Monday, August 15, 2011

My Best Friend - I Think I'll Keep Him

"If the heavens were to open and a host of Angels descend, they could not have produced such an effect on my soul as MaryAnn descending the chapel staircase for our wedding." Richard Paul Evans - Timepiece

I really have no reason for choosing this quote other than I just love it, because I love romance!
Last week my husband and I celebrated our twenty-second wedding anniversary. While many women have to light a fire under their husband when it comes to anniversary plans, I've been privileged to be married to a man that plans every detail of ours. He never tells me what we are doing until the week of our anniversary, and I am pleasantly surprised every time. I've never known a more romantic guy. A lot of people ask me why I write romance novels. Well . . . there you have it! I'm a romantic because of him, and when I write romance novels, the hero always has his attributes- they are just younger, a bit more muscular, and have a lot more hair:-)

There are so many people in the world who search for that perfect soul-mate, when in fact, there is no such thing, and if that is what we look for when seeking a mate, we will be disappointed every time. But when a heart is open enough for fate to do its job, we are be blessed with something even better.

I am not perfect and neither is my husband, but he is perfect for me in every way. There were no shooting stars or fireworks the first time my husband kissed me, but there was a warm, familiar feeling that felt like home. Our life together has not been smooth sailing with no trials, but there isn't another person I would rather face those trials with. Our relationship isn't accented by chocolate and roses everyday, but it has been strengthened by children and the joys and sorrows that come with them. Our days are not completely carefree and unhindered by worries, but each obstacle overcome together and each stone requiring stepping over have brought with them lessons so great, they have made us scholars in a college course of love and relationship that was tailor-made just for us. And I could not imagine sharing the laughter and tears those lessons produce with anyone but him, because he truly is my best friend. When a person makes you a better just by connecting their life to yours, there is truly no greater title.

Suggested Reading

Book: The Companion of Lady Holmeshire
Author: Debra Brown
About the book
A baby girl was found in a basket on Squire Carrington's doorstep. She was raised and sent to work as a servant girl for The Countess of Holmeshire. The widowed and unconventional Countess chose Miss Emma Carrington as a companion and sent her off for finishing with the goal of dragging her along into genteel Victorian society. What sort of reception would she have at tea and dinners?
The young Earl of Holmeshire was engaged by arrangement to a lovely London lady, but their relationship was difficult. Could they work it out? Even the tribulations and banned romances of the servants downstairs play into the story as we follow Emma from a stone fortress to a Victorian village and then into fabulous London mansions. Great surprises unfold at a Midsummer Night's Dream Ball which help to solve mysteries that have gradually developed. You are invited to predict the great revelation of the last few pages!


I don't read a lot of historical romance, but I have enjoyed the few I've read. There is something educational about the period language and I feel a little smarter reading it:-) I can now add The Companion of Lady Holmeshire to the list of good historical reads. The author's description of the Victorian era is wonderful and makes you feel like you are there as you get involved in the story. I loved the characters, and I felt the emotion of Emma throughout her journey and was a cheerleader for her to the very end.
Ahhh, I love novels that leave you with warm fuzzies:-)
Get your copy of The Companion of Lady Holmeshire by logging onto Amazon.com. To learn more about Debra Brown, log onto Worldcastlepublishing.com

5 comments:

Doree L Anderson said...

Jewel, I think your reason's for keeping him is the 'best friend'. I married my best friend and there are times when our relationship might have crumbled, but best friends stay together through it all. Now, about him remembering and planning the anniversary, how did you get him to do that exactly? We're hitting our 35th, I'm looking to the card. He puts a lot of thought in that. :)

Sandy L. Rowland said...

Jewel,
Love this post.
There are those of us that marry our best friend, and some, like me, that work hard and become best friends, and adore each other beyond belief.
It's worth it.

Thanks for sharing the reality of love and soul mates.
You make your own.

Jenny said...

Jewel,
You and your sweetheart are so lucky to have each other. I loved reading your post and I love your quotes from Richard Paul Evans. Rick is a good friend of mine and it's always wonderful to read his treasured nuggets of wisdom. (Especially when it's included with an amazing love story and friendship like your's and your hubbys.)

Jenny K.

Emily R. King said...

I love that you said there were no fireworks when you kissed your husband for the first time. Very observant of you! I think the best love, the kind built off respect, begins just as you said, warm and familiar. Like home.
(New follower here!)

Maggie said...

Happy Anniversary! 22 years is wonderful!