Feel-Good Wholesome Romance Books to Savor
One cool way I’ve seen this niche describes is “conflict comes from outside of the couple.” Everyone likes each other, but there is an outside force working against them. It might be other people, it might be a location challenge, or it just might not be their time. Also sometimes referred to as “clean romance”, these titles are usually relatively chaste, spicy but little-to-know on-page sexual activity. A romance you can read in public without hiding the cover in shame on the train!
The Christmas Ring – Karen Kingsbury
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The queen of clean romance has written a LOVELY Christmas story! When searching for a lost family heirloom, military widow Vanessa meets hunky antiques expert Ben. A deep relationship forms between them, knocking Vanessa off balance. She never expected to find anyone else after her husband’s death, which is why her daughter, away at school, has no idea that her mom is in a few relationship, let alone how intense it is.
When Ben gets a lead on the missing family treasure, he frantically heads out of town in a rush. Can he reunite Vanessa with her beloved Christmas ring? Or will it pass out of her life forever?
“Five 🌲💍 stars for this inspiring holiday romance. It turned out to be the perfect choice for a Christmas in July read.” – Darla, Goodreads
“It’s a clean, cozy Christmas read full of warmth and quiet emotion…. A Christmas story that honors the military and emphasizes faith, family, and helping others.” – Milena Bookish, Goodreads
The Cliff House – Raeanne Thayne
Three women—two sisters and their aunt—and the cliff house on the northern California coast that served as a beacon to them all…
Daisy and Beatriz were raised by their aunt. After the death of their mother, the girls moved in with Aunt Stella, who lives in a beautiful town in northern California. They are adults now, and Stella decides it is the right time to reveal the shocking family secret that might change the dynamic between them forever.
Bea has an eleven-year-old daughter from a brief marriage, and that was as wild as she ever thought she’d get. When her ex-husband shows up in town, everyone’s lives are flipped upside down.
Daisy, on the other hand, has never taken a risk in her life. She is fiscally responsible, rational, and logical, and that has worked just fine so far. But Daisy meets a man who makes her question everything she thought she knew about life! Love isn’t a straight path, but it is always running through our lives.
“RaeAnne Thayne is gifted at writing characters with strained, complicated relationships while still creating a loving, feel-good story. The novel seamlessly flows through each of the Harper girl’s perspectives. The multiple POV helps readers understand their relationships through their innermost thoughts and feelings. Each one hides a secret and needs healing from the past.” – robinshelley.com
There I Find Rest – Jessie Gussman
Strawberry Sands: There I Found Rest – Jessie Gussman
On the shore of Lake Michigan, just up the road from Blueberry Beach is another small town. Strawberry Sands.
Kim’s life is completely off the rails. She never imagined herself as a divorcee, or a single mother, or pregnant from a one-night stand. Fut that’s where she is. Kim is looking for a safe place to raise her kids, to heal from the trauma of the last few years, and to raise horses. She dreams of a business where she rents them out to people like her, folks searching for meaning in the second half of their lives.
A woman of faith, Kim is not looking for romance. But when a house she inherited also comes with a renter, a man of character and conviction might show her what’s missing in her quiet, solitary life!
“Although life can be difficult and everyone makes mistakes in judgment once in awhile, this Sands Beach Romance book is a wonderful love story. I enjoyed it very much.” – Linda L. Beck, Amazon review
“I have read over 25 of Jessie’s books now and I love how she is so spiritually grounded.” – Mountain girl, Amazon review
The Cowboy and the Nanny – Liz Isaacson
A country music star, his nanny for his niece, and their second chance at true love and family…
Owen Carr gave up everything for a chance to make it as a country music star. He left his home, his family, and the love of his life all at once. When he has to pause his career dreams in order to raise his niece, Marie, after a tragic accident, Owen doesn’t expect that many people will be that keen to help.
Natalie is a ballet teacher, and she used to be Owen’s dream girl. He hires her to care for Marie, and she quickly becomes indispensable in their home. She cleans, cooks and most importantly, Marie adores her.
Natalie has been married and divorced already, so she isn’t big on trusting “happily ever after” promises. But Owen’s return brings back other things from her past, too, and she remembers what her goal used to be. Her dreams of auditioning for a professional ballet company might come true. Maybe life will give her a second chance with Owen, too.
“This is a great story of forgiving yourself and others for past mistakes; trusting God to lead and give us clarity for our future.” – Ginny, Amazon review
“Once again this amazing author weaves together a novel filled with love, emotions, hope, disappointment, and faith that will have you turning the page with anticipation to see what happens next.” – Teresa Lynne Traxler, Amazon review
Between Heartbeat and Longing – Gerald Oswald
A moving love story about second chances, deep trust and the courage to find oneself.
This second chance at romance explores love, trust, courage and connection. Sophie and Jonas didn’t make it the first time around. But when they find each other again, they realize that life hasn’t gotten any easier for either of them. As challenges and personal struggles continue to cause friction, both of them realize that a true love connection can only be developed between two people who love themselves before trying to love someone else. Can they find the strength to trust each other again? A true look at the transformative power of love!
As you can see, lots of fan-favorite romance tropes are in this genre! Just-one-bed situations (my personal favorite!), small town reunions, mistaken identity, and maybe even some holiday vibes…the list goes on. If you are ready to dial down the literary spice a bit, you have a lot to choose from!
