Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Brighter Days Ahead

by Wendy Hobday Haugh from the April 15, 2013 issue

Tagline: After meeting Carrie Hanson, Joe was ready to take a new chance on love...

In a Nutshell: Joe takes his daughter and her best friend to the town carnival. He's intrigued by the pretty woman painting faces. When the girls insist he get his face painted too, he works up the courage to ask her out.

Observations: Here is Americana in the form of a carnival or fair. I think I've said before that reading a Woman's World romance is sort of like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, but with modern touches. For instance, I don't think they painted kid's faces in Rockwell's day.

Anyway, I think this story worked because we get so close to Joe, the hero. We get to see him having a great time and being a fantastic father, but we also see his vulnerability, which is irresistible to me. When a guy lets his guard down, I go all weak-kneed. And then he puts himself on the line and asks her out. You can't help but find yourself rooting for him.

I thought the last line, referring back to a line the love interest says earlier in the story was wonderful.

She says:

"There were too many kids waiting for me to bring out the lion, tiger and fairy princess in them."

At the end of the story after she's accepted his invitation to dinner, we read:

Smiling, he drew a deep breath, leaned back and let his inner lion roar.

So cute!!!

Photo by slightly everything (cc)

13 comments:

Tamara said...

I agree. Very cute ending.

Chris said...

Haven't seen the story but this sounds sweet and I like that it was another male perspective story, and that he showed his vulnerable side. You're right Kate, that can be very attractive!

Good luck with the novel. Any idea how long it will be before you hear back?

Pat said...

This was an awesome story. I loved everything about it.

Mary Jo said...

Yes, and memorable. I loved it, too.

Betsi said...

Sorry Chris, I didn't buy this issue so no scan for you! Sometimes I just read the story while I'm in the store, but I don't even remember this one. Another male perspective story, interesting . . .

Chris said...

No worries, Betsi, I wasn't hinting! I know you'll send me scans whenever you can.

Mary Ann said...

I can scan it for you Chris. Look for it soon,

Mary Ann

Mary Ann said...

Oops! Just looked in my work bag, and I must have left that issue home, Chris. I won't be able to scan it to you until next week, when I'm back at work. I can do a bunch then, if you'd like. Let me know.
--Mary Ann

Betsi said...

What, Mary Ann, you don't have your issue of WW with you AT ALL TIMES, lol? I just bought the issue with "Annabelle Knows Best" in it, so that will be coming your way soon, Chris.

Now, if I can just prove that I'm not a robot . . .

Chris said...

Hey, this this great, stories coming from all directions! Thank you, Mary Ann and Betsi, can I have the mini mysteries too, please?

That robot needs to get glasses, some of those letters are unreadable. And the numbers on this morning's one looked like someone turned the lights out on the photographer. Where's C3PO when you need him?

Mary Ann said...

Chris,
I DO have some photocopied mysteries here at work, and some older WW issues. I will scan those for you. You will have the best collection of WW stories in Europe.
--Mary Ann
p.s. The robot is making us all work very hard...

Chris said...

Is anyone out there able to get hold of a copy of The Saturday Evening Post for me? Would love to see a sample copy, and would be happy to send some British mags in exchange.

Kate Willoughby said...

Chris, I think I can expect to hear back before the end of May.

I wish the robot wasn't necessary. Sorry! I appreciate your willingness to put up with him. (He's male, of course. LOL)