It seems like only yesterday Thanksgiving ended and we all panicked as Christmas approached. Now the holiday pressures of Christmas have faded, and instantly, we’re shoved straight into Valentines Day. We went from the anxiety of remembering a token of affection for everyone we know, to the anxiety of planning a night of affection for the person we care about most.

I’m always excited about the Valentine’s Day.  I enjoy the over-abundance of heart decor, the candy, the affectionate gifts, but most of all I like the romantic books that are displayed during this time of year.

I usually enjoy the Valentine’s Day table at the bookstore, but this year it was tragic. Over half the table was books were about either having better sex, pursuing experimental relationships, or just overall bad relationship advice. Out of all the books on the table, I’d probably only consider reading six of them.

I’m all for better intimacy and a great sex life in marriage, but I think a point has been missed. Valentine’s Day should not be about your sex life, but your relationship as a whole. Yes, Valentine’s Day is commercial – all holidays are anymore – but think of it as a day to remind you to reevaluate your relationship and resolve to make it better. Think of it as a Relationship New Year’s Day. What if you’re single? Then think of it as a day to reevaluate your relationship with God and others, as well as an evaluation of how you’re using your singleness. Think of it as a Singleness New Year’s Day.

And for your “new year,” let me recommend some better books than what you’ll find at the Valentine’s Day table.

Marriage and Relationships
Boundaries in Marriage by Dr Henry Could and Dr John Townsend

The Power of Prayer to Change Your Marriage by Stormie Omartian

Happily Ever After by Gary Chapman

Love and Respect by Dr Emerson Eggerichs

Real Marriage by Mark and Grace Driscoll (Great for singles too!)

Romance and Fun
2002 Romantic Ideas by Cyndi Haynes and Dale Edwards

The Book of Love by KC Jones

1001 Ways to be Romantic by Gregory JP Godek

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

A Midsummer’s Night Dream by Shakespeare

Love Letters by Peter Washington

Love Poems by Sheila Kohler and Peter Washington

For Singles
10 Best Decisions a Single Can Make by Bill and Pam Ferrel

I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris

Every Single Woman’s Battle by Shannon Ethridge (for women)

Every Single Man’s Battle by Stephan Arterburn (for men)

Young Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendall (for younger women)

For Men Only by Jeff & Shaunti Feldhahd (for men)

Kids Books That Adults Will Like Too
I Like You by Sandol Stoddard Warburg

Dear Valentine Letters from Mad Libs

Everyone Says I Love You by Beegee Tolpa

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Love, Splat by Rob Scotton

God’s Love For You
Crazy Love by Francis Chan

A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George (for  younger women)

You Are Loved by Thomas Nelson

His Princess Bride: Love Letters From Your Princel by Sheri Rose Shepherd (for women)

God Speaks Your Love Language by Gary Chapman

Know any other good Valentine’s Day books?  Leave them in the comments!