There is an over-abundance of books on love, and very few of them end happily, which is why I've rounded up a list of recommended fiction for those who are less than thrilled about Valentine's Day this year.

The End of the Affair by Graham Greene -- The name says it all; if you like your love stories to include terminal disease and weird Catholic overtones, this is the one for you.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood -- For those among us who have decided to swear off men for good, this is the validation you need.

Heartburn by Nora Ephron -- A very funny, sweet novel based on Ephron's own divorce experiences. Not nearly as cynical as the rest of the list, and an excellent breakup book.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte -- A book about love for anyone who feels too much.

The Awakening by Kate Chopin -- I am so tempted to summarize this novella about an unhappily married woman but I would inevitably ruin the ending for you, and it is such a treat (if you hate Edna, as I did).

This week's #ReadWomen2014 is a particularly fun one, because getting to know Nora Ephron as a writer absolutely includes a screening of her movies, especially When Harry Met Sally, the screenplay of which is even included in The Most of Nora Ephron, a posthumous collection of her work which I recommend for its breadth and variety. In addition to the screenplay, it includes her early journalism, later essays, her Wellesley commencement address about being flat-chested, and her post-divorce novel Heartburn. Really hardcore Nora Ephron fans might want this in addition to some of the individual essay collections (Wallflower at the Orgy, I Feel Bad About My Neck), even though there will be some overlap.

Her writing is smart and funny and so. so absolutely touching and human. She bares her soul in so many ways that manage to be simultaneously funny and sad, and she pretty unapologetically and honestly embraces her flaws, which feels in a strange way like a granting of permission for the reader to do the same. She is someone you can read when you want a really fun, smart book that is entertaining and soulful.