What Is It About A Happily Ever After?

2/9/2014

Photo Courtesy of Erin Senesac

Gift Hop Grand Prize

Welcome to my stop on the Valentine's Day Gift Hop. There are 175 bloggers participating in this hop (and offering prizes!), and I hope you'll get to as many of them as possible. Thanks to Skye Warren for corralling all these authors and organizing this wonderful event and for the delightful grand prize package. Be sure to enter my drawing at the end of this post for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card, a signed print copy of Cooking Up Love and an ARC of Hearts In Harmony.
(Sorry, the print copy is limited to a US winner only)

As a romance writer and reader I end every book with a sigh because my book friends got their happily ever after. But every book, and every HEA, is different. This made me wonder - what is it that makes an ending happy? Is there a specific aspect of an ending that, as my friend Barb Johnson says, makes my heart smile?

I asked my Facebook friends to tell me why they like a happily ever after, and the answers were as different as the books I've read. One friend commented that for him, it was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Achieving happiness in the long search for that one person.

Another friend likened it to setting and achieving goals, and being able to look back at the journey she underwent to get there and know that if she encounters similar circumstances, she'd be able to use what she already knows.

One had a bit more romantic view on the question. She talked about magic and possibilities. No matter how screwed up a person's life might have been, there is someone who completes them. Another half of themselves who makes them better. And therein lies the magic.

Someone I've only met recently, but have a tremendous amount of respect for, told me for her an HEA is a break from the everyday business of life. A reminder that her Dearest is more than just a business partner in her home.

For me, I have to go back to what Barb said. I love a story that makes my heart smile.
Tell me—What does your Happily Ever After look like?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tera Shanley link

2/10/2014 12:23:02 am

For me, I want the main characters to have gone through emotional growth and end up somewhere better by the end of the book. I want them to realize what is important, and find happiness in themselves and their significant other :)

Great post Gemma! Lots to think about that I haven't before.

Gemma

2/10/2014 03:03:18 am

I agree Tera. I think the emotion growth strengthens the story so much. I can't stand a book where the H & H don't change at all. Why bother? Thanks for stopping by.

Cd Brennan link

2/10/2014 01:14:15 am

I agree that a HEA is as subjective as what we like to eat! Perhaps how we get to that point is even more important. Because the harder the struggle, the sweeter the reward.

Gemma

2/10/2014 03:04:05 am

Well said, Cd. The journey is so important. Thanks for commenting.

Mae Clair link

2/10/2014 05:04:06 am

For me an HEA is a reaffirmation of the magic I've believed in since childhood - - that two souls complete each other, that all hurdles can be overcome or at least managed with love, and that anyone can change if given a second chance. I guess it's a bit like believing the best in mankind. And yes, I'm a romantic sap!

Gemma

2/10/2014 07:08:08 am

Mae, I love how you put a Pollyanna spin on the magic. There is some so satisfying about believing mankind is capable of exhibiting their best. Thanks for stopping by.

Stella

2/10/2014 05:08:36 am

HEA - nothing can stand in the way of two hearts meant for each other! Happy Valentines Day. Great post Gemma!

Gemma

2/10/2014 07:09:04 am

Amen! Happy Valentine's Day and thanks for commenting.

M.Q. Barber link

2/10/2014 05:56:38 am

I agree with Tera -- I like characters whose path to finding each other makes them stronger. I want to be left with the sense that they will continue growing and learning together. I don't want HEA to be an excuse for stagnation.

Gemma

2/10/2014 07:11:11 am

I like what you said about knowing they'll continue to grow. I look at characters in a book as friends, and I want to know how they are doing in the future. I guess that's what makes me a sucker for a series. You get to keep watching.

Trix

2/10/2014 08:35:17 am

I like HEAs because life isn't fair, so I enjoy it when fiction is!

vitajex(at)Aol(Dot)com

Gemma

2/10/2014 11:10:30 am

It does seem like life isn't fair, doesn't it? I'd never thought of it that way. Thanks Trix.

cindi clubbs link

2/10/2014 09:14:35 am

It gives all the single people like me HOPE!!

Gemma

2/10/2014 11:12:37 am

Aw - there is always hope. I love a story where someone who faces odds that seem insurmountable manages to get his or her happily ever after. Thanks for stopping by Cindi.

