Hello, lovely readers! Are you in the mood for something sweet, pure, and heartwarmingly beautiful? You’ve come to the perfect place! Today, we’re diving into the cozy, comforting world of wholesome romance books, where love stories are filled with genuine connections, gentle humor, and those butterflies-in-your-stomach moments.
These books make us believe in the goodness of people, the strength of kindness, and the power of love to bring light into our lives. So, grab a warm blanket and a cup of your favorite tea, and let’s lose ourselves in tales that remind us of the simple joys and the purest forms of love. Ready to fill your heart to the brim with happiness? Let’s get started!
10 Clean & Wholesome Romance Books
Wholesome romance prioritizes positivity and optimism, providing us with uplifting and feel-good stories that leave us warm and fuzzy. These books feature heartwarming moments, sweet gestures, and happy endings that make you smile and feel good about the world. Many feature strong themes of community, friendship, and support, highlighting the importance of connection and belonging.
Here are ten popular clean/wholesome romance novels that are suitable for readers of all ages, making them ideal for families and readers who prefer clean and wholesome content. They prioritize wholesome values and themes, making them suitable for readers who appreciate stories that are free from explicit content and mature themes. Let’s check those out!
| Name | Key Focus | Rating (Goodreads) |
|---|---|---|
| The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune | Six magical children change a man’s view, and all of them are bound by love. | 4.4/5 |
| The Forest of Wool and Steel by Natsu Miyashita | A piano tuner’s upbringing and love story. | 3.7/5 |
| A Wish for Home by Jo Ann Brown | An Amish woman meets her childhood bully boy, and they feel for each other. | 4.4/5 |
| Cold Case Takedown by Jessica R. Patch | A podcaster and investigator work on a case, and they build a relationship. | 4.4/5 |
| A Family for the Firefighter by Jacquelin Thomas | A firefighter takes care of his friend’s family in his absence. | 4.3/5 |
| No Time for Lattes by Becky Muth | A busy woman can not decide whether to date her crush or quit her job. | 4.2/5 |
| Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café by Jodi Thomas | A mayor’s fiance has disappeared, and she wants to cover it for her image. | 4/5 |
| The Preacher’s Son by Patricia Johns | An Amish boy has to go to a non-Amish community as punishment, where he finds his love. | 4.5/5 |
| The Rebel Cowboy’s Baby by Sasha Summers | A cowboy and his struggles for love. | 4.2/5 |
| The Texan’s Truth by Jolene Navarro | A man secretly meets his wife for some reason, and a boy claims to be the father. | 4.4/5 |
1. The House in the Cerulean Sea
The House in the Cerulean Sea is the cleanest and most wholesome LGBT romance I have ever read. It won the Goodreads Choice Award and was nominated for fantasy. For the plot of the book, we have our main character, whose name is Linus Baker. He works for the department caring for magical youth and messing up that phrasing. He works for the government, which oversees the control of all the magical people in the world. The magical people are considered quite dangerous and a threat to society. So magical children are put into these orphanages where they never get adopted and shoved away from society.
Linus’s job is to go and inspect these orphanages. He works in a gloomy office environment until one day, he gets an assignment to go to a dangerous orphanage. This is the titular house in the Cerulean Sea. As he goes to this new orphanage, everything changes for him, and he meets the six magical children and their caretaker. He then has to determine whether the orphanage is being run correctly and if it needs to shut down. It made my heart feel whole and happy because it has an adorable love story. Beautiful representations of fatherly love, love between siblings, and all wholesome love exist.
Author: TJ Klune
Narrator: Daniel Henning
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Tropes: LGBT, Magic, Family, Friends
Number Of Pages: 394
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
2. The Forest of Wool and Steel
The Forest of Wool and Steel is a beautiful little slice-of-life story set in northern Japan. We follow our main character, whose name is Tomura. He is an aspiring piano tuner. The premise for the plot is that Tamura wants to become a piano tuner, and that’s his dream. Don’t expect a complex plot that goes all over the place. It’s a very simple, lovely story about someone with a small, achievable, but also tricky achievement.
There’s a lot of lovely natural imagery. The fact that it is set in northern Japan made me happy because there’s all beautiful, snowy imagery. There are a lot of comparisons here between the piano being quite similar to the forest. We also see the relationships many side characters have with the piano and how Tomura helps them in their lives with the piano tuning. It’s quite a simple, YA, wholesome love book, but reading it feels like you’re taking a breath of fresh air.
