--- title: "The Top 50 Most Romantic Novels According to Us ..." description: "Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchell; Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte; Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy; Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare; Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte; More ..." url: "https://books.allwomenstalk.com/are-these-the-best-romantic-novels/" category: "books" last_updated: "2026-05-25" --- # The Top 50 Most Romantic Novels According to Us ... It’s so glorious to curl up and lose yourself in the pages of a romantic story. We’re swept away by love as it brings forth drama and romance, comedy and tragedy, loss and gain, sorrow and joy. I’ve picked out the 50 romantic novels I think every girl should read. ## 1. Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchell ![Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchell](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/zo/qg/jnchh2ei55c248a7b3f6b050881442_600x926.jpg) An epic love story set in the American Civil War. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 2. Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte ![Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/oo/jg/setpdq8d55c248a8b65ce862101428_326x500.jpg) Passions run high on the wild and windy Yorkshire Moors. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 3. Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy ![Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/et/u7/nrcnrswv55c248a74340b140689880_310x500.jpg) Adulterous love set in a backdrop of the historic social changes that swept Russia during the late 19th century. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 4. Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare ![Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/f0/nm/y6v6wp1c55c24924ac59d112899104_576x720.jpg) The world’s most famous love story – a tale of star-crossed lovers. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 5. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte ![Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/dd/wb/tc81r9h155c248a8a7af4622587115_348x500.jpg) The life and times of Governess Jane and her growing love for Mr. Rochester. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 6. Love Story – Erich Segal ![Love Story – Erich Segal](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/cb/cu/xkb4lw3455c248aad74eb036133939_310x500.jpg) The heartbreaking tale of Oliver and Jenny. You will cry. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 7. Emma – Jane Austen ![Emma – Jane Austen](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/yg/ip/ijjrlcyp55c248aad6cc4981806490_348x500.jpg) Follow the matchmaking ministrations and meddling of Emma Woodhouse. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 8. Atonement – Ian McKeown ![Atonement – Ian McKeown](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/r2/wj/t7k42jd355c248abf1109403865421_324x500.jpg) A towering story of betrayal and forgiveness set before and during World War II. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 9. Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier ![Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ln/qf/sbjlqpps55c248abdebdb709989294_332x500.jpg) The eerie tale of the second Mrs. De Winter, married to a man and a house haunted by the first wife. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 10. Love in the Time of Cholera –Gabriel Garcia Marquez ![Love in the Time of Cholera –Gabriel Garcia Marquez](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/zo/f0/q6j2j5pn55c248ac15a81332355595_324x500.jpg) Florentino Ariz’s love for Fermina Darza spans nearly 60 years. Is there a happy ever after? Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 11. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald ![The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/rj/w7/dobrb4tv55c248b04ad08978050538_600x918.jpg) Love, passion, and partying in the Jazz Age – with a dose of tragedy. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 12. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – Louis De Bernières ![Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – Louis De Bernières](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/qe/m7/ub4y6yg355c248aea4964085157659_325x500.jpg) Can love blossom between enemies in wartime? A sweeping romance between an Italian soldier and a Greek girl in World War II. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 13. Cold Mountain – Charles Frazier ![Cold Mountain – Charles Frazier](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/f3/wb/ey5f68rw55c248aee6a32914919644_321x500.jpg) Another epic romance set in the American Civil War. Can Confederate soldier Inman make it home to his beloved Ada? Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 14. The Bridges of Madison County – Robert James Walter ![The Bridges of Madison County – Robert James Walter](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/r5/xy/vv79uqnv55c248afcddf6317756413_310x500.jpg) A tale about a free-spirited photographer and the one true love of his life. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 15. Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen ![Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ia/fj/mus62xec55c248af5837a968803226_333x500.jpg) The Dashwood sisters - one sensible, one sensitive - find love and happiness Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 16. The Sky is Everywhere – Jandy Nelson ![The Sky is Everywhere – Jandy Nelson](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/gc/ab/fy8uj2kd55c248b233f24603893882_333x500.jpg) Who will Lennie choose? Toby or Joe? Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 17. The Sound of Waves – Yukio Mishima ![The Sound of Waves – Yukio Mishima](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/gs/jg/vcdl6cyx55c248b25b263112015326_324x500.jpg) A timeless story of first love set in a simple Japanese fishing village. