There are so many books that we could have included on this list – but here are our current favourites…
10 Things I Hate About You by Julia Quinn:
As with all of her lighthearted romantic comedies, Julia Quinn understands how to develop her characters from book to book (many of whom appear in other parts of her regency set novels) to ensure that their romantic outcome works perfectly for them. In 100 Things I love About You, there is an undeniable chemistry between the charming Sebastian and country girl Annabel being forced to marry Sebastian’s uncle. The book has a snappy pace to it, making for easy reading as well as ensuring that you can’t put the book down.
Before the Rains by Dinah Jefferies:
This was one of the first books by Dinah Jefferies that I read and it was a wonderfully engaging read from start to finish. This wasn’t simply down to the vividness of the locations that Jefferies unfolds the story in, but also the tale of fighting for love even when the odds seems stacked against you, showcased through the blossoming relationship between Eliza and Jay. It is beautifully and sensitively written that keeps the reader emotionally invested.
The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot:
I only recently rediscovered Meg Cabot’s books and remembered how much I thoroughly enjoyed this light and breezy romantic comedy that is filled with characters who manage to put a smile on your face as you learn more about them. By using email conversations at the centre of it, there is a sense of real honesty that the characters are able to express in writing that they aren’t able to in person making it quite refreshing in terms of how it all unfolds. A perfect read for those who love the 1990’s and early 2000’s romantic comedy films.
The Fortune Hunter by Daisy Goodwin:
Everybody loves a love triangle and that is exactly what you get with Goodwin’s wonderfully vivid and wonderfully written book that follows the relationships between Charlotte Baird an aspiring photographer, who captures the attention of Bay Middleton who in turn captures the attention of Sisi, the Empress of Austria, visiting England to for the hunting season. What emerges is a complex tale of the hearts wants and desires, pulling each of the characters in different directions.
Mr Darcy’s Diary by Amanda Grange:
What Amanda Grange does brilliantly in retelling Jane Austen’s beloved novels from the perspective of the male heroes is while remaining faithful to the original plot, offers a different perspective of it that means you feel as though you are left with even more understanding of the characters. By taking us right into the mind of Mr Darcy for example, you get a understanding of the confusion over his feelings for Elizabeth against the expectations that had always been placed upon him by his family. It is really well written and thought out.
Love can come in many forms and the heartbreak that can come from it also takes on many different shapes as Eilis Lacey, a girl who leaves her home in Ireland for new beginnings in New York. On every page, you feel first for her love of her home, friends and family in Ireland before gradually falling for New York and everything it has to offer – including a romantic relationship with Tony. The conflict comes in the wake of tragedy, forcing her to figure out where has the biggest pull on her heart and life moving forward. It is brilliantly sensitive, pulling the reader into her world perfectly.
The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow:
It is always a joy to see neglected characters coming out of the shadows to take centre stage in their own story – this is particularly to be celebrated in the case of Mary Bennet who was always overshadowed by her sisters. Here, it is a story of her learning to love herself and grow in confidence, while attracting the attentions of two very different suitors. It feels as though it perfectly picks up where Pride & Prejudice leaves off, complementing the orginal well.