Love stories set in small towns have been a popular theme in literature for centuries. From Jane Austen’s novels set in the English countryside to Nicholas Sparks’ books set in North Carolina, small town romance has always been a popular genre. In recent years, contemporary rural romance novels have become increasingly popular, especially in America. This article explores the appeal of these novels and why they have become so popular in recent times.

The Setting

Small towns have a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities. They offer a sense of community and belonging that is hard to replicate in urban areas. In contemporary rural romance novels, the setting is almost as important as the characters themselves. The small town setting is often described in great detail, with its quaint shops, historic buildings, and friendly locals. The setting serves as a backdrop for the story and helps to create a sense of place that draws the reader in.

The Community

In small towns, everyone knows everyone else’s business. This can be a double-edged sword, but in contemporary rural romance novels, it’s portrayed as a positive aspect of the community. The tight-knit community in small towns often plays a crucial role in the story. The characters are often deeply rooted in the community, and their relationships with other members of the community are a significant part of the story.

The Characters

The characters in contemporary rural romance novels are often relatable and down-to-earth. They are not the perfect, flawless characters found in many romance novels. Instead, they have flaws and imperfections that make them more human and relatable. They often have jobs that are tied to the community, such as running a family-owned business or working on a family farm. This helps to create a sense of connection between the characters and the setting.

The Romance

The romance in contemporary rural romance novels is often slow-burning and sweet. It’s not about grand gestures or lavish gifts; it’s about the small moments that make up a relationship. The characters often start out as friends or acquaintances and gradually develop feelings for each other. This slow build-up makes the romance more believable and satisfying.

The Conflict

No romance novel would be complete without conflict, and contemporary rural romance novels are no exception. The conflict in these novels often revolves around the characters’ relationships with each other and the community. For example, a character might have to choose between their love for someone and their loyalty to their family or community. The conflict helps to create tension and keeps the reader engaged in the story.

The Appeal

There are several reasons why contemporary rural romance novels have become so popular in recent years.

The Escape

Small town romance novels offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They transport the reader to a simpler time and place where the problems of the world can be forgotten, if only for a little while.

The Relatability

The characters and setting in contemporary rural romance novels are often relatable to readers. Many people have lived in or visited small towns and can relate to the sense of community and belonging that is portrayed in these novels.

The Comfort

Contemporary rural romance novels offer a sense of comfort to readers. The slow-burning romance and familiar setting create a sense of coziness that is hard to resist. These novels are often described as “feel-good” books that leave the reader with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Conclusion

Contemporary rural romance novels have become a popular genre in recent years, and for good reason. They offer an escape from everyday life, relatable characters andsetting, a slow-burning romance, and a sense of comfort and coziness. The small town setting and tight-knit community provide a unique backdrop for the stories and make them stand out from other romance novels. The relatable characters and their relationships with each other and the community create a sense of connection between the reader and the story.

In conclusion, contemporary rural romance novels have a broad appeal and offer a unique reading experience that is hard to find in other genres. They transport the reader to a simpler time and place and provide a sense of comfort and coziness that is hard to resist. The popularity of this genre is likely to continue to grow as readers continue to seek out stories that provide an escape from the chaos of everyday life. If you haven’t tried a contemporary rural romance novel yet, now might be the perfect time to give it a try!