Fresh Fiction Blog | Samantha Grace

There's something about star-crossed lovers that appeals to me. Maybe it's because the couple has to fight for their love against outside sources working to keep them apart. I've always routed for the underdog. I hope, against all odds, the couple will succeed, that nothing can keep them apart forever. Well, I can be pretty naïve at times.

I remember watching "Romeo and Juliet" on the big screen for school, and even though I knew how the play ended, I still sat there in stunned silence when they both were dead. I wanted to rewrite the ending, because Shakespeare had gotten it all wrong.

I wonder if that's the reason I became a romance writer. There are too many stories in existence with dead lovers at the end, and it's my job to create a little balance in the universe by writing happy endings. (I once heard Julia Quinn say, "Have you ever noticed when a man writes a romance, the woman always dies?" Now that you mention it...) Of course, Romeo and Juliet isn't the only story I would like to rewrite. Here are just a few movies about star-crossed lovers that could use a makeover:

Castaway – I can't watch the scene where Chuck comes to Kelly's house to pick up the Jeep without bawling. She is married and has a baby, but she obviously still loves him. She tells him everyone told her she had to move on with her life, but she knew he was still alive. That scene breaks my heart, because you know there is no way they can be together now. I'm getting choked up just thinking about it.

Gone With the Wind – Rhett Butler, get back here and give a damn! I always want to shake him at the end, but considering I want to shake Scarlet through 3/4ths of the movie, I guess he is allowed a moment. At least with Rhett and Scarlet, there is a chance they will reunite in the future. Thank you, Margaret Mitchell, for leaving a window of hope cracked open.

Ghost –I need a value pack of tissues for this movie. It is heart wrenching that two people who love each other are separated. It was so senseless. Why??? (Okay. I know there would be no movie if Patrick Swayze's character didn't die. After all, it's called Ghost. But it's still very sad.)

Titanic – Really, Rose? You can't move over just a little? There's plenty of room for both of you on that board. It was so unnecessary to kill off Jack. I'm still irked by it.

One movie with an unhappy ending I don't think I would rewrite is Somersby. I don't know how many people saw this movie, but it starred Richard Geer and Jodie Foster. It was set in the South following the Civil War. Richard's character comes back and pretends to be Jodie's husband. I guess they looked at least a little bit similar or else she never got a good look at her husband before he left for war. That part was a little iffy, but I went with it.

He's a lot nicer than her husband and they end up falling in love. Well, wouldn't you know it! Her husband is wanted for murder, so the authorities arrest Richard. Jodie wants Richard to tell everyone he isn't really her husband, but he won't because then she will be a known adulteress, their child will be a bastard, and she will have no place to live or money to survive while he is serving time in prison for fraud. It really is a double bind story.

In the end, the only choice to be made is for Richard to be tried for the crime her real husband committed. He is then convicted of the crime and executed. It was awful that they both had to make such a huge sacrifice, but I don't see how that movie could have ended differently. I cried my eyes out on that one, too.

I can't rewrite other people's work, however, so I decided to write my own star-crossed lovers story. Jake and Amelia from LADY AMELIA'S MESS AND A HALF have had their fair share of outside influences keeping them apart throughout the years, and they still have obstacles to overcome in the story. Here's just a little about the second book in my Beau Monde Bachelor series:

He has no idea what he's getting into...

Widowed philanthropist Lady Amelia Audley would like nothing more than to forget wealthy bachelor Jake Hillary, but it's blasted difficult when he is seated next to her at a dinner hosted by his mother. It's even harder to forgive him for kissing her senseless a year earlier then disappearing without a word. Yet, Amelia must endure Jake's company if she wishes to benefit from his mother's connections and win support for a project dear to her heart, the renovation of the foundling hospital.

Jake Hillary has known nothing but heartbreak since he met Amelia. First, she chose his closest friend instead of him then she dismissed his love letters and took up with a rake while he tended to urgent family matters. When his debauched brother sets out to seduce her, Jake risks his heart once more and begins to court Amelia. Soon he and Amelia discover an abiding affection for one another, a love that has survived despite the efforts of others to keep them apart. Happiness seems within their reach at last until the past resurfaces and threatens to destroy their love forever.

But never fear! The ending of "LADY AMELIA'S MESS AND A HALF" doesn't require an entire box of chocolate truffles and a crying jag before you can get on with your life again. That's one thing I love about romance novels. The reader is guaranteed a HEA ending.

What are some of your favorite star-crossed lovers books or movies? Did any of them have a happy ending?

