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.
One of the novellas in A match made at Christmas (A-parent-ly Christmas by Amy R Anguish) deals with this where they had basically drifted apart and it was a child who showed them how much they still cared.
The War Room (don’t now the author) deals with this to.
So to now answer this question Yes I do like this sort of book cos in all marriages there are things that need to be worked on and worked out. Many times now a days its easier to end things than to put in the work so these types of books give hope and highlight different issues.
I love the War Room! I watched it for the first time last year. I think it’s also directed by the Kendricks? I should look up Amy’s novella, too. Thanks for your comment.
This is a great topic to explore, Milla. Real life struggles are worth exploring in our stories. I’ll look out for your new book in February. 😊
Thanks, Elaine!
Hi Milla, I like redeemed marriage romance stories as long as it makes sense for the couple to reunite. When it’s a trope that’s explored within the romance genre, the happy ending is guaranteed. It’s a different ballgame in contemporary fiction because the married couple could choose to reunite or permanently part ways. Those stories can be hard reads because of the issues that are explored. I preordered your upcoming release from your online store and I’m looking forward to reading it. 😊
Thanks so much for the support, Narelle! All the files are uploaded and ready to go. 🙂 I recently heard of an animated children’s movie where the married couple (the king and queen, who are the princess heroine’s parents) choose to split up permanently. I won’t be watching it because I love my HEAs!
I much prefer these kinds of ‘romance’ novels. Grace in Deep Waters (Book 3) is this type of story as is ‘Bronze and Brokenness’.
The GiDW I would read books 1-2 because they give background to explain the pressures on the marriage.
I actually started your series with Grace in Deep Waters! But I’d like to go back and see how their story began.