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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and February is also Library Lovers’ Month! Why not combine the two and check out a romance novel at your local library? Here are some of my favorite romantic reads… And most of them don’t fit into the traditional romance genre. If you do read a romance book this month, come discuss it at the “Read What You Want” book club at Columbus Library on Thursday, February 16 at 5:30 p.m.

 

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

This one is set in a fictional town near Asheville! Cutthroat literary agent Nora agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for a month when her sister begs her for a girls trip, with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora. But instead of run-ins with a handsome local, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute. But as they are thrown together again and again, what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.

 

Love and Justice by Maya Moore Irons and Jonathan Irons

A journey for justice turned into a love story when Maya Moore, one of the WNBA’s brightest stars, married the man she helped free from prison, Jonathan Irons. In this inspiring memoir, the couple explores their unwavering faith, their deep connection, and how Maya stepped away from basketball to pursue justice both to prove Jonathan’s innocence and inspire activism in others.

 

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

This graphic novel series about a gay high school romance was recently turned into a Netflix show. Charlie and Nick meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more?

 

Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley

Decades after his death, millions of fans continue to worship Elvis the legend. But very few knew him as Elvis the man. Here in her own words, Priscilla Presley tells the story of their love, revealing the details of their first meeting, their marriage, their affairs, their divorce, and the unbreakable bond that has remained long after his tragic death. A tribute to both the man and the legend, Elvis and Me gives Elvis fans the world over an unprecedented look at the true life of the King of Rock N’ Roll and the woman who loved him. Originally published in 1985, the audiobook was just released last year and is narrated by Priscilla herself.

 

Unlock Your Storybook Heart by Amanda Lovelace

This is the third and final book of feminist poetry in the “You Are Your Own Fairy Tale” series. This is a collection about being so caught up in the fable that is perfectionism that you miss out on your own life. When was the last time you stopped to take in the everyday enchantment all around you?

 

The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty

If you’re looking for something a little more “thriller” than “sappy,” check this one out. Ellen is a professional hypnotherapist who meets Patrick – an attractive, eligible man who seems to like her back. Then comes that dreaded moment: He thinks they should have a talk. Braced for the worst, Ellen is pleasantly surprised. It turns out that Patrick’s ex-girlfriend is stalking him. Ellen thinks that’s kind of interesting and is intrigued by the woman’s motives. In fact, she’d even love to meet her. Ellen doesn’t know it, but she already has…

 

Jen Pace Dickenson is the Youth Services Librarian for Polk County Public Libraries. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit polklibrary.org or call (828) 894-8721.