Elise-Maria Barton

2/10/2014 10:01:45 pm

Reading about a HEA makes my heart happy and makes me have hope that it's not just found bt the covers of a book but in real life as well.
ilookfamous@yahoo.com

Gemma

2/11/2014 12:09:30 am

Elise-Maria, I love it when some one else says HEAs make their heart happy. I can't think of a better state of being. Thanks for stopping by.

Kristen

2/11/2014 05:40:32 am

I love a HEA because everyone deserves one!

prettylittlepages@gmail.com

Gemma

2/11/2014 08:53:45 am

Love it, Kristen. We could campaign on that slogan during election time and probably win by a landslide. Thanks for commenting.

Joanne Wadsworth link

2/11/2014 06:37:44 am

There has to be a HEA, and I kinda like the magical ones. Where a little bit of the fantasy realm becomes involved. Thanks for the giveaway, Gemma.

joannewadsworth007(at)gmail(dot)com

Gemma

2/11/2014 08:56:10 am

Joanne, some might say that all romance is strictly fantasy. I completely disagree. I think most romance authors have found their own HEA or happily for nows, which is what makes us capable of enchanting the reader. We're magical! Thanks for stopping by.

jenny meyers

2/11/2014 10:35:02 am

happy ever afters are ok if everything is settled in the story , i cant wrap my head around lose ends very well ! ;)

Gemma

2/11/2014 01:35:27 pm

Oh, I am so with you there, Jenny. I hate it when I feel like my questions aren't answered. I feel like I've wasted a lot of time reading something like that when there are so many better books. Thanks for stopping by.

Anise Rae

2/11/2014 11:15:26 am

I love knowing that romance novels will always end with an HEA. Two characters go on an adventure that has struggles and tension and conflict. We go along with them on their highs and lows, but we know it's all going to be ok in the end. I do believe that in real life we're all going to be ok too, but sometimes when you're in the thick of things, it's hard to remember. A story with an HEA is a little slice of reassurance.

Gemma

2/11/2014 01:36:48 pm

Anise, I've never really thought about and HEA as a reassurance, but you are so right. Thanks for commenting.

Eden Ashe link

2/11/2014 11:29:18 am

For me, I think it's two people who find the person who makes them better. Who makes them genuinely happy. Who will fight wars for them. I'm a hopeless optimist, my husband is a realist. I'm Southern Baptist, he's Catholic. But he's the best man I've ever met, and there is no one I wouldn't go up against to protect him.

Gemma

2/11/2014 01:39:34 pm

It must be true then that opposites attract. I love how you have his back and you know he has yours. I love this kind of commitment and strength of character. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Tiffany Drew

2/11/2014 03:36:53 pm

I love HEA's because I absolutely hate unfinished business. I'm a sap and I like to know that the characters are still in love and going strong. Who wouldn't want that for someone else, even fictional? Thank you!

Gemma

2/12/2014 12:49:49 am

Hi Tiffany. I hate unfinished business too. Almost as much as I hate being late. Which I frequently am because I'm trying to finish the chapter. Catch 22 I guess. Thanks for stopping by.

Renee

2/12/2014 12:00:02 pm

I think I like happy endings because there is so much unhappiness and bad things in the world. Seeing or reading a happy ending makes up for a little of the difficulties in life. Thanks rameyer.nmb@gmail.com

Gemma

2/12/2014 02:17:11 pm

It is nice to escape the world's troubles in the pages of a book. I'd never really thought about it that way. Thanks for commenting, Renee.

Wanda

2/12/2014 12:08:02 pm

I like a HEA because it gives one hope. wcraig5432@yahoo.com

Gemma

2/12/2014 02:18:44 pm

I think hope is one of the staples in life, like Campbells Soup or Lay's Potato Chips. Can you tell I'm hungry? :) Thanks for stopping by, Wanda.

Melissa C.

2/12/2014 12:36:51 pm

In real life you are never guarantied a happy ever after so its nice to read about the struggles and still find true love at the end.
leighannecrisp at yahoo dot com

Gemma

2/12/2014 02:21:00 pm

My mother always told me there were no guarantees in life, so I'd agree with you. I do like a story where the characters struggle and are redeemed in the end. Thanks for stopping by, Melissa.

amy bowens

2/13/2014 12:23:01 am

In most real life situations I believe it is hard for most people to achieve their HEA. I enjoy reading this from stories and it is nice to be able to read about them!
Thanks for sharing! amybowens34@yahoo.com

Gemma

2/13/2014 04:25:07 am

You're right, Amy. Most people have to work at achieving a happily ever after. I believe the struggle makes the victory that much sweeter. Thanks for stopping by.

