For those looking for a cosy romance to read on Valentine’s day, here’s a few of our suggestions…
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld: we do love a contemporary romantic read as our review of this book reveals. Sharp, witty and modern – yet at the same time still retaining a sense of warmth to it that ensures it keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, it follows the relationship of a female writer who ends up dating a famous pop star that questions our attitudes towards relationships that happen in the public eye. It is fabulously humorous, sexy and heartwarming in equal measures.
Persuasion by Jane Austen: as years go by, this Jane Austen novel about a second chance of love never fails to make even more of a stronger impression on us. Following the changing relationship of Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliott, it is a story that remains relatable to readers these days – particularly for those who believe that love for the same person can come around for a second time despite the circumstances that separates people. It is beautifully and poignantly written – the letter that Wentworth writes for Anne is beautifully romantic alone and stand out moment in any romantic novel.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry: a romantic novel about two people who work in the publishing industry (as a book worm myself) was always going to make the list! It is perhaps that whole idea (as in so many romantic instances) the idea of turning from enemies to something more intimate is always going to be a win-win situation!
The Travelling Tea Shop By Belinda Jones: at the end of last year, we were devastated to hear about the tragic passing of Belinda Jones – an author who wrote plenty of funny and heartfelt romantic novels (including this one which actually inspired our October trip to New England). This is one of our favourite romantic novels that she wrote because of the grounded way in which she wrote her central character while also giving her a romantic aspect that was really well grounded. Travel and romance always go well together and Belinda Jones was the queen of that.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: this was one of the very first Greek story re-tellings that we read and it is still remains one of our favourites in the way in which it beautifully focuses on the loyalty and growing depth of that between the famous Greek hero and the more humble Patroclus. It is poetically written as well as having plenty of feeling that keeps the reader thoroughly engaged from start to finish – it is romantic in its own and compelling way.