This study focuses on three complementary points aiming to evaluate the production, the content and the reading of sentimental novels published by Editora Nova Cultural, a sales leader publisher of this genre in Brazil. Including series such as Sabrina, Julia and similar ones, released weekly since 1978, Nova Cultural has thousands of faithful readers. The first step to disclose the group of elements involved in this kind of literature was to identify its sources, revealing its current shape including complementary elements used by the publisher to attract readers and stimulate the demand for new titles. Afterwards, in order to identify at least part of its ideology, I've tried to interpret feminine images available in these books according to feminist criticism theories. Finally, this research meant to show, through interviews with readers, some of the motivational elements involved in picking up sentimental novels for reading and in which way this choice influences these readers' daily life. The purpose of this study was to deeply investigate the world of the sentimental novel, revealing its several angles. This multidimensional view shows that the scope of possibilities offered by this kind of text sometimes leads to diverse ways than the ones first thought of. The way that the readers relate to these texts offers new perspectives to the study of sentimental novels. The reading sets the readers free from daily tasks, making them assume active roles opposite to the apparent passivity proposed by entertaining literature. Conscientiously ignoring stereotyped aspects of sentimental novels, readers find benefits that this literature can bring to their lives. Key-words: Sentimental Novels; Reading; Entertaining Literature
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