Why Love Stories Still Matter…and Always Will

by Carrie Turansky

We often think of celebrating Valentine’s Day with cards and flowers or preparing special treats for those we love, but underneath those traditions lies something deeper. Love stories endure because they speak to a longing God placed in every human heart, the desire to be known, chosen, and cherished. That is why romance has remained one of the most popular forms of storytelling across time and cultures.

From Scripture to classic literature to modern novels, love stories resonate with us because they reflect the human longing for connection and the hope of redemption. We want to believe that brokenness is not the end of the story. In uncertain times, readers often turn to romance not only for escape, but for reassurance that faithfulness matters, and that love can grow even in difficult
circumstances.

Christian fiction offers a particularly meaningful perspective on love. While our culture often portrays romance as fleeting emotion, biblical love tells a different story. Scripture describes love as patient and kind, sacrificial and enduring. Jesus Himself defined love through service and sacrifice, reminding us that, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” That kind of love shapes not only our faith, but the stories we tell.

As writers, we are called to reflect that deeper truth. Writing romance that honors faith does not mean creating perfect characters or conflict-free relationships. In fact, the most compelling love stories often rise from struggle. Over the course of writing twenty-three novels and novellas, I’ve learned that emotional depth comes from honestly showing characters wrestling with fear, pride, forgiveness, and trust. These emotions mirror our own journeys, and that makes the story feel real and relatable.

Including faith in a romance works best when it is woven naturally into the story. Rather than relying on overt explanations, spiritual themes come alive through the choices characters make. For example, when a character chooses grace over bitterness, commitment over convenience, hope over fear, readers will see how faith is lived out in real life circumstances. They will sense authenticity when faith shapes a character’s actions, even in quiet, imperfect ways.

This is where romance becomes more than a genre; it becomes a ministry. Stories have the power to gently shape hearts and perspectives. A love story can encourage a weary reader, offer hope to someone who has experienced loss, or remind the reader that God is still at work in the details of their ordinary lives. When romance reflects patience, forgiveness, and steadfast love, it quietly echoes the Gospel.

Valentine’s Day reminds us that love is worth celebrating, but it also points us back to the greatest love story of all, God’s redemptive love for His people. Earthly romance, at its best, reflects that love. It reminds us that we are pursued, redeemed, and cherished by a faithful God.

That’s why love stories still matter, and I believe they always will. As Christian writers, we are entrusted with telling stories that offer hope, healing, and truth. When we write romance with intention and faith, we’re part of something far greater than entertainment alone. We tell stories that matter, stories that endure, and stories that quietly point readers toward the ultimate Author of love.

Carrie Turansky is an award-winning author of twenty-three novels and novellas, writing inspirational historical romance rooted in faith, family, and hope. She loves weaving history with heartfelt stories that reflect God’s redeeming love and encourage readers to trust Him through every season of life. To see how she weaves faith and love together in her latest novel, A Token of Love, visit her website: https://carrieturansky.com/.