Please welcome debut author, Ashley March to the blog. Ashley is joining us today to talk about the appeal of the reconciliation story, which just happen to be one of my favourites and is the premise of her historical SEDUCING THE DUCHESS.
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The Appeal of the Reconciliation Story
Every so often, one of the numerous romance novel blogs or sites will run a poll on readers’ favorite romance tropes. From what I’ve seen, along with wallflowers and marriages of convenience, the reconciliation story seems to be one of the top-ranked preferences for historical romances.
Although I can’t speak for other romance readers, of course, I can tell you why I like reading about reconciliations between husbands and wives, and also why writing a reconciliation story for my debut novel, Seducing the Duchess, appealed to me.
The Characters Have a History.
Not only do the hero and heroine know each other in terms of their daily habits, likes, dislikes, and have an in-depth opinion of what makes the other tick, but they also intimately know each other’s flaws. They’ve been through courtship, the wedding, the wedding night. Because they’re now separated—for whatever reason—they’ve most likely seen each other at their worst. If they were in love at the beginning of their marriage, the first state of post-coital bliss has now waned, and they have to face the realization that the spouse who once fulfilled every dream may have suddenly become more like a nightmare. Because all pretenses have been stripped away and reality has set in, the reader knows that when the hero and heroine interact in the future, they will see each other for the person they truly are—not a knight in shining armor or a pretty princess waiting to be rescued. We trust that if the characters reconcile, it is due to a love which is far greater than the powers of physical attraction or the excitement of the moment. No matter their flaws and past history, we will know that these characters belong together.
The Characters Have Emotions.
Not just the happiness that comes from a mutual attraction, nor the jealousy of insecure love. In reconciliation stories, the reader is assured a much more evolved array of emotions. Yes, there is likely to be happiness toward the end, and jealousy somewhere in the middle, but there might also be anger, melancholy, desperation, loneliness, distrust, fear, disappointment, remorse, contempt, longing, and much more. As a reader of romance, I want to know the characters can have all of these emotions and still come through together at the end. As a writer, I want my readers to experience these emotions along with my hero and heroine, to feel my characters not only fall in love, but also see them turn to each despite these feelings. To know that, in the end…
There is Hope for the Future.
Romance readers love our happily-ever-afters. We want to know that, despite the many internal and external conflicts and issues a relationship brings, the hero and heroine will always stay together. This is why we turn the last page of the last chapter and look for an epilogue. We want to know that one year, five years, or twenty years down the road, the characters will still be happy together and in love. Reconciliation stories are different from other romances in that they are the epilogues. In these books, the hero and heroine have already married, yet something has happened to force them apart. By showing the reader the struggle between the characters to make their marriage work and the reconciliation that comes despite their past troubles and mistakes, I as a writer can assure you that this couple can now make it through whatever else that comes their way. You can know that their happily-ever-after didn’t end when the hero proposed, when they got married, or when the first baby arrived. Every day is their happily-ever-after, and because they love one another, there will always be hope for the future.
Are you a fan of reconciliation stories? I’d love to hear what you love most about this oft-used plot that keeps you reading it over and over again. I want you to fall in love with Philip and Charlotte in their reconciliation story, and to see that you do, I’ll be giving away a copy of Seducing the Duchess to one lucky commenter (open to both US and international participants).
I usually like reconciliation stories because there is a lot of emotion between the characters already and it is believable and so it pulls me into the story right away.
Hi Ashley! Congrats on the release and thanks for the chance to win one 😀
I love reconciliation stories because there’d be no sudden getting into bed with a stranger after 4 chapters because well, they’re not strangers to each other! I like how you compared reconciliation stories with epilogues, that makes so much sense- and epilogues are the best!
Gorgeous cover too ^_^
midnite [dot] fantasy [at] gmail [dot] com
Hi Ashley,
Welcome to the blog and super CONGRATS on your debut, SEDUCING THE DUCHESS. As I stated above, these tropes are one of my absolute favourites. I actually have two books in the same vein under works. I love a history between my hero and heroine on the onset of the story, it gives lots of opportunity for more emotional conflict etc, which I LOVE. I can’t wait to read yours.
Ashley –
Congratulations on your debut novel. I love the idea of it having a recondiliation story. I think it’s a great premise to include in the book. I feel this type of conflict between characters whether they are the main characters or minor characters can really add that “can’t put down until I finish this next chapter than the next chapter all night until I finish it feeling!
I can’t wait to read Seducing the Duchess and finding out all the twist and turns!
Reconciliation series are one of my favorites. Congratulations on your debut book. I can’t wait to read it.
I love reconciliation stories because it allows us to see the characters develop back into a couple. It is always interesting to see how a couple can overcome past obstacles in order to try to rekindle their love and relationship.
Congratulations on your debut book.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Congratulations on the release of your debut, Ashley! What a gorgeous cover!
