With so many of us leading busy lives, finding the time to settle down with a good book can be challenging for most. Getting the most out of whatever free time we have makes choosing the perfect book even more important. Indulge in some 'me' time and escape from the crazy world outside. Here are five books that any avid romance reader will instantly fall in love with and are all available for Kindle or e-readers.
1. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes draws the reader in with the loveable Louisa Clarke from the very first chapter. After just landing a new job caring for quadriplegic Will, Louisa is trying to get to grips with her new employment and overcome her lack of experience in the role. One wrong move can prove catastrophic for her.
A recent accident has left Will dependent on those around him to take care of every one of his needs, something that he took for granted before his accident. While Louisa brings some light, grudgingly, into his day, a relationship soon begins to blossom in the unlikeliest circumstances. For the first time since he was injured, Will is living again.
Seeing the struggle for Will to retain his dignity and independence as he adjusts to his new routine can leave an impression on even the hardest heart.
An emotional connection between two very different people has the reader asking themselves as they flip the pages: what would they do in the same circumstance and is love really enough?
2. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Written by legendary, soulful romance writer Nicholas Sparks, 'The Notebook' is a love story that spans decades. Set in 40s South Carolina, we meet Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun. Sparks fly, and we find that Allie is a perfect match for Noah's cheeky and determined character. While love flourishes, we soon realize it's not long before life gets in the way of the romance of a lifetime. War and parental expectations test the love of these young lovebirds.
It can almost be forgiven for tricking the experienced romance reader into believing that this is a typical love story, where a poor boy meets a rich girl and is not good enough for the girl's father, but this is where the similarities end. Nicholas Sparks' use of words sends shivers up the spine and has an unapologetic poetic sound to them. This book is by no means a long book to read, and could realistically be read in one uninterrupted sitting, yet Allie and Noah's story will stay with the reader forever.
3. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
'Memoirs of a Geisha' by Arthur Golden is a fabulously written book telling the tale of an ancient culture and the complexities of love. In the first chapter, we meet Chiyo and follow her on her tremulous journey of becoming a Geisha at one of the most prominent Okiya in Kyoto. This ambitious goal, however, was not a journey of her choosing.
Readers can instantly empathize with Chiyo and her enforced situation. Then an act of kindness from a stranger gives her the determination to succeed; we begin to hope for her happiness.
This love story is about honor and what little power we have when choosing who we love. A read that not only educates the reader of cultures long gone and clarifies many misconceptions of what Geisha are, and are not, but brings hope to our hearts. We are left eager to discover if Chiyo will get the attention of her true love, regardless of who she is.
4. Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres
The dramatic wartime love story 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' by Louis de Bernieres, catches the heartache and longing of forbidden love. When Italian and German troops occupy a small island in Greece during WW2, locals are furious at the invasion. They are not welcome, and the community, understandably, shuns them.
Antonio Corelli, a young Italian army captain, meets and falls in love with Pelagia, the local doctor's daughter, despite who he is. Before long, Pelagia is conflicted by emotions of resentment and attraction. She has to think of the loyalty she feels towards her fiance, who is fighting for the country she loves, but this handsome Italian has stolen her heart. It is not long before Pelagia is unable to deny her love for Captain Corelli, and the lines between allies and enemies blur.
A wartime classic that shows that the course of true love is never smooth, and we can't always help who captures our hearts. This book is a meaty read and is best devoured without distractions. Fall in love with Pelagia and Corelli in the hardest of times.
5. P.S. I Love You by Cecilia Ahren
Many of us have seen the motion picture 'P.S. I Love You', and the book by Cecilia Ahren is even more spectacular than the movie. In the beginning, we meet Holly, who is still reeling from the loss of her husband. She'd thought they'd have years ahead of them to bicker and make up, but after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, she is left to face the world alone, or so it appears. Suddenly letters sent from her husband beyond the grave begin to arrive. Giving her strength, they help her along the way, making her face a world without him.
From cover to cover, there are so many laughs, tears, and tantrums as we are transported into Holly's shoes and hope that she can be strong enough for when that final letter arrives. Ahren's talent of transporting the reader from sobbing uncontrollably to laughing out loud within a page or two is not a skill that many writers possess, but this book has it in abundance. A real rollercoaster ride of emotions.
In this 24/7 world, many people don't have the luxury of indulging in some reading, but if we have extra time on our hands, there is no better way to fill up the hours than with a good book. Whether it is wartime romance or a romantic comedy, then there is sure to be something that tickles everyone's fancy. Just grab a comfortable spot on the sofa and settle in for some 'me' time.
