North and South, written by Elizabeth Gaskell, is a compelling 19th-century romance novel that explores the stark differences between the industrial North and the rural South of England. The story follows Margaret Hale, a young woman who moves from the idyllic countryside to the gritty industrial town of Milton. There, she encounters John Thornton, a wealthy mill owner, and their initial clashes eventually give way to a deepening romance. With its exploration of social issues, class divide, and the power of love, North and South remains a popular choice among fans of 19th-century romance books on Amazon.