Count me in as another fan of the reconciliation story. I love to see what happens after the hea, the “real” story, because we all know it doesn’t end with “I do.” All marriages have ups and downs and sometimes separations. A story that explores the couples who separate, for whatever reason, then find their way back to one another to forge an even stronger bond than the one with which they began never fails to leave me a very satisfied reader.
I think watching people triumph through struggles gives us reassurance or hope that our own struggles will turn out okay in the end.
Congratulations on your debut, Ashley, and may you have many more successes!
I like reconcilation stories as long ass it makes sense (enstrangement was for a good reason, enstrangement wass no lomher than 10 years, she does not run away because she was pregnant)
Good morning, everyone! Thank you for the many congratulations. I’m loving hearing about the reasons why you like reconciliation stories. I think Miranda hits the mark with reconciliation stories giving us hope that our own struggles will turn out okay in the end.
I always enjoy reconcilation stories. I come from two failed marriages and I always enjoy reading stories where two people find their way back to each other.
Congrats on your debut, Ashley! Your cover is absolutely stunning!
Oh, I most definitely love reconciliation stories. Characters torn apart by various circumstances, overcoming obstacles, and ultimately finding true love with one another. It does a romance reader’s heart good. *sigh*
Congrats on your release! This is one of my favorites because the characters get to learn and rediscover one another all over again and there is always a bunch of emotions in the stories.
Congratulations on your debut. I enjoy reconciliation stories. It’s nice to read a bit about the characters interactions with each other in the past; observe where they went wrong; and finally, what brings them back together. The only thing I don’t like in a reconcilition story is if the separation was caused by infidelity. I like to think that even at their worst, the h/h remained faithful to one another.
I love reconciliation stories! Characters with a past adds a lot more depth and emotion to the story. SEDUCING THE DUCHESS looks really great!
I never know why I like something lol. I just think an author with wonderful characters or I should say if I enjoy the author’s voice, they can take me anywhere they want! Love your cover – I’m partial to the partial faces lol. And I really enjoy debut books – something about it being the first.
Enjoyed reading the comments. I am always looking for new authors to read. Your debut book sounds really good
. I am an avid reader so I like all kinds of stories. Reconciliation ones are good to read because there is one thing in them that doesn’t appear in other kinds of stories and that is hope. Also it takes a bit of courage to admit that you love someone that you had previously let go.
Hi Ashley,
Congrats on your debut release. Must be a wonderful feeling. 🙂
I love reading about reconciliation stories because they work through their problems going back to see when and why it went wrong and then to see the commitment in coming together again. That moment when they realize their marriage is worth saving and they still love each other. I’m looking forward to reading Seducing The Duchess.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
Ashley, you did a beautiful job of explaining the appeal of a reconciliation story in this post. As a reader, I like to see a hero and heroine who are willing to fight for their relationship even when the novelty has worn off. I think it shows a deep level of love when two people decide to stay together or make their relationship work after problems have developed within the relationship. Love is not always perfect, and reconciliation stories show that the couples have what it takes to make it long term. Congrats on your debut release! It sounds really good.
Congrats on your debut book. Love the cover. I love reconciliation stories for most of the same reasons everyone else said already.
I like reconciliation stories because I like to see what went wrong and the journey to making it right. The emotions are usually more intense and we don’t spend half of the story watching the hero and heroine learn the basics about each other.
Congrats on the debut. I can’t wait to read it. I absolutely love reconciliation stories. I agree with everything you said. I love them because we get a sense of chemistry from the characters. We see that they are willing to work on the relationship and fight for it and eachother. I read so many books that sometimes I don’t want to read about villians and mysteries. I just want to read about the relationship between the hero/heroine. I want to see them fight to be together and happy.
I like reconciliation stories because the stories are emotional and you get to take the journey with the characters as they work toward a second chance at love with the one that they lost and never got over.
Thanks for your comments, everyone! I’m so glad to know I’m not the only one who loves the angst and emotion in reconciliations. =)
I do love reconciliation stories a lot. There is lots of possibilities for sexual tension…..maybe a little hero grovelling…hehe!!! It lovely to see that there is a second chance for love.
Valerie
in Germany
Yes, I’m a fan of reconciliation stories. I like that the characters have a history, so they already know each other, although there might be some misconceptions to overcome. I love seeing how they get past whatever it is that broke them apart to get back together and have their happily ever after. And yes, I love the epilogues, so I can see that years later they’re still together and happy.
Hi, Ashley! Congrats on your release!
And I do enjoy a good reconciliation story 🙂 I’m looking forward to reading yours!
Congratulations on STD! I like reconciliation stories because I like seeing how the characters share an emotional baggage and deal with it. One of my favorite reconciliation historical novels is Sherry Thomas’ Not Quite a Husband.
Hi Ashley,
Congratulations on the release of your first book. Sounds good and I look forward to adding it to my TBR mountain!
