From Australia with Love

Everyone knows that when it comes to romance, the genre gets no respect. And why is that? This book does something for the romance industry that no other book to date has. It demands R-E-S-P-E-C-T and starts breaking down those barriers and answering the question as to why the genre gets no respect. It's amazing to see how many people actually judge a book by its cover and yet never by its contents. What's even more shocking is to discover that the same people bashing romance never actually picked one up. Or better yet, never tried to write one. It's not easy writing about emotions. Or sex. Meaningful, emotional sex. Not a how to guide. And then there are others that might have read one book in 1982 and based on that, have judged the romance industry since. No surprise people, but the books changed since then! Big time! There's no bodice getting ripped, that's for sure. Yet why is everyone still using the term? Brilliantly, Juliet Flesch weaves through the misconceptions and uses examples and trends. The biggest thing I walked away with this book (being a romance writer myself) is a HUGE class in self-esteem. Which I needed. From Australia with Love not only focuses on the history of how romance writing sparked and developed (not just in Australia but in the US and around the world) but how stereotypes and misinformation (caused by others who never picked up a romance in their life) has both promoted and harmed the industry. Juliet Flesch does an amazing job representing the true essence of the romance writing industry and their readership. So the next time you think to judge a romance by its cover, pick up a copy of this book first and then figure out where you are as a reader or a writer in the most successful fiction genre ever to date.

From Australia With Love is a lively, eye-opening examination of Australian romance writing between 1950 and 2000. With objectivity, humor and irony, Juliet Flesch makes a solid argument for the importance of romance writing and why it should rightfully take its place alongside other genres, such as mystery writing. She skillfully disabuses those feminists who believe that all heroines in romances are poor role models, giving many examples of strong, independent women who have rewarding careers and function in complex webs of relationships. The background information about the huge romance publishing industry is also very interesting. For example, the English language version of a romance novel in Canada is sold in bookstores, while the French version, which loses some humor and subtlety in translation, is sold in drugstores and supermarkets. This entertaining book will engage the interest of the romance reader and the general reader alike. The fact that it is both beautifully written and easy to read is an added bonus.