If you haven’t considered reading a winter romance novel with your partner, you should give it a try. It can be a great activity to bring you two closer together. Now, I probably know what you’re thinking:
“How can reading a book at the same time be a couple’s bonding activity?”
“There is no way my partner is going to read a book, let alone a romance novel.”
While we don’t want you reading too much into this, there is a simple solution. Our list has the best winter romance novels that also have film adaptations! The idea is that you and your partner can read a romance novel, discuss it along the way, and then when you’re both finished you can watch the movie together. This gives you the best of both worlds. Sitting together and quietly reading can be a very intimate experience. Meanwhile, reading the same book and watching the movie afterward gives you the chance to talk about your thoughts, opinions, and reviews.
Even if your partner isn’t a reader you can still enjoy these romance movies together.
Here are the best winter romance novels to read (and films to watch!):
1. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
This book is a romantic tear-jerker that will leave you emotionally all over the place. This is one of the greatest winter romance novels of all time. The story is about teenagers and young love; but don’t let this put you off in any way, shape, or form.
Landon, who is the “bad boy” in school, gets forced to be in a school play as his punishment. Jamie, who is a pastor’s daughter, is also in the school play. Of course, they end up falling for each other.
Jamie, unfortunately, gets diagnosed with terminal cancer and the story progresses from there. You’re going to want to watch this on your next date night and see how your partner reacts.
“Maybe God has a bigger plan for me than I had for myself. Like this journey never ends. Like you were sent to me because I’m sick. To help me through all this. You’re my angel.” ― Nicholas Sparks, A Walk To Remember.
2. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
You can’t have a list of winter romance novels and not include this one. This book is not only really romantic but the characters are written so well you’ll be able to relate to them.
The main character is Louisa Clark who goes from one job to the next, trying to support her family. She eventually finds a job as a caregiver for Will, who is a quadriplegic. Will once had a very active and adventurous life but has lost all hope since his accident. Louisa, A.K.A Lou takes it upon herself to try and lift his spirits. Yes, love is one of the main themes of this book.
As romantic as it is, you will find it exploring some very serious issues. Will does not want to live and even sets plans in motion. Lou does everything in her power to make things better for him. While the circumstances of the book may be unique, the conventional wisdom and love make this an excellent winter read.
It may be worth it to know in advance that a box of tissues by your side will be very handy. Regardless of if you consider yourself to be a romantic or not, this book will make you root for love.
Me Before You will pair well with a glass of wine, chocolate, and a very comfortable spot. Many people claim that this is one of the best books they have ever read, so hopefully, you’ll feel the same. While it is storming outside, this book may bring some warmth into your heart.
And of course, there is a movie available to watch with your partner. It is usually best to read the book first, before watching the movie with your significant other, but do whatever is right for you! And if you enjoy the story, you’ll be happy to learn that it’s a trilogy so there’s more to read.
“All I can say is that you make me… you make me into someone I couldn’t even imagine. You make me happy, even when you’re awful. I would rather be with you – even the you that you seem to think is diminished – than with anyone else in the world.”― Jojo Moyes, Me Before You
3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This is one of the most romantic winter novels of all time. It was on the New York Times bestseller list, and yes, they made a movie based on it as well. Hazel is a teenage girl who unfortunately has lung cancer. While attending her cancer support group she meets Augustus. He has a rare form of bone cancer.
Her story completely changes when she gets closer to Augustus. They take a trip together to Amsterdam while searching desperately for their favorite author of all time, named Peter Van Houten. He is the author of “An Imperial Affliction”.
Without giving the whole story away Augustus breaks terrible news to Hazel, and both their worlds crumble to pieces. This book will have you laughing, crying, smiling, and thinking deeply about your life. You can expect plot twists, life lessons, and of course, an incredible love story.
This brilliant book shows you that love really is unpredictable. You never know what love and life have in store for you around the corner. It teaches you to appreciate every single moment of your life. You won’t find a more perfect winter romance novel to read than this one. Sit by a fire, cuddle up with your partner and your pet and have a wonderful time. If your partner doesn’t want to read, they can still sit with you and work on their laptop or play games. Just being together will allow you two to connect.
