Christian romance is not sexual because ninety-five percent of the books in this genre are set between the 1750s-1920s. It’s not uncommon for the author to point out obscure things as alluring. That doesn’t make any sense because modesty is so different now. Finding love and faith can be a journey many of us go on when it comes to matters of the heart. In literature, Christian romance provides a unique and uplifting perspective on love, relationships, and spirituality.
From the powerful storytelling of Francine Rivers to the wholesome tales of Janette Oke and the contemporary Amish romance novels of Emma Miller, there is no shortage of options to ignite your soul. So grab a cup of tea, curl up with one of these books, and let the transformative power of Christian romance sweep you away.
10 Christian Romance Books
Christian romance features characters who face real-life challenges and grow spiritually throughout the story. This is inspiring and relatable for readers who share similar faith-based views. I will give your my favourite ten Christian romance books recommendation.
For readers who are part of the Christian community, they reinforce a sense of belonging and shared values. They reflect the lifestyle and moral choices that are important to this audience. We will explore some of the best Christian romance stories that will inspire, entertain, and refresh you. Let’s go!
| Name | Key Focus | Tropes |
|---|---|---|
| Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers | A historical romance novel that reimagines the Biblical story of Hosea and Gomer in the 1850s California Gold Rush, emphasizing themes of unconditional love and redemption. | Star-crossed lovers, redemption arc, historical setting, religious themes, love conquers all, fallen woman, reimagined biblical narrative, transformative love, moral journey, California Gold Rush era, societal judgement. |
| A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers | A historical Christian novel focusing on a young Jewish slave girl’s struggles and faith in the backdrop of first-century Rome, highlighting themes of courage, faith, and God’s love. | Christian fiction, historical setting, Roman Empire, slavery, faith under trial, forbidden love, spiritual journey, cultural conflict, martyrdom, personal transformation, religious persecution. |
| A Girl’s Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate | A contemporary romance novel centered around a young woman’s journey to rural Australia, where she navigates love, self-discovery, and cultural differences. | Romantic comedy, cultural clash, fish out of water, Australian setting, rural romance, personal growth, workplace romance, opposites attract, humor, family dynamics, self-discovery journey. |
| The Shack by William P. Young | A spiritual novel exploring a grieving father’s encounter with divine manifestations, leading to profound insights about tragedy, faith, and forgiveness. | Spiritual journey, religious themes, coping with loss, supernatural encounters, questioning faith, personal redemption, God’s nature, philosophical dialogue, healing after trauma, allegorical elements, transformative experience. |
| Chance of Loving You by Terri Blackstock | A collection of Christian romance stories, each exploring themes of love, faith, and the unexpected ways God can work in people’s lives. | Christian romance, faith-guided relationships, anthology, divine intervention, moral dilemmas, heartwarming narratives, unexpected love, personal growth, spiritual journey, community and support, inspirational themes. |
| Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter | A contemporary Christian romance novel about overcoming past trauma and finding love, set in a quaint lakeside town. | Small-town romance, summer setting, overcoming grief, second chance love, childhood crushes, healing journey, community bonds, family dynamics, faith and forgiveness, picturesque scenery, emotional growth. |
| Take a Chance on Me by Becky Wade | A heartwarming Christian romance novel about taking risks in love and life, focusing on trust, redemption, and the unexpected paths to happiness. | Chance encounter, love against odds, faith-based romance, redemption arc, emotional healing, small-town setting, risk-taking, family bonds, overcoming past mistakes, personal growth, second chances. |
| A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer | A historical Christian romance novel set in the late 19th century, involving a determined teacher, a rugged tracker, and a captivating adventure that intertwines love, faith, and courage. | Historical setting, Western romance, strong female lead, rugged male protagonist, adventure and pursuit, Christian values, love and faith, protective hero, schoolteacher heroine, danger and suspense, cultural contrasts. |
| The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton | A heartwarming tale of self-discovery and family secrets, set in a charming Alabama bed-and-breakfast, where the protagonist rediscovers her grandmother’s past and reevaluates her own life choices. | Family secrets, Southern charm, bed-and-breakfast setting, self-discovery, small-town life, generational saga, romance, renovation and renewal, women’s fiction, life-changing revelations, heartwarming narrative. |
| Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke | A tender Christian historical novel, set in the American frontier, about a young woman’s unexpected journey towards love, faith, and resilience in the face of adversity. | Pioneer life, arranged marriage, Christian romance, frontier setting, widowhood, family dynamics, faith and perseverance, personal growth, historical backdrop, gentle love story, community support. |
1. Redeeming Love
Redeeming Love is based on the Book of Hosea, a book from the Bible. It’s about the Prophet Josiah, whom God says should marry a prostitute. So he does it, but the woman repeatedly leaves him and keeps on cheating on him, but he doesn’t give up on her.
