Toni's Book Corner

Tag: romance

  • I want to get into classics: 5 tips on where to start

    I want to get into classics: 5 tips on where to start

    Classics have a reputation of being hermetic, complex and too hard to understand. There are a product of their time, and it is true that some are difficult to fully grasp without historical and political context to make the book make sense. For instance, I have read some postmodern literature during my studies, and having deconstructed, fragmented stories was a product of a disillusioned time period, but feels like a complete fever dream when reading them. While older texts are often written in less ‘fluent’ and sometimes more archaic language, many of these books we now call classics are so because they were popular at the time as well. Some were written for an intellectual elite, but many were written for and loved by the masses. After all, many books that we are reading today will become classics for the future population as well. Everyone has a different taste in books, but these books are classics for a reason, so do not let yourself get discouraged by the status they have and dip your toe in the masterpieces of the past. In this article, I will give you five tips on where to start if you want to read some classics, and I will finish off with some accessible recommendations.

    Don’t put pressure on yourself

    If you are only getting into classics or want to read more complex books, there is no need to pressure yourself in terms of understanding everything. There is no need to excavate every layer or hidden message in a book, just because other people have said there is. A book can have many layers, and if you read and enjoy it just for the plot without figuring out a possible message the author wanted to convey, that is completely fine. You read for yourself, not for anyone else.

    Familiarise yourself with the time period

    Looking up some key elements about the time period a book is either set in or written in, can make the reading experience more enjoyable. Throughout history culture, politics and customs have evolved wildly and familiarising yourself beforehand can prevent some misunderstandings. You don’t need to perform a complete research of course, but just looking up the political context, the art movement and some key elements about the daily lives can go a long way. Depending on how much this interests you, you can research as much or as little as you like.

    An ereader is your best friend

    In terms of truly understanding the wording and phrases, it can be useful to have a dictionary at hand, and reading digitally makes it much easier. You can just select the word you don’t understand and look up the meaning while reading. That way you don’t have to put down the book, grab your phone or laptop and get distracted or lose the momentum you had. There are so many beautiful editions of classic books out there, but the ebooks are often very cheap, which is another bonus.

    Read modernised versions of older classics

    Some of the most well-known classics are centuries old and only slightly resemble modern languages. A great solution is to read modernised versions of these texts, as they are accompanied by a translation in the modern language and extra explanations. The best example of this is Shakespeare, but there’s also Beowulf, the legends of King Arthur or the Iliad for example, that have been translated many times. The latter three are adventurous tales filled with bravery, magic, excitement and love. As the greatest barrier to reading these is the language, modernised text versions are the perfect solution. Poetry is also a good example of this, since there are beautiful poems written that require a bit more explanation to fully grasp and appreciate them. A personal favourite of mine is the romantic poets, for which there are many texts that give more elucidation.

    Choose a genre you enjoy

    While classics is a catch-all term for books that have stood the test of time and have gained attention and popularity or have remained so, it is not an actual genre. Within the group of classics, there are many genres extremely similar to the ones we read today. Stick with what you know, and read a classic book in the same genre as what you already know and love. Here are some examples of books in different genres, that I find accessible to get into reading classics.

    Mystery/Thriller

    Sherlock Holmes is the perfect example of an accessible mystery from the 19th century. There are many books Arthur Conan Doyle has written about this famous detective, and some are short stories which is the perfect place to start. Conan’s stories and novels are engaging, immersive and perfect for fans of mystery and thriller books.

    Similarly, Agatha Christie is one of the most accessible classic writers and she has written many mysteries. Murder on the Orient Express is arguably her most famous novel, but it is not the only one. Many of her books have been used as inspiration for other authors or other pieces of media. She has been dubbed the ‘Queen of Crime’ and with over 2 billion copies of her works sold, she is an immensely popular author. Her books are more recent than some other classics, so the way they are written is very similar to modern language and they are therefore perfect to get into classics.

    Dystopian

    There are many dystopian novels in the ever-expanding group of classics, but it is also a popular genre today. The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood is a modern classic, published in 1985 and has received many awards for its significance. It is a staple in the dystopian genre and is obvious in its messaging which makes it easy to get into, especially if you are already familiar with the dystopian genre.

