7 Reasons to Read Romance Novels

In her post Why Smart Women Read Romance Novels, Anne Browning Walker makes the point that the romance genre gets a bad rap it definitely doesn’t deserve. Wondering why it’s so smart to read romance novels? Read on.

Romance reminds us to question our own expectations.

No, not everyone’s life story ends up looking like a romance novel. But love can come from the places we least expect. Books like The Cinderella Deal by Jennifer Crusie illustrate the magic that can happen when we leave behind our expectations about people and circumstances and give them a chance. That can make all the difference in your love life or in your perspective on work, friendship, or diversity.

Romance novels remind us of the ways love helps us grow.

Every romance teaches us something–about ourselves, about the world around us, and about the personalities that catch us off guard and take our breath away. Sometimes the lessons we learn from love are beautiful, and sometimes they’re more painful than anything we’ve ever experienced. In both cases, our own romances and the romances we read give us a perspective on our own growth that we wouldn’t have otherwise.

Novels teach us empathy.

Reading fiction and exploring new worlds with our imagination makes you a more empathetic human being. When you’re reading a romance novel or being told a story, your sensory cortex lights up just like it would if you were experiencing the events of the story firsthand. You imagine what it’s like to be standing in that person’s shoes, feeling that person’s exhilaration. Or love. Or fear. You gain perspective and understanding from people you’ve never met.

Romance novels relieve stress.

For decades, medical professionals have been documenting the importance of keeping stress under control. So while reading a romance novel might seem like a guilty pleasure (or to some, a waste of time), it can be therapeutic in the right doses. The world’s most successful disengage from their responsibilities so they can recharge their batteries. In other words, curling up with a feel-good book and a cup of tea might be the best thing you can do for your health this evening, so go ahead and indulge.

Reading fiction helps you stay sharp longer.

Studies have shown that those who read on a regular basis later in life tend to stay shop longer. Readers have a 32% slower mental decline in old age than those who don’t read regularly, and they show fewer symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Reading fiction can treat many mental health issues.

Depression, mild alcohol abuse, communication issues, anxiety, and even eating disorders can be improved through bibliotherapy–the use of literature to support good mental health. Maybe this is why readers stay sharp longer and often relate to others better.

Romance novels aren’t what they used to be.

If the thought of a romance novel makes you think of a scantily-clad woman on the cover of a Harlequin romance novel, you need to re-think your romances (or pick up a more contemporary book). Today’s romances offer a depth and perspective, along with more well-developed heroines (like Ronda!) that actually have a personality of their own. Hello, modern woman! The stereotypical alluring heroine of 30 years ago doesn’t have anything on today’s romantic fiction.

So if you’ve been on the fence about ordering Two Weeks in Spain, maybe you should just look at it as an investment in your brain function, mental health, and understanding of the world around you. It’s cheaper than the alternatives, and it’s a feel-good guilty pleasure you won’t have to feel guilty about.

Pick up your copy of “Two Weeks in Spain” at CreateSpace or Amazon today!

Win!

Counting Down!

Only Three Days left to get your verified e-mail submitted for Sada’s first monthly drawing.

The first monthly drawing is fastly approaching. December 30^st  will be the last day to enter to win a paperback version of “Two Weeks in Spain.” Thank you to all who have begun following Sada. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

Win a copy of “Two Weeks in Spain,”

the first book in the contemporary romance series “Never Let Your Dreams Die.”

Sada’s first monthly drawing will be held on December 31^st 2016.

All followers of Sada DiSena are automatically entered into the monthly drawing.

All you have to do to be eligible is FOLLOW Sada.

See full details and rules at:

www.sadadisena.com/win

Win!

Update: The first monthly drawing is fastly approaching. December 30^st  will be the last day to enter to win a paperback version of “Two Weeks in Spain.” Thank you to all who have begun following Sada. Your support is greatly appreciated.

*FYI – Please ensure that you have verified your e-mail address by checking your junk/trash mail if you did not receive a notice in your inbox. You must have a verified e-mail to be entered into the drawing.

Win a copy of “Two Weeks in Spain,”

the first book in the contemporary romance series “Never Let Your Dreams Die.”

Sada’s first monthly drawing will be held on December 31^st 2016.

All followers of Sada DiSena are automatically entered into the monthly drawing.

All you have to do to be eligible is FOLLOW Sada.

See full details and rules at:

www.sadadisena.com/win

Destination 3: Valencia

Valencia’s lovely beaches on the Mediterranean sea offer the perfect backdrop for escaping your own reality for a while, so it makes sense that Ronda and Vidal take time to explore the innovative, modern amenities Valencia offers.

Valencia’s L’Oceanografic

By Diliff, Creative Commons

Here, Ronda and Vidal explore the arts & sciences complex for which Valencia is famous. Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, offers endless exhibits to explore, and the entire complex’s breathtaking futuristic architecture reflects the contemporary urban vibe that modern Valencia is famous for. A private bike tour, a picnic, and an evening of dancing and walking along the beach all make brilliant choices for a magical visit to Valencia.

 

Two Weeks in Spain is Now Available!

The wait is over! Grab your print copy of Two Weeks in Spain today–for yourself and all the readers on your holiday gift list.

If you needed an excuse to grab a peppermint mocha and put your feet up, this release is it. There’s no soul therapy like spending some quality time with an intriguing, quick, feel-good romance during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Pick up your copy on CreateSpace or Amazon today!

Create Your Own Spanish Escape

Ronda’s world is the stuff of dreams-cultures that I love and music that surrounds me. The  little things make the world come to life, too. Mouth-watering dishes, colors, smells, and impressions that make Ronda’s journey seem real, and you can recreate that atmosphere in your own home!

