Here’s a list of our favourite and probably the best romantic novels of the 20th century, curated especially for you!
Best Romantic Novels Of the 20th Century:
Love Story by Erich Segal
This romance classic follows two people who inhabit completely opposite worlds and fall in love with each other. What ensues is a whirlwind romance and tremendous heartache.
The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
This mature love story follows the short-lived romance of a married woman and a handsome photographer. Although their love affair doesn’t stand the test of time, it brings the fulfilment of a lifetime with it.
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Every romance lover knows this book – it follows a heartbroken narrator as he reflects on his memories with his wife who now has Alzheimer’s.
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Written in Marquez’s characteristic passionate and superlative style, this is the story of two young lovers who get separated and find love again in the ‘twilight of their lives’.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
This book explores the romantic relationships between four people – the married couple Tereza and Tomas, and Sabina and Franz. This book is full of philosophy.
The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach
This is an autobiographical account of the love story of the pilot author and his movie star soulmate. The book has inspired and given hope to many in search of love.
Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell
This book follows a character called Scarlett, who is a pampered child who must make adjustments to a new life of poverty. This is complicated by the arrival of a married man called Rhett.
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
This is a winner of the Pulitzer Prize, and not in vain. It follows Newland Archer’s love affair with Countess Olenska after she returns to New York after a broken marriage.
Sea Swept by Nora Roberts
In this book, Quinn the boat racer returns to his hometown much like the Prodigal Son and falls in love with a social worker.
The Bride by Julie Garwood
In the backdrop of the Scottish countryside, this follows the life of a mismatched couple who find love despite their differences.
Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale
This is a historical romance which takes us through the love story of the reckless and scandalous Duke of Jervaulx and Maddy Timms.
Dream Man by Linda Howard
Orlando Police Department’s detective Hollister falls in love with a woman with exceptional forensic powers, Marlie and their passionate affair leads them to a dangerous madman.
Ravished by Amanda Quick
This regency romance follows Miss Harriett Pomeroy, as she falls in love with Viscount St. Justin, and deals with a villain threatening to break the perfect romance.
Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks
In this book, two lonely people communicate with each other via coincidences with messages in a bottle thrown across the sea.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D. H. Lawrence
This way-ahead-of-its-times masterpiece is the exploration of an extramarital love affair with explicit scenes.
Prisoner of My Desire by Johanna Lindsey
Rowena Bellame must find a father to sire her child or risk losing her fortune, and knight Warrick is the perfect choice. Their romance will transcend life itself.
The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson
Viennese Ruth’s life and romance are both shattered by WW2, but a marriage of convenience with a young professor may just salvage it.
Truly Madly Yours by Rachel Gibson
Our protagonist Delanie returns to her hometown for the reading of her father’s will and discovers her enticing ex-lover Nick.
The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer
This book by the queen of regency romance follows the love affair between Horatia Winwood, who isn’t conventionally attractive and the perfect Earl of Rule.
Also Read: Why You Should Organize Bookshelves Every Once A While?