    Another famous example is Animal Farm by George Orwell. Though 1984 by him is also very popular, it is longer and sometimes described as more complex, so I think Animal Farm is a better place to start. It is a very short book and uses animals to tell the historical event of the Russian Revolution and everything that followed. I do highly recommend looking this political context up before starting the book, but just knowing the basics will make you understand and appreciate Orwell’s exploration of this period.

    Magical Realism

    In stead of books I will recommend two authors for this genre, and those are Haruki Murakami and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Murakami is still active as an author today and he is considered a modern classical author because his literary work has been so often praised and is globally considered as a staple in modern literature. While I have only read Iq84 by him, and immensely enjoyed it I might add, it is one of his longest works and therefore maybe not the best to get started on his publication list. With fifteen books and multiple short story collections already out, he is still writing, so if you enjoy magical realism I am sure you will find something on his publication list that you will enjoy.

    I have never finished a Garcia Marquez book personally, because it was not my cup of tea, but I know many people who love his books and I can see why. His writing style is accessible and his novels are filled with emotions, written in the genre of magical realism, in which he is considered a master. His most popular titles are undoubtedly A Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera.

    Romance and Literary Fiction

    I have included these two genres together, because some of the books I will recommend here have elements of both. If you are a true romance fan, any Jane Austen work is the best place to start to get into classics. Her books were popular in their time because they are filled with love, affection and romance in the time they are set. While the language is a bit more archaic than today, it is still accessible and easy to get swept up in once you get into it. I can wholeheartedly recommend her books.

    Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is considered one of the most famous classics of all time, and out of all of the books I have recommended, I think this is the most accessible to get started, because it was written as a children’s book. It is a coming-of-age story about four sisters, finding their way through life. It truly has something for everything, as it is filled with family, sisterhood, friendship, grief, identity and love. While love is a prevalent theme, I wouldn’t say it is the main storyline which is why the book is not classified as a romance, but I do believe that you will enjoy this book immensely if you love love.

    Finally, I want to recommend the Great Gatsby, which despite revolving heavily round love has a more tragic tone to it. It is more literary fiction, but still perfect for romance fans as love is the driving force of the protagonist. It is also quite a short book, so it is not daunting to get into it and the beautiful story will reward you handsomely.

  • 3 Books that will make you happy

    3 Books that will make you happy

    People read for many different reasons. To escape daily life, to learn new things, to become completely immersed in another universe or even to get your adrenaline pumping from start to finish. We will crave different types of books at different times of life, and I myself have a varied book taste. However, one thing I think we can all never have enough of is some positive vibes and happiness. Therefore, I wanted to recommend some books that will make you happy when reading them. No complexities, no tough subject matter, just positive vibes.

    Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young

    Out on a Limb is a problem free romance between two characters who hook up at their best friends’ halloween party and find themselves with an unexpected pregnancy. As they figure out co-parenting and forge a deeper connection, they focus on healthy relationships and clear communication. This is the most problem-free romance I have ever read, and it is a beautiful story that will make you feel warm and happy.

    The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

    This story follows Anna and West, who get married without knowing each other while studying at UCLA to get access to subsidised family housing. Three years and a divorce later, Annie is working as an artist, living from paycheque to paycheque, when her not so ex-husband reluctantly contacts her again. Set to inherit one-hundred-million dollars, he has to first prove to his grandfather that he has been happily married for at least five years. There shouldn’t be a problem, since West has told his family he married years ago. It also shouldn’t be a problem that his family finally wants to meet his mystery wife. The problem is that there is no wife. Enter, Anna. Accompanying him on a family wedding trip, the two have to convince everyone they have been in love for years already, when in reality they hardly know the first thing about each other. If the tropical, sunny, bridal setting does not make you happy, maybe the eternal optimistic Anna will, or the way a true love starts to grow out of a lie.

    Welcome to the Hynam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

    As I just wrote an in depth review of this book that will come out later this month, I don’t want to write about it in length yet hear. What I will say, is that this follows the main character Yeongju as she starts a bookshop. We meet characters who become involved and slowly but surely form a community together out of unlikely connections. People from different ways of life come together, offering support and advice when society can feel pressuring. It is a slow moving story, offering more comfort than plot, but making you feel reassured and happy with life as it is.