Author: Natsu Miyashita
Publisher: Transworld Digital (Illustrated edition)
Tropes: Japanese literature, Music, Atmospheric
Number Of Pages: 204
Available: Mass Market Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
3. A Wish for Home (Secrets of Bliss Valley)
A Wish for Home is a firefighter and Amish romance. It’s a sweet romance between Lauren and Adam, and Lauren is an Amish woman returning home to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She is running into Adam, who is a childhood bully.
So he needs her to help with his grandfather’s farm, and she’s returning to help with her parents. The two of them may or may not get together. There is forgiveness and many twists that unfold. So, take advantage of this mindful and clean love story.
Author: Jo Ann Brown
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Tropes: Firefighters, Inspiring-love
Number Of Pages: 325
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Library Binding | Kindle | Audio CD
4. Cold Case Takedown (Cold Case Investigators)
Cold Case Takedown is a combination of romantic suspense and second-chance romance. Georgia is a podcaster looking into a decades-old murder case of her friend. The chief investigator is her high school sweetheart, and his name is Colt. So they’re chasing down leads together. This is from Harlequin’s love-inspired suspense line, so it’s a wholesome, inspirational romance at the same time.
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (Original edition)
Tropes: Mystery, Suspense, Harlequin, Second-chance
Number Of Pages: 217
Available: Paperback | Mass Market Paperback | Kindle
5. A Family for the Firefighter
A Family for the Firefighter is number one in the “Polk Island” series. It is from Harlequin’s heartwarming line. So I’m super excited because those have lots of angsty romance, and this one will not disappoint. The story is about a firefighter named Leon looking after his friend who has passed away. Then, he looks after his wife and their three-year-old child.
Even though she’s a strong, independent woman who doesn’t need him, she still lets him in and has him help out. We see a little romance kindling between the two, which is very emotional and adorable.
Author: Jacquelin Thomas
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming (Large print edition)
Tropes: Small Town, Pure-love
Number Of Pages: 240
Available: Audiobook | Mass Market Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
6. No Time for Lattes (No Brides Club)
No Time For Lattes is number 10 in The No Brides Club series. The series is a set of standalone books, and they are all women who have vowed to put their careers before their romances. After losing her job and apartment, Vivian decides to go to New York, and the cat sits for her aunt in New York City, which is not a bad gig.
There, she meets Prudence, who gets her to join the club where all the women vow to put their careers before men, which she wants to do because she is out of a job. However, she finds out that Prudence has a cute brother named Sawyer. She is a Broadway performer. Should she date Sawyer, or should she keep on the job? Read the book if you want to know the answer and discover a cute, wholesome love.
Author: Becky Muth
Publisher: Sweet Promise Press
Tropes: Contemporary, Arc, Humor
Number Of Pages: 195
Available: Paperback | Kindle
7. Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café (Honey Creek)
Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe is number one in the Honey Creek series about a mayor. She’s the mayor of Honey Creek, and her name is Piper. She doesn’t want scandal to bring down the entire town, and her fiance has disappeared. So Piper has hired a very hunky undercover detective to come in and snoop around.
As his cover, he’s pretending to be a long-lost boyfriend who wants to rekindle the romance. However, this book also has a clean love triangle because a new preacher in town, Sam Cassidy, is also looking for love.
Author: Jodi Thomas
Publisher: Zebra
Tropes: Mystery, Suspense, Friendship
Number Of Pages: 320
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Library Binding | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
8. The Preacher’s Son (The Infamous Amish)
The Preacher’s Son is number one in a new Amish series called “The Infamous Amish,” and this one is very scandalous. So, the Bernie Madoff of the Amish world has been sent to jail for fraud. The preacher’s son is Isaiah, and Isaiah returns to the Amish community to make amends, bring out some goodwill, and distance himself from his father.
So he takes a job at the bookbinding shop, which Bethany owns, and Bethany is upset because she lost her fiance because of the fraud. He had to leave the Amish community and go out into the English world, which is the non-Amish community, and get a job. Her father also lost all of his money to Isaiah’s dad. So we’ll see: Is there going to be a spark? Can he make amends for his dad? The romance view of the book is very ethical and pure. I enjoyed the plot, storyline, dialogues, and characters.
