I have yet to even attempt The Bridges of Madison County for that very reason. They make me cry. I give a shrug and admit The Notebook elicited such a reaction. I found myself on edge wondering who Allie would choose. In particular, I was sincerely moved by the last part of the novel taking place in the residence home.
Several reasons come to mind.
Spark's novel painted a picture of people infirm with age and sickness, but rich in feeling and emotion. I really liked that about this novel. The storm brewing perfectly paralleled the growing, or re-growing, feelings and sexual tension between Allie and Noah. Perhaps contrived and thoroughly predictable, but I enjoy that once in a while. Its simple and sometimes very lovely.