7 Best Wholesome Romantic Classics To Read This Year

Romantic classics full of heartbreak, beauty, and timeless love—must-reads that transport you to the turn of the century.

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Finding wholesome romantic novels is becoming increasingly difficult. Romance novels are written left and right yet finding ones that are worth your time and are clean, while providing a true glimpse at the pleasure and struggle of love is near impossible. I put together this list from a few of the romantic literally classics I have read the last few summers. They’re oldies but goodies, take a gander for yourself.

Far From the Madding Crowd

Written in 1874 , Far from the Madding Crowd is a tragic love story intertwined with societal expectations. Thomas Hardy surrounds the reader with a myriad of questions and suspense over his main character Bathsheba Everdeen. A must read in romantic literature and impossible to put down. Who will she choose?

Gone With The Wind

One of the bestselling classic novels of all time, Gone with the Wind captures the heart of the American South throughout the civil war and reconstruction. Scarlet Ohara’s determination carries her entire family, yet she cannot see the undying love of those around her.

The Virginian

Th Virginian, 1902, established author Owen Wister as the father of the American Western. A classic romantic tale where the reader hopes “He get’s the girl”. Wister opens the reader to life in the Wild West where cattle, love and integrity are the foundation of this riveting literary work.

Jane Eyre

Published in 1847, first under the pseudonym Currer Bell, Jane Eyre became an instant sensation. Heroine Jane defies literary and public opinion of women during the 19th Century. Charlotte Bronte allows the reader to see the inner workings of Jane’s mind and still creates suspense of the unknown throughout this romantic classic.

Anne Of Green Gables

Though you must read several of Montgomery’s Anne series to truly receive the full love story, every novel is full of classic romantic language. Anne herself is a hopeless romantic and sees beauty in all things. Reading Anne of Green Gables will give you a new childlike outlook on the most basic pleasures of life.

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice may be the very best known works in romantic classic literature. Adapted to multiple video series and films this novel has captured the hearts of so many. The way Austin not only conveys the pride in both her main characters but also their unknowing prejudice against one another showcases how this novel has and will continue to stand the test of time. A love story full of drama, whit and the challenging of Regency Era societal expectations.

Wuthering Heights

Another wonderful literary work from the Bronte sisters, this dark and complex romantic novel is based at the top of a Yorkshire moor. Immerse yourself as the family history is told to the reader by the housekeeper between the beginnings of young love to the entanglement of revenge and sorrow.

These romantically themed classics are a must read for anyone who loves being transported to the turn of the century. All of them are full of beautiful language, heartbreak, real life struggles and some have happy endings.