Author: Patricia Johns
Publisher: Zebra Books
Tropes: Arc, Christian Fiction
Number Of Pages: 338
Available: Audiobook | Mass Market Paperback | Kindle
9. The Rebel Cowboy’s Baby (Cowboys of Garrison, Texas)
The Rebel Cowboy’s Baby is the opposite and attracts wholesome romance. Audi is a rodeo cowboy, a fun-loving, spontaneous guy who falls in love with Brooke, who is very straight-laced. There probably isn’t a lot of meeting of the minds or getting together here until they find out that they are co-guardians of a baby girl together.
Sasha Summers is one of my favorite authors, but only some of her books are clean. Some of them are steamy. So, if you want to keep to the straight and narrow, email her. She will let you know which ones are clean and have a higher heat level.
Author: Sasha Summers
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming (Large print edition)
Tropes: Western, Family, Heartwarming
Number Of Pages: 195
Available: Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
10. The Texan’s Truth (Cowboys of Diamondback Ranch)
The Texan’s Truth is number five of the series. All of the books in “The Diamond Ranch” series are standalone. So this one is about Bridges, and Bridges has a cute adorable canine. He’s coming home to recover from a gunshot wound, and he happens to run into the love of his life, who happens to be a widow and is also in the same town.
Bridges get a ready-made family. So a boy shows up claiming to be his son, and he and his long-lost love, Liliana, go to try to figure this out, or they work together to figure it out.
Author: Jolene Navarro
Publisher: Love Inspired (Original edition)
Tropes: Inspiration, Religious
Number Of Pages: 211
Available: Paperback | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
5 Steamy Wholesome Romance Books
“Archer’s Voice” by Mia Sheridan – This beautiful story tells the tale of Bree Prescott and Archer Hale, an isolated man who lives in the shadows of his past. As Bree and Archer grow closer, they explore the healing power of love. Sheridan crafts a narrative that is as emotionally rich as it is steamy, making it a perfect read for those who seek depth and passion in their romance novels.
“The Wall of Winnipeg and Me” by Mariana Zapata – Zapata delivers again with the story of Vanessa Mazur and Aiden Graves, a professional football player she works for. The novel explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the gradual building of trust and love, culminating in a relationship that is as steamy as it is heartfelt.
“It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover – While this novel tackles serious themes, it also offers a romance that is intense and full of passion. The relationship between Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid is complex and layered, with moments of pure tenderness and raw emotion. Hoover masterfully balances the steamy aspects with a deeply moving and uplifting narrative.
“The Simple Wild” by K.A. Tucker – Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, this novel follows Calla Fletcher as she faces the rocky relationship with Jonah, a rugged bush pilot. Their love story is filled with banter, chemistry, and moments of vulnerability, blending steamy romance with a tale of self-discovery and forgiveness.
“Beach Read” by Emily Henry – This novel offers a delightful mix of humor, warmth, and sensuality. It tells the story of two authors with contrasting genres and writing styles who challenge each other to step out of their comfort zones. As they spend the summer together, their initial antagonism turns into a deep, passionate connection that is both inspiring and steamy.
5 Enemies-to-lovers Clean Romance Books
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen – A timeless classic epitomizing the enemies-to-lovers trope, this novel tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, whose initial misunderstandings and prejudices gradually give way to understanding, respect, and love. Austen masterfully explores themes of class, family, and societal expectations, making it a must-read in the genre.
“The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne – In this contemporary romance, Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company who mutually disdain each other. Their professional rivalry conceals a growing attraction, leading to a witty and heartwarming tale of love found in unexpected places. Thorne crafts a delightful story that’s both humorous and sweet.
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han – This young adult novel features Lara Jean Song Covey, whose secret love letters accidentally get mailed to her crushes, including one to her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she faces the fallout, Lara Jean’s fake relationship with another recipient, Peter Kavinsky, starts to feel all too real. Han delivers a charming and wholesome story about young love and the complexities of growing up.
“An Offer From a Gentleman” by Julia Quinn – Part of the Bridgerton series, this Regency romance is inspired by the Cinderella fairy tale. It tells the story of Sophie Beckett, an illegitimate daughter of an earl, and Benedict Bridgerton, who meets her at a masquerade ball. Their journey from strangers to lovers is filled with obstacles, class differences, and societal norms, culminating in a sweet and satisfying tale.
