Christian Romance Gems for Your Summer
Summer is the perfect time to dive into a good book. And what could be better than a Christian fiction romance novel?
These books combine the allure of romantic storytelling with elements of faith. They offer wholesome content that aligns with Christian values.
Whether you're lounging by the pool or relaxing in a hammock, these books provide uplifting and inspiring narratives. They're the perfect addition to your summer reading list.
Why Choose Christian Fiction Romance for Summer?
Christian fiction romance books are more than just love stories. They're tales of faith, hope, and redemption.
These books often feature strong, relatable protagonists. They embody Christian virtues and undergo emotional and spiritual growth.
The genre offers a variety of settings and time periods. From contemporary tales to historical narratives, there's something for everyone.
Top Picks for Wholesome Summer Romance
Looking for some wholesome romance to add to your summer reading list? We've got you covered.
Our top picks include a mix of contemporary and historical Christian romance novels. We've also thrown in some Christian romantic suspense for thrill seekers.
Each book on our list offers a unique blend of romance and faith. They tackle real-life issues with grace and a Christian perspective.
Whether you're looking for a light read or a thought-provoking story, you'll find it here.
Historical Christian Romance Novels
Historical Christian romance novels transport readers to a different time period. They offer a glimpse into the past, while still delivering a timeless love story.
Ahoti: A Story of Tamar
by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh - Eva Marie Everson
A masterful retelling of Tamar's story of redemption, faith, healing, and justice
"Vamosh (The Scroll) and Everson (The Ornament Keeper) put an empowering spin on the biblical story of Tamar, the daughter of King David...[I]t's a welcome and often gripping portrait of the unsung courage of a biblical heroine."--Publishers Weekly
"As an author of biblical fiction, I know the amount of research and work that goes into crafting a story like this. Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and Eva Marie Everson comprise the perfect team." --Jerry B. Jenkins, The Chosen series
Ravaged by one brother, silenced and betrayed by another, and abandoned by her father, Tamar--once beloved daughter of the king of Israel, and healer of the court--suddenly finds herself in exile, fleeing for her life. But the story continues where the scriptures end: a dangerous journey and tenacious pursuit of her true identity and calling brings her full circle, to her rightful place in the kingdom.
Connoisseurs of Biblical fiction will love Ahoti.
- Ahoti brings to life the Old Testament story of the biblical princess Tamar, the daughter of David, King of Israel.
- The familiar Bible story ends with Tamar living "desolate" (2 Samuel 13:20), but master storytellers Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and Eva Marie Everson take readers beyond this sorrowful ending to a horizon of hope, thanks to their brilliant adaptation of an ancient anonymous manuscript, purportedly written by Gad the Seer (1 Chronicles 29:29), which was discovered in India in the early 18th century. Beyond the biblical text, this manuscript provides a surprising conclusion, which has powerful modern-day significance.
- Rich with cultural, biblical, and historic detail, and spiritually compelling, Ahoti will inspire readers to overcome humiliation, pain, betrayal, and bitterness, to embrace a life of purpose.
The Song of Sourwood Mountain
by Ann H Gabhart
While the century began with such promise, it is 1910 when Mira Dean's hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé dead from tuberculosis, Mira resigns herself to being a spinster schoolteacher--until Gordon Covington shows up.
No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. And all at once the doors that had seemed firmly shut begin to open, just a crack.
With much trepidation, Mira steps out in faith into a life she never imagined, in a place filled with its own special challenges, to serve a people who will end up becoming the family she always dreamed of.
From the pen of bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart comes a heartwarming story of the unexpected blessings that can come when we dare to follow the Lord's leading.
Into the Starlight
by Amanda Cabot
After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.
After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable.
As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.
Get swept away by this emotional tale of family, friendship, and the kind of love that overcomes every obstacle.
The Songbird of Hope Hill
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
A young woman sings of God's love--even if she doesn't believe He can forgive her--in this heartwarming novel inspired by historical events, from the bestselling author of A Tapestry of Grace.
