Celebrating marriage with Saint Valentine

Many stories surround Saint Valentine – who is the patron saint of beekeepers and epilepsy as well as lovers – but the most widely known is that he continued to perform marriages for soldiers even after the Roman Emperor outlawed the practice. With so many stories about romance out there, we’re choosing today to spotlight books which take a deep look at marriages long and short, passionate and cold, real and in novels.

Wait for me, Jack by Cynthia Rogerson writing as Addison Jones

Amusing, warm-hearted but unflinching, this delightful novel examines a frankly dysfunctional marriage across the decades. Jack and Milly get together in 1952, determined to live the American Dream together. But love isn’t easy to maintain for sixty years. Told from both of their perspectives with a dash of black humour, this is an insightful look at what is really takes to make marriage last.

The Restless Wave: My Two Lives with John Bellany by Helen Bellany

Helen Bellany was twice married to the artist John Bellany. Recounting their rise from poverty and obscurity to worldwide recognition, Bellany lays bare the imperfections of their relationship, capturing both testing times and happy memories. Written after John’s death, this is as much a love letter as it is a biography.

Gears for Queers by Abigail Melton and Lilith Cooper

Keen to see some of Europe, now-married partners Abi (she/her) and Lili (they/them) get on their bikes and start pedalling. Along flat fens and up Swiss Alps, they meet new friends and exorcise old demons as they push their bodies – and their relationship – to the limit.

Jennifer Juniper by Jenny Boyd

Jenny Boyd's extraordinary life is the stuff of movies and novels, a story of incredible people and places at a pivotal time in the 20th century. Twice married to Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, Jenny shares stories of rock and roll romances and shaky relationships alongside the story of how she found her own voice.