Romance - never read it before, but must be getting old and fancy reading a lovely romantic (NOT filthy erotic ) story - any recommendations? (been inspired by watching Me &Mrs Jones if that helps)

The Mysteries of Glass by Sue Gee is one of the loveliest romance books I've ever read. It's easy to read but beautifully written and not in the slightlest chick-lit or 50-shades like :)

Oh 'These Old Shades' is marvellous. Pretty much any of the Georgette Heyer historical romances will help you pass an hour or two.

Another for gone with the wind. And "these old shades" by georgette heyer. Although if you want historical bodice rippers (heroes sweeping delicate virgins off their feet etc) try Kathleen woodiwiss.

www.persephonebooks.co.uk/books/mariana-classi/

Marianna by Monica Dickens

gorgeous

Second Gone With the Wind!

Not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for but Neville Shute's books have some touching romantic tones - very subtle, definitely no sex and written in the 40s so barely a kiss. A Town Like Alice and Requiem for a Wren.

The Camomile Lawn by Mary Wesley is a little more racy in parts (there's also a TV adaptation available to watch for free on 4OD)

I've just finished reading Please Don't Stop the Music by Jane Lovering. A very easy read, lots of romance and desperately wanting the characters to get together.

I like Maeve Binchy for easy read romance.

Yes I agree Jilly Cooper - my favourite is Rivals for romance.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith - if anyone hasn't read this, i implore you to read it!!

Hmm - Gone With The Wind a good read, Katherine by Anya Seton if you like Historical . . .

I thought The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella was quite funny. Very easy reading, no sad bits. Excellent for a bit of light reading with some laughs thrown in.

How about The Bronze Horseman by Paulina Simons. About a young couple who fall in love in Leningrad just as WW II breaks out.
Or The Girl in Times Square by the same author.
I don't read romance that often either, or at least I don't seek it out but anything I've read by Paulina Simons is pretty reliable - very easy to read but good writing. Its a pity about the silly looking covers though.. so the kindle is the perfect solution!

Have you tried Jill Mansell? Or Sophie Kinsella? Both tend to be very easy and frothy but also funny and romantic. Also as Frawli says, any Jilly Cooper.

Well would definitely second the Austen, I love Austen.

If you like Pride and Prejudice but don't want to actually read that again there is a whole host of books based on Pride and Prejudice, of variable quality. One of the better ones that is free on kindle this weekend is Mr Darcy's Letter by Abigail Reynolds. There is a bit of sex but not much.

Also, during November there are also some of these P&P inspired books for 99p that are usually £6.50 or so, and some of these are modern versions. I've just read Compulsively Mr Darcy by Nina Benneton, which was 99p, very much enjoyed it. Also, there is one called something like Fitzwilliam Darcy Rock Star. It sounds awful, and the cover is cheesy but I enjoyed that one too. There are sex scenes in both these books, particularly the latter, but they are not erotica, I would say they are romances. There is also a book called Lydia Bennet's Blog by Valerie Laws for less than a pound. I very much enjoyed that one, it's P&P from Lydia's point of view but written in a modern way, it reminded me a bit of Bridget Jones' Diary, but I thought the Lydia book was better, was very funny.

If you would be open to an older romance, hows about something by Jilly Cooper? She did a range in the seventies that I really like, the titles are all girl's names, like Emily, Prudence, Bella, Harriet, etc. Again, bit of sex, but less graphic than a more modern one.

Georgette Heyer did wonderful romances, entirely sex-free, mostly regency. Something like Friday's Child or Cotillion would be nice and light. Or perhaps The Grand Sophy, Frederica or Arabella. They are all good.

If we are talking chick lit I am a bit lost really, the only writer I've enjoyed is Liz Young. A friend recommended PS I Love You by Cecelia Ahern to me and it made me blubber like a baby, put me off a bit!

A Moment in Time by H E Bates and of course, Jane Austen and the Brontes

Aside from the contemporary element she probably ticks all those boxes.

I far prefer the Crawfords.

Jane Austen is probably my favourite author for sheer re-readability, but I took the OP to be looking for something light and contemporary.

Oh I like MP - just not as a romance! And I find myself liking the Crawfords more and more every time. :)

Jane Austen all the way, I would even read Mansfield Park if only to see the not so nice characters shake off Fanny and Edward who are dire. All JA books make me smile and warm and fuzzy and I go to sleep dreaming about dashing heroes.

I read Christmas at Tiffanys earlier this year. Very little of it is set at Christmas, but is an enjoyable, if a bit daft, romantic story with a happy ending. Nothing weird :).

I didn't find One Day at all romantic - perhaps I just didn't take to either character particularly. Horribly sad ending.

Lurking too - I love funny romantic fiction that is relevant, so not necessarily about twenty somethings, as I'm in my late 40s. I've read a lot of Katie Fforde and enjoyed them but now find them a bit samey. Mary Wesley books are great.

Mary Wesley is funny. I liked One Day but it isn't without it's sad parts.

Yes to 'Pride And Prejudice' or indeed any Austens except 'Mansfield Park' which is about as romantic as nylon nighties.

'Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day' is a lovely, old fashioned, feel good novel about a governess who finally finds a bit of excitement in her life (I LOVE this book so much and I think everybody should read it!).

You might enjoy some of the Georgette Heyer books too.

I love half hidden by Emma Blair. It's not appeared on kindle yet though, and I gave my copy to DH grandma this post isn't much help really is it.....

PS I love you by Cecilia Ahern, it's sad though.