Today is a day celebrated by many around the world. While it’s a day often focused on romantic love and potentially commercial expressions of that love, we know that all love romantic or not, is worth celebrating.
Today’s post offers you five love-ly (sorry couldn’t help myself) reads to snuggle up with this Valentines! These books focus on romantic love, but also the love of friendship and family. Enjoy those warm fuzzy feelings, they’re coming up ahead.
A Little Something Different – Sandy Hall
This is a love story where something is happening between Lea and Gabe, and everyone can see it. Except these two apparently.
A Little Something Different is a love story told from the outside perspective of the couple’s life. The bus driver tells his wife about them, the creative writing professor pairs them up for a group project. Even the squirrel living on the college green believes Lea and Gabe are destined to be together.
This is one of my favourite romance books, I haven’t read anything else quite like it. Funny, lighthearted and romantic it offers a truly unique perspective on life and love.
Pick it up if you’re looking for a quick and sweet romance that’s quite truly A Little Something Different.
Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
It’s a classic for a reason. This Valentine’s Day discover (or rediscover!) broody Mister Darcy and the witty Elizabeth Bennett.
I didn’t properly understand the humour in Jane Austen’s writing until Pride and Prejudice was one of my university literature texts. Rereading Pride and Prejudice I was able to see how she was entertaining and at times very cynical when it came to institutions such as marriage and the military.
If you’re not sure you’re up for reading this classic this Valenteines Day, thankfully there’s several film and TV adaptations to choose from. For a traditional adaptation there’s the spectacular BBC 1995 version with Jennifer Ehle and Collin Firth. For a more unique take on the story check out Lost in Austen and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies both are favourites of mine!
My favourite characters? Elizabeth Bennett of course. I also find Mister Collins one of my favourites, purely for the entertainment he lends to the story.
Redeeming Love – Francine Rivers
A historical fiction set in California’s gold country in 1850, this book is a powerful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea from the bible. On the surface Redeeming Love follows Angel, a woman sold into prostitution as a child and Michael Hosea who is called by God to love her unconditionally.
This story is a powerful reminder of the all-consuming love of God for people. I’m emotionally impacted when I read this story, I hope you will be too.
Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
This story is about love that isn’t just romantic (though there is plenty of that in it) but family love. The love the March sisters share for one another is deep and overcomes many challenges. Family love can be one of the most powerful forces, often bringing both joy and pain. If you want to read my full review of Little Women, click here.
Again, this is a classic that has many adaptations. The 1994 adaptation with Wynona Ryder and Christian Bale was my first exposure to the March sister’s story. I went on to read the book and fell in love even more with these characters.
The 2019 adaptation with Saoirse Ronan and Emma Watson (among others) is well worth a watch too. It’s not told in a strictly linear pattern which I enjoyed.
Aurora Rising – Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
I know, I know, this isn’t strictly romance. I couldn’t help sneaking a bit of sci-fi in here. This title is included on this list because of the strong bonds of friendship explored within Aurora Rising.
When a the top boy of the academy gets landed with the misfits for his squad he’s less than impressed. Adventures in space ensure, fighting for their lives, saving the world ect. As they travel the squad discovers it’s more than the mission keeping them together. Full review here.
While there’s some romantic love in this title, the experience of friendship and the associated love shouldn’t be undervalued. It’s amazing to have people in your life who chose to know and accept you for who you are. To be honest with you and help you be a better person. That’s a kind of love just as important as the romantic kind.
Where Can I get My Hands On These Books?
*Purchase A Little Something Different from Amazon by clicking here.
*Purchase Pride and Prejudice from Amazon by clicking here. There are so many gorgeous editions to choose from, but if you’re looking for an edition that’s beautiful inside and out how about this one?
*Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is available from Amazon here
*While my edition of Little Women is no longer in print, Amazon has several beautiful editions available. Have a look at this one here.
*Aurora Rising is available from Amazon. Pick up a copy before the sequel is released later this year!
*Should you choose to make your purchase using the link above I will receive a small commission, at no additional cost to yourself. Please bear in mind that I only link to products and companies that I personally believe will benefit my readers. Thank you for your support! If you’d like more information about affiliate marketing please visit my disclosure page.
Final Thoughts
I quite like that some people have started celebrating Paletines or Galentines Day as alternatives to the traditional romance centred Valentines Day. I think it’s a more holistic approach to celebrate different kinds of love more broadly, and if changing the name helps people do that I’m all for it.
Let’s be Social
Thanks for reading today’s post!
I hope the varied titles in today’s post help bring you celebrate the wonderful feeling and choice that is love.
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Until next week,
Happy Reading!
Steph Huddleston 