Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson (free on Audible and rated 4.3 with like 4000 ratings) is a love story of the older generation. Is that a nice way to say about old people? It is refreshing to read the love story about the older generation starting over, and the story is told with plenty of British humor about love and family and aging. One Day as you know is also on my all-time favorite love story list. I have another favorite and perhaps you can help me with the title of the book. I am drawing a blank. It is the story about an elderly couple that keep each other company at night. The man that lives next-door to the elderly woman comes over and stays overnight with her so she doesn’t have to sleep alone. They develop a relationship, and are torn apart by their children. I don’t think this is the title of that but it could be one day in December? I do not read much romance, or love stories. At least they’re not the central theme of the books that I do read. Most of the books that are categorize as general fiction. Generally do have a love story in them, but it is not the central theme of the story.
Adding Major Pettigraw to my tbr! I think the book you're thinking of is Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf? I've been curious about that one and recently added that author to my new to me author list for 2024
Yes, I believe that is the title. You will love both books. I was very surprised that I loved Major Pettigrew as much as I did. The book stayed with me.
I'm also not a romance reader but I think our tastes are similar here! I actually own Castle of Water on audio and haven't listened to it! Leaving is a 2024 priority for me, and Forever is the Worst Long Time has been on my list for years. I have to get to these! Another one I loved was Evvie Drake Starts Over. I adored that book. One to Watch was a very surprising win for me too.
All of mine definitely fall in the complicated/will probably break your heart love story category: I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin, The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane, and the OG-- Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. What does it say about me that I've loved that one ever since I was a girl?! 😅
I've got the Hanna Halperin on my tbr, I love that Wuthering Heights has stood the test of time for you- I've never read it- is it a break your heart love story? If so added to my tbr:)
Oh yes, it's the most messed up love story that also somehow breaks your heart (at least it did mine). They're not likeable characters at all, but fully believable. A contemporary novel that's kinda similar in that dynamic may be Fates and Furies? Been awhile since I read that one though...
Oh I was referring to Wuthering Heights for the contemporary comp to Fates! Halperin's I Could Live Here Forever in contrast has frustrating but very likable/relatable characters. Completely heartbreaking.
I have such a hard time finding a romance that suits me these days. Thanks so much for suggesting these- several seem right up my alley. And I guess Castle of Water might be first ;) !
Romance is a tricky genre for me too- I think Castle of Water is a great pick- it's also not very long which is a plus - I think I listened to parts of it and remember liking the audio too. I'd love to know what you think of it when you finish!
You’ve just moved Castle of Water up my list. It’s been on my shelf for over a year. I read a lot of romance and I particularly loved Helen Hoang’s Kiss Quotient Series though I think the last one in the series, The Heart Principle was my favorite. I also really enjoyed (I think the timing was right for me) The Invisible Husband of Frick Island, such a quirky, lovely story.
I'm excited for you to try Castle of Water! I had the Invisible Husband on my tbr when it came out but never tried it, I love the sound of a quirky love story
Oh my gosh, Castle of Water just destroyed me last year and I absolutely loved it! A completely enthralling, heart-wrenching story. Truly an under-the-radar gem that I recommend every chance I get!
Yes to all your thoughts!! I've actually made myself excited to re-read that one - maybe this year- I think enough time has gone by that it would be fun to see how the story hits me a few years later
Love the range of this list! One True Loves was my first TJR and found me falling in a love with a new to me author. Also loved One Day, have you watched the new adaptation yet? Also, THANK YOU for including Forever is the Worst Long Time! I was just thinking about that book (I just finished The Last Love Note, it had me thinking about sad love stories) I've always thought it deserved more attention!
I did like Last Love Note! It's very heavy on the grief journey but if you appreciate sad love stories you'll likely appreciate it. I thought it was well done and engaging.
Castle of Water was SO, SO good and I feel like it did not receive the attention that it deserves! I'm so happy to see it here on your list - maybe it will encourage some others to give it a try. One Day is a favorite of my, as well, but can you believe that The Idea of You has been on my TBR forever (it seems!) and I've yet to get around to it - AUGH!! I need to make that one a priority because I know both you and Tina love it!
Tara you must read The Idea of You this year- and then tell me immediately what you thought:) Castle of water does seem to be under the radar and I can't figure out why, maybe it's time for the re-read I want to do and then get it back out there for people to remember
The Idea of You is my forever favorite. But try Out of Love by Hazel Hayes! It’s a love story told in reverse. So we open with a breakup then we move backwards as they fall in love and meet. It’s so clever!
