Valentine’s Day: Nine Romantic Books
It’s no surprise that with Valentine’s Day comes a slew of romantic feelings. Whether you have someone to share those feelings with or not, this can be a good time to pick up a romantic book and revel in those mushy-gushy feelings. Here are nine love-related books for any of you Aggies to pick up this Valentine’s day.
- The Princess Bride by William Goldman
A tale of love, bravery, pirates, giant rats, and fire swamps, The Princess Bride is the book to read if you’re looking for an adventure of the most epic proportions. A young couple is separated by an evil prince and, with the help of unlikely companions, attempt to find each other again. This book will make you smile, laugh, and melt into a little puddle on the floor.
2. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kid
This one may not seem like it’s the most romantic, but it’s definitely going to make you say “aww.” From a more historical angle, this book deals with societal issues of race, gender, and family. There’s also a heat-softening romance right in the middle. This one is great if you’r looking for a shorter read that’s full of thrills and excitement
- Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Set in Italy, this book is about a girl who lost her mom and is going back through her mother’s past by use of an old journal. This is a wonderful, light read that willkeep your mind occupied and your romance-craving heart happy all the way through. Sweet and just the right amount of predictable, this book is worth your tim
e.
- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Here is a book for anyone looking for one that’s just as challenging as it is rewarding. Romance, sacrifice, revolution, struggle, and family are just a few things that can be gleaned from this amazing book. Follow the story of Lucy and Charles as they fight to be together in
the middle of the French Revolution.
- The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
I’m sure you knew this was coming. It’s hard to have a list of romantic books without one from Nicholas Sparks in the midst. Romance at its cheesiest, in the best way possible, is what this book comes with. The Last Song is great for anyone looking for a sweet, simple novel that will make anyone smile. It also doesn’t hurt that you can picture Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus the whole time you read.
- Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
This story is about a man named Jacob told from two different perspectives: when he was young and worked at the circus and when he is old and in a nursing home. Young Jacob falls in love with a married woman. A book full of romance, scandal, death, tragedy, and raging elephants is definitely not one to miss. This one is great from the “forbidden love” side of the scale and also has the bonus of circus folk and two stories at the same time.
- Seeking Persephone by Sarah Eden
This author based out of Provo tells the revamped fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast in Seeking Persephone. A young girl marries a cruel man in order to save her family from debt. This book is perfect for anyone that want a classic fairytale feel with a few twists along the way.
- The Selection by Kiera Cass
Thirty-five girls are entered in the chance to marry the prince and get their happily ever after. The drawbacks for one contestant, a girl named America Singer, is that she has to leave home, lose her secret love with another guy, and be a part of an unstable government constantly under attack. This read is for anyone looking for drama and romance all tied together.
- The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Alright you cowboy lovers! Here is another Sparks’ story in which a bull-rider falls in love with a young college student almost on her way to New York. This one exemplifies how love can endure all obstacles and the rest of that cheesy goodness. Check it out if you want an easy read that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.
—savannah.lund@aggiemail.usu.edu
@savannah_lund