About the author

Samantha Grace made her debut earlier this year with MISS HILLARY SCHOOLS A SCOUNDREL, the first book in her Beau Monde Bachelor series about four debonair bachelors who have it all: immense wealth, influence, and women swooning at their feet – in the ballroom and out.

MISS HILLARY SCHOOLS A SCOUNDREL received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly and was named one of the Top Ten Picks for Spring, 2012. Her work has been described as "smartly written, splendidly sensual Regency romance" (Booklist) with "many surprises, twists and turns on the path to the proverbial happy ending" (Historical Novel Review).

Comments

This is a book I would love to read...thanks so much for the chance to win it!!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 10:29am June 28, 2012)

This book sounds great, and I would LOVE to win it. Thanks for the chance. Best of luck with this book and all that you do.
(Nancy Reynolds 11:14am June 28, 2012)

Bonnie & Nancy,
Thank you! Good luck to both of you in the drawing. I hope you enjoy the book.
Jake and Amelia are near and dear to my heart.
(Samantha Grace 11:22am June 28, 2012)

i would love to read this book. One of my favorite star crossed lovers are Cat and Bones, Jeanine Frost's characters. They eventually end up together after going through many dangerous situations. She is a vampire hunter and he is a vampire.
(Susan Clickner 11:28am June 28, 2012)

Thanks for making it possible to win this book. I would love to read it. One of your favorite star crossed lovers (GHOST) is one of my favorites and, like you, the tears flowed.
(Anna Speed 11:54am June 28, 2012)

Susan,

I've heard so many people talking about Jeanine Frost lately. She must write
great stories. The fact that the heroine is a vampire hunter and the hero is a
vampire is one huge obstacle! Thanks so much for stopping by today and
sharing. I'm going to check her out.
(Samantha Grace 12:03pm June 28, 2012)

Anna,

It's my pleasure to offer a chance to win Lady Amelia. :)

No matter how many times I watch "Ghost" I bawl. It's like I've never seen the
movie before. LOL
(Samantha Grace 12:05pm June 28, 2012)

Thanks for the fun column. I always find great star-crossed lovers in Kristan Higgins books, and yes, there are happy endings.
(G S Moch 12:25pm June 28, 2012)

i have been reading a little about this book and heard people
talking about it so im excited to read this
(Denise Smith 12:49pm June 28, 2012)

The only star crossed lovers I can think are Romeo and Juliet.
(Maureen Emmons 2:08pm June 28, 2012)

Rose and Jack... It's sad but I like that for once the heroine lives on and survives... :) Usually it's the heroine who dies prettily in the hero's arms...
(May Pau 2:27pm June 28, 2012)

Oh, man, I *really* try and only watch movies with happy endings-- I hate being sad! :-) All of the movies you named-- ugh. Just ugh. I can't! ;-)
(Chelsea Brooks 2:50pm June 28, 2012)

I can't help but think of Rhett Butler and Scarlet O'Hara, but that didn't turn out well at all.
(Kathleen Bianchi 2:52pm June 28, 2012)

oh my fave has to be Aline and John from Kleypas' Again the Magic. A lady and a servant young and in love. The lady's family has plans for an advantageous marriage and threaten the servant's life if she doesn't follow their wishes. He gets sent away thinking she doesn't love him. He of course makes tons of money and a name for herself and comes back in to her life vengeful. Sort of reminds me of An Affair To Remember (Regency style). It's Lisa Kleypas, so of course they eventually get their happy ending after all the angst :P
(Sharon D 2:53pm June 28, 2012)

Well, I like Jane Eyre and Jane Austen movies and they ultimately have a happy ending (which is what I like).
(Michelle Fidler 5:04pm June 28, 2012)

G S Moch,

Thank you for the reminder! Kristan Higgins is great. That's one of the sources I
need to turn to for a happy ending.
(Samantha Grace 5:47pm June 28, 2012)

Maureen,

And wasn't that story a huge downer??? LOL.
(Samantha Grace 5:50pm June 28, 2012)

May Pau,

I suppose if one of them had to go... ;-)

It was still a great movie, but I wish they could have both survived and had a
great life together.
(Samantha Grace 5:51pm June 28, 2012)

Chelsea,

I'm with you. The first time I watched these movies I had no idea what to
expect. I hate watching a sad movie, because it can make me feel awful for
days. I usually stick with romantic comedies these days. :)
(Samantha Grace 5:54pm June 28, 2012)

Kathleen,
Do you think Rhett and Scarlet got back together in the future? I believe they
did. They couldn't stay away from each other.
(Samantha Grace 5:55pm June 28, 2012)

Sharon D,
That sounds really good! I haven't read that one yet.
(Samantha Grace 5:56pm June 28, 2012)

