Today is the “official” day of love. It’s the day when you break out the chocolate covered candy (mmmm) and the bouquet of red roses (and from the storms we’ve been having in NYC, any flowers in bloom are welcomed right now!). It’s when you spend the entire day telling the people you love how much they mean to you; whether it’s your parents, your sibling, your children, significant other, your husband or your best friend. It’s a day filled with red colored everything and mushy sentimental phrases. It’s the day I binge on romantic movies and sing love songs at the top of my lungs while driving in the car.
So in honor of this day, I wanted to proclaim my “not so secret” love affair with books. It’s a long standing relationship, one that started very early in my life and one that continues as strongly today as an author. I love everything about books. In hard cover format, I love the smell of the pages and the sound of it as I turn it. In electronic format, I love the sleek look of each chapter as I download it onto my device. I love the amazingly beautiful covers. I love the stories and the characters. I love the words and the descriptions. And most of all, I love the journey each book takes me on. I’ve been all around the world without ever leaving my home. I’ve met people that I would never have had the opportunity to know. I’ve learned about different professions and different cultures. I’ve been to exotic beaches and snowy mountain ranges. I’ve seen families torn apart and reunited. I’ve seen relationships mend and strong women find their voice. I’ve suffered the lows and celebrated the highs. And most importantly, especially on this day of all days, I’ve watched as two people find each other and fall in love.
So in honor of St. Valentine’s Day and all the love that it brings, here are a few of my favorite romantic books (in no particular order):
Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell
P.S. I Love You by Cecilia Ahern
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
One Day by David Nichols
Austenland by Shannon Hale
Emma by Jane Austen
Undomesticated Goddess by Sophie Kinsella
Plain Fame by Sarah Price
Happy Love Day!
Erin
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