“That’s my sweetheart in there. Wherever she is, that’s where my home is.”
Nicholas Sparks remains one of the most beloved American novelists, and his 1996 book, The Notebook, is one of his finest works. Told through an elderly man named ‘Duke’ reading from the pages of an old notebook about Noah Calhoun, who returns to the States still dreaming of his first love, Allie Nelson. When Allie resurfaces in his life, she has only one question for him: why has he never replied to any of the letters she sent to him? It is only then that the two realise someone has played a role in keeping them apart. A heart-wrenching ‘will-they-won’t-they’ tale, Sparks’ book is about enduring love and the strength of true connections between people. If you’re craving more of Allie and Noah, discover the best romance and historical fiction books like The Notebook at What We Reading!
Who Wrote The Notebook?
With over 105 million copies sold worldwide in more than fifty languages, Nicholas Sparks has become renowned as one of the United States’ most beloved storytellers. Residing in North Carolina, Sparks has penned twenty-two books to date and is known for his charitable works, particularly in helping disadvantaged youths. Sparks wrote The Notebook over six months at the age of 28. First published in 1996, it was successfully adapted into a film in 2004, starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
A Walk To Remember – Nicholas Sparks
Sticking with Nicholas Sparks for our first reading recommendation for books like The Notebook, A Walk to Remember whisks readers to Beaufort, North Carolina, and the life of Landon Carter. Every April, when the wind blows in from the sea and mingles with the scent of lilacs, Landon is reminded of his final year of high school in 1958. Having already been with a girl or two, the last person in the world he would have thought of being with would have been Jamie Sullivan, the daughter of the town’s Baptist minister.
However, after a twist of fate leaves them paired as partners for the homecoming dance, Landon’s life will never be the same again. Through Jamie’s incredible depth, Landon is shown a new way of viewing life which led him to a decision that would set him on the path to manhood. In A Walk to Remember, Sparks pulls at readers’ heartstrings again, showcasing the strength and fragility of our innermost emotions.
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The Italian Villa – Daniela Sacerdoti
Like The Notebook, The Italian Villa is another whimsical historical fiction story told through a diary discovered by our protagonist, Callie. A small-town waitress from Texas, she is still reeling from the revelation that she’s adopted when she arrives in Montevino, Italy, with the keys to the stunning hillside villa she has just inherited.
Inside the villa, she stumbles upon the diary of a woman named Elisa. Page by page, Callie is swept away by the story of love, passion, betrayal, and loss. Elisa’s tale unfolds as a young woman marrying her childhood sweetheart in secret, fleeing to join the resistance, promising to be reunited following the war’s end, only for history and fate to intervene on her behalf. Inspired by Elisa’s narrative, Callie embarks on a journey of self-discovery into the hills of Montevino and the truth of her own identity.
The Whole Day Through – Patrick Gale
When forty-something Laura Lewis is compelled to leave her stylish, independent life in Paris to care for her ailing mother in Winchester, it seems her days of romance have come to an unceremonious end. However, when she encounters her childhood sweetheart, Ben, she is forced to question whether she is willing to give this second chance at lasting happiness a try.
Similar to The Notebook, Patrick Gale’s The Whole Day Through explores a couple over an extended period, navigating hurdles and caring for others. Lyrical and beautifully told, it’s a real tear-jerker that will have readers rooting for its characters to somehow navigate their way to a happily ever after.
We Are Not Ourselves – Matthew Thomas
Epic in its scope, New York Times bestselling author Matthew Thomas’ We Are Not Ourselves is another period piece like The Notebook. Set in the middle of the twentieth century, readers are initially introduced to Eileen Tumulty, an Irish American immigrant whose vision for a better, more cosmopolitan life leads her to marry scientist Ed Leary.
It soon becomes clear, however, that Ed’s aspirations don’t align with the grandiose American Dream roadmap Eileen has envisioned. As she continues to push her husband to want more, a deeper psychological shift surrounds the family. Masterfully bringing to life the domestic bliss and economic prosperity that made the post-WWII years so riveting, this will-they-won’t-they tale follows the Learys as they struggle to hold onto their dreams and each other.
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – Louis de Bernières
In this famous romance story, akin to The Notebook, readers are transported to the Greek Isles during World War Two through the perspective of Captain Antonio Corelli. Posted to the island of Cephallonia as part of the occupying force, he quickly falls in love with Pelagia, the daughter of the local doctor.
However, Pelagia is already engaged to a former fisherman who has joined the Greek Partisans to serve. Their relationship becomes a complicated affair, further complicated by their opposing sides in history’s biggest conflict. Forced to navigate the political and professional repercussions of the day, this beautiful work of romance follows the couple as they experience every emotion, with the lines between invader and defender drawn sharply, and atrocities escalating on both sides.
Us – David Nicholls
Douglas Petersen is a mild-mannered man who, on the back of his sense of humour, manages to charm the beautiful Connie into a second date and, eventually, into marriage. Three decades on, the couple lives a comfortable enough life in the suburbs of London with their moody teenage son, Albie. Then, Connie tells Douglas she thinks she wants a divorce.
The timing, however, couldn’t be worse. Hoping to inspire her son’s passion for art, Connie has planned a month-long tour of Europe’s cultural capitals as a family, and she can’t bear to cancel. Maybe going ahead with the plan is the best course of action. Douglas is convinced that the tour will help rekindle the romance and strengthen his bond with his son. Told with wit and a palpably optimistic tone, David Nicholls’ Us is the story of one man’s attempt to rescue his marriage with the woman he’s always loved and forge a stronger bond with the son who has felt like a stranger at times.
In Five Years – Rebecca Serle
For readers looking for a book like The Notebook that matches its ‘meant to be’ energy, look no further than Rebecca Serle’s In Five Years. Nominated for Best Romance in the Goodreads Choice Awards, the book follows the story of Dannie Kohan, who goes to sleep one evening having just aced the interview of her dreams and accepted the proposal of her perfect boyfriend. However, when she wakes up, she is wearing a different ring, in a different bed, and next to a different man.
The television tells her it is the same date – December 15th – but five years into the future. After a brief but distressing hour, Dannie wakes back up in the present but is unable to shake the dream from her mind. She doesn’t believe in visions, so she shelves it until four and a half years later when she meets the very same man from her dream. Filled with joy and anguish, In Five Years is an unforgettable love story that delves into the power of love and loss and the sheer unpredictability of destiny.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
