Romance is in the Air

By Kathie Tenold

Why not escape into a great romance novel! Romance fiction is a billiondollar industry making up to 23% of the overall fiction market. Romance novels are much more sophisticated than the “bodice rippers’ of the 1970’s. They are more appealing, progressive and relevant than ever. And the bonus is that no matter how bad it gets, ‘happily ever after’ will come. Sounds perfect for reading in this stressful COVID 19 environment!

Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a skeptic, or just in need of a good book, modern romance is one of the most exciting and thoughtful spaces in fiction today.

According to Goodreads, the top six romance novels are as follows.

1. Gone with the Wind -

Margaret Mitchell. This 1937 Pulitzer-winning epic novel—”one of the most popular books ever written”— tells the story of headstrong Scarlett O’Hara who fights for the love of her life and for the preservation of her family’s plantation in the midst of the U. S. Civil War

2. It Ends with Us - Colleen

Hoover. This is a “powerful” and “unexpected” story that follows Lily, through the tumultuous stages of an abusive relationship.

3. Me Before You - Jojo

Moyes. In the first of book of a trilogy, Louisa Clark falls in love with her new boss, wheelchair bound-grump Will Traynor.

4. Pride and Prejudice -

Jane Austen. One of the greatest romance novels of all time, Austen follows the opinionated heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, as she frequently finds herself at odds with her beau, the

5. The Thorn Birds - Colleen McCullough.

Another staple of the genre, The Thorn Birds is a romantic saga set in the Australian outback. The central story focuses on Meggie and the forbidden love she shares with a priest.

6. Outlander - Diana

Gabaldon. The first in this eight-book saga starts off with lead character, Claire, traveling back to 1740s Scotland where she begins a passionate relationship with a young warrior named Jamie Fraser.

Ten Old Books in the Duncan Garage 330 Duncan Street Downtown Duncan 250 715-1383