.marinthomas.com/

8 comments:

Estella said...

I agree with you--realistic characters.

Christa said...

Congrats Maureen
I agree with all three especially #3. Also the author is a deciding factor on whether it's "Keeper" material.

Marin Thomas said...

Estella & Christa

Thanks for commenting. Characters are so important in a story and I think us authors (at least me) struggle with how to make our characters appealing to All readers.

Christa, what do you mean the author is a deciding factor? Do you collect books by favorite authors no matter what the story is about?

Marin
www.marinthomas.com

Heather MacAllister said...

I know a book is a keeper when I want to lend it because I want others to read it, but don't because I'm afraid I won't get it back!

CrystalGB said...

It has to hook me from page one and it must touch my heart.

Maureen said...

Thank you so much!

My keeper requirement is definitely characters that I have gotten to know and enjoyed spending time with them.

Marianne Arkins said...

It's all about the characters for me... if I fall in love with them, and want to visit with them again, I'll keep it around.

Nathalie said...

Congrats Maureen!