s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!
Today’s official topic is TTT Rewind, to pick an older topic or one missed. I’m doing my own spin on a bookish list of romantic moments and picking three fun locations these scenes take place: in the grocery store, on a boat, and on a train. A little more about my list…
My family and friends know I get just as excited about going grocery shopping as any other kind of shopping (especially if it’s a new-to-me store!). It’s no surprise I’ve noted a few grocery store scenes as remarkable while reading. I also love trains, and think they’re romantic in and of themselves. Trains are another unique spot on my list. I know I have read many stories with coastal settings or scenes on boats, but in thinking about a third place to add to my list, the first one I thought of was Courtney Walsh’s Nantucket series. So, boats round out place number 3.
These scenes *MIGHT* spoil a few moments of some of these stories, so I want to give you a head’s up if any of these are still on your TBR.
10 Bookish Memorable + Romantic Moments in Unique Locations
In the grocery store…
The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams | review | Chapter 26, Cooper walking the aisles looking for Lucy
This is an ADORABLE exchange between Cooper and Lucy shopping with her son, Levi. There’s opportunity for little boy shoulder rides, a little parenting 101, flirty banter, and even a kiss in an unexpected outside-a-bathroom setting. It’s pure fun.
Stay With Me by Becky Wade | review | Chapter 16, while grocery shopping…
This moment between Sam and Genevieve is the culmination of a LOT of tension and seriousness between them ***spoiler: he initiates a kiss!***. And it happens in a grocery store just in front of the coffee beans! A sweet little old man makes an appearance here, too, and it’s delightful and hilarious.
Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay | review | July 6 entry (epistolary format)
Sam and Alex share a tiny moment of honesty and remembering in this scene. It’s less romantic and more heartfelt as his encouraging comment sparks a focus on good memory of Sam’s fraught childhood. Also, it involves OREOS, and it has always stuck in my brain as a pivotal growth scene for Sam.
On a Train…
The Cautious Maiden by Dawn Crandall | review | Chapter 7, a train trip from Maine to Boston in the private Everstone car
This chapter is a chance for Vance and Violet to share vulnerability and work out tentative family reactions to their marriage of convenience + talk about Vance’s past and Violet’s hopes. It’s a tension-filled private moment for them, and it fits nicely in the story to see their tenderness for each other start to grow.
The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews | review | Chapter 15, Justin and Helena on a train to London
They have an honest conversation about their worries for something they’re about to face in London, and the romantic moment happens when Justin reassures her of his commitment and support as her husband. It’s a sweet moment because, as fitting with his personality, simply voicing his emotions in that manner is unexpected.
Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden | review | Chapter 17 overlooking a moonlit field from a caboose.
In this scene, a cross country train trip turns very personal as Dimitri holds Natalia and confesses his deepest personal reservations about a relationship. Theirs is a wholly unique opposites/friends-to-lovers dynamic that’s groundbreaking in its depiction. I ❤ them so much!
On a Boat…
Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson | review | Chapter 16, on a night watch on a lobster boat in the harbor
Meg and Oliver have an enemies to lovers situation happening, and in this chapter and scene, Oliver shares a great deal of his past with her, revealing the reasons his actions caused their “enemy” dynamic. It’s a touching scene, and one that ends with a sweet embrace while Meg realizes just what he endured as a young man.
Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes | review | Chapter 34
Several great friendship-building moments occur between Annie and Jeremiah in boats, but a touching moment happens when he takes her to a secluded sea cove in a canoe to see some special microorganisms that tie in with the theme of Light and Darkness and embracing the waves. It’s poignant and sweet because it reinforces how he *sees* her.
Is It Any Wonder by Courtney Walsh | review | Chapter 23 training in a sailboat for the regatta
While Lou and Cody share a few significant moments on boats, including a rescue and a regatta, the most significant scene, I think, is when Lou experiences a panic attack and Cody talks her through it. Their guards are down, and it’s a sweet moment for her to realize the electricity still between them (second chance romance trope!).
A Modest Independence by Mimi Matthews | review | Chapter 8, on a steam ship bound for Malta
While Tom and Jenny could’ve fit into the TRAIN moments category, this scene early on in their journey to India captures an unguarded moment of attraction between them as Tom tends to Jenny while she’s seasick. It’s a classic sickbed scene that shows his tenderness for her while they trade a little banter and good conversation.
The Green Mockingbird 