But, as I mentioned earlier, I'd love some love story suggestions. So I thought I'd shout it out a bit louder in a post of its own and see if you'll take me up on it!
And by love stories, I mean love stories... not necessarily romance genre books. Make sense? Stories like Major Pettigrew that I just read.... stories where the main plot/drama of the book is the relationship issues... stories where the character development is strong... stories that are swoon worthy (yes a big component the swoon worthiness!) ... stories that hopefully (but not necessarily) have a happy, all is well ending... need I go on? Hopefully you understand what I'm getting at here.
I will list some of my favorites in a future post, but right now, I want to know some of your favorites... some that you think I may not have read or heard of that I need, and I mean need, to read this month!
This is probably not exactly what you are looking for, but this book is fabulous. At least I thought so.
ReplyDeleteThe Love Letters by Madeleine L'Engle
Here is my review if you want to check it out. I posted this review in 2009 so my format is a bit different too. :)
If another title comes to mind then I will be sure to let you know.
The Gargoyle contained, I thought, a wonderful love story, but it was a little different than a standard love story.
ReplyDeleteAnne of Green Gables, once you get to the 2nd and 3rd books = Anne and Gilbert, swoon.
Blue Castle by LM Montgomery
You've read Bridget Jones? It's a fun love story.
The Outlander by Gil Adamson
I know there are other books, but I can't think right now. Major Pettigrew is obviously a great choice as well.
Have you read Bridget Jones's Diary yet? The two books that go in that series (can you call it a series when there are only two?) are always my fav!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Raidergirl about The Gargoyle and the L.M. Montgomery books. The Gargoyle blew me away last year and Montgomery is an old favorite.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't read Austen's Persuasion, you have to. I swoon for Captain Wentworth!
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Maybe The Time Traveler's Wife?
If you feel like tackling a mega-chunkster, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Jamie is definitely swoon-worthy!
Three I can think of off the top of my head are:
ReplyDelete*Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt. Keturah encounters Death in the woods. He falls instantly in love and wants her, but allows her a bargain: if she can find her true love in one day, she may live; if not she will be his. It sounds grim, but it is such a darkly romantic good read.
*A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott. "A story of dark love and passionate obsession that was considered 'too sensational' to be published in the author's lifetime." I haven't read this one yet, but it's on my list to read this month.
*A Two-Part Invention by Madeleine L'Engle. The true story of the author's courtship and marriage with Hugh. A great read for this month.
I was thinking about suggesting Persuasion and The Time Traveller's Wife also.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I haven't read that many great romances. I need to watch this thread as well!
Oh I love reading other people's suggestions for love. Delirium by Lauren Oliver? Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins? Oh, I don't know, too many possibilities.. :)
ReplyDeleteI also vote for Persuasion - one of my all-time faves. Also, I adore the love story in North and South. I know I prefer classics for my love stories, really. Those are the best kind. Juliet Marillier has fantastic love stories though - have you read Son of the Shadows?
ReplyDeleteWell, I'd definitely agree with Persuasion. Though, I'm sure you've read it. I really liked The Gargoyle too, but I don't think it's the type of book you're looking for. I suggest Snow Falling on Ceders. Mind you, I always watch the movie but I have read the book. It's sad but soooo romantic.
ReplyDeleteHm. I kinda want to read THE GARGOYLE now...
ReplyDeleteI put forth for your love story reading pleasure:
ARCHANGEL by Sharon Shinn
THE ROAD HOME by Ellen Emerson White
A COMPANY OF SWANS by Eva Ibbotson
That's one fantasy and two historical novels and they are each just lovely.
There are so many great suggestions here! I absolutely loved The Gargoyle and will add my voice to the chorus of praise.
ReplyDeleteThe Lady Julia Grey series by Deanna Raybourn is a favorite of mine. The romance is subtle, but so, so good.
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. I fell in love with this entire book.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Another that I really enjoyed.
Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear. Probably my favorite of the books I read last year.
Sunflowers by Sheramy Bundrick. Another favorite from last year, chronicling the last two years of Van Gogh's life and a fictionalized romance.
Hope these are helpful!
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! I've actually already bought a few with my recent Amazon gift code that came my way. I'll post about them later.
ReplyDeleteHopefully someday I'll get to ALL of these! I'm sure they are all wonderful.