Happy Valentine’s month, SHC! One of the world’s, and our, favorite book genres is romance. Romance novels have the power to bewitch, enthrall, and awaken our emotions, so this month we’ll share some recommendations that display the beauty, complexity, and pain of love. From classic tales of timeless devotion to modern-day rollercoaster romances, each book brings something unique to the table. We hope you can encounter some of the Valentine’s Day magic in these books!
Book Recommendations – Written by Simone Cohen and Lily Cardenas:
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Over the years,we have developed quite a fondness for best friends and writing partners Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, with the pen name of Christina Lauren, and their ability to intoxicate readers with their fantastical, vivid, and picturesque writing style. Love and Other Words particularly captivated us due to the nature of its plot: Macy, a pediatric resident, and her old, summertime, first-lover, Elliot, reunite in adulthood faced with the challenges of falling back in love with one another after time and circumstances drove them apart. Will the realities of life mixed with delicate wounds of the past overthrow any chance of rekindling their romance? You’ll have to read to find out!
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Stephanie Garber’s masterfully enchanting tale, Once Upon a Broken Heart, is not a letdown. This book blends magic, love, and some excellent plot twists. What starts as an attempt to undo the past soon becomes an adventure that challenges the main character Evangeline’s understanding of love. With extraordinary, world-building, and irresistible characters, this story will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you love romance with a touch of magic and mystery, Once Upon a Broken Heart is a must-read.
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
A true testament to the power of a good tearjerker, All the Bright Places leaves its readers in pieces with its final pages whilst dangling the daunting questions: “Is love enough?” For all those hurting and barely scraping by, can love give them a reason to keep living? Jennifer Niven silhouettes the pain and grief of addictive first loves in this modern, melancholic tragedy fit for any reader.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Book Lovers, a novel deviating from the quintessential rom-com path, easily found its way into our top ten books of 2024 last year. Author Emily Henry used yet another unique and divergent plot line to instantly hook readers. Book editor, Charlie, and literary agent, Nora, begin as enemies; however, their rivalry comes to a screeching halt as their love blossoms. Book Lovers suits those ready for a fresh and exhilarating novel while equally indulging readers preferring a cozier rom-com.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Perhaps one of our favorite classic romances, Wuthering Heights, and its unequivocal words imprinted themselves onto us like notes of an immaculate song – idyllic enough to change us forever. Emily Brontë’s unforgettable tragedy between two equally star-crossed and doomed lovers offers readers a window into the less-traveled road of romance filled with pain and heartbreak, all while letting you watch a once-in-a-lifetime love story unfold right before your eyes.
The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende
The gift of The Japanese Lover came very haphazardly, but we could not be more grateful for it. Being an American Book Award-winner and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Isabel Allende delivers another dazzling and beguiling love story between two people divided by society’s impossible expectations during World War II. Japanese Lover is for anyone in the mood for a fast-paced and passionate, yet memorable, romance.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles is a breathtaking love story between Achilles and Patroclus, two legendary Greek figures who were rumored to be in love in real life. With lyrical prose and emotional depth, Miller reimagines these mythic figures, bringing their bond to life. The novel explores their relationship from childhood to the bitter end. If you’re looking for a heart-pounding tragedy about star-crossed lovers, this book is for you.
Student Reviews – Written by Simone Cohen:
Alone with You in the Ether by Olivia Blake recommended by Maggie Morshead ‘28
An unorthodox spin on romance, Alone with You in the Ether hones in on the abstract, soul-binding love connection. Maggie Morshead 28’ remembers this “thought-provoking” novel as an “interesting story about two smart and damaged people who find themselves through each other.” Blake’s well-known and praised love story isn’t for the faint of heart; rather, it’s waiting and ready for those willing to crawl into the hearts of real-world lovers.
Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston recommended by Alina Connor ‘28
Alina Conner ‘28, along with most of the world, agrees that Casey McQuiston mastered the plot line of “enemies to lovers” while constructing a “cute and wholesome” novel. Despite being published back in 2019, Red, White, & Royal Blue has retained its well-deserved title as one of the most popular and spellbinding queer romances in the literary community. McQuiston’s debut novel will always stand out in any stack of books.
Teacher and Faculty Book Recommendations – Written by Lily Cardenas:
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah recommended by Ms. Nastari
Recommended by SHC’s Dean of Students, Ms. Nastari says that The Great Alone is a riveting “portrayal of raw survival in the Alaskan wilderness.” Kristin Hannah’s writing “ brings the rugged land to life – with its unforgiving winters, brilliant summer days, and breathtaking natural beauty – [It] makes me feel as though I’m right there alongside the Allbright family.” With a touch of young love in this harsh but beautiful environment, The Great Alone is a unique story whose messages will leave you thinking not only about romantic love, but familial connections as well.
That’s all for our recommendations and we hope you fall for these books as much as we did. There’s something magical about losing yourself in a love story, and we hope these picks offer the escape and connection you’re looking for. Until next time, keep your pages turning, and keep this quote in mind:
“Reading is a form of love. Every page, every chapter, every story opens your heart to a new world of possibilities and connections.” – Anonymous
