One common theme is the sense of familiarity. Since they've known each other for so long, they have a deep understanding of each other's quirks and habits. For example, in 'The Notebook', Noah knew Allie's love for art and nature from their childhood days, and this understanding became part of their deep connection.
One popular 'childhood friends fall in love' romance novel is 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks. It tells the story of Noah and Allie, who were childhood sweethearts. Their love endures through many years and challenges, and it's a very touching story.
A significant theme is the fear of ruining the friendship. In childhood friends fall in love novels, this is a biggie. They are so used to having this great friendship that they're scared that if they admit their feelings and it doesn't work out, they'll lose that precious bond. It adds a lot of tension to the story. Another common theme is the discovery of new aspects of each other. As they get older, they might find out that their friend has talents or dreams that they didn't know about before, which makes them see their friend in a new light, a more romantic light. And of course, there's the theme of familiarity. They feel comfortable around each other, which can be a great foundation for love.
One great example is 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before'. Lara Jean has a box of love letters she wrote to boys she had crushes on in the past, and one of those boys was her childhood friend. Their relationship develops in a really sweet and charming way throughout the story.
Once upon a time, there were Tom and Lily. They grew up in the same small town. As kids, they played in the fields together. One day, when they were teenagers, Tom realized he had fallen in love with Lily. He shyly told her how he felt. Lily was surprised but also felt the same. They started dating and their love grew deeper over time.
One characteristic is the slow - burn aspect. Since they start as friends, the transition to love is often gradual. For example, in 'When Harry Met Sally', they have years of interactions and experiences together before realizing their love. Another characteristic is the deep understanding they already have of each other as friends. In 'Emma', Emma and Mr. Knightley know each other's personalities, strengths, and weaknesses well, which adds depth to their love story. Also, there's often a sense of comfort and familiarity from the start because of their friendship. This makes the love story feel more real and relatable.
Another theme is growth. As the characters grow from children to adults, their feelings for each other change. In many novels, there are challenges that come with this growth, like different career paths or new relationships that threaten their bond. A detailed example can be seen in a novel where the male character goes off to college and meets new people, but still feels a deep pull towards his childhood friend. The story then explores how they navigate these new situations while still holding onto their old connection.
There's usually a strong sense of home and nostalgia. Childhood best friends are often associated with a particular place or time in a person's life. In 'Second Chance Summer', the hometown setting plays a big role in the romance between the childhood friends. The familiar surroundings and the memories attached to them enhance the emotional depth of their relationship.