February is the month of love. Every February 14, we celebrate with our loved-ones. Valentine’s Day is seen as a romantic day in many countries, but in Finland we focus on celebrating love – non-platonic and platonic. No matter who you love the most – your boyfriend or girlfriend, parents, siblings, friends or thyself – it is important to spread the love on this special day.
And if this dreadful weather makes you want to stay indoors instead of seeing your nearest and dearest, no need to worry! Just dive into a fictional love story and devour a few romantic reads. Here are some novels that will warm your heart during these cold days. So, taste some of those heart-shaped chocolates, get cosy and start reading.
One Day in December by Josie Silver
Just one look can change your life.
This book is the epitome of the phrase ‘love at first sight’. Imagine sitting in a bus on a crowded street in London. You decide to look out the window, and there he (or she) is – the one. But what do you do if you happen to meet this ‘one’ a year later, and it occurs to you that he is dating your best friend now? Yes. Cue the drama. Although there’s the word ‘December’ in the title of this gem, it is still a perfect read for V-Day!
Always the Bridesmaid by Lindsey Kelk
It is an undisputed truth of the modern age that there are now only two kinds of people in the world: people who call and people who text.
Lindsey Kelk’s books are modern-day fairy tales. They are perfect for hopeless romantics living in the active, virtual 21st century. You can never go wrong when picking up Kelk’s book, and ‘Always the Bridesmaid’ is no exception.
A relatable main character facing the “difficulties” of singledom, while literally everyone she knows is getting married and having picture-perfect lives. Instant hit.
From Notting Hill with Love… Actually by Ali McNamara
She was just a girl, standing in front of a boy . . . wishing he looked more like Hugh Grant.
Are you a fan of romcoms? Are you obsessed with literally any film from the 90s starring Julia Roberts? If you are nodding your head enthusiastically, this book is for you. I’m a fan of Richard Curtis and his films, so I was fangirling throughout this trilogy (yes, there are two more books in this series). A movie-obsessed protagonist has a chance of a lifetime to housesit in Notting Hill. Too good to be true? Find out yourself and grab this book!
Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher
I think it’s funny how life can lead you down certain paths which you wouldn’t have taken otherwise.
This read is brimming with warmth and laughter. Our protagonist is living in a small village and sharing her house with her mom. However, her quiet life is quickly turned upside down, when a famous actor comes to the village to film a new adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. A Cinderella story to melt even a cold, bitter heart.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Remember, every treasure comes with a price.
You have probably heard of this one because of the gorgeous film adaptation. This book is filled with beautiful descriptions of Asia, meddling families and a lot of fashion. Full of glamour and lots of laughter, be sure to check this one out.
Psst! Don’t forget these either:
Me Before You (Jojo Moyes)
Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë)
Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
Can You Remember Me? (Sophie Kinsella)
Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)