  • Get to know my booktaste

    Get to know my booktaste

    I have been posting on my blog for a few weeks now, and I thought it could be a good idea to expand on my personal book taste. That way, you know if my taste aligns with yours and if any recommendations I give would please you too. Preferences are so personal, that someone can recommend a book with all of their praise, but someone else can think it is the worst book they have ever read. Therefore, in this article, I will highlight the genres I enjoy reading, some of my favourite authors and books and some extra things that define my book taste. Hopefully you can still find some common ground and enjoy my future reviews and recommendations.

    Genres

    This is the most difficult category for me, since I enjoy a lot of different genres and as I get older my preferences change. Although I don’t have a favourite genre and it switches throughout the year in terms of what is going on in my personal life, I feel like lately anything fiction-adjacent has been at the top. Let me expand on this vague description. While I do occasionally read books that are fully contemporary fiction, I enjoy books with a mix of genres far more. For instance, I recently read and loved The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (review to come), which is classified as literary fiction, contemporary fiction, music fiction and rockstar romance. Another example is Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone, which took me so completely by surprise that I cannot stop talking about it. I initially expected this to be a contemporary romance, which is not untrue, but a very prominent part of the book leans closer to emotional fiction than romance. These are the books I thoroughly enjoy. As you can find out from going through my blog, Kristin Hannah is heavily featured on here, which is because she is heavily featured on my list of favourites as well. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction, the latter one of my favourite genres as well because it allows me to travel through time and learn more about other cultures. Another genre I have discovered recently is healing fiction, but I want to dedicate an entire post on this genre soon, so I won’t expand too much on it here.

    I have always been a thriller reader as well, which I like to switch up with some heavier books to have variation between easy breezy reads and more dense books to dive into and analyse. Some of my favourite fiction authors are Riley Sager, Lucy Clarke and Freida McFadden, who have never let me down with one of their books yet.

    While I don’t read too much fantasy, I do enjoy the genre occasionally, and once I get sucked into a world I am there to stay. Sarah J. Maas is one of my all time favourite authors, and although I have never read any fantasy like her books, I have found some other great reads to sweep me away from reality for hundreds of pages at a time.

    Finally, classic books will always have a special place in my heart as well, although I believe a classic book is not the genre of the book. There are thrillers, romances, sciencefiction, satires and many other genres that make up the list of classical books. That being said, I did want to include them in books I like to read, because people often view them as a separate group. As a literary major, I have read and analysed a lot of the most ‘famous’ books, and after graduating I have slowed down in reading these. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into analyses in class and learning more about the books, authors and time periods than I ever could by reading them on my own, but I have come to realise that I don’t need to pressure myself into understanding every hidden meaning or commentary, as long as I just enjoy the book. Therefore, I have a number of classics that I haven’t yet read on my list to read soon.

    While these are the genres I read most often, I dabble in many more occasionally. I recently read Project Hail Mary, which is a sciencefiction novel and my favourite of the month. Andy Weir has now expanded my list of books to read by writing such a masterpiece, because obviously I now have to read his other books as well. I have also started to read more non-fiction lately, mostly memoirs, but I am open to exploring more.

    Authors

    This is such a difficult list to set up, because I have read and loved so many books. For the purpose of not making this article too long, I have listed the ones I thought of first and authors I have read more than one book by, the only exception is when they only have one book out yet (because I had to include Matt Coyne). I will add them in list form, because I simply cannot expand on them all if I don’t want to keep writing until tomorrow.

    • Sarah J. Maas
    • Kristin Hannah
    • Matt Coyne
    • Beth O’ Leary
    • Freida McFadden
    • Riley Sager
    • Cara Bastone
    • Jane Austen
    • Jessa Hastings
    • Jennifer Saint
    • Emily Brontë
    • Shakespeare
    • Katy Brent
    • Elin Hilderbrand
    • Fredrik Backman
    • Emily Henry
    • M.J. Alridge
    • Abby Jimenez
    • Lynette Noni
    • Louisa May Alcott

    Various

    Here are some things I love, either in books or about books without too much extra context. Firstly, I love fleshed out characters that show growth, no matter what genre they are in. When I get to connect to characters in a way that makes me sad the book is over because I miss them, I know it is a great book. What truly makes a book stand out to me besides its characters, is its depth. Lately I have been reading books that either explore some more difficult topics like grief, or show different sides of humanity when put in different situations, and these are the stories I love. Reading makes us understand other people better, because we see things we would never encounter in real life. While I enjoy some books to take me out of reality and whisk me away in a world of adventure, drama or fantasy, I also enjoy books grounded in humanity that show hopeful stories of heartfelt and true connections.