“I’ll fight it. I’ll fight it for you. Don’t you worry about me, Hazel Grace. I’m okay. I’ll find a way to hang around and annoy you for a long time.” ― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars
4. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
This book may be about teenagers, but nothing beats young love. This novel tells the story of a really special girl. She is normal in most ways, except her rare disease holds her back from living an average life.
Her name is Madeline and she has a disease called severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) along with a very overprotective mother. Her mother ensures that she stays indoors all the time and never goes outside at all. She has a lovely nurse called Carla, who is one of the only two humans that she really interacts with. Her mother has told her for as long as she can remember that she has a disease where going outside could literally kill her.
The plot thickens as Madeline gets to a point, where not going outside will kill her, kill her heart and her soul. The build-up throughout this book is well worth the read.
On what appears to be just another ordinary day she meets Olly. Olly is her new neighbor, who is a very cute teenage boy. Her entire world seems to open up and for the first time in her life, she experiences romantic love. They develop a deep bond, a great friendship, and a mutual understanding of things.
They are unable to be together as she can’t venture out the front door. However, they send each other a series of emails and spend hours looking at each other through the windows. Olly becomes her entire world and he won’t allow her illness to come between them, even though physically it does.
Maddy wants to experience the world, step outside, breathe fresh air and, even more than that, see Olly. Maddy and Olly long to touch each other and the build-up is intense. The book has many layers to it, and many things may be open to interpretation. One thing is for sure, it shows us that love can be risky, but totally worth it.
It is an enduring story filled with love. This is guaranteed to warm your heart this winter. While it is snowing, storming, raining, and cold outside, you can enjoy a really special read. Once again, yes, there is a great film adaptation that you can enjoy with your significant other.
“You can’t predict the future. It turns out that you can’t predict the past either. Time moves in both directions – forward and backward – and what happens here and now changes them both.” ― Nicola Yoon, Everything, Everything
Now you didn’t think we could mention just one Nicholas Sparks novel right? There are so many titles of his that can’t go unnamed. Check out these beautiful Nicholas Sparks romance novels and movies:
5. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
The main protagonists in this book are John and Savannah. This is an epic love, romance, and drama story that will truly capture your heart. Savannah is a college student and John is a soldier. They quickly fall for one another.
Unfortunately, due to his deployment, they are unable to be together. When they had planned to be together again, a year later, the war breaks out and John has to serve his time.
However, this does not stop them, after all, true love can conquer anything. They write each other a series of letters and of course Savannah’s all begin with” Dear John”.
These love letters create twists and turns of magic and beauty. Even if you have read this book before, this is certainly one to read again. There are many romantic messages and ideologies in this book. Mostly that love requires patience, and that long-distance relationships are possible.
Watching the movie together is one of the most perfect winter date ideas. The movie is truly romantic and your partner may just love it. If they admit to it or not that is another story. Plus, John is played by none other than Channing Tatum, so there is eye-candy throughout the entire movie.
“That’s how I always want to remember my time with you. Like a pure white light, breathtaking to behold.” ― Nicholas Sparks, Dear John
6. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Okay so this may be a complete romantic novel cliché, but that does not detract from the fact that this book is excellent. It is love at its rawest and purest form and it is a classic that needs to be on your winter romance books list.
The story begins with an old man telling tales of a love story to a patient in a nursing home. From here, the story starts.
The book is set in the 1940s and it is all about Noah and Allie. Noah does not have much money, while Allie on the other hand comes from extreme wealth. This creates a dilemma, as her parents don’t feel that Noah is the right type of man for their daughter.
Noah goes off to serve in World War II, and it seems like their connection is gone. Noah writes letters to Allie 365 days of the year, but for some reason, she doesn’t reply.
It’s a long and true-lasting love story that will stand the test of time. There are tons more to the story, that you’ll have to read to find out!
