Top 10 Uplifting Romance Books: Feel Good Reads to Brighten Your Day
Whether you’re a fan of love stories or simply need a mood boost, uplifting romance books can be the perfect pick-me-up. From heartwarming plots to memorable characters, we’ve curated a list of ten romance novels that have love, positive themes, and happy endings. If you’re looking for feel-good books that capture the essence of love and leave you smiling, this list has something for you.
1. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
You Deserve Each Other is a personal favorite and a yearly comfort reread. It is an amusing and heartfelt story about a couple on the verge of ending things. Naomi and Nicholas are engaged but barely speaking when they both decide to start a prank war to push each other to break up first. You Deserve Each Other is a refreshing take on romance that reminds us of the power of rediscovering love, making it an ideal, uplifting, feel-good romance for those who enjoy humor and believe in second chances.
Favorite Quote: “You wanna give me some space?” “Well, you’re not saying anything.” “I’m talking to myself right now. Give us a minute.”
2. Beach Read by Emily Henry
In Beach Read, two writers with polar opposite personalities and genres—January, a romantic author, and Gus, a literary fiction writer—find themselves in neighboring beach houses for the summer set in Michigan. Both are struggling with writer’s block, so they make a pact to swap genres to get inspired. This novel brings laughter, warmth, and romance, making it an ideal uplifting book for those who love beachside stories with emotional depth.
Favorite Quote: “Love, after all, was often made not of shiny things but practical ones. Ones that grew old and rusted only to be repaired and polished.”
3. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
What if the First Son of the United States fell for the Prince of England? Red, White & Royal Blue dives into this delightful premise, following Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry as they navigate their high-profile relationship. Red, White & Royal Blue offers a unique and joyous love story that’s both inspiring and humorous, capturing the essence of modern romance.
Favorite Quote: “Sometimes you just jump and hope it’s not a cliff.”
4. P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
While touching on loss, this story is ultimately about healing, resilience, and the rediscovery of love. After Holly loses her husband, she finds herself navigating life with the help of a series of letters he left behind, encouraging her to embrace happiness once more. P.S. I Love You is a feel-good romance with moments that tug at the heartstrings and inspire hope.
Favorite Quote: “She had been given a wonderful gift: life. Sometimes it was cruelly taken away too soon, but it’s what you did with it that counted, not how long it lasted.”
5. Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Liz has grown up idolizing romantic comedies, hoping her life would one day resemble the scenes in her favorite movies. When her childhood crush moves back to town, Liz enlists the help of her annoyingly charming neighbor, Wes, to win him over. Filled with references to classic rom-coms and lighthearted banter, Better Than the Movies is a charming young adult romance that shows how love can surprise us in unexpected ways, making it a perfect feel-good book for those looking for something lighthearted and nostalgic.
Favorite Quote: “I can’t talk to you when you’re like this.”
“Happy? Excited? Hopeful?”
“Delusional.”
6. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
In The Kiss Quotient, Stella, a successful econometrician on the autism spectrum, hires a professional escort to teach her about relationships. This setup leads to a beautifully unconventional romance that challenges stereotypes and celebrates love in all its forms. It’s a sweet, uplifting book that proves love can find us in the most unexpected ways.
Favorite Quote: “All the things that make you different make you perfect.”
7. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
A true classic, The Notebook tells the enduring love story of Noah and Allie, two people from different social classes whose love transcends time and obstacles. This beautiful story of undying love captures the hearts of readers with its timeless appeal, making it an ideal uplifting romance for fans of classic love stories with happy endings.
Favorite Quote: “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.”
8. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Louisa “Lou” Clark, a young woman with no clear direction in life, takes a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy man left paralyzed after an accident. What begins as a professional arrangement becomes a journey for Lou and Will. Though it explores complex themes, Me Before You is ultimately a story of self-discovery, love, and the courage to make bold choices. It’s a romance that shows the beauty of connection and is perfect for readers seeking positive books to read.
Favorite Quote: “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.”
9. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Set in the charming Italian countryside, Love & Gelato follows Lina as she uncovers secrets from her mother’s past and unexpectedly finds romance. As Lina uncovers family secrets, she finds love and self-discovery, making it an enjoyable, lighthearted book.
Favorite Quote: “You may be slow to warm up, but once you do, you light up the whole room”
10. One Day in December by Josie Silver
A love-at-first-sight story with a unique twist, One Day in December follows Laurie and Jack over ten years of missed connections, friendship, and fate. It’s an ideal feel-good romance book for readers who believe in happy endings.
Favorite Quote: “That’s the thing about flowers, isn’t it? They’re lush and extravagant and demand your attention, and you think they’re the most exquisite thing, but then in the shortest time, they’re not very lovely at all. They wilt and they turn the water brown, and soon you can’t hold on to them any longer.”
Why Uplifting Romance Books Matter
Whether you’re dealing with stress or just want to escape reality, uplifting romance books offer a way to escape to a happy and loving world and get lost in your thoughts and imagination. These lighthearted reads not only offer engaging plots but also bring hope and heartwarming moments, reminding us of the goodness in relationships and human connections. Let this list of positive romance books help you find your new favorite feel-good romance the next time you need a pick-me-up.