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson (free on Audible and rated 4.3 with like 4000 ratings) is a love story of the older generation. Is that a nice way to say about old people? It is refreshing to read the love story about the older generation starting over, and the story is told with plenty of British humor about love and family and aging. One Day as you know is also on my all-time favorite love story list. I have another favorite and perhaps you can help me with the title of the book. I am drawing a blank. It is the story about an elderly couple that keep each other company at night. The man that lives next-door to the elderly woman comes over and stays overnight with her so she doesn’t have to sleep alone. They develop a relationship, and are torn apart by their children. I don’t think this is the title of that but it could be one day in December? I do not read much romance, or love stories. At least they’re not the central theme of the books that I do read. Most of the books that are categorize as general fiction. Generally do have a love story in them, but it is not the central theme of the story.
Adding Major Pettigraw to my tbr! I think the book you're thinking of is Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf? I've been curious about that one and recently added that author to my new to me author list for 2024
Major Pettigrew and Our Souls at Night are wonderful! I definitely think you should consider picking up both!
Yes, I believe that is the title. You will love both books. I was very surprised that I loved Major Pettigrew as much as I did. The book stayed with me.
I'm also not a romance reader but I think our tastes are similar here! I actually own Castle of Water on audio and haven't listened to it! Leaving is a 2024 priority for me, and Forever is the Worst Long Time has been on my list for years. I have to get to these! Another one I loved was Evvie Drake Starts Over. I adored that book. One to Watch was a very surprising win for me too.
I enjoyed One to Watch too! I can't wait to hear what you think of Leaving- we MUST discuss!!
All of mine definitely fall in the complicated/will probably break your heart love story category: I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin, The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane, and the OG-- Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. What does it say about me that I've loved that one ever since I was a girl?! 😅
I've got the Hanna Halperin on my tbr, I love that Wuthering Heights has stood the test of time for you- I've never read it- is it a break your heart love story? If so added to my tbr:)
Oh yes, it's the most messed up love story that also somehow breaks your heart (at least it did mine). They're not likeable characters at all, but fully believable. A contemporary novel that's kinda similar in that dynamic may be Fates and Furies? Been awhile since I read that one though...
I just read Fates and Furies a couple weeks ago and loved it! Even more excited to read the Halperin now
Oh I was referring to Wuthering Heights for the contemporary comp to Fates! Halperin's I Could Live Here Forever in contrast has frustrating but very likable/relatable characters. Completely heartbreaking.
Oh gotcha i mixed up the books- so now I think I may have to give Wuthering Heights a try if a modern day comp is Fates and Furies!!
I loved The Half Moon!!!
I have such a hard time finding a romance that suits me these days. Thanks so much for suggesting these- several seem right up my alley. And I guess Castle of Water might be first ;) !
Romance is a tricky genre for me too- I think Castle of Water is a great pick- it's also not very long which is a plus - I think I listened to parts of it and remember liking the audio too. I'd love to know what you think of it when you finish!
You’ve just moved Castle of Water up my list. It’s been on my shelf for over a year. I read a lot of romance and I particularly loved Helen Hoang’s Kiss Quotient Series though I think the last one in the series, The Heart Principle was my favorite. I also really enjoyed (I think the timing was right for me) The Invisible Husband of Frick Island, such a quirky, lovely story.
I'm excited for you to try Castle of Water! I had the Invisible Husband on my tbr when it came out but never tried it, I love the sound of a quirky love story
Oh my gosh, Castle of Water just destroyed me last year and I absolutely loved it! A completely enthralling, heart-wrenching story. Truly an under-the-radar gem that I recommend every chance I get!
Yes to all your thoughts!! I've actually made myself excited to re-read that one - maybe this year- I think enough time has gone by that it would be fun to see how the story hits me a few years later
Love the range of this list! One True Loves was my first TJR and found me falling in a love with a new to me author. Also loved One Day, have you watched the new adaptation yet? Also, THANK YOU for including Forever is the Worst Long Time! I was just thinking about that book (I just finished The Last Love Note, it had me thinking about sad love stories) I've always thought it deserved more attention!
Thank you! I haven't watched the new One Day adaptation yet but I'm going to. Did you like The Last Love Note? Sad love stories are my favorite
I did like Last Love Note! It's very heavy on the grief journey but if you appreciate sad love stories you'll likely appreciate it. I thought it was well done and engaging.
Castle of Water was SO, SO good and I feel like it did not receive the attention that it deserves! I'm so happy to see it here on your list - maybe it will encourage some others to give it a try. One Day is a favorite of my, as well, but can you believe that The Idea of You has been on my TBR forever (it seems!) and I've yet to get around to it - AUGH!! I need to make that one a priority because I know both you and Tina love it!
Tara you must read The Idea of You this year- and then tell me immediately what you thought:) Castle of water does seem to be under the radar and I can't figure out why, maybe it's time for the re-read I want to do and then get it back out there for people to remember
The Idea of You is my forever favorite. But try Out of Love by Hazel Hayes! It’s a love story told in reverse. So we open with a breakup then we move backwards as they fall in love and meet. It’s so clever!
I saw Out of Love at Barnes and Noble a long time ago and thought it sounded interesting- thanks for the rec!