Matching Up 10 Good Novels with Romance Movies
On countless occasions I refer to myself as a book nerd, but I am also a TV addict who enjoys a good binge, or even a movie, too. Thus the idea for this list you read evolved. What are we set to talk about, well, this week it’s all about a book and romance movie match up.
LIST | 20 of the Sweetest Spring-Time Romance Movies
Yes, I know, when I create lists, I often talk about the romance genre, but let’s be real, that is what I read most of, so this is what I know, and you know, they do say, write what we know. Anyway, back to the list. None of these pair perfectly together though I see enough similarities to feel good they can match well enough to give the same kind of vibe. Despite this being romance laced, do leave your favorite book and movie match-ups, no matter the genre.
Book and Romance Movie Match Ups
Excluding books that have film adaptations
1: Among the Poppies (J’nell Ciesielski) with Downton Abbey
This story is different than Downton Abbey, but for some reason it reminds me of it. Perhaps it’s the time frame, which is pretty in line with the Julian Fellowes TV show, or at least it is in its early season days. Goodreads
2: Before I Called You Mine (Nicole Deese) with Life as We Know It
Seems as though not many care for Life as We Know It in which Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel play single people who become parents overnight. But it’s really quite sweet, and if you like it, then Before I Called You Mine will be something similar, only this time, you’ll experience a deeper story. PS: Review for this book is on the schedule this week – literally! Book on Goodreads
Runner Up: The Back Up Plan, Instant Family
3: The Bronte Plot (Katherine Reay) with Letters to Juliet
Different, but still similar. These both have a kind of journey story, and they’re just both simply delightful. Goodreads
4: Geek Girl (Holly Smale) with The Princess Diaries
These are again stories that differ, but at the heart there’s a nerd-y character in both (Geek Girl becomes an overnight model while The Princess Diaries is about a teen who doesn’t realize she’s, yes, you guess right, royalty) that is impossible not to like. Goodreads
5: A Girl’s Guide to the Outback (Jessica Kate) with Leap Year
I know, this one is quite different, but while the settings aren’t the same (Australia vs Ireland), I see similarities in the heroine’s personalities, and in the fact both “chase” a guy across the ocean. Goodreads
6: It Happened at Christmas (Christen Krumm) with While You Were Sleeping
Technically this is a YA re-telling of While You Were Sleeping, so while it’s essentially the same plot, I still had to include it because it’s so charming. I’m a Christmas novel reader only at Christmas, but some of you may like them anytime, so… this one’s for you! Goodreads
7: Meant to Be Mine (Becky Wade) with Forever My Girl
Though underrated (which is why I put it on quite a few lists), Forever My Girl is a lovely second chance love story romance. It’s full of beautiful moments and the acting is pretty darn good, too. If you like this, don’t miss Becky Wade’s Meant to Be Mine, another love story that gets a second chance – plus both have adorable little girl characters. Goodreads
8: Practically Married (Karin Beery) with In-Lawfully Yours
This is perhaps one that differs the greatest in terms of plot, but there’s similarities. Karin’s novel features a woman about to marry a stranger while In-Lawfully Yours involves a woman falling in love with the brother-in-law (not in the way you think) she has never met after her marriage falls apart. Goodreads
Runner-Up: Virgin River (Netflix Series)
9: The Ringmaster’s Wife (Kristy Cambron) with The Greatest Showman
Two different stories, but they have similar emotion, plus they’re both set in a circus, so…! Goodreads
10: The Unhoneymooners (Christina Lauren) with Summer Villa
This one is stretching things – a lot. Reason being the Hallmark film Summer Villa is as far from being secular storytelling as can be. Then there’s The Unhoneymooners which is secular fiction all the way. Still, if you enjoy the trope of two people who have to share a space, you may like Summer Villa. PS: I swear there’s a rom-com that’s like a vacation trope with two people who hate each other.. but I cannot think of it. Am I wrong? Goodreads
Runner-Up: Blended
Tell me your thoughts! Which “book and romance movie match up” pairs would you make? Or any genre? Tell me your favorite genre match-ups. Comment all of your thoughts below.
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I just had to share that I think I figured out a mistake I made with a book choice after reading this post. I read It STARTED at Christmas this past December thinking it was the book inspired by While You Were Sleeping, but I was left confused when it didn’t really remind me of the film. I think I read the wrong book! Ha! Now I need to pick up It Happened at Christmas. ;) Lovely post!
Oh no! So sorry about the confusion, Dedra. It Happened at Christmas is indeed inspired by While You Were Sleeping and I’m 100% here for more re-tellings like it. :) Hope you enjoy if you pick it up – and thank you for visiting and reading the post. :)
I agree! When I saw The Greatest Showman I immediately thought about The Ringmaster’s Wife. I loved that book!
How cool! I’m glad to know that, in at least one of these matchups, I’m not alone. I always wonder if I’m “stretching” some of these things. ;) Appreciate your visit, Andi.
Wondering why you didn’t mention Forever My Girl of based loosely off the book of the same name by Heidi McLaughlin?
Probably just an oversight to not mention that.