Many romance novels focus on heartbreak, betrayal, and toxic relationships, but author Catherine Phiri is offering readers something different: Soft love.

The six-time author recently visited Book Circle Capital in Melville to discuss her latest novel, A Love That Heals, meet readers, and connect with fellow writers.

Read more: Author shares stories that make the imagination come to life

The novel follows Thandaza Nyathi, a young woman who leaves home in search of work but unexpectedly finds love, faith, and healing along the way.

For Phiri, the story is about showing readers a different side of African romance. “I wanted to write a book where a woman is loved softly and loudly.”

Phiri believes many African love stories centre on struggle, trauma, and relationships that are difficult to sustain.

While those stories are important, she said there is also space for stories where love is kind, supportive, and healing. “Love isn’t always difficult. There is soft love and we are loved softly. We need more of that in African fiction.”

Also read: Author is inspiring young minds through storytelling

The author knows a thing or two about persistence. Having dreamed of becoming a writer since childhood, she has now published six books, with A Love That Heals becoming her first traditionally published novel after previously self-publishing her work.

The release marked a special milestone.

“For the first time, I could walk into a bookstore and see my book on the shelf.”

Phiri is already working on a follow-up novel, A Love That Hurts, which explores a very different side of relationships.

Read more about Catherine Phiri’s journey from aspiring writer to published author, the inspiration behind her stories, and why she believes more readers should take a chance on local authors in one of our upcoming print editions.

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