I was very happy to receive two wonderful reviews for my romance novellas this week. DRC wrote a lovely five star review for Acres of Dreams, a homesteading love story from the end of the nineteenth century, and Long and Short Romances wrote one for Autumn Dreams, my romance from the prairie world of 1949.
Both reviewers commented that this was not their usual type of romance but, and it's the 'but' I love. "I normally don’t read historical romances but for some reason this one caught my eye and I enjoyed it. I want to read more from this author. She makes these historical romances much more interesting than most I have read. If you enjoy stories like this, you will not be disappointed." said the reviewer of Acres of Dreams.
And, the review of Autumn Dreams said "I’m giving this an overall 5 out of 5 stars. I didn’t intend to–it is not exactly the most popular genre these days–but I find I can’t fault it: story, style and editing, all top-notch and I must say that I simply love the cover. Do read."
Somehow, this acceptance of the worth of a genre not amongst their favourites made the reviews even more special to me. It's one thing to rate highly a story in your preferred category, but quite another to rate a story in less familiar sub-genre.
Many thanks to both these reviewers. Now, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone as well. My current work in progress (well, one of them) is a contemporary humorous romance. However, I am still sticking to small towns. If I really want to get edgy, I'll try a cosmopolitan international spy story, but don't hold your breath.