Monthly Themed Reading List Recommendations: Romance

Are you a fan of romance novels that combine faith, love, and heartfelt emotions? If so, you’re in for a treat!

Do you like reading lists? Each month in 2025, I am posting a monthly themed reading list, and this month is all about romance. You can see last month’s on cozy mysteries HERE.

Full disclosure – I don’t typically read romance. I feel the stares! But I do know of lots of great romance books that are clean (the only kind I’ll recommend). So let’s get started!

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Clean read romance

Unspoken by Dee Henderson – Charlotte Graham’s never spoken about the kidnapping. Eighteen years later, she’s the only one who knows the truth. But, even now, can she risk sharing it?

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon – Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life–and love–altered her plans. (On Kindle Unlimited.)

Countin’ on Jesse by Mary Pat Johns – Peeps’ gym owner Jesse seeks accreditation. Accountant Brenna wants to help Jesse and Peeps more than anything. They’re a great team, but can she count on him when trouble strikes? (On Kindle Unlimited.)

Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer – After a short and difficult marriage, recently widowed Edith Sherman has learned her lesson. Forget love. Forget marriage. She plans to fill her thirties with adventure. As she awaits the final paperwork for a humanitarian trip to South Africa, she accepts a short-term nursing position in a small Midwestern town. The last thing she needs is a handsome local catching her eye. How inconvenient is that?

Love in the Squared Circle by Heather Greer – Trinity Knight is not a fan of professional wrestling. But with her husband gone, it falls to her to give their son the father-son trip they daydreamed about when he was alive. After Trinity causes them to miss a meet and greet with Jay’s favorite wrestler, a random act of kindness saves the trip and starts Trinity on an unexpected path. (On Kindle Unlimited.)

More romance!

The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander – One simple kiss draws two people into a discovery that will forever change their lives. Marriage seems to be the only option for Keara McBride and Elam Jensen. Her father’s bad decisions have left her homeless, and Elam’s children need a mother. But when the Jensens seal their vows at the altar with a kiss, their marriage of convenience suddenly becomes far less convenient.

Carolina Dream by Regina Rudd Merrick – Sarah Crawford wants more from life than to attend the wedding of her ex-fiancée. An unexpected inheritance in South Carolina comes at the perfect time, just as Sarah is willing to use any excuse to get out of town. (On Kindle Unlimited.)

Love’s True Home by Lori DeJong – Allyson Kincaid needs roots. Born and raised on the foreign mission field, all she wants is home and hearth on American soil. Finally past the break-up with the man she’d thought was the love of her life, she’s ready to put herself back out there. Too bad the first guy who’s made her pulse skip in nearly two years dreams of a life spent in foreign missions. (On Kindle Unlimited.)

The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch – Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero–he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn’t think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Authentically Izzy by Pepper Basham – Izzy Edgewood is a wannabe bookstore owner, quote queen, and Lord of the Rings nerd who has been waiting for Prince Charming to sweep her off her sneakered feet. But it’s hard to meet people when you spend more time with fictional humans than real ones. (On Kindle Unlimited.)

Last but not least – all-time favorite romances

I had to google this, but here are the top 10 romance novels of all time (listed on Goodreads):

• Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Persuasion
• Diana Gabaladon’s Outlander series #1, 2, and 3
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
• Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
• The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
• Taming Flame by Therisa Peimer.

What are your favorite romances?

Romance readers, speak up! What are your favorite romances? I can’t wait to hear!

Read Candy & Books, a Perfect Pairing, and then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers! Be sure you grab your FREE 10-step checklist to plan your novel when you subscribe!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 39 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024! And book #2 in the series – Where’s the Quetzal? – releases Feb. 25, 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)