"An unforgettable story of God's grace and redemption."--Kathleen Y'Barbo, author of The Black Midnight
Driven by survival to a life at a house of ill repute, Birdie Clarkson now longs only for escape. So when Reverend Isaiah Overly and his son, Ephraim, appear and offer a better life, she jumps at the chance. Ignoring the furious raging of the madam, Birdie climbs into the back of the preacher's wagon.
The men take her to Hope Hill, the haven the reverend and his wife, Ophelia, founded so women like Birdie can be taught skills to help them rise above their pasts. Soon a resistant Birdie finds herself singing in the choir Ephraim leads at revival meetings, even though she's certain she's the last person who should be representing God.
Reverend Overly teaches that no one is irredeemable, but even as Ephraim is falling in love with her, Birdie remains convinced that she's past saving. After all she's been through, can she ever believe that God's redemption wipes every soul clean? And can Ephraim convince her that God loves her more than she can grasp--and that he does, too?
The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple
by Joanna Davidson Politano
Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past.
Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.
Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe.
Until Our Time Comes: A Novel of World War II Poland
by Nicole M Miller
American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. But her plans to bring the priceless stallion Lubor to the US are derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that will threaten her beloved horses at every turn.
Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate 250 horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other.
Drawn from true events of World War II, this epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love from debut novelist Nicole M. Miller will thunder into your heart like a herd of beautiful horses across a raging river.
Meeting Her Match
by Jen Turano
Miss Camilla Pierpont, a renowned matchmaker and influential member of the New York Four Hundred, has vowed never to marry after suffering a devastating heartbreak during her debut years ago. However, when she is nearly abducted along the Hudson River, she finds herself rescued by an annoyingly outspoken, albeit fascinating, gentleman who challenges her in a manner she wasn't expecting.
After learning that Camilla Pierpont has enjoyed success with taking wayward young ladies in hand, Mr. Owen Chesterfield travels to the Hudson River Valley determined to convince Camilla to sponsor his sister, who is in desperate need of social rehabilitation.
Knowing her life is in danger, Camilla agrees to Owen's proposition and travels with him to West Virginia, finding herself charmed by the less-than-formal attitude of his small hometown, as well as by Owen himself. But danger waits in the shadows, disrupting what she knows would be the most spectacular match she's ever made--her own.
Contemporary Christian Romance Novels
Contemporary Christian romance novels are set in the present day. They often tackle modern issues through the lens of faith.
Love on a Whim
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Brynn Haywood's impulsive marriage to a man she'd known less than 24 hours leaves her with deep regret. She flees to Cape Cod, finding refuge with her loyal friend, Dawn Dixon. As Brynn grapples with her emotions, Dawn acts swiftly, eager to help secure a lawyer for her through her mother Marnie's good friend, Lincoln Hayes. However, Lincoln's preoccupation with his daughter's lavish wedding brings unexpected challenges.
The arrival of Lincoln's estranged son, Bear Hayes, stirs the waters further. Alarmed by his father's extravagant generosity toward the Dixon family, Bear ignites friction between Marnie and Lincoln. As the wedding day arrives, Lincoln vanishes--and an unwelcome guest makes a surprise appearance.
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delights with this sweet story of love, family, and the unpredictability of life.
Sandcastle Inn: A Hope Harbor Novel
by Irene Hannon
Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she'd left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course--because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.
A trip to Oregon isn't in Matt Quinn's plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn't on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister's new enterprise on life support.
Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B--if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn . . . and his heart.
Her Part to Play
by Jenny Erlingsson
Desperate for extra income after her mother's passing, Adanne accepts a last-minute job as a makeup artist for a movie filming in her small Alabama hometown. She's working to save her parents' legacy and help her brother, but the money hardly seems worth having to face the actor who got her fired from her last job in Hollywood.
