Romance Book Recommendations

Hi friends! It’s the month of love as I’m sure you know, so I decided it would be fun (and helpful) to share some of my favorite romance books. I recently have been really enjoying historical romance and even some contemporary (I wanted to avoid classics for this post because those can be daunting and you’ve probably recommended them enough). These are all super wholesome, kiss only books that are light and fun.

Genre: Regency Romance
If you’re looking for a book that is a mix of an atmospheric romance book and a Jane Austen novel with nothing serious in it, this proper romance is for you. It’s about Miss Newbury, an engaged young lady who has a list of activities she wants to complete before her wedding. Set in the Regency period in spring this book has the perfect atmosphere. It’s a bit cheesy I will warn you, but  I fully believe that there’s always a time and place for that.

Genre: Contemporary YA Romance
This is a YA romance set in Paris. It’s about a girl who goes to a ballet camp in Paris for the summer and meets a handsome boy. They run all around Paris, get into trouble and of course fall in love. I read it this summer and enjoyed it far more than I expected. French food, ballet, Degas paintings, and a swoon worthy Parisian romance combine to make this book a treat. 

Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
If you’re looking for something more fairy-tale-esque where romance isn’t the central plot (this book is great for middle-schoolers), you may love this book. It’s a retelling of Beauty and the Beast (pre-Disney film). It’s about Beauty, a smart girl who is forced to live with a beast to pay off her father's 'debt'. Of course, you know how it all goes… This book is so good, it also was the inspiration for two pieces of media that are literally my personality - Ella Enchanted and Disney’s Beauty and The Beast.

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction
I'm really into what I call "grandma books." They're wholesome historical romances that are often in large print ;). I talked about this book in my top books of 2025, but I have to talk about it again. Set in World War Two England this is a book about a single mother working in a library. It can be a little intense with bombings just so you know. There is a sweet romance subplot that I loved so very much, it's tender and genuine. This book is moving, cozy, and all around wonderful. It's kind of like a more grown-up version of A Place To Hang The Moon.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
This is the first book in a Christian Historical Romance trilogy, and also falls into the "grandma book" category. It follows Marigold, a spy disguised as an Edwardian Socialite. Her family is in the investigating business, (so basically they know everything about everyone.) This book is full of intrigue, romance, and strong faith. It’s kind of hard to describe because there are so many layers, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Genre: Contemporary YA Romance
If there was ever a book written with me in mind it was this one. I cannot tell you how genuinely thrilled and surprised I was by this book.

It’s about Britt, a soccer player with a blood disease that is keeping her off of the field. She goes to England for a scavenger hunt hosted by her high school English teacher, and meets Luke, a charming and smart British boy. Britt embarks on a scavenger hunt across England based around literature and Luke joins her on her adventure. This book was perfect, the author is also a Christian so she brought in some fantastic Christian themes. It's literally everything I could want in a YA Romance. 

I hope you found some books to add to your Valentines day plans! Have you read any of these? Do any of them especially stick out to you? Do you have a favorite romance book?

Belle Thomas

Belle is the writer and dreamer behind An Old Fashioned Girl. She is passionate about reminding girls of their identity in Christ, classic books, history, Louisa May Alcott, and earl grey tea. ​​