Linda link

2/13/2014 03:31:05 am

Happily Ever After to me...has a beginning and an end! It's a feel good, happy ending to a great book or movie..And it is the beginning of a love story in our own life like my 30 year marriage :) Wishing you love, laughter and your own happily ever after!

Gemma

2/13/2014 04:27:03 am

Thirty years is an impressive milestone. And I know for a fact yours is a great love story. Thanks for the sweet wishes and Happy Valentine's Day.

celina k

2/13/2014 04:05:33 am

I do enjoy a HEA, but I also enjoy a bit of realism at times. Sometimes not staying together is the best result.

dreammie_angel at yahoo dot com

Gemma

2/13/2014 04:28:21 am

Hi Celina. You are correct, sometimes staying together isn't an option. But that in itself can be a happily ever after. Wishing you all the best. Thanks for stopping by.

Stacey

2/13/2014 05:26:12 am

HEA's are great, but not easily defines. Sometimes I want the after story...did they stay together? How did they get through the rough parts of marriage and all the turmoil with it. There is so much more than the journey to the proposal :)

Thanks for sharing - Happy Valentines Day
staceyprice(AT)gmail.com

Gemma

2/13/2014 08:27:54 am

This is why I love to read series. It's like the characters get to stay friends with me. Thanks for stopping by, Stacey. And Happy Valentines day to you also.

Renee B

2/13/2014 06:07:59 am

I like the HEA because I want to be swept away into a story with a little stress, and challenges. The things that make the hero and heroine figure out that they are MEANT to be together. I especially like it if the hero is an alpha male and the heroine is a snarky, kickass lady who take no prisoners but still is very feminine. . LOL

Thanks for being part of this fun hop and for the chance to win.
reneebennett35 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Gemma

2/13/2014 08:29:36 am

Ooh - I do love a kick-ass chick. The snarkier the better, wouldn't you agree? Thanks for stopping by, Renee.

Mary Reiss link

2/13/2014 10:56:36 am

Moving to a nice beach house and not having to worry about money. That would be mine. I also would LOVE a nice photo keepsake like the one above!

Mary
mary_reiss @ hotmail.com

Gemma

2/14/2014 12:14:46 am

It is a nice photo isn't it? I've seen a lot of wedding photos like this on Pinterest and sigh happily each time a new one pops up. Nothing like newly married love is there? Thanks for stopping by.

Eva Millien

2/13/2014 02:24:52 pm

Because it's better than reality. Thanks for sharing the hop and your giveaway. Happy V Day evamillien at gmail dot com

Gemma

2/14/2014 12:15:51 am

Happy Valentine's Day to you, Eva. Thanks for stopping by.

Natasha

2/13/2014 03:05:35 pm

Because it makes you happy and hopeful.
Thanks for the chance to win!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

Gemma

2/14/2014 12:17:36 am

Both wonderful feelings! I'd rather be happy than anything else. Thanks for commenting, Natasha.

Dovile

2/13/2014 10:59:14 pm

Because they are so rare in real life. Thank you for the chance!

spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

Gemma

2/14/2014 12:19:52 am

I wonder if they are rare because we just don't recognize a happily ever after when we see it? I believe most people do, but think there will always be individuals who think the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Thanks for making me think this morning, Dovile.

heather eg kaufman

2/14/2014 03:37:01 am

It gives everyone hope!
ncprincess96 at yahoo dot com

Gemma

2/14/2014 01:48:44 pm

It certainly does, Heather. Thanks for stopping by.

H.B.

2/14/2014 10:01:53 am

The world isn't a perfect place so when I try to escape through romance books I like to see that at least there is some good in the world and that happy ever after do happen.

humhumbum AT yahoo DOT com

Gemma

2/14/2014 01:50:36 pm

I think over the years, reading romance has taught me to look for the happily ever afters in real life because there is good in the world. Thanks for stopping by, H.B.

Daniel M

2/14/2014 11:58:34 am

because in reality there's never a happy ever after - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

Gemma

2/14/2014 01:52:23 pm

It's certainly nice to read about an HEA in the face of reality. I do believe there is such a thing in reality. But I'm a Pollyanna from way back. Thanks for stopping by, Daniel.

