With Eyes of Love by Linda S. Glaz
What would you do if you returned from the war, disfigured? How would you handle it?
When Barbara and her family are stranded their car at Christmas, endangered, because of a flood, they’re rescued by the Judges, a sympathetic family who takes them in for shelter. When Jackson Judge, a son in their family of rescuers, winks at Barbara, she’s slightly offended yet attracted to handsome Jackson. However, Barbara is engaged to Elliott so it’s not possible for her to act upon her feelings for Jackson.
Barbara returns to the Judges home about two years later, keeping in contact via letters with Betty Judge, Jackson’s sister. She’s become best friends with Betty and she’s returning to be maid of honor in Betty’s weddings. She wonders what’s become of Jackson since Betty seldom mentions her brother in her letters.
However, when Barbara sees Jackson, she realizes he’s suffered a lot of pain and anguish, both physical and mental. Fighting in World War II, amidst Pearl Harbor, he’s been injured. Jackson doesn’t feel he’d be a viable mate to anybody in his current physical and mental state of mind.
I enjoyed this story. Usually in romance novels, both hero and heroine look PERFECT and flawless. Reading a book where one of the characters is not physically attractive on the outside was a refreshing change from the regular romance novel. Overall, this was a good, intriguing read.
So, what would you do if you returned from the war physically disfigured? How would you cope?
I honestly don’t know why most romance novels are written with heroes and heroines who own flawless bodies. Even inspirational romance. Perhaps it is cultural wishful thinking. I think that there is definitely a story in surface imperfections. I was just thinking this morning that a period piece novel that I will write in the near future will feature a slightly overweight, far-sighted hero who has the same strength and tenacity of a six-pack owning superman.
I really enjoyed the post.
James Fant
Hi, James
Yes, I know what you mean. Far as I can recall, I’ve read only one other Christian romance novel where they had an imperfect main character. Irene Hannon had a Love Inspired where the part of the heroine’s face was disfigured because she was in a fire.
I think part of the appeal of romances to women is the fantasy of looking perfect – perfect face, perfect skin, flawless slim bodies…
I think women read these stories to escape the reality of life – most people do not look as perfect as the heroes and heroines in romance novels.
I once had a story idea where the heroine was overweight, but, the editor said they weren’t interested since their readership did not find overweight heroines appealing. You seldom see romance novels with an overweight hero or heroine.
Its ironic you post on this bc i was really angry for a long time about this subject.i mean who setup these standards everyone must b blond and eyed and skinny like if you dont fit a certain ideal you are doomed. There few attractive ppl in the bible and Jesus was noted as undesireable apart from God i mean Jesus wasnt married but i digress.who can fill these standards if you constantly focus on it you will feel like why get up in the morning since ill never measure up who cares anyway. So thanks for including this story. Marriage is like you must b perfect and when you have a disablilty ppl treat you as if you are cursed. I mean sometime it is bc of sin but who doesnt sin..shouldnt all ppl b disabled then i dont know the answers but being single with issues i sure would like to know. I would just handle it if i came bavk i suppose. I used to b optimistic and think theres someone for everyone but as i have gotten older and cynical i dont know maybe its not so simple
Hi, Allison
It’s funny you mention the disabled. I have a story with a blind male protagonist. I’ve mentioned this story at least a few times on this blog over the years. Anyway, I was not able to find a publisher for it. They did not seem to find having a disabled hero appealing. I might end up self-publishing it someday…
Cecelia, thanks so much. I’m really glad you enjoyed it.
I love flawed characters, that add so much to the mix.
Thanks, again!
You are welcome, Linda! I look forward to reading more of your books!