Here’s a quick guide to creating your own Spanish escape. In the posts that follow, you’ll get a closer look at the real-life inspiration for Ronda’s story!

Playlist and Soundscapes

To set the mood, you need the right music. Try looking up Enrique Iglesias on YouTube or Pandora. Thomas Rhett’s singles, Die a Happy Man and Star of the Show also mesh perfectly with Ronda’s story and love for country music, and they’re great additions to your playlist for the evening.

For the essence of Barcelona, try exploring Stanza’s Soundcities project, as well. Here, you’ll experience the everyday soundscape of cafe chatter, shoppers, traffic, church bells, and more–recorded in the city itself.

Set the Style

It isn’t all about aesthetics…but they sure help. Light a few candles and choose warm earth tones for your accessories. Simple elegance is a hallmark of Spanish style, so pare down your space to create the perfect relaxation spot.

Flavors and Aromas From the Kitchen

Not a Texas Tortilla!

Authentic Spanish food isn’t always easy to find in the States, but if you’re even a little handy in the kitchen, you can whip up a few tapas or other straightforward Spanish snacks and fill your home with the aromas of Spain. Try these easy recipes on for size, then settle down with some Spanish comfort food while you read!

Chicken & Chorizo Rice Pot, from BBC Good Food

Easiest Ever Paella, from BBC Good Food

Tortilla Espanola, from Savvy Eats

Churros with Chocolate, from Cooking Classy

 

If you try recreating a Spanish getaway in your home, let me know! It’s the perfect way to try something new and experience the Spanish adventure that Ronda does in Two Weeks in Spain. And keep checking in–you’ll be able to pick up your own copy of Two Weeks in Spain very soon!

Two Weeks in Spain Update

I’m excited to announce that Two Weeks in Spain is being printed as we speak. It has been a long time coming and can’t come fast enough. The release date for the first book in the “Never Let Your Dreams Die” series has changed several times over the past two months.

Two Weeks in Spain will be available for purchase in med-December on Amazon and other outlets.

Starting in December monthly drawings will be held for followers of Sada to WIN FREE STUFF. Don’t forget to follow Sada at www.sadadisena.com.

“Never Let Your Dreams Die”

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You only fail when you stop trying!

Two Weeks in Spain Sneak Peek

Ever dream of taking off to an exotic locale to escape your every day–and just see what happens when you get there? Here’s a sneak peek into Two Weeks in Spain, a romance fiction you won’t be able to put down. The book will be released in mid-November. Until then, check back here for updates and glimpses into Ronda’s world!

Finally! I hear the landing gear being lowered, and the pilot announces, “We are now descending into Madrid.” I’m terrified. I dig my fingers into the armrests. The plane shakes and bounces as the tires hit the tarmac. My mind is spinning at the thought of what might go wrong. The plane comes to a screeching halt and taxies toward the gate. I feel as if I’ve been holding my breath for the last eight hours. Flying has never been on my bucket list.

As if a four-hour flight from Texas to New York wasn’t enough, enduring a turbulent flight over the Atlantic has been almost more than I could bear. The realization that I have actually arrived safe and sound brings me to tears. I hope that the next couple of weeks in Spain are worth the fear of flying I’ve had to overcome—and the arguments I had with my mother just to be allowed to come.

If it hadn’t been for the two silly girls seated next to me, Kelsey from California and Tina from Minnesota, I surely would have gone crazy. These hilarious girls were definitely the comic relief I needed to keep my nerves from getting out of control. Also helping a lot were the meds the doctor gave me for the panic attacks I’ve been having for the last two years.

The entire flight the girls talked about Vidal Urbano, an up-and-coming Latin pop star who has just won a prestigious music award. They call themselves Vittlettes, his biggest fans, which is also the name of his US fan club. He and his older brother, JJ, are rumored to be visiting their family in Madrid, before traveling to Barcelona for the European Music Awards. The girls desperately want to get a glimpse of him—or better yet, meet him and his brother—if they can figure out a way.

To find out more, make sure to subscribe to receive email updates on Two Weeks in Spain and check back frequently for more information on “Don’t Let Your Dreams Die,” a new fiction romance series by Sada DiSena!

New Fiction Romance: Introducing Two Weeks in Spain!

My first book, Two Weeks in Spain, comes out in mid-November! I spent years thinking about Ronda’s story and watching it grow in my imagination. I didn’t know how to put it on paper. I didn’t know if I should even try.

But after two more years of staring at that Word doc on my computer screen, editing, rewriting, agonizing over details, and writing again, I’ve watched that story come to life. And it’s been worth every late night and every tension headache along the way.

The story? Ronda leaves a jumble of rocky relationships and painful memories behind to go on a two-week tour of Spain. The plan? To visit the places she’s always dreamed of visiting, soak up some sunshine, and get away from her stifling home life. When she meets one of the country’s hottest up-and-coming pop singers, Vidal, everything changes–and she finds herself ditching her plans and taking risks she never thought she would. Along the way, she uncovers a different kind of escape than she ever dreamed.

Two Weeks in Spain is more than just a whirlwind romance novel, though if you love romance you’ll definitely find it. The novella is about learning to love without holding back and daring to follow that love wherever it takes you. Though Ronda falls–hard!–for Vidal, she can’t erase her past or the ways it continues to affect her.

How does Ronda learn to deal with those conflicting emotions, and what does it mean for her and Vidal? Well, you’ll find part of that story in Two Weeks in Spain and the rest in the following two books of the series, which will be released in 2017.

Throughout this journey, I’ll be sharing sneak peaks into Ronda’s world and some of the things that inspired this book–from the songs to the landscapes that made Ronda’s story come to life for me.

Make sure to subscribe to receive email updates so you won’t miss out on any new releases! I can’t wait to see where this step of the adventure leads.