All About Love + February's Reading Challenge

Romance. Love. Valentines.

February is the month in which we celebrate the passionate side of life. It's when we're more in tune to those we love and the hints they give out for what will bring them joy. We love to get a little sneaky and plan a few happy surprises for our closest loved ones.

As you may have figured out by some of my previous articles, I am single, which means Valentine's Day is bittersweet for me. Honestly, it's usually just another day on the calendar, another day of work if it doesn't fall on a weekend, and another chance to work on a book or read a book or watch a few movies if it does happen to be on a Saturday or Sunday.

However, I have my own way of celebrating the love I carry within me. This love is for my future husband, wherever and whoever he may be, but it's also a fountain of love for my God. He is my first Love, and it is important to me to remember, celebrate, and apply the love for Him He has given me. He pours His love into my heart so that I may pour it right back into His. It's an exquisite circle of love that I have been exploring more and more in recent months. I plan to delve even deeper into it in the years He may continue to provide for me.

As for how I celebrate this love, I'll let you in on my secrets. The first thing I like to do is soak up some divine love, so I dive into the Word of God, typically reading the very romantic book of Ruth on Valentine's Day. Hers is a story I often go to when I'm feeling "left out" of human love. In her story, I am reminded not only of God's plan to provide my needs and gift me with extra blessings than I expect, but also that His love for me is not hampered by any tragedy or alone-ness I may face, and He tends to the intricate details of my life, including my human love story.

After that, I like to find some chocolate to go with my breakfast. I usually have Kit Kats, Snickers, or Milky Ways around the house (among other candies). And of course, hot chocolate! It doesn't matter what flavor -- as long as it does not involve cinnamon, since I'm highly allergic to that spice. It is my go-to drink especially on Valentine's Day, but even all year round it's scrumptious.

A great book or a movie (sometimes both) is a great thing to add into my Valentine's Day celebration. I particularly like choosing a clean romance when I opt for a book during this romantic day. This year, I may even pull out my copies of Carrie Turansky's Edwardian Brides series, as they are sweet romances with deep story lines and memorable characters. If I go for the movie option, I like romantic comedies on Valentine's Day, such as Leap Year or Letters to Juliet.

How do YOU celebrate Valentine's Day?

What is your favorite Valentine's Day surprise from years past?

How do you celebrate God's love for you?

Whether you're married, dating, or single, the reading challenge we'll be doing in the second month of the year is for you.

February Reading Challenge:

In February, we are featuring those romance books. If the story contains a thread of romance, it counts. So pull out your romance, romantic suspense, romantic thriller, or romantic comedy books and add them to February's reading list.

This month, library books and books purchased in 2018 count. (Remember, they did not count last month, because we were doing the to-be-read challenge, which were books we owned prior to the start of this year.)

Once you read your romance books (remembering to finish them in February and not this final week of January), please come back here and share them with us in the comment section. As always, I'll add a picture and link in the right-hand sidebar for your convenience.

What books with a romance thread are you most excited about this year?

Which authors are your go-to for your romance fix?

(Looking for recommendations!)

Join the conversation!

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The TBR Extravaganza challenge is open through January 31. Share the books you read for it over on this page.