    While I can keep going, there are too many things to list and I don’t want my post to go on forever. This article is like a moment in time for me, because if I revisit this in a few years’ time, I am sure my feelings and tastes have changed once again. If after reading this article, you have any tips or recommendations for me of books you think I would love, please let me know down below.

  • Six Romance Books for Spring

    Six Romance Books for Spring

    Now that it’s officially spring, it is time to recommend some spring books to read, and today those are specifically romance books. As summer, far and winter (particularly the holidays) are more popular for books tailored to that season, I did my best to find books that really embody spring. To me, that means happy, lighthearted vibes, growth and new things. But most of all, to me spring is the season of hope and feelings that bloom. Here are my recommendations for romance books that perfectly encapsulate those exact feelings.

    Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

    Unlike most romance novels, the love interests in Out of the Woods are already a couple at the start of the book. Bonam-Young introduces Sarah and Caleb in her first instalment of this interconnected standalone duo logy, Out on a Limb. The high school sweethearts have been married for quite a while and still love each other strongly. However, getting together at such a young age is a challenge to their own identities: where do their individualities end and where does their relationship begin? Who are they without each other? To find their way back to each other and themselves, Sarah and Caleb partake in a week-long hiking retreat to help struggling relationships. Will they find their way back, or will their love get lost in the wilderness? Spring is all about growth and hopeful new beginnings, sentiments that Out of the Woods perfectly embodies. This novel explores themes like identity, love in longer relationships and independency versus trust. Since a large part of the book also involves hiking and camping out in nature, the setting is also perfect for spring.

    First Time Caller by B.K. Borison

    Not only does First Time Caller take place in the spring, but Borison has given readers a very original romance plot with this book. Radio host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, Aiden Valentine, has lost his love for love, and his job is starting to suffer from it. That is until one night, the radio receives a call from a young girl, asking for dating advice on her mother’s behalf. Listeners go wild for the ensuing conversation between Aiden and Lucie Stone, who eventually agrees to be set up on dates for the program. But when romance starts to stir, it might not be between her and the gentlemen taking her out, but rather with the charismatic radio host who starts to dislike his own new segment more and more with each passing date. First Time Caller is often associated with Valentine’s Day, however, I think it is filled with hopeful new beginnings, and fits the spring season perfectly.

    The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

    As you may know, I cannot recommend any type of romance book without including anything by Beth O’Leary. She has some very unique concepts for her novels, and her debut, The Flatshare, is no exception. When Tiffy needs to find a new apartment to get away from her cheating ex-boyfriend, she ends up sharing a flat with Leon. The catch? The apartment only has one bedroom. The solution? Tiffy takes the flat from the evening until the morning, while Leon, who works the night shift, uses the fact during the day. The new roommates get to know each other through a series of notes, and despite never meeting each other, their connection starts to grown. The Flatshare is a lighthearted, sweet romance, that literally feels like a sunny, bright spring day.

    Swear On This Life by Renee Carlino

    Emiline works as an adjunct writing instructor in stead of having the flourishing writing career she’s always dreamed of. When a young new author suddenly gains popularity with a debut novel, she is reluctant to read it, but when she finally starts the novel, she is taken aback. Reading about the story of two childhood best friends falling in love and dreaming of a better life together sounds a little bit too familiar to be coincidental. Realising that the author has used a penname and is actually Jackson, a person from her past, she is furious that he has used that painful past to write his novel. The only way to move forward is to confront her beginnings, but is she ready to face the boy she once knew, or will the ending of their real story be an unhappy ever after? Carlino utilises flashbacks to tell both timelines, so it is not just set in one specific season or year. It is a story of second chances, staring anew and hoping for connection.

    Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    This novel is a classic, so many people will already know it, but it is so perfectly fitted to the spring season that I had to recommend it. Set in nineteenth century England, a mother with five daughters’ main goal is to ensure they are all married to a rich and respectable husband. When a wealthy gentleman moves into the estate near them, Mrs. BEnnet is confident one of her girls will marry him. While Jane, the eldest, forms an early attachment to the newcomer, Lizzie is less impressed with his stern and unsociable friend, Mr. Darcy. The two find themselves in each others company more often than expected, and are not amiable to say the least. But, when feelings start to stir, will Mr. Darcy’s pride stand in the way of true love? Or will it be Lizzie’s prejudice that proves too strong to overcome a genuine connection? This literary masterpiece covers a budding, growing attachment between the two main characters that is parallel to the feeling spring often brings out.

