Every so often I get a slap-upside-the-head reminder as to how big and important and powerful romance novels can be. Case in point: the following message from Bitchery reader N, who asks for your collective help in assembling a reading list:
Several people have suggested that I ask you and your readers.
I am looking for a book which may not exist.
I have a friend whose mother is a battered wife. She reads romance novels.
I am looking for a romance novel which I can lend her which has the
following themes/ideas/plotpoints/whatever-you-want-to-call-them:-woman leaves abusive spouse
-woman is okay on her own
-woman finds true love with non-abusive manDoes anyone have any suggestions?
Novels that portray the healing of fair and respectful love and the triumph of people over abusive pasts? There are more than a few in romance, obviously. My first recommendation, Montana Sky by Nora Roberts, which features three women in varying stages of strength, one of whom is on the run from an abusive, obsessive spouse.
However, books aside, please know, N., that I hope your friend’s mother finds her own strength to move to a place of safety and healing very, very soon.
“The Hellion Bride” by Catherine Coulter is one of my favorites, especially the first half of the book. The abuse is by a guardian uncle, not a spouse, but it actually deals with the emotional aftermath of the abuse after she gets away from her abuser.
I just wanted to add “Blue-eyed Devil”…even though Alix said the same back in April. It is very well done, and the hero is one of the sexiest men I have ever read about. Additionally, the author really gets into the heroine’s therapy sessions, and how she can overcome the emotional scars of her husband’s abuse. Best of luck to your friend.