Michelle,
I love Jane Eyre and anything by Jane Austen. I've read most of the stories over
and over again when I rarely read a book more than once. :)
(Samantha Grace 5:59pm June 28, 2012)

I loved the sequel to GWTW... I was so happy to see that Rhett & Scarlett get back together in the book SCARLETT.
(Colleen Conklin 6:05pm June 28, 2012)

Enjoyed your blog, I cried through every movie mentioned,especially Ghost.
(Sheila True 6:51pm June 28, 2012)

The only one that really comes to mind at the moment is "Hundreds of Years to Reform A Rake" By, Laurie Brown and it did have a happy ending.
(Chelsea Knestrick 7:46pm June 28, 2012)

I just finished reading War Cloud's Passion by Karen Kay. The heroine is a white and the hero is an Indian. Their customs, beliefs, etc. are so different and the setting is at a time when Indians and whites were battling for territory. One learns a great deal about how life was at the time. The couple face what seems like unsurmountable obstacles, but it is an interesting picture of the times.
(Gladys Paradowski 7:48pm June 28, 2012)

I bought this book because the cover was just so gorgeous. It's on top of my TBR pile!
(Molly Wilsbacher 8:05pm June 28, 2012)

I can't think of any right now. This sounds like a great book, and I'd love to win it.
(Wilma Frana 8:16pm June 28, 2012)

It just has to be a happy ending for me. I guess that's why I have seen PRETTY WOMAN at least ten times! Keep writing!
Pat Pascale
(Patricia (Pat) Pascale 8:21pm June 28, 2012)

Pretty Woman is a favorite of mine as well as Ghost.
(Sue Farrell 8:33pm June 28, 2012)

Colleen,
Oh, my gosh! How did I NOT know there was a sequel to GWTW??? I must have
been living in a cave all this time. Okay. I totally have to check out SCARLETT!
(Samantha Grace 9:09pm June 28, 2012)

Thanks, Ashley! Sourcebooks has given me some really great covers so far. I
can't wait to see the latest one. It's one of my favorite parts of the process.
(Samantha Grace 9:11pm June 28, 2012)

Thank you, Sheila! Ghost was a real tear-jerker.
(Samantha Grace 9:13pm June 28, 2012)

Chelsea K,
Yay for happy endings! A hundred years to reform a rake? Now I'm intrigued.
(Samantha Grace 9:14pm June 28, 2012)

Gladys,
That sounds like something I would really like. I love stories about people from
different cultures and how they make their relationship work.
(Samantha Grace 9:16pm June 28, 2012)

Thank you, Molly! I hope you enjoy it. I think the cover on the actual book is
even lovelier than the computer image. I just love the colors, lighting, and the
smoldering look. :)
(Samantha Grace 9:20pm June 28, 2012)

Sounds like a great book, thanks for the chance to win it. I,
too, liked Ghost.
(Mary Hay 9:26pm June 28, 2012)

Pat,
I love Pretty Woman! The original story had a sad ending, but thank goodness
Gary Marshall knows what women want from a romantic story. I'll keep writing.
The universe needs me! ;D
(Samantha Grace 9:26pm June 28, 2012)

Your books sounds great and I love the cover! My favorite star crossed lover movie is Ever After with Drew Barrymore. There are certain scenes I watch over and over again and drive my whole family crazy!
(Renee Pajda 9:45pm June 28, 2012)

My favorite book is Roses by Leila Meacham. I don't want to give away the ending, but once I started to read it, I couldn't pu the book down!! Be forewarned -- it's a long book!! As for movies, I would have to say they would be When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle on top of Ghost, and Casa Blanca. I love the storyline to your latest book, and can't wait to read it!! That's a real cutie on the cover, too!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:49pm June 28, 2012)

Sounds like a fun read. Can't wait to read it. Thank you
(Diane Castiglione 10:06pm June 28, 2012)

Funny Peggy should mention Casablanca. I just watch for the..I lost track how many times. That movie always kills me. WHY??!!
Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 10:10pm June 28, 2012)

Lady Amelia's Mess And A Half sounds like a great read! One of
my go-to movies is Time After Time.
(Susan Jeffers 10:19pm June 28, 2012)

I would love to read this book sounds awesome.
(Gail Hurt 10:34pm June 28, 2012)

I agree about Cat & Bones from Frost's Night Huntress books, Jane Eyre & Rochester, and Elizabeth & Darcy. Oh, and let's not forget Claire & Jamie from Gabaldon's Outlander books. I definitely want a HEA after all the travails the characters have gone through in this type of story!
(Janie McGaugh 11:11pm June 28, 2012)

Congrats on the newest release!

