As Valentine’s Day approaches, romance books are gaining more popularity among Cal High students.
From lighthearted love stories to emotional favorites, many of these books offer more than just holiday cliches.
Whether students are longtime fans of the genre or picking up a romance novel for the first time, these books offer an immersive escape and a meaningful way to enjoy the season.
“P.S. I Love You” by Cecelia Ahern,
This novel is centered on love, loss and healing. The story follows a wife coping with her husband’s death through letters left behind, creating a deeply moving and emotionally powerful romance that appeals to readers who prefer heartfelt and feel-good stories.
After Holly Kennedy’s husband, Gerard Butler, passes, she starts receiving letters from him. He began writing letters when he got sick because he knew how difficult it would be for Holly to cope with his death. Starting on her 30th birthday, she receives his first letter. They contain meaningful words to encourage her to keep going.
“P.S. I Love You” is a true tale of ever-lasting love.
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han
This is another great romance novel that students might be interested in checking out this month because it’s a sweet, modern teen romance about first love and friendship.
The story follows Lara Jean, whose secret love letters are accidentally mailed to her former crushes, leading to a fake relationship that slowly turns into real love. She ends up starting a fake relationship with popular jock Peter Kavinsky to save face, only to find herself actually falling for him.
“Better Than the Movies”
by Lynn Painter
This novel follows Liz Buxbaum, a high school senior who believes real life should feel like a rom-com. When her childhood crush moves back to town, Liz teams up with Wes, her next door neighbor that she doesn’t necessarily like, hoping he’ll help her get with the guy she always liked.
As the two spend more time together, Liz realizes that love doesn’t always look like the movies, and the perfect romance might be right in front of her eyes.
“The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
This is an emotional, bittersweet romance story about Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus (Gus) Waters.
The two have a heartfelt, humorous and deeply emotional relationship, which appeals to readers who like meaningful love stories that explore life, loss and connection.
Hazel is a teenager living with cancer when she meets Gus at a support group. As they fall in love, the story explores their relationship while addressing the themes of living life to its fullest even when your time is limited.
“Gone With the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell
This classic love story follows Scarlett O’Hara, a strong-willed young woman who loses everything. To save her family home, she turns into a tough survivor.
She spends years chasing the man who doesn’t love her, while ignoring Rhett Butler, the only man who understands her. By the time she realizes she loves Rhett, he leaves her because of the way she treated him all along. The story ends with Scarlett alone at her home, promising herself she will find a way to get him back.
The relationship between Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler is passionate, complicated, and emotionally powerful, which appeals to readers who like dramatic love stories rather than just sweet ones.
Valentine’s Day is not just a day of celebration but it’s also about stories that leave a lasting impression even after reading the final page.