Carolyn J

2/14/2014 12:09:32 pm

I met my husband when I was 17 and he told me he loved me after the third date and I said to him you don't even know me that well and 41 years later we are still in love and going strong so I believe in HEA

Gemma

2/14/2014 01:54:15 pm

Carolyn, congratulations on this amazing achievement. You got your HEA. A fine example you've set. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Courtney T

2/14/2014 12:54:19 pm

I like HEA because it gives you hope for your future. But I don't use fictional HEA as hard and fast rules or expectations for how something SHOULD be. For me, my HEA is growing old with my husband. Making each other better people for our future.
youngcou@gmail.com

Gemma

2/14/2014 01:59:11 pm

Well said, Courtney. I agree that occasionally a fictional HEA sets the bar too high, raising expectation and therefore, increasing disappointment. But knowing we can make our own version of the fairy tale come true holds up hope for all of us. Thank you for commenting, Courtney.

Zoe F

2/14/2014 11:07:20 pm

HEAs make me smile; there's enough roughness in regular life that I wish to escape when I have time for recreational reading. And why not set the bar high in those stories?
Happy Valentine's Day. Thanks for being on the hop.
writeforward at yahoo dot com

Gemma

2/15/2014 07:59:05 am

Hi Zoe. Thanks for commenting. I admit I like it when the bar is set high. The higher, the sweeter the HEA.

Shadow

2/15/2014 05:51:56 am

Hi! Happy Valentines! I love HEAs. They help me escape, the characters are so relateable, i love the smile i get when i finishing reading them. Thank you for sharing and for the amazing giveaway!
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

Gemma

2/15/2014 08:04:08 am

Happy belated Valentines day to you too. I smile like that when I read. Mr Gemma always knows when I'm near the end of a story because of my grin. And don't get me going about when he catches me watching The Bachelor. Pure dopey!

Donna Newman

2/15/2014 09:21:40 am

I think because for many years I never had mine, so that when I read about them I would believe that maybe I would find my HEA and I have :).

Gemma

2/15/2014 12:21:01 pm

That's great, Donna. I'm sure it was worth the wait. And I'm glad your had good reading material to keep you company while you waited.

bn100

2/15/2014 09:28:24 am

that's the whole point or else why read it

bn100candg at hotmail dot com

Gemma

2/15/2014 12:21:50 pm

Thanks for commenting, BN

Samantha

2/15/2014 09:44:07 am

because usually the whole story kinda revolves around the couple. if i didnt want a hea id read a horror or something else instead.

indiansgirl9@aol.com

Gemma

2/15/2014 12:22:38 pm

Excellent point, Samantha. Thanks for commenting.

JanD

2/15/2014 10:26:26 am

I like HEA because it's a positive outcome from all the hardships.
bituin76 at hotmail dot com

Gemma

2/15/2014 12:24:28 pm

Hi Jan, it's nice to meet another Pollyanna. I love to look on the bright side. Thanks for stopping by.

Joy F

2/15/2014 10:31:10 am

Because you don't get that in life.
magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

Gemma

2/15/2014 12:25:22 pm

Joy, I hope you find an HEA soon.

BookLady

2/15/2014 11:45:38 am

It's magical and provides an escape from reality. Thanks for the great giveaway!
bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com

Gemma

2/15/2014 12:26:17 pm

Your welcome. Thanks for stopping by.

Insatiablytaken

2/15/2014 11:50:55 am

Because that's what I aspire to. Korinzuchan@gmail.com

Gemma

2/15/2014 12:27:22 pm

Great goal! I hope you find your HEA. Thanks for commenting.

Sherry S.

2/15/2014 12:13:03 pm

I like them because you don't always get them in real life and I read to be in a better place.
sstrode at scrtc dot com

Gemma

2/15/2014 12:29:11 pm

That is one of the best reasons to read I've every here. Thanks for commenting, Sherry.

Shannon Blackwell-Williams

2/15/2014 12:33:57 pm

I love HEA's because it seems in real life there aren't any, especially with the divorce rate going up all the time.
shannonw1978@hotmail.com

Jenn Oldaker

2/15/2014 03:06:45 pm

I like HEA's sometimes... to know that there really are people that find theirs :) jjo7796 at hotmail dot com

Janie McGaugh

2/15/2014 03:39:28 pm

It gives me hope and uplifts my spirits.
jmcgaugh (at) semo (dot) edu

Comments are closed.

What Is It About A Happily Ever After?

Gemma's Giornale

Don't miss any of my news...

Archives