Watching this movie together can make for a perfect winter date night. Not only will it be great to watch the story together but Ryan Gosling plays Noah and Rachel McAdams plays Allie, so it’s a win-win for all.
“You are my best friend as well as my lover, and I do not know which side of you I enjoy the most. I treasure each side, just as I have treasured our life together.” ― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
7. The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
The Choice is literally a great choice to read as one of your winter romance novels. Just like many of Nicholas Spark’s novels, the times change. It alternates between past, future, and present. The story concentrates on Travis Parker who is a very successful veterinarian.
Travis lives in a beautiful, small beach town, with sunsets to die for. Okay, maybe this sounds more like a beach read. But if you’re looking for a book to transport you away from the cold, then this is a perfect winter romance book.
Travis has a wonderful life, and he enjoys spending time with friends and being a bachelor. He doesn’t want to settle down and he is far from a serious relationship type of guy. That is until he meets his next-door neighbor, Gabby Holland. Gabby is a physician’s assistant who is new in town because she wanted to be closer in proximity to her boyfriend.
Their first introduction is not the most pleasant one. Gabby goes over to Travis’ house and accuses his dog of making hers pregnant. This book has it all; animals, romance, love, scenery, and passion.
Although Travis is usually very popular and charming with the ladies, Gabby initially doesn’t fall for it at all. She takes her dog to the vet and finds that the practice is owned by Travis and his father. Expect nothing less than cute coincidences like these in a romance novel.
She finds out that Travis’ dog was neutered a few years back, hence he couldn’t possibly be the father. Travis helps her out with the puppies and their friendship starts to bloom. While Gabby has a boyfriend, that is just another twist in the tale.
Soon she has to choose between the two men and this book encompasses the question: how far would you go for love?
This beautiful tale of love and everything else is an exciting one. The movie is really romantic too. Add in some popcorn, hot chocolate, and a cozy fire to set the mood.
“He often felt that too many people lived their lives acting and pretending, wearing masks and losing themselves in the process.”― Nicholas Sparks, The Choice
8. Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks
This book is one of the best winter romance novels that exists to date. Although it was written many years ago, it is an ultimate classic, with a storyline to match. It embraces romance in all its forms and the storyline becomes truly addictive.
Theresa is a divorced mother with a son, who has given up on the idea of romance. She works as a columnist for the Boston newspaper and needs a break from everything so she goes on holiday.
She chooses to go to a beautiful beachside village, to get some peace and mental clarity.
She discovers a message in a bottle that starts with “My Dearest Catherine”. Something in this heartfelt letter connects with her on a soul level. She feels compelled to find the man who wrote it. She begins a search for him and tells the story to the people at her work. They encourage her to find him and tell her to write about it.
She finally finds Garrett in a stunning coastal town and discovers that the letters were written to his departed wife. This is the only way he knew how to deal with his grief and pain. He seeks comfort in being able to write her letters and put them in the ocean.
They start a blossoming relationship which seems like it was fate that brought them together. Their relationship is very raw and real and touches on the topic of love after losing a spouse. Can you love both equally in different ways?
When Garrett discovers Theresa has published things and wants to advance her career, he has serious doubts. He assumes that she has just been using him and that nothing has been real. The story continues to deeper levels from there.
This book speaks to your heart and it is a true testament to the power of love. The movie is really thrilling, romantic, and even a bit mysterious. This is the perfect movie to watch as a couple. It is guaranteed to heat up your relationship.
“If you simply ignored the feeling, you would never know what might happen, and in many ways that was worse than finding out in the first place. Because if you were wrong, you could go forward in your life without ever looking back over your shoulder and wondering what might have been.” ― Nicholas Sparks, Message in a Bottle
As you can see these winter romance novels are so much more than just books, they open us up to a world of possibilities. Wintertime does not need to be cold and depressing, it can be really warm and happy. It is the perfect time to get cozy with a good book and closer with the one you love.