    Once upon a broken heart by Stephanie Garber

    Although this is not technically a romance, Garber has written a fantasy novel where romance is an important part of the plot. Evangeline Fox is heartbroken when the love of her life is suddenly marrying her sister. To fix her devastating situation, she decides to do the one thing all the fairytales have advised against: making a deal with a Fate. She quickly realises the warnings were not unfounded when she gets increasingly tangled up in the web of plans and schemes that is Jacks, the Prince of Hearts. This whimsical romantic fantasy is filled with magic, fairytales and love, perfect for the spring season and letting your imagination run wild.

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  • 8 Books and their perfect snack

    8 Books and their perfect snack

    If you are like me, you enjoy having a snack and a drink with your book. While I try to read whenever I have a bit of time, the best feeling is when you get to sit down for an extended period of time, focus wholly on your book and get immersed in that world. It gets even more enjoyable if you create a cosy atmosphere: light a candle, play some soft music and enjoy a drink or snack. In this article, I will pair some books with the perfect drink, snack or food to heighten your reading experience even more.

    The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs and a Martini

    The cover of this book speaks volumes already, and while any cocktail would do, a martini is the perfect fit. After three husbands’ bad investments robs their wives of the carefree futures they deserve, the women have to come up with a retirement plan of their own. The inspiration? Finding out their husbands have very expensive life insurance’s. The plan? Planning three murders, with a refreshing alcoholic beverage on the side.

    One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune and chocolate cake

    Even if it is not your birthday, you should have a huge cake on hand when you are reading this book. Set during summer at a lake, it is a beautiful love story between photographer Alice, who goes back to her Nan’s cottage to care for her after an operation, and Charlie Florek, who has been summering there for decades. It is a perfect book to read on a warm and sunny day, and I can also recommend listening to the audiobook. However, I was unlucky enough to be listening to this book while I was not at home and a birthday was taking place. Fortune’s writing is fantastically immersive, but in my case it was too immersive, because the chocolate cake she was describing was making my stomach grumble and my salivary glands tingling. I therefore recommend everyone who reads this book to have a chocolate cake at hand, so the same unfortunate circumstances don’t befall you as they did me.

    Days at the Torunka Café by Satoshi Yagisame and a cup of coffee

    This will come as no surprise to anyone who has read my review on this book, or read the book itself. Nestled in an alleyway that branches off of the market street, people who are meant to find the place will stumble upon the Torunka Café. The book is filled with warmth, lovely characters and heartfelt advice disguised in three different stories about love and life. All of this takes place while the café owner pour a mean cup of coffee that will heal your soul.

    The Reunion by Bronwyn Rivers with a lot of water

    Ten years after their friend Ed passed away, Hugh, Charlotte, Alex, Laura and Jack go back to his childhood home to remember him with his mother Mary. She, however, is convinced the five people she has invited are keeping secrets about what really happened all those years earlier, and she will stop at nothing to find those out. Set in the Australian outback, tensions are not the only things that rise and survival makes us reach back to the basic necessities. Trust me, you will want a glass of water next to you when reading this book.

    People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry with ice cream

    As you might be able to guess, a big portion of this book takes place on vacation. Poppy and Alex meet on a road trip home from college, and while their initial connection leaves things to be desired, they become fast friends and make a pact: once a year, every year, they will go on a vacation together, somewhere in the world. As years pass and destinations get crossed off, they draw closer to finding out if there is more than friendship between them, or if they are doomed to fall apart. The perfect snack to accompany a summer vacation book? Ice cream, of course.

    Breathless by Amy McCulloch with a hot tea or soup

    A thriller set on one of the highest mountains in the world, where journalist Cecily Wong goes to interview internationally famous mountaineer Charles McVeigh. To make or break her career, Cecily bets everything on this article, including her life, by climbing Manaslu. When one climber dies, it can still be seen as an accident, but when a second climber dies, one thing is certain: there is a killer on the mountain. Set in an icy world of snow, wind and cold, this book pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or a bowl of nourishingly warm soup.