John Pope has made his share of mistakes over the years. But after turning his life over to God and enduring a messy breakup, he's ready to start rebuilding his career. Imagine his surprise when the woman called in to cover for his usual makeup artist is a quiet but feisty newcomer on the set--and definitely not a fan.
Sparks of tension--and could that be attraction?--fly between them, but Adanne hates the spotlight, and John's scheming manager has bigger plans for him than to end up with the humble makeup girl from the small-town South. Can these star-crossed lovers find their way to happiness? Or will the bright lights of Hollywood blind their eyes to what's right in front of them?
Debut author Jenny Erlingsson's diverse cast comes alive with faith, romance, and a touch of humor to create a story worthy of the big screen.
Loyally, Luke
by Pepper Basham
Sometimes love means embracing the good, the bad . . . and even the impossible.
Dear Reader,
My name is Luke Edgewood, and there are few things in life that I require. Mainly black coffee. And flannel. And lots of solitude. And my dogs, Chewy and Indie. What I don't need is romance, so I have no plans to change my thirty-year-old bachelor status anytime soon.
But my youngest sister thinks that by accepting a short-term construction job in the small European country of Skymar, I'm going to follow along in her footsteps and discover my own romantic adventure. Nope. Bah humbug. The End. This time, her rom-com-movie senses are totally wrong.
Or maybe not. Because I've met a Grace Kelly look-alike who is annoying . . . until she isn't. But she is impossible. As in, nothing can happen between us because she is a literal princess. Even though that's easy to forget when we're working together to restore a castle-like orphanage in a secluded mountain town and "forced proximity" includes a small closet, a secret one-hundred-year-old journal, and the tactile memory of an off-limits royal in my arms.
Basically, the whole situation has turned into an ooey gooey magical snow globe of romantic tropes complete with cute kids and an actual ball. Now, even my sentences are starting to sound like mush. Ugh. Send high levels of testosterone my way--I'm going to need it.
Loyally,
Luke
"Readers, you are in for a pure delight! Luke Edgewood is, in a word, dreamy."--Emma St. Clair, USA TODAY bestselling author
- Witty, hilarious, and heartwarming contemporary romance
- A sweet, kisses-only romance
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Someone Like You
by Karen Kingsbury
Now a major motion picture starring Sarah Fisher!
Science raises questions only hope and faith can answer in this instant New York Times bestselling "tale of forgiveness and love" (Woman's World) from Karen Kingsbury.
Andi Allen is shaken to the core when she finds out everything she believed about her life was a lie. Her parents had always planned to tell her the truth about her past: that she was adopted as an embryo. But somehow the right moment never happened.
Then a total stranger confronts Andi with the truth and tells her something else that rocks her world--Andi had a sister she never knew about. Betrayed, angry, and confused, Andi leaves her new job and fiancé, rejects her family's requests for forgiveness, and moves to Birmingham to find out who she really is.
Dawson Gage's life was destroyed when London Quinn, the only girl he ever loved, is killed. In the hospital waiting room, London's mother reveals that London might have had a sibling. When Dawson finds Andi and brings her to Birmingham, the Quinns--her biological parents--welcome her into their lives and hearts. Andi is comforted by the Quinns' love and intrigued by their memories of London, who was so much like her. Is this the family and the life she was really meant to have?
Now it will take the love of Dawson Gage to help Andi know who she is...and to help her find her way home in this "emotional, thoughtful tale" (Publishers Weekly).
Some of the original characters names and locations in this edition of Someone Like You have been changed to correspond with the film adaptation of the book.
Love, Unscripted
by Denise Hunter
The perfect boyfriend only exists on paper...doesn't he?
Fresh off the heels of a bad breakup, Chloe Anderson poured her heart into penning the perfect boyfriend--and the result was an off-the-charts debut beach read that resonated with women worldwide. Now, Chloe's scripted hero is headed for Hollywood, with her book destined to become a major motion picture.
