TOP ROMANTIC PICKS

Although I abandoned the series around book five, Outlander

by Diana Gabaldon is the book that tells my favourite literary love story: Jamie and Claire — separated by centuries yet finding their way to each other. Sigh. Bonnie Goldberg, Toronto

The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James

Waller. The strength of love versus the obligation of society and family. What is the sacrifice of making either choice? I wept. Shelley Harris, Ottawa

The Persian Boy by Mary

Renault is an unforgettable ode to both forbidden love and history that will leave you heart broken. David, Edmonton

These Old Shades by

Georgette Heyer. One of her novels of 18th-century London, it has wonderful characters, historically accurate settings, lots of swashbuckling and romance aplenty. This novel, and its sequel Devil’s Cub, are definitely my favourite books about love.

Michèle Spak, Mundare, Alta.

By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept by

Elizabeth Smart is the book I would pick. The depth of her passion is beautifully and poetically described. Tracey Siddons, Stoney Creek, Ont.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte

Bronte: “He made me love him without looking at me.” The romance is in the language, the glances, what is unspoken between them ... Jane and Mr. Rochester ... makes my heart skip a beat. Margaret Bourdignon, Beeton, Ont.

My more recent favourite romantic novel is Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by

Helen Simonson. It was impossible not to love the theme, the characters, the writing, and, of course, the message that it is never too late to fall in love.

Shelley Kean, Courtenay, B.C. Is there anything more romantic than Gone With the Wind? The Deep South and madly passionate Scarlett and Brett. Sixty years after I first read it, it still makes me melt inside! Leslie

Carignan, Winnipeg Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte I love Jane. She’s my favourite heroine of all time. Her romance with Rochester is unconventional, but all the more powerful as her strength of character and enchanting soul belies her ordinary appearance and bewitches this haunted and mysterious man. Lori

Slack, Calgary

Pride and Prejudice is the ultimate romance novel. The miss-understandings and repression of feelings all add tension, thereby leaving the reader no choice but to cheer for their love. Nikki Hillman, Port Coquitlam, B.C.

The Age of Innocence by

Edith Wharton is an astonishing work of love, longing, heartbreak and cruelty. I wish I could read it again for the first time.

Judith Pearse, Toronto

My all time favourite romantic novel is Love In The Time of

Cholera … couldn’t believe the exquisite writing and the way my heart would crumble as the story progressed! A romantic masterpiece. Doriana Bisegna

Montreal Usually the romance genre is one I avoid like the plague, but I read an article in Publisher's Weekly this week that made me realize that one of my favourite novels, Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, is actually a romance novel. Long live Pip and Miss Haversham. Shirley Schwartz, Vermilion, Alta.