Hello my lovely book friends! Happy Valentine's Day! I hope that you have a wonderful day with your significant other/best friend/pet! However you celebrate, and whoever you love, I hope that today brings a smile to your face.
We are going to dive right in, because I am so excited about this post! Today we are talking about my top 5 love stories! These books are all perfect for those of you looking for a little romance in your books. Let's get started! My top 5 love stories, in no particular order:
1. Haunting of Brynn Wilder by Wendy Webb
After the loss of her mother, Brynn Wilder escapes to Wharton, a tiny tourist trap on Lake Superior, to reset. After checking in to a quaint inn for the summer, Brynn finds friendship in the kind people of Wharton, including a mysterious and handsome man who is covered head to toe in mesmerizing tattoos. Though Brynn came to Wharton to escape, she is not fully prepared for the mystery that surrounds the inn and town. Something is calling to Brynn through the walls of the old inn, and she may have no choice but to answer.
This book is a perfect little mystery/love story all wrapped into one. Perfect for curling up under a blanket with a nice hot cocoa. I am a huge fan of Wendy Webb, she has a knack for writing the perfect ghost story, but the true highlight of this book is the romance.
2. The Mermaid by Christina Henry
Once there was a mermaid who longed to walk on land and explore the world outside of her ocean home. One day, she is caught in a fisherman's net. The fisherman has every right to keep her, but with sad, lonely eyes he sets her free. Intrigued by this kind man and his expressive eyes, the mermaid leaves her ocean home and finds a new one, with him. Years later, long after the fisherman has passed, the mermaid is looking for a new adventure, and a man named P.T Barnum is looking for a mermaid. When their paths collide, who will come out on top?
This book is a wonderful piece of historic fiction that grips you from the first page. I loved this book from start to finish, and I really think you will too! Perfect for fans of historic fiction and romance.
3. The Mermaid's Voice Returns in This One by Amanda Lovelace
This is actually a book of poetry, and honestly, not a romance novel. I included it in this list because I believe that self-love is even more important than romance. Lovelace tells her story through poetry, a story of escape and healing. All of the old stories of mermaids tell us about men and sea witches stealing their voices, but Lovelace gives it back. She tells the story of a woman who finds her voice and her power, and manages to heal her wounds and love herself along the way. I adore this book of poetry, and if you are looking for an empowering, short read, this is the one.
4. Almost, Maine by John Cariani
One cold night, in the middle of winter, while the northern lights illuminate the sky above, the residents of Almost find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. This book is actually a series of short stories, all about love found or lost. It's a sweet little read that is perfect for people who don't feel up to devoting the time to a full novel or series. The short stories go together, but can easily be read one at a time, whenever you feel like reading.
5. Followed by Frost by Charlie N. Holmberg
Seventeen-year-old Smitha lives an easy life full of wealth and beauty, until she rejects the proposal of a strange man who ends up to be more than she bargained for. Smitha is cursed, and frost begins to follow her wherever she goes, freezing everything she touches. Smitha wanders the wilderness, trying to keep her frost from hurting anyone, until the ruler of a desert kingdom seeks her out and begs for her help in ending their drought. With her new purpose comes some new friends, but can Smitha control her feelings for a man that she can never touch?
Okay, here we are. End of the list. I know that I said in the beginning that this list was in no order, but I have to tell you that this book is my favorite of all time. This book is incredibly well-written and I have never read a romance that felt so real. Some romance books are very obvious and *in your face* about the love. "Look! Their in LOVE. LOOK AT THE LOVE!" This book is the opposite. By the time Smitha realizes she may be in love, I was a little in love with him too. This is one of the most powerful books I have ever read, and Holmberg is a favorite author of mine for that exact reason. This book is perfect for lovers of fantasy and love stories, but honestly, I think everyone would love this book. Everyone should read it. All of you!
Alright friends, we have reached the end! I hope that you find something on this list that you enjoy, and if you do, let me know! Have a great day! Bye-bye!
