More Than Just Weddings and First Kisses
As a romance author, I’ve written my fair share of stories that end with proposals and wedding bells. There’s something undeniably magical about that moment when two people commit their lives to each other, and I’ll never tire of writing (or reading!) those stories where we follow the couple up to the altar and leave them there to begin their happily-ever-after.
But lately, I’ve been drawn to a different kind of love story—one that starts after the “I do.”
The Power of Choosing Love Again
Marriage-in-trouble romances show us that love isn’t just about the flutter of first attraction or the excitement of falling in love. Sometimes, it’s about the courage to stay, the strength to rebuild, and the faith to believe in second chances with the same person. It’s about love being a choice, marriage being a commitment.
These stories resonate deeply because they reflect a truth we all know: real love isn’t just about the mountain-top moments. It’s about choosing each other in the valleys too. When a couple fights to save their marriage, every small gesture of reconciliation becomes profound. A held hand. A vulnerable conversation. A remembered anniversary. These moments can be just as romantic—sometimes even more so—than any first kiss.
Small Town Harmony: A Story of Second Chances
In my upcoming novel, Small Town Harmony, which releases on February 5th, I wanted to explore this kind of love story. What happens when the music fades, when real life intrudes on the happily-ever-after? How do two people who once promised to love each other forever find their way back to that promise?
What does it take to restore a marriage when communication is fractured, hurts run deep, and the person you married has changed so much that you no longer recognise who they are?
Redeemed marriage romances are now my favourite trope, and I will read any I can get my hands on.
Other Stories That Touched My Heart
Some of my favorite marriage-in-trouble romances that demonstrate just how powerful these stories can be:
- Fireproof by Alex Kendrick
- Marrying Abby by Melanie Snitker. (Free with email sign-up)
- The Miracle of Mistletoe by Emily Dana Botrous
These books remind us that sometimes the most beautiful love stories aren’t about finding someone new—they’re about rediscovering the person you already committed to love.
When Old Love Becomes New Again
There’s something especially poignant about watching a couple remember why they fell in love in the first place. It’s like watching a faded photograph slowly regain its colors, or hearing a familiar melody played in a new key. These stories remind us that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice we make every day.
A Note About Realistic Romance
I should note that when I talk about marriage-in-trouble stories, I’m specifically thinking about relationships between ordinary, flawed people who have lost their way—not situations involving abuse or egregious, criminal betrayals.
I’m talking about couples who’ve grown apart, forgotten how to communicate, or let life’s pressures dim their spark. They’re about good people who made mistakes, let resentments build, or simply stopped making their marriage a priority. These are the marriages that, with work and willingness from both partners, can find healing and renewed joy.
Let’s Talk About It
I’d love to hear from you: Do you enjoy marriage-in-trouble romances? What are some of your favourite ones? How do they differ from traditional romance novels for you?
And if you’re interested in seeing the marriage redemption romance I just wrote, I invite you to pre-order Small Town Harmony. It’s a story about second chances, rediscovered love, and the beautiful truth that sometimes, the most romantic thing isn’t the first “I love you”—it’s choosing to say it again when it matters most.
