Picture a British storyteller weaving heartfelt sapphic romances with a dash of humor and a love for historic settings—meet Emily Banting! An award-winning author, Banting has captured readers’ hearts with her contemporary novels celebrating LGBTQ+ characters, particularly women over forty. Her stories, brimming with wit and emotional depth, have made her a beloved figure in sapphic romance.
From her bestselling South Downs Romances to the charming Nunswick Abbey series, Banting’s sixteen published works showcase her knack for crafting relatable characters and slow-burn love stories. Let’s dive into her journey, from her early inspirations to her lasting impact on romance literature.
The Making of Emily Banting
Emily Banting’s path to authorship was shaped by her passion for history and storytelling. With a degree in Archaeology and Heritage Management, she developed a deep love for historic buildings, which often serve as vivid backdrops in her novels. Her career began not in writing novels but in screenwriting, where she honed her ability to craft compelling narratives and highlight underrepresented female voices. This passion for diversity carried into her fiction, where she champions sapphic women navigating life’s complexities.
Transitioning to novels, Banting found her niche in contemporary sapphic romance, infusing her stories with British humor and emotional authenticity. Her commitment to representing older women and LGBTQ+ characters set her apart in a genre often focused on younger protagonists, earning her a loyal readership.
Emily Banting’s Unforgettable Stories
Banting’s novels are a delightful blend of slow-burn romance, rich character development, and historic charm. Her South Downs Romances series kicked off with Broken Beyond Repair, a 2022 standout that won multiple awards, including the 2023 Goldie Ann Bannon Popular Choice and the 2024 Goldie for Audiobook Narrator. This age-gap, ice-queen romance follows actress Beatrice Russell and her assistant Sydney MacKenzie, delivering angst and heartwarming resolution.
The Nunswick Abbey series, starting with Lost in Love, immerses readers in a quaint village where tour guide Anna Walker and doctor Katherine Atkinson navigate love and personal struggles. Praised for its relatable dialogue and emotional depth, the series captures the beauty of later-in-life romance. Reality in Check, another South Downs gem, features a reality TV host and a hotel owner clashing in a cozy, hate-to-love tale that’s perfect for rainy days.
Banting’s style shines through her witty banter, complex characters, and knack for weaving historical settings into modern love stories. Her focus on women over forty, often grappling with regret or rediscovery, resonates deeply, offering readers both escapism and reflection.
Why Emily Banting Matters
Emily Banting’s impact on sapphic romance is profound. By centering women over forty and LGBTQ+ characters, she challenges genre norms and provides representation for readers who rarely see themselves in romance novels. Her awards, including Lesfic Bard and Queer Indie honors, reflect her ability to connect with diverse audiences. Fans on platforms like Goodreads rave about her cozy, low-angst stories that feel like “a warm hug.”
Beyond her books, Banting’s work as a screenwriter and advocate for diverse voices amplifies her influence. Her stories remind us that love, at any age, is worth celebrating, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- Key Works: Broken Beyond Repair, Lost in Love, Reality in Check, Trust in Truth
- Awards: 2023 Goldie Ann Bannon Popular Choice, 2024 Goldie Audiobook Narrator, 2022 Lesfic Bard Awards
- Fun Fact: Banting’s cat and Labrador often inspire her quirky side characters!
Snag Lost in Love or Broken Beyond Repair and dive into Emily Banting’s heartwarming sapphic romances today!