    If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia with a cinnamon roll

    Michelle, after losing her mother and divorcing her husband, moves from Seattle to Vermont, to temporarily run her late mother’s bed-and-breakfast, until her sister graduates and can take over. Her new neighbour is a single dad and runs a bakery, but he still finds the time to help her get settled in the bed-and-breakfast and offer companionship. They quickly develop a strong friendship, but as the end of Michelle’s three months in Vermont nears, they wonder if their relationship can blossom into something more than friends. Not only is the male main character a baker, Michelle is also constantly trying out new recipes to offer her guests warm and yummy pastries, to a cinnamon roll or any other baked good would go perfectly with this book.

    Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe with popcorn

    When Margo falls unexpectedly pregnant, she has to find a way to provide for her child and herself, and quickly. She decides to make an OnlyFans account and with the help of her estranged father, crafts a series of videos starring a compellingly curious character. When her account skyrockets into succes, she has to ask herself if this is truly the answer to her problems, or just a temporary fix. The story was so entertaining, that it feels just like watching a reality series or something equally compelling, and what is more perfect to go with that than popcorn?

  • Favourite Book of February: The No-Show by Beth O’Leary

    Favourite Book of February: The No-Show by Beth O’Leary

    Like last month, I wanted to review my favourite book of the month that has passed, since it is now March. However, I have been a bit too enthusiastic in writing my review for Days at the Torunka Café right after finishing it, because now it turns out to be my favourite book of February. But, never fear, I have read many great books so I decided to review my second favourite book of February which was The No-Show by Beth O’Leary.

    I have mentioned O’Leary’s books multiple times already on my blog, but that is because I truly enjoyed all of the books I have read by her so far. The storylines are original and her characters unique, displaying both depth and growth. The No-Show was no different, and it is also the first romance book I read that had a big plot twist in it.

    When three different women get stood up by the same man on Valentine’s Day, you are not inclined to like this man. Siobhan has a breakfast date with Joseph, Miranda is waiting for her boyfriend Carter at a lunch place, and Jane needed a fake date to her colleague’s engagement party, for which she asked Joseph Carter. The story involves three very different women, whose only similarity is that they get stood up by the same man.

    What I enjoyed so much about The No-Show, is that O’Leary creates a situation in which the readers cannot easily root for the male protagonist, but eventually warm up to him. It is hard to give my full thoughts on it without spoiling the book, but when going in to it, you know that it is a romance book. As I read about Joseph’s situation with all three women, I kept thinking: there has to be an explanation for this, right? All the while believing there was to way O’Leary could write her way out of this situation.

    Like all of her books, the characters were well fleshed out, and I was rooting for everyone to get their happy ending. Siobhan is the first character we meet, and she is fierce, passionate and fiery, a real go-getter. Miranda is similar to her in that aspect, since they are both very strong characters. Her occupation as a tree surgeon made her really cool in my opinion, and I enjoyed the interactions with her co-workers. She has a softer side as well, which is something she shares with Jane who is a real sweetheart. She is kind and more introverted, set in her routines, but that is because she has some bagage from her past. Finding this out feels like a plot in itself, but it was also wonderful to see how the people around her cared for her and wanted her to get out of her shell. While they all go through an evolution, Joseph is the character who grows the most. While he comes across as chaotic, and sometimes deceitful, he is going through hardships of his own and in the end I found him a very likeable character.

    The side characters added to the plot and showcased different types of relationships and what they can bring: love, friendship, family, colleagues, hardship, loss, forgiveness and growth. As a reader, you can see the compatibility Joseph has with each of these women, and at times I didn’t know who to root for. The plot makes it so that you don’t know what to think the entire time, and while it can seem like there is no good possible ending, it all works out.

    If my review of the book intrigues you, don’t wait any longer to give it a chance, because it really is worth your time.

  • 5 Romance Books without a Third Act Breakup

    5 Romance Books without a Third Act Breakup

    It might be the most dreaded moment in a romance novel, and one that has readers groaning aloud upon reading: the dreaded third act breakup. Like everything in literature, taste differs and while some people might enjoy the tension and disruption in the story line that it might bring, it’s not for everyone. This post is specifically catered to those readers who enjoy a romance that proves the characters can have a healthy and strong relationship that overcomes hardships without having to break up over them.