“Dear Enemy” by Kristen Callihan – This standalone contemporary romance follows Macon Saint and Delilah Baker, childhood enemies who find themselves living next door to each other as adults. Their antagonistic start slowly transforms into a deep, mutual attraction. Callihan explores their past and present with humor and depth, making for a compelling, clean romance.
5 Clean Contemporary Romance Novels
“My Not So Perfect Life” by Sophie Kinsella – This novel combines humor, heart, and a touch of romance in the story of Katie Brenner, who portrays her life on social media as glamorous and perfect. However, the reality is far from it. When her dream life in London crashes, she’s forced to return to her family’s farm, leading to unexpected opportunities for love and self-discovery. Kinsella expertly crafts a story about the pressures of modern life and the beauty of finding genuine happiness.
“The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary – Tiffy Moore and Leon Twomey share an apartment and a bed but have never met due to their opposite work schedules. Communicating through notes, they start getting to know each other, leading to an unconventional and heartwarming romance. O’Leary’s novel is a testament to the power of connection and understanding, making it a delightful read.
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han – Lara Jean’s life turns upside down when her secret love letters to her crushes are mysteriously mailed out. What follows is a series of events that lead her to pretend to be in a relationship with one of the recipients, Peter Kavinsky. Han’s novel is a sweet exploration of young love, family dynamics, and the journey to understanding one’s true feelings.
“The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion – Don Tillman, a genetics professor with social challenges, creates a questionnaire to find the perfect wife. Rosie Jarman, who doesn’t meet his criteria, enters his life, leading Don to question his beliefs about love and compatibility. Simsion delivers a novel that’s both humorous and heartwarming, exploring the unpredictability of love.
“Waiting for Tom Hanks” by Kerry Winfrey – Annie Cassidy dreams of finding her own Tom Hanks, a man who embodies the romantic comedy heroes she adores. When a movie starts filming in her neighborhood, and she meets the lead actor, Drew Danforth, her life begins to resemble the rom-com she loves. Winfrey’s novel is a charming and light-hearted read that celebrates love in many forms.
5 Bestselling Clean And Wholesome Romance Books
“The Wedding Dress” by Rachel Hauck – This novel weaves together the stories of four women over a century, connected by an heirloom wedding dress. Hauck masterfully blends history, romance, and mystery, delivering a touching narrative about love, faith, and the timeless beauty of wedding gowns. It’s celebrated for its inspirational themes and deep emotional resonance.
“The Convenient Groom” by Denise Hunter – A part of the Nantucket Love Story series, this book tells the story of Dr. Kate Lawrence, a celebrity relationship expert who gets left at the altar. When Lucas Wright, a carpenter and long-time friend, steps in as the “convenient groom,” what starts as a facade slowly unfolds into something more. Hunter’s novel is a delightful exploration of unexpected love and the beauty of second chances.
“Love Comes Softly” by Janette Oke – This classic historical romance set in the pioneer days is the first in a series that follows Marty Claridge and Clark Davis, who enter into a marriage of convenience after Marty is widowed on her way west. Oke’s pioneering novel describes life, loss, and love on the frontier, offering readers a deeply moving and spiritually uplifting story.
“Paper Hearts” by Courtney Walsh – Part of the Heart’s Courtship Collection, this novel explores the story of Abigail Pressman, who doubts love will ever come her way until a mysterious artist begins leaving paper hearts around town with quotes that seem to speak directly to her. Walsh crafts a charming tale of unexpected love and the power of words to heal and connect hearts.
“True to You” by Becky Wade – The first book in the Bradford Sisters Romance series, follows genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford as she helps former Navy SEAL John Lawson track down his birth mother. Their journey reveals unexpected truths and a growing attraction. Wade’s book is praised for its engaging plot, complex characters, and themes of forgiveness and identity.
We’ve laughed, sighed, and maybe even shed a tear or two, but most importantly, we’ve been reminded of the beauty of love in its most innocent and joyous forms. These stories have rekindled our faith in happy endings and shown us that, sometimes, the simplest forms of love are the most profound.
As we part ways, carry the warmth and light from these tales into our everyday lives, and remember, the world is full of beautiful stories waiting to be discovered. May your reading adventures bring joy, comfort, and endless moments of heartwarming romance. Until we meet again, keep loving, dreaming, and reading. Happy reading!
Read more similar books:
Table of Contents
