What should I read for Valentine's Day?

Some say that Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year.

Others see it as a lonely day in mid-February.

Many see Valentine’s Day as a day of self-care peppered with a bit of romantic indulgence.

Whatever your approach to Valentines Day, we can all agree that a good book makes any day
better.

So why not celebrate Valentine's Day this year by reading a romantic book from classic literature?

This list of romantic book titles is sure to satisfy any reader who is looking for more substance this Valentine’s Day than you find in a run-of-the-mill bodice ripper.

Pride & Prejudice – Jane Austen

Any list of romantic books to read on Valentine’s Day would be incomplete without Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice. 

From the iconic opening line to the happy ending for the beloved characters, it is a perfect novel for a lover of observational romantic comedy – and of witty banter.

While Jane Austen’s novels are set in Regency England among the upper class, she creates characters with personality quirks and character traits that are completely relatable to modern audiences. Austen’s Bingley sisters are today’s mean girls. We’ve all known an insufferable gasbag like Mr. Collins. 

We all still misjudge people. We still fall in love. 

And modern ladies still love a man with substance. Especially one who thinks that his ideal woman should “add something more substantial - in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.”

Rediscover this timeless classic this Valentine’s Day. And why not light our Pride and Prejudice scented book candle to add some ambiance to your reading experience?

The Princess Bride – William Goldman

Eighties kids grew up watching The Princess Bride. A lot. I had a VHS copy. I had friendships begin because of a mutual love of that movie. 

So imagine my surprise when I learned that The Princess Bride is based on a real book! The book grandpa is reading is real! I had to get a copy!

Every bookworm relishes the experience of the inner imagination that opens up when you read a book. The way that events play out inside your head. The way that the story has more texture and layers because of the medium. 

I encourage every Princess Bride fan to have that experience with one of their favorite childhood stories. Make the nostalgic story new again. Be sure to light our The Princess Bride book candle – Buttercup and Honey – while you’re reading!

 Cyrano de Bergerac – Edmond Rostand

Like many fans of classic literature, I knew the story of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac long before I read it. The classic tale has been adapted into several films, and with time has become part of our cultural fabric like many fairy tales. 

Imagine my surprise and delight to discover the beauty of Cyrano de Bergerac in written form! The lovely poetry is a constant reminder of why vocabulary lovers read 19th-century literature, and the romantic storyline is a perfect fit for relaxing with a cup of tea.

Jasmine in the Moonlight, our book candle inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac, was inspired by the iconic balcony scene between Cyrano and Roxanne. 

As Roxanne stands on a jasmine-wrapped balcony, Cyrano hides in the shadows, wooing her with his words. 

“I feel your hand's adorable trembling as it plays, down the whole net of the jasmine sprays!"

 Discover this classic for yourself this Valentine’s Day.

Anne Shirley series – Lucy Maud Montgomery

You may be surprised to see the Anne Shirley series – starting with Anne of Green Gables and ending with Anne of Ingleside – on this list. But the love story between Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe is one of the most beautiful found in classic literature.

I first fell in love with Anne and Gilbert watching the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s 1980’s production of Anne of Green Gables. I identified with Anne’s spirit, and loved the playfulness and intellectual competition that ran through her relationship with Gilbert. 

I soon purchased the entire Anne series and immersed myself in the world of the 19th century Canadian maritimes.

If you haven’t explored L.M. Montgomery’s books beyond Anne of Avonlea, do yourself a favor. You will love seeing Anne go to college – and grow up enough to move beyond her teenage fantasies of what a fairy tale romance looks like. 

The love story of Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe is a hidden gem inside a series many of us read as young adults. Dust off your copy this Valentine’s Day and fall in love with this classic story. 

Raspberry Cordial – our Anne of Green Gables book candle – celebrates a different kind of love found in these wonderful novels – the love between bosom friends Anne Shirley and Diana Barry. It’s the perfect companion to reading this classic series.

Lord Byron’s Love Poetry

Lord Byron is considered to be one of the greatest poets of the Romantic era – writing some of the most beautiful verse found in the English language before his untimely death.

Scholars and readers love to debate which of Lord Byron’s poems is the best – and while a general consensus has formed about which poems deserve to be on a list of greats – everyone seems to have their particular favorite. 

This Valentine’s Day, why not revisit – or acquaint yourself – with one of the 19th century’s greatest poets? Decide for yourself if “When We Two Parted” is superior to “She Walks in Beauty.” 

You may find yourself inspired to write a little love poetry of your own.