When Chloe gets wind that silver screen bad boy Liam Hamilton has been cast as the ideal-in-every-way hero of her novel, she's horrified by the film director's choice. How could a player like Liam possibly do Chloe's perfect hero justice? Unafraid to speak her mind, Chloe lets her executive producer know she's one hundred percent opposed to the casting. And oops--the call is on speakerphone, where the annoyingly attractive Hollywood star hears Chloe's unbridled outrage firsthand.
With Liam's reputation already on the rocks, his agent concocts a PR plan to upgrade Liam's image while putting the story--and the film--in the spotlight. The catch? During the movie's filming in Chloe's cute hometown of Stillwater, North Carolina, Chloe and Liam will fake a wholesome, committed relationship. Both stand to gain something from the arrangement. Liam's fans will see him in a new light, while Chloe can boost her struggling social media following and further her writing career. What could possibly go wrong?
As author and actor navigate the waters of the PR relationship, they're unprepared when their professional agreement turns into an actual friendship. And when serious sparks start to fly--well, that's an unread chapter for both of them.
- Charming contemporary romance
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Rural Romance
Christian Amish romance novels that take place in a rural setting often provide heartwarming stories that focus on faith, family, and love. These novels showcase the simplicity of rural life, the importance of community, and the values of the Amish culture. Readers are drawn to these books for their wholesome and uplifting themes, as well as the sweet and clean romance that unfolds within the rural backdrop.
Matters of the Heart
by Kelly Irvin
He's the community's jokester auctioneer. She's the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together?
Declan Miller has always had feelings for Bethel King. Back when they were in school, she was the smartest girl in the class and, in his opinion, by far the prettiest. Now the two of them are in their twenties and while the attraction is still there, Declan is as hesitant as ever to let Bethel know how he feels. His corny jokes and wisecracks cover a heart that's afraid of rejection.
Bethel can't deny Declan is nice, funny, hardworking, and pleasing to the eye--a perfect match if you asked any Plain girl in the area. But marrying Bethel would also mean marrying into her family. Two of her younger brothers have a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and her sister Claire is now showing signs of having it as well. Fiercely loyal and nurturing, Bethel has promised herself her siblings will always come first. With a good chance that she carries the gene and could pass it on to her children, Bethel has tried to convince herself marriage and family just aren't in the cards for her.
When a devastating diagnosis of his own turns Declan's world upside down, he looks to Bethel for understanding, compassion, and a realistic outlook. As they share their dreams and fears and grow together in faith, a bond begins to develop between them. Perhaps their combination of optimistic extrovert and thoughtful introvert really isn't such a bad thing--perhaps it's actually a part of God's beautiful design.
The Proposal Plot
by Kathleen Fuller
A headstrong young businesswoman. An unlucky-in-love bachelor. And the chaperoning assignment that keeps pushing them together.
For someone so strong-willed and certain, Ella Yoder has never been more unsure of her life. It's been a year since she convinced her father to move with her and her younger sister Junia to Marigold, Ohio, to open E and J Grocery. Ella's got a keen eye for running a business and has big dreams to expand. But her plans are stalled because Junia refuses to lift a finger at the store--or listen to her about anything.
Nelson Bontranger knows one thing for sure: creating his own artisan deli meats is his passion. Well, maybe one other thing: he's sworn off women forever. After two bouts of heartbreak, he's not willing to open up himself to a third. When he eyes his own butcher shop next to E and J Grocery in Marigold, he's surprised to learn that Ella has had her eye on the property for some time. He doesn't trust this stubborn, pushy young woman--and for her, the feeling is mutual.
Against their wishes, Ella and Nelson's paths continue to cross when Nelson's nephew Malachi falls head over heels for Junia. Nelson and Ella are brought together to keep the lovebirds in check, but somewhere along the line, their frustration turns to something altogether more pleasant. But they will both need to come to terms with past pain before they can find their future happiness.