I gotta go w/ the classics... Romeo and Juliet ;)
(Erin Fender 11:42pm June 28, 2012)

I'm with you on 'Castaway'. Impossibly sad and such a good movie.

I'm intrigued by the title of your book - so unusual. For me, as a reader,
anything unusual is promising, so I"m interested to see what else would be
unusual besides the title!
(Maya Missani 11:47pm June 28, 2012)

Book sounds great, and I like the cover. Thanks for giving me a chance to win your book.
(Linda Hall 11:57pm June 28, 2012)

I can't remember the title anymore but there was a book that had me almost crying because the characters just could not seem to get thier hea. They really deserved it too.
Thanks for the chance and this sounds really good. It is on my to read list.
(Patti Paonessa 12:03pm June 29, 2012)

The earliest films I saw with star-crossed lovers must have been Lady and the Tramp, and The Aristocats in which a posh Persian cat meets an alley cat called O'Malley. Maybe you weren't thinking cartoons; my little nephew and niece are currently watching an animation called Gnomeo and Juliet about two sets of garden gnomes, the red and the blue. It is so funny. Books... in Phillippa Gregory's A Respectable Trade, the wife of a well-off Bristol trader falls for one of his 'servants' - a recently transported slave who was an educated man in his own country. Now that's set for trouble.
Good luck with the book which sounds very interesting.
(Clare O'Beara 6:54am June 29, 2012)

GONE WITH THE WIND would be mine & just like you I want Rhett to give a damn.
(Mary Preston 8:55am June 29, 2012)

Renee,
Ever After is one of my all-time favorites! Great example!
(Samantha Grace 8:57am June 29, 2012)

Peggy,
"When Harry Met Sally" is a perfect example of star-crossed lovers, but with a
happy ending. I've never read "Roses", but I would love to get my hands on a
book I can't put down.

Thanks! And the cutie on the cover gets compliments all the time. LOL. Kudos
to Paul Marron for nailing Jake Hillary's character.
(Samantha Grace 9:02am June 29, 2012)

Tracie,
I don't think I've ever watched the whole movie of Casablanca. It seems like
every time I see it on TV it is halfway finished. I should try to find it on Netflix or
rent it.
(Samantha Grace 9:08am June 29, 2012)

Thank you, Susan! I've never seen Time After Time. Another movie for my list. :)
(Samantha Grace 9:09am June 29, 2012)

LL,
And isn't Titanic heartbreaking??? Jack could have lived. It was unnecessary to
the story for him to die, IMO.
(Samantha Grace 9:23am June 29, 2012)

Erin F,
Thanks! Yes, Romeo and Juliet is a classic rip-your-heart-out-and-stomp-on-
it-repeatedly story. ;D
(Samantha Grace 9:26am June 29, 2012)

Thank you, Maya! I hope you enjoy the story if you get a chance to read it. I like
the unusual, too. Quirky is really up my alley, although I can't describe my
writing as quirky. :-)
(Samantha Grace 9:29am June 29, 2012)

Rhett and Scarlet from Gone With the Wind are some of my all time
favorites!
This book sounds really interesting. Thanks for the opportunity to win a
copy.
(Debbie Burdeen 9:47am June 29, 2012)

Hi Samantha! One of my favorite movies is JUST LIKE HEAVEN. She is in a coma, he moves into her apartment, and she comes to haunt him. At the end they are reunited as a totally human couple.
(Cathy Phillips 1:42pm June 29, 2012)

Wuthering Heights has star-crossed lovers that get under your skin with all that brooding and pacing.
(Alyson Widen 8:00pm June 29, 2012)

You all mentioned some good books/movies. sounds like a great read
(Barbara Studer 11:53pm June 29, 2012)

Wow, trying to find a star crossed lovers book/movie you have not mentioned
is leaving me blank just now. I did find it great that you care enough to want
to give characters a swift kick or a smack upside the head to remind them
that if they TRY just a little harder, they can be together! Hello!

"Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half" sounds very intriguing and I love the title. It
makes me smile! I'm very much looking forward to reading it!
(Connie Fischer 1:43pm June 30, 2012)

My favorite star-crossed lovers in movies were Lancelot (trusted Knight of King Arthur's Round Table) and Guinevere (Queen of Camelot and wife of King Arthur) and also, Tristan and Isolde (similar tale) exceptionally, wonderful romantic movie, which I found on dvd at our library and watched twice but did not have a HEA ending (tissues needed)!
(Linda Luinstra 4:36pm June 30, 2012)

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