Novels often contain some form of love story, whether as the central plot or an engaging subplot. Love can take many shapes—for example, love of family, such as between a parent and a child or between siblings. Many women’s fiction novels feature a deep bond of friendship. But love stories aren’t limited to people. Some might focus on a person’s love of country, while others may feature an animal, or a passion for the arts, science, or even an ideal. But as February is the month of romance, I asked some of our Paper Lantern Writers to share their favorite literary couples.

Mari A. Christie, author of The Sailing Home Series

Mari has found a book boyfriend!

I am a huge fan of Lucinda Brant, who writes 18th century historical romance, and the couple central to her Roxton Foundation Series and the Roxton Family Saga, Monsieur le Duc du Roxton and the love of his life, Antonia Moran. They are a May-December (well, October) romance, to be sure, but the adventures that bring them together are detailed, smart, complex, and idealistic. I must admit that as arrogant and emotionally reserved (read: unavailable) as he is, and as in love with Antonia as he will always be, he is my #1 book boyfriend, and no one will ever convince me otherwise. You can read my reviews of all the Roxton books here.

Anne M. Beggs, author of the Dahlquin Series

Anne’s selections have a different angle.

“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known” Well, how is that for a BIG LOVE?  When author C.V. Lee asked this question, Sydney Carton was one of the first I thought of, though A Tale of Two Cities does not spring to mind as a romance.  In this page-turning story of the French Revolution, by the immortal Charles Dickens, Sydney Carton makes the ultimate sacrifice for his beloved, Lucie Manette.

Who doesn’t LOVE a time traveling romance? Modern day Justine Parker is transported 450 years back in time where she may just meet the man of her dreams, Sir William de Beauvais, in this tension-filled story of survival, betrayal, and resourcefulness – The Witchfinder’s Well, by Jonathan Posner. Fans of Claire and Henry from a Time-Travelers Wife, and Claire and Jamie Frasier of Outlander…here is another book and series of BIG LOVE and historical fiction.

Ana Brazil, author of the the Viola Vermillion Vaudeville Mystery series

Ana likes a good, slow-burn romance series..

I love The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries. The Dorothy Sayers’ books focus mostly on clever-although-emotionally-wounded-until-he-finds-Harriet Peter, and Walsh’s books show us how the married Peter and Harriet and their children survive and maintain their perspective through World War II. Peter and Harriet are mature and set-in-their-life’s-course when they meet, and it’s a great joy to see their relationship mature over the years.

I recommend the twenty-four A William Monk Novel series written by Anne Perry. She catapults her detective William Monk into some of Victorian London’s most chilling and devious murders. Although former battlefield nurse Hester Latterly initially appears as the thorn in Monk’s side, she soon becomes his helpmate and wife. Their relationship was so subtle in the first novels that I didn’t realize there was a romance brewing between the two; but once I caught on to their interest in each other, I was thrilled to witness their developing camaraderie and devotion to each other.

C.V Lee, author of The de Carteret Chronicles: Legacy of Rebels

C.V. likes a love the couple has to work for.

My favorite historical fiction couple is John Thornton and Margaret Hale from Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel North and South. What I love about this romance is that it isn’t driven by instant passion. Coming from very different social circles, they initially misunderstand the other’s world perspective. However, as they become better acquainted, they come to understand one another as they challenge the others beliefs and way of life.. Their love develops slowly as they come to respect and appreciate the other’s moral character—growing until they become worthy of one another.

Although not considered historical fiction, I also love the story of Anne Elliott and Captain Frederick Wentworth in Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Anne regrets allowing social expectations to tear them apart, while Captain Wentworth must overcome his hurt pride for these two to find their way back together.

Please share in the comments your favorite historical fiction couple.