Songs for Smiling Lovers

The first record I ever bought (and yes, this was in the days of the old 78rpms) was Johnny Mathis ‘A Certain Smile’ – I only have to hear the soaring intro and my skin breaks out in goosebumps. It brings back memories from the late 1950s of the ‘certain smile’ with which I will always connect it (but I’m not telling you anything more about that!).
However, it’s a perfect song for a romance writer!

A certain smile, a certain face,

Can lead an unsuspecting heart
On a merry chase.
A fleeting glance can say
So many lovely things.
Suddenly you know why my heart sings

Jump forward 50+ years, and the last CD I bought was an album by the British tenor, Alfie Boe, who is a relatively new discovery for me. Although he’s been singing for many years, it’s only fairly recently that he’s become nationally well-known. Fabulous voice, and a rather nice looking guy too! Here he is singing O Sole Mio/It’s Now or Never at the recent Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace (and if you’re quick, you’ll spot Prince William and Kate!).

Again, perfect for romance!

When I first saw you
with your smile so tender
My heart was captured,
my soul surrendered.
I'd spend a lifetime
waiting for the right time
Now that you're near
the time is here at last.
(All together now...
It's Now or Never...)

After I’d written this, I realised that both my song choices emphasise smiles - so is it any wonder that my heroes always have great smiles? Sometimes with dimples, sometimes with quirky grins, sometimes amused, sometimes tender, and definitely HOT!