There's usually a strong sense of home and nostalgia. Childhood best friends are often associated with a particular place or time in a person's life. In 'Second Chance Summer', the hometown setting plays a big role in the romance between the childhood friends. The familiar surroundings and the memories attached to them enhance the emotional depth of their relationship.
One popular childhood best friends romance novel is 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' by Jenny Han. It beautifully portrays the complex relationship between Belly and her childhood friends as it evolves into something more romantic over the summers.
They're appealing because of the built - in history. The characters already know each other deeply, which adds a layer of authenticity. For example, in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', Belly has known the boys her whole life, so when feelings change, it's not just a surface - level attraction.
One popular one is 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' by Jenny Han. It beautifully portrays the transition from childhood friendship to a deeper romantic relationship set against the backdrop of beach summers.
Another theme is growth. As the characters grow from children to adults, their feelings for each other change. In many novels, there are challenges that come with this growth, like different career paths or new relationships that threaten their bond. A detailed example can be seen in a novel where the male character goes off to college and meets new people, but still feels a deep pull towards his childhood friend. The story then explores how they navigate these new situations while still holding onto their old connection.
One common theme is the discovery of new feelings. Childhood friends often see each other in a certain way for years, and then suddenly they realize there are deeper romantic feelings. For example, in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', Belly has always thought of Conrad as just a friend from childhood, but as she grows older, she discovers new, romantic feelings for him.
Well, 'Anne of Green Gables' has some undertones of this. Gilbert and Anne were childhood acquaintances and as they grew up, their relationship developed into a deep and abiding love. Also, 'Second Chance Summer' by Morgan Matson. It's about a girl who returns to her hometown and reconnects with a childhood friend, leading to a beautiful romantic story. And 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' trilogy by Jenny Han is also about a girl and her relationship with two brothers who were her childhood friends, which has a lot of sweet and angsty romantic moments.
One common theme is the deep - rooted familiarity. Since they've known each other for a long time, they have a shared history, like inside jokes and memories. Another is the growth and change. They often grow up and see each other in new lights. For example, a once - scrawny childhood friend might become very attractive as they get older. Also, there's usually some sort of conflict that comes from their long - standing relationship, like family expectations getting in the way of their new - found romantic feelings.
One great 'childhood enemies to lovers' romance novel is 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne. It's about two coworkers who were childhood rivals. Their constant bickering and office pranks lead to an unexpected romance. Another is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. Elizabeth and Darcy start off with a strong dislike for each other, rooted in misunderstandings from their first meetings. And 'When Dimple Met Rishi' also has elements of this trope as Dimple and Rishi initially seem at odds but gradually fall for each other.
One great childhood friends romance novel is 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks. It tells the story of Noah and Allie, who were childhood friends and then reconnected later in life. Their love is both passionate and tender.