Once upon a time there was a little girl who loved stories and fairytales. She discovered Andrew Lang’s colored fairy books and read through them—pretty colors first and not-so-pretty colors (like olive!) later. She had a peculiarity though,she only read the stories with princes or princesses. And, she felt cheated if there wasn’t a romance. (And very cheated if the romance ended in tragedy.)
I was that little girl. As I grew up, my love of stories grew, too. The winter I turned 12, my mother checked a book out from the library. I remember inspecting the cover, intrigued. Since Mom loved the book, I listened to the audio version. And so I met Jane Austen and the Bennet family. Now, when asked my favorite books—let alone romances!—Jane Austen’s classics are at the top of my list. What is it about her books that make them such good romances? Here are a few thoughts.
- Her stories are fairytales come to life since the England of Jane Austen seems almost as remote as fairyland. While fairytales introduce standard romance, Jane Austen brings the wonder of romance into everyday life.
- Each of her heroines is different. Lizzie Bennet is vivacious, Elinor Dashwood is quiet, Emma is outspoken, Anne is understanding. No matter your personality, you can find a heroine whom you understand—a heroine who is even a little like you.
- Beautiful, intelligent women are valued, appreciated, and pursued by upstanding men. Interestingly, love in Jane Austen never happens at first sight; it’s gradual. In a culture where men have often abdicated responsibility, it is refreshing to read a romance where men and women take traditional roles.
For laughing at love, in the comic genre, P. G. Wodehouse is a gem. Yet still, beneath the laughter is the fun, exciting formula: boy and girl fall in love, difficulties (usually in the form of draconic aunts) arise and are overcome. If not in the mood for this massive collection, try the Blandings Castle series, or Wodehouse’s novella, “A Damsel in Distress.”
The following books could almost be considered historical fiction because of their settings, but due to their lack of historical circumstances and emphasis on story, I’m going to label them as general fiction.
- Keeper of the Bees by Gene Stratton Porter
Known to Living Book lovers, Porter has some wonderful stories involving romance. We’ve written about Freckles and Girl of the Limberlost here, but we haven’t mentioned Keeper of the Bees. A young man, back from WWI and battling a life-threatening illness, happens upon an old man in trouble. The old man’s last words before collapsing are “Keep my bees.” And so begins a tale of healing, self-discovery, and romance.
- They Loved to Laugh by Kathryn Worth
True to its title, this book is full of laughter as well as a nice dose of love. After her parents die, quiet Martitia Howland is taken in by a Quaker family. At first overwhelmed, she begins to come into her own and is noticed by not one, but two of the older brothers. If my memory serves, this is based on a true story, but regardless, it is a wonderful, sweet romance.
- Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace
Lovers of Betsy, Tacy, and Tib will recognize this author’s name! While I’ve never read the Betsy-Tacy series, Emily of Deep Valley is a stand-alone story of one girl’s life following high school and her transition from girlhood to womanhood with some romance along the way.
- Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss
This fictional journal is a Christian spiritual classic. One of the professor’s wives at Southern Seminary has named this book as one of the most spiritually encouraging books she has ever read. Stepping Heavenward begins as a young girl’s journal and follows her girlhood, coming of age, romance, and later life.
Whether in classics, mystery, humor, historical or general fiction, romance shares many of the same appealing elements. Why do we love good romance in books? Because, unlike life around us, we can read the last page and find a happy ending.
We have eternity written in our hearts. We know that really, once upon a time, a prince came to his country in disguise, ready to give his life to win an undeserving bride. We know that the bride, despite her faults, is loved, valued, and cherished by Him, made beautiful in His sight.
And we know, deep within us, that stories were meant to conclude with “…and they all lived happily ever after.” As Christians, we can hold to the hope that someday that is just what each of our stories will do, and the end will be but a better beginning. All this is romance!
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Support our writers and help keep Redeemed Reader ad-free by joining the Redeemed Reader Fellowship.
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FREE Bible Guide!
Get a guide to the Best Bibles for Children and Teens. Perfect for an Easter gift.
We'd love to hear from you!
Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!
Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.