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 18. Possession – a.S. Byatt ![Possession – a.S. Byatt](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/id/e2/nyb9a8y655c248b2d6d1e426788002_326x500.jpg) Join two researchers as they embark on a journey to uncover the lives and loves of two Victorian poets. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 19. The Thorn Birds – Colleen McCullough ![The Thorn Birds – Colleen McCullough](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/il/b7/if5iuwwt55c248b46aeb1332833596_600x972.jpg) A tale of forbidden love and dark secrets in the Australian Outback. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 20. The Other Boleyn Girl – Philippa Gregory ![The Other Boleyn Girl – Philippa Gregory](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/go/lq/lw7qrmvu55c248b5a0856795160685_600x916.jpg) We all know the story of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, but what do you know about Henry and Mary Boleyn? Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 21. The End of the Affair – Graham Greene ![The End of the Affair – Graham Greene](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/p5/cc/v2rgafrp55c248b6aebc9601883422_600x898.jpg) The tale of the love to love-hate relationship between Maurice Bendrix and Sarah Miles. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 22. The Time Traveler’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger ![The Time Traveler’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/x6/xq/xvify9od55c2496eac0ea601037083_420x623.jpg) A touching love story set in an intriguing science fiction concept. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 23. Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins ![Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/cg/ks/hhqcs2rt55c248b7089e7548428145_600x913.jpg) A year of romantic misses and a crush thousands of miles away. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 24. The Princess Bride – William Goldman ![The Princess Bride – William Goldman](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/iz/ma/f8lea8pp55c248b8500e3357601896_600x1042.jpg) True love and high adventure captured in engrossing storytelling. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 25. The Truth about Forever – Sarah Dessen ![The Truth about Forever – Sarah Dessen](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/yw/y2/hkxzwkht55c248b8b6d25701926622_600x923.jpg) Comedy, tragedy and a heroine we can all relate to. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 26. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen ![Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/sx/lh/nor2iwui55c25385855da990554790_458x750.jpg) Laugh and cry as you become deeply involved with the trials and tribulations of the Bennet sisters as they try to find love and a good marriage. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 27. Like Water for Chocolate – Laura Esquivel ![Like Water for Chocolate – Laura Esquivel](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/r0/ns/nys89kda55c248ba3300b331118480_324x500.jpg) There’s much love and wit to be found in early 20th Century Mexico. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 28. Doctor Zhivago – Boris Pasternak ![Doctor Zhivago – Boris Pasternak](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/np/au/e3favgkx55c248bb27e08289238664_324x500.jpg) You’ll find yourself deeply lost for hours in the story of Zhivago and his love for Lara, set in the turmoil and upheaval of the Russian Revolution. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 29. The English Patient – Michael Ondaatje ![The English Patient – Michael Ondaatje](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/cd/vk/n66quz2555c248bd81029363220006_600x925.jpg) Don’t be fooled by the movie – there’s more to this tangled tale than the English patient and the woman he loved. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 30. Norwegian Wood – Haruki Murakami ![Norwegian Wood – Haruki Murakami](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/xr/um/ll2ene2p55c248bd97519358121457_324x500.jpg) A delightful coming of age and love story inspired by the main character hearing the titular song by The Beatles. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 31. Bel Canto – Ann Patchett ![Bel Canto – Ann Patchett](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/r7/a5/k9iqo44755c248bddfaa4262944472_331x500.jpg) A story of love where the only common language is music. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 32. Water for Elephants – Sara Gruen ![Water for Elephants – Sara Gruen](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/l4/p4/a41jcka755c248c1d91bf307190729_600x900.jpg) A page turner telling the story of Jacob Jankowski and his time at the Benzini Brother’s circus where he falls in love with married Marlena. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 33. The French Lieutenant’s Woman – John Fowles ![The French Lieutenant’s Woman – John Fowles](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/wi/lv/vp817kco55c248c1e99e8944583458_600x910.jpg) A period piece that goes beyond being a social commentary on love in Victorian England. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 34. A Room with a View ![A Room with a View](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/td/qw/pqa1ypzi55c248c01e10a732232719_326x500.jpg) Lucy Honeychurch sees beyond her prejudices to see where her true passion lies. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 35. Les Liaisons Dangereuses – Pierre Choderlos De Lascios ![Les Liaisons Dangereuses – Pierre Choderlos De Lascios](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/zk/hz/ogohuc6p55c248c1f306e855204237_335x500.jpg) More seduction, scandal and scheming than romance but a thoroughly good romp. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 36. The Notebook ![The Notebook](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ux/p6/oshrbf0z55c248c2be639919960976_310x500.jpg) Gripping story of love that endures. