One is 'The Flame and the Flower' by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. In this novel, the initial relationship between the main characters has elements of the husband's dislike for the wife. However, as the story unfolds, their relationship develops into something more complex and loving.
Another example could be 'Whitney, My Love' by Judith McNaught. The hero has some rather negative feelings towards the heroine at the start, which sets up a series of events and emotional developments throughout the story.
Some authors use this theme to add an element of redemption. The husband who initially hates his wife can go through a transformation, which makes for an engaging character arc. It gives room for the development of complex emotions and relationships, much like in real - life situations where people's feelings can change over time.
The wife could explore other types of books or hobbies that they can both enjoy together. This way, she still gets her entertainment, and the husband doesn't have to deal with the romance novels. For example, they could both get into mystery novels or start gardening together. This would bring them closer and might ease the husband's dislike for the wife's romance novels.
Some good ones are 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott. It's set in medieval England and has a great deal of romance. And 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas. Although it's mainly a revenge story, there are also romantic elements, especially in the relationship between Edmond Dantès and some of the female characters. The historical settings in these novels add a lot of depth to the romantic relationships.
Harlequin is another major publisher. They publish a wide range of historical romance, often with diverse settings and characters. Their books are popular all over the world and they have different lines dedicated to historical romances, which helps in reaching a broad audience. They are known for their consistent quality and ability to find new and exciting voices in the genre.
Well, Johanna Lindsey is a well - loved author of historical romance. Her novels usually involve adventurous plots and passionate romances. Diana Gabaldon, while her 'Outlander' series has elements of time - travel, it is also a great historical romance with rich historical details of Scotland. And let's not forget Judith McNaught, whose books are known for their complex characters and emotional love stories.
Some great historical epic novels include 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. It's not just about a whale hunt but also delves into themes of obsession, fate, and the human condition in the 19th - century American whaling industry. 'Les Misérables' by Victor Hugo is another. Set in post - revolutionary France, it tells the story of Jean Valjean and the social and political unrest of the time. It's a long and detailed account of the lives of different characters against the backdrop of historical events.
Cristina García's 'Dreaming in Cuban' is also significant. It weaves together the stories of three generations of a Cuban family, reflecting on the Cuban revolution, exile, and the changing cultural and political landscape of Cuba over time.
Some good historical dystopian novels include 'The Iron Heel' by Jack London. It anticipates a future where a tyrannical oligarchy rules. Then there's 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut. While it's not a traditional dystopian novel in the sense of a future society, it shows the horrors of war and how it can create a kind of dystopia in the present. And 'The Chrysalids' by John Wyndham, which is set in a post - apocalyptic world where genetic mutations are persecuted.
One well - known historical political novel is 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. It gives a vivid picture of the political and social unrest during the French Revolution. Another is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy which shows the impact of Napoleonic Wars on Russian society from political, social and personal perspectives. And '1984' by George Orwell is also a significant one that explores themes of totalitarianism and political control in a fictional future society.
One well - known Welsh historical novel is 'The Mabinogion'. It's a collection of medieval Welsh tales that are full of magic, heroic deeds, and ancient Welsh culture. These stories have been passed down through generations and give great insights into the history and mythology of Wales.