The Best Love Stories of All Time (page 2 of 2)

More Heartwarming Love Stories

6. Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts (2002)
Passion abounds in this romance set on Maryland's Eastern Shore, where the rough-hewn Seth Quinn wins over Drusilla, the town's icy beauty. Great characters, great dialogue, fun and steamy scenes. True, Roberts has written a gazillion love stories, but this one is a real standout.

7. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (1989)
An aging butler named Stevens, who has performed his job to perfection for more than three decades, reflects on his life. But underneath his controlled exterior lurks a passionate and romantic soul that has been quashed during his years of unblemished service. In the twilight of his life, Stevens learns what love is all about. A fine literary novel.

8. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1877)
Trapped in a loveless marriage, Anna Karenina succumbs to temptation and embarks on a dangerous affair with the handsome Vronsky. Tragedy unfolds amid the canvas of 19th-century Russia, in the most famous of doomed love stories. A memorable and enduring classic.

9. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1991)
A powerhouse time-travel romance, this is the first in Gabaldon's hugely successful series. Strong, beautiful Claire Randall leads a double life, married to a man in one century, with a lover in another century. Filled with humor, passion, wit and wonderful Scottish scenery, this is one fast read for a 600-plus page book. Enjoy the wallow!

10. Follow the Stars Home by Luanne Rice (2000)
If you choose the wrong love, can you save your life from ruin? Years ago, thirtysomething Dianne married the wrong man -- the sexy lobster fisherman -- and not his kindly pediatrician brother. Years later, after tragedy strikes, can she reverse her bad fortune? Grab your tissues and find out in this touching weeper.

Whether it's glimpsing 19th-century Russia in Anna Karenina, or witnessing endless family drama on the Australian outback in The Thorn Birds, or imagining time travel in Outlander, each of these fabulous books has something special. "These are much more than love stories; they are life stories," says Select Editions editor-in-chief Laura Kelly. "If you like a good love story, books are so much more satisfying than movies," she continues. "Books take you into the minds of all the characters, where their hopes and dreams will really fire up your own imagination."

•  

• The Best Thrillers of All Time
• Ready for your hair to stand on end -- while reading a book? Check out our list of these 10 great thriller genres.
• 
• 15 Books That Will Transport You
• 
• 16 Books That Define America
• Classic literature to revisit the nation's past.
• 
• 10 Unforgettable Beach Reads
• Discover this list of books you will treasure long after summer ends.
•