read best historical romance novels

Some good ones are 'North and South' by Elizabeth Gaskell. The relationship between Margaret Hale and Mr. Thornton is a great example of a historical romance. It shows the differences in their social classes and how they overcome them. 'Persuasion' by Jane Austen is also excellent. The second - chance love story of Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth is heartwarming. And 'The Bronze Horseman' by Paullina Simons. The love between Tatiana and Alexander during World War II is a gripping historical romance.

Some great age - gap historical romance novels include 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. The story has a significant age difference between the main characters, Claire and Jamie, and is set in a rich historical backdrop. It beautifully weaves together time - travel, adventure, and a passionate love story.

If you prefer free options, ManyBooks is worth considering. It has a large collection of historical romance novels that are in the public domain. You can download the books in various formats like EPUB or PDF and read them on your e - reader or other devices.

One must - read historical romance novel is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that beautifully depicts the social norms and courtship in 19th - century England. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is iconic, full of misunderstandings and slow - burning love. Another great one is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. It combines time - travel with historical romance, set against the backdrop of 18th - century Scotland. The passionate relationship between Claire and Jamie is captivating.

Definitely 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks. Set in the past, it tells the story of Noah and Allie. Their love endures through time and hardships, and it's a very sweet and heart - wrenching tale. The way Sparks writes about their relationship makes it a classic in the genre of historical romance.

One great gay historical romance novel is 'Maurice' by E. M. Forster. It's set in the early 20th century and explores the forbidden love between two men in a society that doesn't accept homosexuality. The story is rich in detail about the time period, from the upper - class social norms to the English countryside. Another is 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller. It reimagines the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in ancient Greece. It beautifully captures the essence of their love against the backdrop of war and Greek mythology. And 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is also a wonderful choice. It's set in the 1980s American Southwest and tells the story of two boys growing up and falling in love, with themes of self - discovery and family.

One of the best historical novels is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It gives a detailed account of Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars.

One of the great ones is 'Redeeming Love' by Francine Rivers. It's a powerful retelling of the story of Hosea set in the 1850s California Gold Rush. The story is filled with themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption, and the characters are richly drawn.

One of the best is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's set in the early 19th - century England. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is a classic example of romantic tension and growth. Their initial misunderstandings and the slow - burning love that develops make it a must - read for any historical romance lover.

One of the best historical romance novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It beautifully depicts the social norms and romantic relationships in 19th - century England. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is both complex and charming.