Do You Still Believe in Romance?
I know—it’s a bit early to be talking about Christmas movies. But I found myself recently wracking my brain trying to remember the film where people must believe in Santa so his sleigh can fly.
How could I forget? It’s Elf, of course—my daughter’s favourite festive film.
That got me thinking: belief is a powerful thing, isn’t it? Especially when it comes to love. And lately, I’ve been wondering… do I still believe in romance?
As many of you know, I’m The Saucy Author—a romance writer proudly navigating my marvellous midlife years. I began this new chapter of life three years ago, and with it came a new mission: to write stories that reflect real love—imperfect, complicated, and beautiful in its own way.
I don’t write about teenage giddiness or fairy-tale soulmates. I write about women like Isabel Cartwright in The Foundations of Love, who finds herself starting over after a toxic marriage. Or Henrietta Green in Love is Crystal Clear, who waited fifteen years before she was ready to open her heart again. And Kirsty Young in A Balancing Kind of Love, who believed love had passed her by altogether.
These characters are all parts of me.
In truth, the character I relate to most is Isabel. For the record, my ex-husband is a wonderful man, and we have a strong, supportive friendship. But like Isabel, when my marriage ended, I found myself thinking: Maybe it’s time to date again. Maybe I’m ready to find love… again.
And so, like many modern romantics, I turned to dating apps.
Fast forward two years. I’ve been on a handful of dates. Most of the men I’ve met have been kind and respectful, and I’m lucky enough to still call many of them friends. But have I found “the one”? Not yet.
Have I had friends with benefits? Well… that’s the kind of story I save for my books—and my closest friends. 😉
The truth is, I’m still single. Still searching. Still… wondering.
Maybe I wasn’t ready. Or maybe, after two years of swiping, chatting, and first-date small talk, I’ve become a bit cynical. I catch myself in darker moments thinking: Maybe the man I’m looking for only exists in fiction. Maybe I wrote him into being.
Online dating is a mixed bag. Some people join with open hearts and the right intentions. Others are lonely, lost, or not quite ready to invest in someone else. Many are simply craving connection—even if just through a screen.
And then there are the fake profiles, the unsolicited body pics, and the ghosting. Oh, the ghosting…
I know people—wonderful people—who have found love online. Lasting, beautiful, real love. I’m genuinely happy for them. But for me, I’m beginning to believe these platforms may not be where my next love story begins.
So here I am, circling back to Elf. A grown woman, a romance author, and a once-wide-eyed optimist asking a very simple question:
Do you still believe in romance?
I want to believe. I really do. I want to believe that love is possible in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. That it’s never too late to turn the page and start a new chapter. That someone out there is on the same page as me—ready, open, and full of heart.
So, tell me:
- How did you meet your partner?
- Have you found love later in life?
- Or are you, like me, still searching… and maybe a little unsure if that kind of love really exists?
Leave a comment or drop me a message. I’d truly love to hear your story. Maybe your words will remind me to believe again.
In the meantime, I’ll keep writing. And dreaming. And yes, occasionally watching Elf with my daughter—because belief is where all great stories begin.
And if you haven’t yet dipped into the Love is Crystal Clear trilogy, now might be the perfect time. They’re quick, easy reads packed with heart, hope, and yes—plenty of saucy romance. Just the thing to reignite your belief in love.
Until next time,
Keep believing—just a little.
Love,
The Saucy Author 💋
*Love is Crystal Clear is available to buy on Amazon https://amzn.to/3pgfEcC