Love Stories with Grief

I’m in this really wild place in my reading where I am devouring love stories with a side of grief. No, I don’t mean sad lady fiction that leaves you wrecked. I’m talking about stories that we know will end on a hopeful note but really tap into grief, emotions, and heartache. Here is a list of some of my favorites books that fit the bill!

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Float Plan by Trish Doller

After her fiancé dies by suicide, Anna heads out on the open water with their sailboat. We see her navigate life without him as she grieves. A beautiful and touching romance mixed with adventure, honoring the past and moving towards the future. You can read my full review here.

Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Liz lost her mother, who bolstered her love for romantic comedies years ago. As she is finishing up high school, we see Liz navigate her own love story, friendships, and more while missing her mom. The audio for this one is fantastic!

Simmer Down by Sarah Smith

Nikki continues to grieve the loss of her father while she runs a food truck with her mother. Lots of wonderful family dynamics and memories in this enemies to lovers romance. It also takes place in Maui & I love a book that transports me!

The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Baker

 A city baker moves to the country to find family, love, inspiration, and a second chance. This one is cozy, touching, and deals with the illness of newfound friends that become family.

The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert

Sabrina is able to talk to ghosts and help them settle things before they cross over. She grapples with her ability back in her hometown. Her feelings become more complicated after she meets Ray, who runs the local supper club. Every bit of this one fits together for a memorable, atmospheric & fun book. 

Just a Heartbeat Away by Cara Bastone

This book is responsible for this Love Stories with Grief list! An age-gap romance novel about a widower with a young son & a heroine with a past in the foster care system. They meet and later their paths cross again in this slow-burn happily ever after. Read my full review here. 

Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Childhood friends cross paths again after the death of a spouse. Alternating narrators weave this beautiful and intricate story about family, hope, dreams, legacy, and second chances.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Forced proximity enemies to lovers romance between two neighboring writers. January and Gus each are grieving from their past in this tender and sweet love story.

The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley

This is such a love story with grief, community, healing, love, and second chances. Tom is lost at sea, but Piper moves on as though he is right next to her. The small and isolated Frick Island goes with it. A reporter shows up and can’t help but get involved. This is truly a story to savor, enjoy and discuss.⁣ You can read my full review here.

The Wedding Ringer by Kerry Rea

Can I get a hell yeah for friendship grief? I swear I don’t read enough about this and I devour books that discuss the pain and loss associated with losing a longtime friend. No one does it better than Kerry Rea. Also, Willa is such a strong character. I love everything about her, especially how relatable she is. She’s messy, she’s going through loss and has a plan to move on. When Maisie enters her life, it’s like a confetti tornado – in the best way. You can read my full review here.

Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

Read this book if you like: Below Deck, characters who blog, references to High School Musical, specifically Troy Bolton, Taylor Swift & My Super Sweet Sixteen, karaoke, kisses, dinner parties, beach days & August birthdays. This book is so lovely, filled with fantastic characters and warning: it may cause tears and an emotional breakdown. But fear not because Sarah will put you back together in one piece. Check out my full review here.

I am sure I’ll be adding books to this Love Stories with Grief list. Do you have any favorites I may have missed?

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