I like reconciliation stories too and, as a matter of fact, I’m in the middle of reading one right now…’The Duchess’s Next Husband’ by Terri Brisbin. This is the first of Terri’s work that I have read and so far, I’m really enjoying the story. This couple didn’t separate but after the hero unexpectedly inherited the title, things changed for the young couple. After allowing the Ducal duties to set them apart, they are gradually coming back together and realizing they can have 2 faces…one public and one private! It’s gonna get better real soon!
Congrats on your release!
What’s attractive about reconciliation stories is that everyone deserves a second chance to make things right. It’s so easy to fall into the same old reactionary patterns in a relationship and it’s heartwarming to read about characters who push beyond that, to try again.
I always enjoy a reconciliation story. I love to find out how they work their differences out.
I enjoy a reconciliation story once in a while, but not every plot, I like a mix, all the best for your debut!
Hi Ashley,
Your new book looks so good. And what a beautiful cover it has! I love the colors.
I really love reconciliation stories. My favorite type is when the couple splits but the hero is still crazy about the heroine and really tries to win her back throughout the story.
Good luck with your new book Ashley! 🙂
Congrats on your debut, Ashley ! And that cover is to die for!
I love reconciliation stories because there is so much for the write to build on. And it is interesting to see how the hero and heroine have grown while apart and how the people they have become fall in love all over again.
I love to read lots of different stories. Reconciliation stories are one of my favorites.
Congrats on your debut Ashley! I recieved an early copy of Seducing the Duchess to review and it was fabulous! Now I’m going to go out and get a final copy with the beautiful cover! Can’t wait to read more from you!
Congratulations on your debut!
I like reconciliation stories, especially when the H/h learn from their mistakes!
For me, it’s the idea of second chances that make the reconciliation story so appealing. First, I like to read about what caused the couple to part, then I like to read about the lengths they’ll go to get each other back.
Margay
I’m so glad everyone likes the cover! I have to admit, when I first saw it I was blown away. It’s nice to see that others think it’s gorgeous, too. =)
Jamie–I’m so happy you liked it! And that you liked it so much you’re going to buy the “real” one. =)
Thank you everyone for commenting and for all the well wishes!
Hi Ashley! What a really great post and congratulations on your new book. I love reconciliation stories, and I can’t wait to read this book. I really enjoy reading how the characters try win each others love and trust back. I also really liked how you said in your post that reconciliation stories are the epilogues, I never thought about that before.
Congratulations on your debut novel. I love the idea of it having a recondiliation story. I love reading about their past and how they find themselves back to each other.
What I like best about this type of story is the mending of the relationship and their hearts. They, in most cases, cared for each other at one point, no matter what has happened since. An ember of that affection still burns even though it may be buried deeply. Watching them rediscover what they saw in each other and develop a new appreciation for the other person is always enjoyable.
I look forward to reading your new book. I hope the release is going well.
I do like them but I have to be in the mood for it. Sometimes they are written well and I get turned off by it
I think I have only read a couple reconciliation stories but I enjoyed them.
I sometime like reconciliation story while other time I hate it.
I agree with some of you who say that sometimes reconciliation stories can be good and sometimes they can be bad. I think, besides the author’s voice, the set up has to click with the reader. I’ve found a lot of reconciliation stories that start with the hero just wanting to have sex with the heroine turns me off, although depending on the author, it can also be carried out well.
I love reconciliation stories. However, if the heroine is a total pushover and takes the hero back even if he hasn’t properly groveled for whatever he did, that kind of ruins it for me. The size of the grovel by either the hero or the heroine has got to fit with the initial “crime” for me.
I really like reconciliation stories. The characters already know each other and have this shared history. They love each other but romance is not a piece of cake, I know. You have to work at it to keep it good and healthy. Things often get taken for granted, misconceptions take hold and before you know it you don’t understand each other any more. This is where a good story begins and hopefully takes me on an emotional worthwhile ride back to love.
I do like reconciliation stories – they can seem true to live, like the hero/heroine are getting the opportunity to get back “the one that got away” kind of thing and it is interesting to see how they work their differences out.
Hi.
The cover is gorgeous!!!
I like the premise of the story and look forward to reading it.
Good luck with it.
Love the cover and I cant wait to read the book!
I do like reconciliation stories because much sadness is caused by simple misunderstandings. Thanks for the chance to win this book!
I love the cover. 🙂
the only time I don’t like reconciliation stories is when the author makes it too easy (unless the separation wasn’t voluntary, then it’s more remeet rather tan reconcile.) I don’t like when they figt & choose to leave then 5 yrs later magically fall together like there was no problem. Makes me wonder why the author bothered with the time rather than making the time happen in the midst of the story.
what I love is seeing the way they make it work Knowing each others faults. Having to fight their way back. It can make their love story seem stronger than the ones where they learn faults & deal with it all in the beginning when they still don’t Really know.