Yes, those are Tv series! XD, It is common that natives confuse the word "novela" with "telenovela".
Well I am not a big fan of romantic stuff, but I readed a book a long time ago from a Colombian writer who died just a few months ago =S.
The book is called "El amor en los tiempos del colera" and I found it really interesting, It describe Garcias' parents relationship, since the beginning.
I hope you find it and if you read it, I hope you also like it!