For those of you who may not know (which is everyone, I think...) I am currently working on a small town romance series - my debut novel! Eep!
So for my May author spotlight I've decided to showcase someone who has built a huge world of interconnected small town novels that have inspired me in my own writing endeavors. Please put your hands together for our empress of sweet, sexy, feel good romance, Melanie Harlow!
✨ "Accidents happen. But when you have something precious in your hands you need to hold on tight." - Melanie Harlow, Make Me Yours ✨
I first discovered Harlow with her 2020 Bellamy Creek series while I was on a standalone, interconnected series reading rampage (a few notches above a binge lol). Thankfully I'd happened upon this series in 2022, which meant that I was able to absolutely destroy all four books without waiting for the next release. I was immediately in love with the immense tree of characters and when I learned that there was an even deeper Harlow-verse, I couldn't stop!
Fun Fact:
Due to her series bingeability, 68% of the books I read in 2022 were written by Melanie Harlow. I couldn't put her stories down!
It wasn't until after Bellamy Creek I realized the length of interconnectivity in her novels. I found myself picking up Ignite and realized Cloverleigh had been a stable part of the Bellamy Creek series, even mentioning Frannie by name. So of course I ended up reading the whole universe out of order, but you know what? It didn't matter. Because Harlow does such an incredible job of relationship building in each story that learning another character's summary in one book does not even match the depths in which their journey goes in their own. The true definition of a standalone series!
✨ "Love was terrifying. It put you completely at the mercy of someone else You basically handed over your breakable heart and hoped that someone wouldn't shatter it...there was never any real assurance you wouldn't get hurt." - Melanie Harlow, Unbreakable ✨
Now, I know what you're thinking: "everyone has characters that make cameos in their books..." NOT. LIKE. THIS!
Her world is so connected that she even has a full freaking family tree intertwining all the characters in the Harlow-verse (this is the second time I've used this term and if it's not already a thing, I am officially making it one!) that she's put together on her website.
Next up on my list is the Cherry Tree Harbor series featuring the Buckley family, but I've been hesitant to start it because I know I'm going to whip through the first four books and immediately need the fifth, which has not been released yet. Should I just do it and consume four books I know I'll love despite having to wait for the fifth? Or should I hold and consume them all at once? Every book bestie's dilemma!
Harlow is one of my go-to recs for anyone who loves sweet and spicy small town romances with heart, depth, and characters you want to invest your time in. Pop on over to my home page to check out some of my favorite titles by Harlow and comment below what you love most about her books and writing!
All My Love,
Jane-Anne
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