Guest post written by Dear Dotty author Jaclyn Westlake
Jaclyn Westlake is a debut author and an alumna of the Stanford Continuing Studies novel writing program. A recruiter turned career advice columnist, her work has appeared in Forbes, Business Insider, and Inc. She lives in California with her husband and their dachshund mix, Indiana Jones (but you can call him Indy).
About Dear Dotty: Rosie Benson does not have it all together. Like most twenty-somethings, she struggles to figure out life and soon finds herself following the advice of her late great-aunt through a series of revelatory emails about pursuing long-buried dreams rather than society’s idea of perfect in this fun, highly relatable debut.
I finished Emily Henry’s FUNNY STORY over the weekend, and let me tell you, I did not want this book to end! I was so wrapped up in Miles and Daphne that I couldn’t imagine letting another couple into my heart. Not yet.
But I can’t not be reading! So, I did what I always do after I’ve finished a dazzling love story: I picked up a book from a different genre for a change of pace (I went with Sally Franson’s A LADY’S GUIDE TO SELLING OUT, in case you’re wondering).
My favorite post-romance palette cleanser is Women’s Fiction (this works in reverse, too!). The genres are similar enough that I don’t get whiplash, but they can also serve as a fun departure from the emotional high of an all-encompassing love story.
As a Women’s Fiction author who loves to read Romance (especially romcoms), I’ve come to think of the two genres as the best of friends. While my favorite romances deliver on tropes, swoons, spice, banter, and declarations of love, I enjoy Women’s Fiction for its tendency to focus on career, family, friendship, aging, deciding how (or whether) to build a family, and the journey of self-discovery.
Romance + Women’s Fiction: Sisters…
Of course, many Romance novels grapple with the complexities of a woman’s life, and plenty of Women’s Fiction books include charming love stories. These things aren’t mutually exclusive!
Both genres feature female protagonists, rich character development, satisfying emotional journeys, themes of love, family, friendship, and finding one’s place in the world. And best of all, they deliver uplifting, heartfelt endings.
The key difference is what the book brings to the forefront. Women’s Fiction tends to put romance on the back burner to make space for the stories that usually serve as subplots in Romance novels, sort of like adjusting the focus on a telescope (or binoculars? I’m not very outdoorsy).
…But not Twins
I like to think of Women’s Fiction as the quirky, messy, outspoken best friend we love seeing in our Romance novels.
While the primary plot driver in Romance is the love story itself, Women’s Fiction is more freewheeling. The plots can go in unpredictable directions, explore unconventional family structures, feature non-traditional relationships, and dig deeper into a protagonist’s flaws. We may spend more time with those loveable secondary characters, explore career woes and office drama, or watch relationships progress beyond the heady days of early courtship.
While the topics can be a bit weightier, readers usually get those fun romcom-esque laughs, breezy tone, and girly fun (I want to know what these characters are wearing or see them bonding over a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc!), too.
In short, these stories are an extension of the romantic books I adore. Here are six reasons why I think these genres are meant to be Best Friends Forever.
- They feature loveable leading ladies: Both genres feature strong, relatable female protagonists you can’t help but root for.
- They deliver satisfying emotional journeys: Whether falling in love or finding oneself, these books take you on a heartfelt, captivating emotional ride.
- And uplifting endings: You can always count on a satisfying, feel-good conclusion – whether it’s a happily ever after, a happy for now, or a sense that everything will be okay.
- They explore relatable themes: Love, family, friendship, and self-discovery – these themes take center stage in both genres.
- And offer rich character development: These stories deliver multi-dimensional characters that leap off the page. By the end, they’ll feel like they’re your friends in real life.
- They don’t take themselves too seriously: Both genres know how to balance the heavy moments with plenty of lighthearted, laugh-out-loud humor.
I’ve found that I start craving a new romance as soon as I finish an emotionally satisfying Women’s Fiction read. I feel ready to chase that intoxicating high of falling in love again and want to dive back into a story where I know I’ll get a sweet happily ever after. I’ll probably pick up Beth O’Leary’s THE WAKEUP CALL next. I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers…
Isn’t that the beauty of books? There’s a story for every mood.
