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9 Books That Will Make You Cry
If you’ve ever found yourself sobbing into a pillow at 2 AM after finishing a book, welcome – you’re one of us.
I’ve rounded up 9 emotional books that will make you cry, featuring tearjerker novels and heartbreaking fiction that are perfect for anyone who loves a good emotional spiral.
So grab a blanket, queue up your sad playlist, and let’s dive into the most painfully good books to read.
The Sadest Books That Will Make You Cry
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romance
Main Themes: Emotional and mental abuse recovery, domestic violence, courage, true love, social class disparity, and age-gap romance.
Alexis Montgomery, a sophisticated ER doctor from a wealthy family, meets Daniel Grant, a younger, casual carpenter from a small town.
Despite their different worlds and Alexis recovering from an abusive relationship, their undeniable chemistry challenges
Alexis to choose between her family’s expectations and the joy she finds with Daniel. The story explores the complexities of love across social and emotional divides.
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Celebrity Romance
Main Themes: Age-gap relationships, celebrity culture, romance, and personal growth.
The Idea of You” is a debut novel by Robinne Lee that explores a passionate and unconventional romance between Solène Marchand, a thirty-nine-year-old art gallery owner, and Hayes Campbell, a twenty-year-old member of the world-famous boy band August Moon.
The story begins when Solène, who is divorced and eager to connect with her teenage daughter Isabelle, reluctantly takes her to meet the band.
Solène and Hayes quickly form a connection, leading to a series of clandestine trysts that evolve into a genuine and profound relationship.
Their romance spans continents, taking them from stadium tours to international art fairs and secluded hideaways in Paris and Miami. For Solène, the relationship represents a reclaiming of self and a rediscovery of happiness and love.
The Ravenhood Trilogy by Kate Stewart
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Retelling of Robin Hood
Main Themes: Family dynamics, romance, trust, secrets, and personal growth.
Cecelia Horner, a resentful nineteen-year-old, moves to a small town to live with her father and work in his plant to access her trust fund.
She becomes involved with Sean, her charming supervisor, and has a contentious rivalry with Dominic. Told in two timelines, the trilogy explores Cecelia’s journey through love, secrets, and self-discovery.
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Main Themes: Love and loss, grief, self-discovery, soulmates, and personal empowerment.
Emma Blair’s life is shattered when her husband Jesse goes missing in a helicopter crash.
Years later, she falls in love again with her old friend Sam and becomes engaged, only to face complicated emotions when Jesse unexpectedly returns. The novel explores her struggle to reconcile past and present loves.
Annie’s Song by Catherine Anderson
Annie Trimble lives in a world of silence, isolated and misunderstood by those around her.
When Alex Montgomery discovers that his reckless younger brother assaulted Annie, he’s consumed with guilt.
In an act of atonement, he offers to marry her and raise the child she now carries. What he doesn’t expect is to fall deeply for Annie—captivated by her quiet strength, her innocence, and the unique way she sees the world.
As he works to break through her silence, Alex finds himself healing too, transformed by Annie’s quiet but powerful love.
The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Fantasy
Main Themes: Love transcending time, fate, loss, and the complexities of relationships affected by uncontrollable circumstances.
The novel follows Henry, a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and Clare, his wife, as they navigate the challenges of their unconventional relationship across time.
The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan
Genre: Historical Romance
Main Themes: Social class, independence, love, and societal expectations.
“The Heiress Effect” by Courtney Milan is a historical romance novel set in the late 1800s in England.
The story revolves around Miss Jane Fairfield, a wealthy and unconventional woman who deliberately behaves inappropriately in society to avoid marriage and protect her sister. Despite her immense dowry, Jane is often the subject of ridicule due to her fashion choices and outspoken nature.
Mr. Oliver Marshall, a bastard son of a duke raised in humble circumstances, is determined to advocate for the common people. He crosses paths with Jane and, despite their differences, finds himself drawn to her courage and loveliness. Their relationship develops amidst societal expectations and personal challenges, leading to a compelling and emotionally charged narrative.
Land of the Beautiful Dead by R. Lee Smith
Genre: Post-apocalyptic Horror Romance
Main Themes: Good vs. evil, survival, love and sacrifice.
The story follows Lan, a young woman who believes she can change the brutal life she has always known by confronting Azrael and demanding he end the Eaters, monstrous creatures that threaten humanity’s survival.
To her surprise, Azrael offers her a chance to convince him, leading to a complex and emotionally charged relationship.
Already read one of these tearjerkers? Let me know which one wrecked you the most — or drop your own recs below. Misery loves company, and we’re always looking for our next book to sob over.
