Friday, March 28, 2014

Reviews of Romantic Books

romantic book collection
Reading is such a huge part of my life, I simply cannot imagine a day without a book in my hand.  

I love to read.  Books can transport us across the world in an instant, take us back to the past, give us insight into a variety of personalities and help us understand why people say things or behave a certain way.  

Even in the fast and easy to read novellas, I recognize I am learning about people, places, ideologies and history.



Romance Hidden in Other Genres

Romantic books are my personal favorites, but romance is not limited to one genre.  As a matter of fact, the most romantic books I have read recently would not be categorized as romance novels.  I recently read The Hunger Games Trilogy, which is most often cataloged as Science Fiction or Action & Adventure.  While I enjoyed the futuristic setting and the action packed drama, the tender affections, selfless love, and developing romantic relationship was clearly the thread throughout the books that keep me reading.  As a matter of fact, I was so captivated by the romantic story line, that I read all three books in a few days.


night circus
Bekat recently reviewed another book that would be found on the Fantasy or Psychological Thrillers shelves.  

However, just reading her review of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern reveals the underlying love story and beckons me to start reading the book today.





Classic Romance Novels

When I was younger, I focused on the classics.  After all, I knew I would not be disappointed with Classic Romance novels.  Over the last few years, I have actually found it interesting to go back and read them again.  It is amazing to me to realize that what I admired or adored in my youth is no longer my focus as I read them again.  Perhaps that is one of the reasons why they are "classics".  They have an appeal for every generation and age. 

Because the classics are almost always on the "reading lists" in high school, most of us are already familiar with them and have a basic knowledge of their story lines before we ever pick them up to actually read them.  

gone with the wind bookIn her review of Gone With the Wind, BeatriceRyanDesigns immediately focuses on the era.  We can learn so much about history in the pages of our great Classic Romance Novels without even realizing we are also getting a lesson in historical lifestyles, fashion and world changing events like war. 

Truthfully, I probably learned more about the Civil War in the pages of Gone with the Wind, than I did in any history class.


jane eyre book
Britflorida gives us another look at history with her awesome review of Jane Eyre and how so much of the book is actually a reflection of the authors personal experiences.  

I do agree with her completely.  There are definitely aspects of that book that I view differently today than I did when I first read it in high school.



Contemporary Romance Novels

Sometimes I just want a great love story.  A book to help me relax and unwind.  Frankly, a book that will take my mind off of everyday tensions and simply entertain.  I don't even mind if they have an obvious end.  In fact, I often read this type of book because I want it to end with "happily ever after." 

winners book

I found out recently that Mbgphoto and I have that in common.  She reviewed and recommended Winners by Danielle Steel.  

In her review, she tells us that she read this book in it's entirety in one sitting.  

Sometimes that is exactly what we need!     





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Romance is not defined by, or limited to any person, place, time or event.  We can all fall in love, often quite unexpectedly. 

10 comments:

  1. Now I have more books to add to my "to read" list. Thanks for a bringing us these reviews.

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    1. I feel exactly the same way Mary Beth! It has really been awesome to get real recommendations from trusted sources for excellent romance books.

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  2. I had avoided Hunger Games just for the sci-fi aspect, but you have intrigued now. Great recommendations to add to my reading list. I have to pull out Gone With the Wind again, too.

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    1. I initially felt the same way about the Hunger Games, Susan. I was pleasantly surprised!

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  3. You've chosen some excellent book reviews here, Mouse. I enjoyed reading all of them... and see I have some books to either read (or re-read) as soon as I finish my latest 'baseball' book. :)

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    1. Thank you Elf! I certainly thought all of these reviews were awesome! I had never read a book by Danielle Steel, even though she is a leading romance writer. I was really pleased that mbgphoto reviewed one of her books. Recommendations from trusted sources really do make a huge difference.

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  4. Really wonderful selection....I have yet to read the last of the hunger games series...I have it...just in the middle of something else right now.

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    1. I completely understand! Sometimes it is simply hard to find the time to relax with a book. Hope you are able to get to the last book soon. It is definitely worth reading and I would love to hear you opinion too.

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  5. I, too, can't imagine not reading at least a few minutes everyday! Romance books are among some of my favorites. Gotta check out these featured reviews so I can get my book list ready!

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    1. Would you believe I started the book you recommended night before last? It is my first "lawyer" book and I keep laughing at some of the terminologies used. It is odd how it makes me feel an even stronger connection to you because I know how much you love the author.

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