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 37. Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert ![Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/wx/kx/rqklx7oo55c248c405aaa546728996_305x500.jpg) Love is ultimately the undoing of the seductive and sensuous Emma Bovary. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 38. The Year of Magical Thinking – Joan Didion ![The Year of Magical Thinking – Joan Didion](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/th/eo/hpsopw9l55c248c7dbdc0979825613_600x929.jpg) A tribute to an extraordinary marriage. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 39. Far from the Madding Crowd – Thomas Hardy ![Far from the Madding Crowd – Thomas Hardy](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/fu/f4/c351kam055c248c6ed0b5553947178_348x492.jpg) Bathsheba Everdene is lucky to attract three suitors. Who will win her heart and will there be a happy ending? Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 40. Lady Chatterley’s Lover – D.H. Lawrence ![Lady Chatterley’s Lover – D.H. Lawrence](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/d5/yq/i8fl14mo55d0aa7b5e45c842987816_600x985.jpg) Oh, the scandal as Lady Chatterley takes her gardener as her lover. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 41. Eleanor and Park – Rainbow Rowell ![Eleanor and Park – Rainbow Rowell](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/h6/zt/pnol0y6n55c248c9c5c5a329143219_600x906.jpg) Poignant tale of love and fitting in at high school. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 42. The African Queen – C.S. Forester ![The African Queen – C.S. Forester](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/hd/jl/auvj9kcl55c25409454d9148489634_400x626.jpg) Even in wartime, love conquers all. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 43. P.S. I Love You ![P.S. I Love You](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/jf/dh/n5qv066q55c248cb43ae7213194531_327x500.jpg) A delightful story that unfolds beautifully as Holly unfolds every note. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 44. Bonjour Tristesse – Françoise Sagan ![Bonjour Tristesse – Françoise Sagan](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/yv/xk/uqsygs1w55c248cbe0220370688686_347x500.jpg) A sultry, lyrical novel about a girl meddling with others’ romantic affairs with disastrous consequences. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 45. The Post Birthday World – Lionel Shriver ![The Post Birthday World – Lionel Shriver](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/bj/eo/l04q45mz55c248cd41564778282408_332x500.jpg) How can so much rest on a single kiss? Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 46. The Well of Loneliness –Radclyffe Hall ![The Well of Loneliness –Radclyffe Hall](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/m8/ea/ypbr6zr255c248cdf2e34091392554_313x500.jpg) A timeless and classic portrayal of lesbian love. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 47. The Weather in the Streets –Rosamond Lehmann ![The Weather in the Streets –Rosamond Lehmann](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/dv/kl/kdh4se2b55c248cfe6317275217353_600x943.jpg) The passionate and overwhelming story of an affair between a young woman and a married man. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 48. The Good Luck of Right Now – Matthew Quick ![The Good Luck of Right Now – Matthew Quick](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/bn/f6/nfkoioe255c248d131e09936369876_600x905.jpg) Words can’t describe this! A grief counselor, an emotionally damaged librarian, an alien-believing housemate and a maverick local priest all in a story written in the form of letters to Richard Gere. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 49. Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding ![Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/uf/j0/l3azy2qf55c248d1acd79371389436_311x492.jpg) Rejoice as Bridget overcomes her (many) personality faults to find love. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) ## 50. Le Grand Meaulnes – Alain-Fournier ![Le Grand Meaulnes – Alain-Fournier](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ez/sj/yh2hghu155c248d2b23fc374350015_600x924.jpg) A magical and sentimental tale of lost adolescent love. Buy at [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) I can’t wait to hear what would have made your list. ## Related Posts - [a bildungsroman novel](https://books.allwomenstalk.com/bildungsroman-novels-all-ages-can-enjoy/) - [ikea book lover](https://books.allwomenstalk.com/fun-funky-and-insanely-clever-ways-to-display-books/) - [billionaire ex wife pdf](https://books.allwomenstalk.com/the-best-books-on-the-psychology-of-love/) - [classic books every woman should read](https://books.allwomenstalk.com/classic-books-every-girl-must-read-at-least-once/) - [best books to change life](https://books.allwomenstalk.com/psychology-books-thatll-change-your-life-completely/) - [must read intellectual books](https://books.allwomenstalk.com/books-meant-for-intellectual-women/) - [must read novellas](https://books.allwomenstalk.com/novellas-you-can-read-in-one-sitting/) - [best classic french authors](https://books.allwomenstalk.com/classic-french-novels-that-are-worth-the-read/) - [book jacquemus](https://books.allwomenstalk.com/must-start-book-series-for-college-students/) - [books like almost famous](https://books.allwomenstalk.com/lesser-known-books-by-famous-authors/) - [9 of the Most Romantic Movies ...](https://movies.allwomenstalk.com/9-of-the-most-romantic-movies/) - [10 Romantic Movies of 2010 ...](https://bilbr.com/romantic-movies-of/) ## Site Information - [Main page](https://allwomenstalk.com) - [Contact us](https://allwomenstalk.com/contact.html) - [HTML article](https://books.allwomenstalk.com/are-these-the-best-romantic-novels/)