Garment of Praise: An Amish Romance
by Linda Byler
The final book in the New Directions series delves into the complexities of a blended Amish family. Are love and faith enough to navigate through relationship tensions, homesickness, and tragedy?
Susan has been in Wyoming long enough to feel at home, but instead she finds herself still struggling to adapt to the dusty landscape, the different customs, and life so far from family. She knows she should be appreciating the big, beautiful log home that Isaac built, but sometimes even that feels like a burden--so much of it to clean, and Isaac always traipsing in with his muddy boots and clothes smelling of diesel. But those are just the surface problems. The real struggle is the same as it has been since the day she married Isaac--the long hours he spends away at his logging job and the way his son Titus seems to loathe her presence in their lives.
Titus is growing quickly, coming closer to manhood every day. He's working with his father finally, always torn between wanting to impress him and being repulsed by the entire logging industry. He struggles with pent-up anger from his mother's death, Susan swooping in as if she could take her place, and never feeling like he's enough for his dad. But could a meeting with a young woman full of her own struggles change everything?
Author Linda Byler is an active member of the Amish church and writes all her novels by hand with a pen and notebook. She offers a unique and fascinating look into Amish history and culture.
Christian Romantic Suspense for Thrill Seekers
For those who enjoy a side of suspense with their romance, we recommend "Unforgiven". It's a thrilling tale of love and faith that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Unforgiven
by Shelley Shepard Gray
Ex-con Seth Zimmerman has spent the last three years making amends by helping the vulnerable in his former Amish community. Lately, this mission includes calling on Tabitha Yoder, whose divorce from her abusive husband has isolated her from the community. Even though she never comes out of her house to talk to him, Seth knows she watches him from the window while he chops wood, clears her driveway, and drops off food.
An uneasy friendship is just starting to take hold between them when small gifts begin to appear at Tabitha's home--gifts that can only be from her ex-husband. Seth might be Tabitha's only hope at maintaining her hard-won freedom from the man whose violent outbursts had almost cost her life. But coming to her rescue might mean he ends up behind bars once again.
Get swept up in this emotional story of two outcasts who may be each other's only hope for happiness and redemption from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray.
Hidden in the Night
by Elizabeth Goddard
At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent turned rare-book collector Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone--taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she's getting herself into.
Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions--and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg.
Don't miss this breathtaking race for truth set amid the glorious--and deadly--Glacier Bay from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard.
Walking on Hidden Wings: A Novel of the Roaring Twenties
by Rachel McDaniel
"A tangled web, a sleuthing adventure, a rekindled romance . . . Walking on Hidden Wings has it all." --Rachel Fordham, author of The Letter Tree
Geneva Ashcroft Hayes's marriage to a newspaper mogul might have been arranged, but the New York socialite is devastated when her husband's plane crashes a few short months after their nuptials. When the authorities suspect murder, Geneva sets out on a wild mission to find his killer--and to prove it wasn't her!
When mysterious notes surface pointing to Geneva's guilt in his death, they only strengthen her resolve. She has little to go on except for a detective friend's cryptic list of locations connected to her dead spouse. When the friend also disappears, she trades her sparkling gowns for coveralls and pilot goggles.
Armed with a new name and career as a wingwalker and barnstormer, she travels from town to town in hopes of unearthing clues and locating her missing friend. But Geneva discovers that her past may not belong to her . . . what she once believed as truth may be nothing more than lies and deception.
"Fans of intelligent mysteries, butterfly-inducing romance, and the Roaring Twenties, prepare yourselves--Walking on Hidden Wings will sweep you away to the skies! McDaniel's lyrical prose is a delight, and readers will be fascinated by the daring beginnings of aviation. A true gem." --Joanna Barker, author of A Heart Worth Stealing
Your Summer of Wholesome Romance Awaits
This summer, explore into the world of Christian fiction romance. These books offer a blend of faith, love, and wholesome storytelling that's perfect for the season.
So, grab a book, find a cozy spot, and start your summer reading adventure.