    Specific tropes or writing devices are always used for a reason, and in this case, advocates often describe the third act breakup as a way to ensure character growth. By challenging the protagonist with the breakup, they can show how they have evolved and overcome the flaw or trouble they have been dealing with for the entirety of the storyline by making up and ending with their loved one. While I have enjoyed romance novels with this narrative device, I prefer a story that shows the couple can resolve their issues, individual or joined, before getting together. I don’t think showing breaking up at the first issue that shows up after the protagonists getting together promotes a healthy relationship, because in my eyes, things can usually be resolved without them breaking up. That being said, even a romance novel needs some kind of conflict or obstacle, sometimes very small. I think there is a big difference between a third act breakup and a third act conflict. The first usually arises from miscommunication or the characters handling something in an obviously bad way, while the latter can be an external or internal conflict that the characters either resolve before getting together, or tackle together in a mature way. So, here are my recommendations that either have a third act conflict that is resolved in a well thought-out way, or does not have a third act conflict altogether. 

    1. Out on a Limb by Hannah Bond-Young

    When Win has a one-night stand at her best friend’s costume party, the last thing she expects is to see those two pink lines on a pregnancy test. Surprised but confident in her decision, she decides to keep the baby, and Bo, the father, steps up to the plate. Together, Win and Bo get to know each other, so they can be the best platonic parents for their child on the way, but along the way they find that maybe they can have it all. 

    This heartwarming story portrays one of the healthiest relationships I have read about and does not need a third act break-up to ensure character growth or to keep readers engaged. 

    2. If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

    This book caught readers’ attention last year for being a nostalgic autumn romance set in the late nineties and reminiscent of Gilmore Girls. Michelle, after losing her mother and divorcing her husband, moves from Seattle to Vermont, to temporarily run her late mother’s bed-and-breakfast, until her sister graduates and can take over. Her new neighbour is a single dad and runs a bakery, but he still finds the time to help her get settled in the bed-and-breakfast and offer companionship. They quickly develop a strong friendship, but as the end of Michelle’s three months in Vermont nears, they wonder if their relationship can blossom into something more than friends. 

    Despite outside factors complicating their situation, there is no third act breakup in this cosy romance, portraying a healthy adult relationship. 

    3. The Flatshare by Beth O’ Leary

    Beth O’ Leary has some unique concepts for her novels, and her debut, The Flatshare, is no exception. When Tiffy needs to find a new apartment to get away from her cheating ex-boyfriend, she ends up sharing a flat with Leon. The catch? The apartment only has one bedroom. The solution? Tiffy takes the flat from the evening until the morning, while Leon, who works the night shift, uses the flat during the day. The new roommates get to know each other through a series of notes, and despite never meeting each other something starts to grow.

    This romance was very unique, sweet, and completely third act breakup free!

    4. Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren

    As Tangled was my favorite princess movie growing up, this book was an easy hit for me. Tangled Up In You is a modern day retelling of the fairy tale, following Ren and Fitz. Growing up on a homestead, Ren has never partaken in regular teenage activities, never been to school or even held an iPhone before. She is twenty-two years old, she finally convinces her parents to let her go off to college so she can learn about new farming techniques to bring home. It is there she meets Fitz: smooth talker, teacher’s pet, and does not do charity work. When Ren finds out something shocking in their shared immunology class, the two find themselves embarking on a road trip that will change the course of both of their lives. Ren discovers more about the world she has never seen before, and Fitz discovers that the girl sitting next to him can show him new things too.

    Perfect for fans of Disney and real life fairy tales. 

    5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    A sure way to make sure your romance book does not have a third act breakup is to pick up a classic, because in that time, separation was not a possibility. Pride and Prejudice was a romance book in its own time, and while there are obstacles keeping the protagonists apart, there is no third act breakup. Set in nineteenth century England, a mother with five daughters’ main goal is to ensure they are all married to a rich and respectable husband. When a rich gentleman moves into the estate near them, Mrs. Bennet is confident one of her girls will marry him. While Jane, the eldest, forms an early attachment to the newcomer, Mr Bingley and makes a great impression, but Lizzie is less impressed with his stern and unsociable friend, Mr. Darcy. The two find themselves in each others company more often than expected, and feelings start to stir, but will Mr. Darcy’s pride and Lizzie’s prejudice prove to strong to be overcome by true love? 

    For those who like romantic books and want to get into classics, Pride and Prejudice is a perfect place to start. It is popular for a reason and, as a bonus, will spare you from modern day third act breakups.