Lovely Romance Reads for Valentine's Day!

Do you have nothing better to do on Valentine's Day than read a book? I'll admit, I'm in the same boat. So, here are some great book suggestions for sweet romance fit for Valentine's Day.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

An English governess is hired to tutor a young girl at an eerie, mysterious house. She begins to fall in love with the irritable yet passionate Mr. Rochester, her employer, only to find that the secrets of the manor might destroy their relationship.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Witty, beautiful Lizzie Bennet absolutely despises the proud, reserved Mr. Darcy, despite finding herself in his company more than she would like. However, when Lizzie's family is put in a plight by her scandalous younger sister, she may recognize that people are not always who they seem.

Middlemarch by George Eliot

A delightful story about the drama of a rural English village, three protagonists emerge in Middlemarch. First, the pious Dorothea, who weds a man more than twice her age and soon regrets it. When his handsome cousin, Will Ladislaw, arrives, Dorothea finds herself drawn to him. Meanwhile, Fred Vincy, a spendthrift and gambler, attempts to win the regard of Mary Garth, who refuses to marry him until he makes something of himself. Finally, Fred's sister, Rosamond, marries the local doctor, Lydgate, but she makes his life difficult with her vanity and extravagance. Middlemarch always struck me as the soap opera of English literature, and it is certainly a joy to read!

As You Like It by William Shakespeare

This play follows various couples through their forest wanderings. The brilliant Rosalind seeks to discover the feelings of her love, Orlando, who is fleeing from his murderous brother. Meanwhile, Rosalind's companion, Celia, finds herself falling in love with Oliver, Orlando's brother! Full of humor and drama, this play is probably one of Shakespeare's sweet romances.

Emma by Jane Austen

Spoiled, accomplished Emma Woodhouse attempts to matchmake for multiple friends, until she finds herself falling in love with the handsome, charming Frank Churchill. However, she soon discovers that she may be missing true love that's right in front of her.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

A satirical fantasy novel, The Princess Bride tells the story of Westley and Buttercup, separated by years apart but reunited after Westley rescues Buttercup from the dreadful Prince Humperdinck. The two of them must battle all odds to remain together.

The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery

Valancy Stirling, a young woman in a reputable family, chooses to make the most of her life after discovering she suffers from a heart condition that will prove fatal. Leaving her stuck-up family and marrying a man she hardly knows, Valancy finds freedom in the last year of her life.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The classic tale of a couple separated by warring families, this play shows the pain of forbidden love and the consequences of poor communication. Honestly, it's much better if you can watch it instead of reading it.

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy

Sir Percy Blakeney must discover whether his beautiful French wife, Marguerite, is actually a spy. Set during the time of the French Revolution, this story tells of the bold Scarlet Pimpernel, who saves French nobility from the executions during the Reign of Terror. However, can the Scarlet Pimpernel save himself from betrayal?

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Two women find themselves in love with a man named Ernest. Wilde's play about mistaken identities is best watched, rather than read.