In honor of Valentine’s Day, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite historical romances, whether from reality or the pages of my favorite historical novels! Love stories throughout history always bring to life the events in a special way.
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All-time Favorite Couples in Historical Fiction
Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe from the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery
From their first meeting which resulted in a broken slate over Gilbert’s head to their tumultuous love story that led to one of my favorite all-time quotes in literature, this couple is the truest example of love that withstands great changes in the world, including world wars. I especially love the later books where a middle-aged Anne questions her attractiveness and Gilbert reassures her of his devotion. They are one of the best couples ever to be written in literature!
“I don’t want sunbursts and marble halls. I just want you.”
Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
I read this book and watched the movie several times as a teenager, and it sparked my eventual focus on Civil War studies in college. I just couldn’t get enough of Scarlett and Rhett’s sweeping love story. While their relationship is rocky (understatement of the year!), they are one of the most iconic couples in literary history!
“You should be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how.”
Claire and Jamie Fraser in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
When I think of an epic love story that spans the test of time, Claire and Jamie are number one. They are a perfectly written couple that we see move from youthful passion to middle age comfort all while confronting some of the biggest events in history. Their relationship is raw and real but still swoonworthy.
“When the time comes that you and I shall part, if my last words are not ‘I love you,’ ye’ll ken it was because I didna have the time.”
Most Romantic Historical Fiction
I love reading historical fiction books that include an unforgettable romance.
What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
Much like Outlander, this book features a couple separated by different times. I loved its focus on Ireland’s complicated civil war which can be hard to figure out from nonfiction alone.
Time After Time by Lisa Grunwald
Another time travel romance! This one focuses on Joe and Nora who are limited by her inability to leave Grand Central Terminal. As the years go by, she sees the terminal go through the Great Depression and WWII, all while keeping Joe’s love. I still think about the ending!
What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway
Learn about 1913 Asheville while watching Belle and Worth fall in love as the beautiful Grove Park Inn is built in this lovely novel. The Grove Park one of my favorite hotels of all time and would make for a romantic getaway where you can imagine yourself as the characters!
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
You wouldn’t expect a book about a midwife and a murder trial to be romantic but the description of Martha and Ephraim’s mature marriage was lovely. She reminded me so much of Claire from Outlander!
Love, Theodosia: A Novel of Theodosia Burr and Philip Hamilton by Lori Anne Goldstein
This fanciful novel imagines what it would have been like if the children of two bitter enemies fell in love. While not based on historical fact, the romance between Theodosia Burr and Philip Hamilton is a fun and romantic twist on history.
The Officer and the Spy by Jenny Ashcroft
War is hard on love but makes for the most dramatic stories. With Otto being a German soldier occupying Allied resistance fighter Eleni’s beloved Crete, the two are forced to relive their past romance that predates the current violence. Wartime love stories often don’t have a happy ending, but they result in an epic tale that leaves your heart broken yet full.
Favorite Real-life Historical Love Stories
Here are some of my favorite real-life love stories from history along with books where you can learn more!
George and Martha Washington
We often think of Martha as a gray-haired older lady, but when she and George married, she was a twenty-six year old beautiful (and wealthy!) widow. While many think he married her for her fortune, they had an enduring love that withstood war, separation, and politics. It is just so sad that they didn’t have many years to bask in their retirement together. We can only imagine what lovely endearments were in their personal letters which she burned after his death.
Mount Vernon Love Story: A Novel of George and Martha Washington by Mary Higgins Clark
Alexander and Eliza Hamilton
Their story reads like a soap opera with betrayals, war, and duels, but underneath it all, it seems like Eliza was the love of his life (at least according to Hamilton the Musical!). Eliza lived for decades after Alexander’s death and never remarried, always keeping his legacy first and foremost in her life.
My Dearest Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
Andrew and Rachel Jackson
While Andrew Jackson may not be a favorite president, he did find a true love in Rachel. However she was married at the time to an abusive husband. Andrew fought for her freedom and they spent many years happily married even as they couldn’t have children. With her death thought to be caused by heartbreak over how she was portrayed in the media, he entered his presidency in mourning and vowing revenge. Who knows how Rachel’s calming influence would have affected his presidential actions?
The President’s Lady: A Novel about Rachel and Andrew Jackson by Irving Stone
Ulysses and Julia Grant
I love how Ulysses didn’t let his family’s disapproval of Julia or her eye deformity get in the way of his love. She was just as devoted and spent months traveling from one Civil War camp to the other to be with him. When she wanted to get surgery on her eyes to improve her attractiveness, he didn’t want her to do it. He loved her just as she was.
The General and Julia by Jon Clinch
Theodore Roosevet and Alice Lee
As much as I love Theodore and Edith’s love story (see my post to learn more), his sudden romance with Alice Lee is much more emotionally wrought. He fell quickly and deeply, and their story was tragically cut short with her death from childbirth just a few years later. He wrote, “The light has gone out of my life,” and he refused to say her name for the rest of his life (even though his daughter was named Alice as well!).
If a Poem Could Live or Breathe by Mary Calvi
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip
I love reading about the young Elizabeth and her head-over-heels romance with Prince Philip. While he was older and may have had other loves before her, he seems to have been her one and only love. There is something sweet and endearing about that!
Before the Crown by Flora Harding
What are your favorite love stories from history – either real or fictional?
I love Gone with the Wind!