In the middle of the 19th century, this is the story of a young woman called Angel. She is a beautiful prostitute with a horrible past. Life changes forever after she meets a farmer named Michael Hosea. Michael is a man of God, and when he first lays eyes on an angel, he hears God telling him that Angel is a woman he wants Michael to marry despite her profession.
So Michael obeys God and asks Angel to come to America more than once. But she wants nothing to do with him, thinking of him, another crazy guy who thinks he’s in love with her because of her looks. Things happen, and Angel and Michael end up living together. While Michael is putting all his efforts into making his relationship with Angel work, she is still very skeptical and runs away from him more than once.
But Michael keeps going after her, wanting to prove his love is real and encouraging her to meet God and grow closer to him. So, it was a cool love story between the characters, but it was an experience that made me feel that God was talking to me, reminding me of how much he loves me.
Author: Francine Rivers
Average Rating: 4.8/5
Category: Christian Historical Fiction (Best Seller)
Number Of Pages: 479
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
2. A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion)
This book follows three protagonists. They have different ideas, mindsets, goals, and even conflicting goals. The unique thing about this book is that it is based on Bible time. So it’s after Jesus Christ has died, risen again, gone off to glory, and the Christians are being persecuted in Jerusalem. They all pretty much scatter it around that time. The story starts in this book, The Roman Empire Lays Siege on Jerusalem, where we meet our first protagonist, Hadassah. She is a Jewish girl who becomes a house slave in Rome.
Our second protagonist is Marcus, a Roman aristocrat, a real wealthy young man living in Rome who happens to be one of the people living in the house that Hadassah is a slave in. Then we have an Atretes, a young German tribe leader who gets captured and becomes a gladiator in Rome.
In this first part of the series, we focus more on Hadassah and her faith and how it affects people around her. Marcus’s going through a change in his mindset and beliefs. The book deals with a historical Christian romance between Hadassah and Marcus, making you emotional and heartbroken.
Author: Francine Rivers
Average Rating: 4.8/5
Category: Religious Historical Fiction
Number Of Pages: 544
Available: Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
3. A Girl’s Guide to the Outback
The premise is about a girl (Kimberly Foster) and a guy (Samuel Payton) who work at a company together that runs shelters for at-risk youth. Samuel is in charge of the program. Then Kimberly is in charge of the finances and behind-the-scenes stuff. She has a lot of business dreams that he thinks are too ridiculous and unrealistic to pursue. So, she pulls them out of his comfort zone, which he dislikes.
Samuel uses the excuse to travel back home when his sister says, Hey, I need help on the farm. He is from Australia, so hence the outback. His family owns a farm in Australia, so he goes back there. He quits his job and goes back there. So, Kimberly is commissioned to go and get him back, or at least ask him to come to train a new person because they haven’t been able to find a decent replacement for him.
Then she goes to his Australian farm, and it is so funny they have such good chemistry. This is written like it felt real, and the dialogue is realistic. They were both Christians and had a faith journey that they went on. Also, they both had good arcs for their characters.
Author: Jessica Kate
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Contemporary Christian Romance
Number Of Pages: 368
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
4. The Shack
The Shack is a Christian novel that went on to be a USA Today bestseller and then went on to spend almost two years on the New York Times bestseller list for trade paperbacks. It is a story about Mackenzie Allen Phillips, or his name is Mac for short. So, Mac’s on a family vacation when his youngest daughter is abducted. He’s completely devastated when the police find evidence that she had been brutally murdered in a shack in the remote Oregon wilderness.
The shack that she was murdered in is the shack, and Mac ends up receiving a letter in the mail inviting him to spend the weekend in that shack in the Oregon wilderness, and Papa signs it. So he’s confused because he thinks it might be his daughter’s killer. But he also thinks his wife refers to God as Papa. Is this letter from God? So he shows up and goes to the shack in the wilderness.
The story is about max interaction with the Triune God, the Christian God from the Bible. This God manifests in three individuals representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Also, it’s about his process of healing and forgiveness in this shack where his daughter was murdered.
Author: William P. Young
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Category: Western Religious Fiction
Number Of Pages: 256
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
5. Chance of Loving You (Deep Haven)
This is about the girl (Julie) and the guy (Blake) who meet in a diner. Blake leaves her half of his lottery ticket numbers. Then they win the lottery so that both of them split the winnings. It is because they each had half of the ticket, and it’s them trying to figure out how to manage all this money. Also, they liked each other, which was so cute.
I was very entertained, and the dialogue was funny. The author described the plot and characters with many inspirations. So I would recommend this book if you want to see Christian cultural romance.
Author: Terri Blackstock
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Category: Clean & Wholesome Romance
Number Of Pages: 384
Available: Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
6. Barefoot Summer (Chapel Springs)
We follow a girl (Madison) who has a twin brother. He ended up drowning to honor his memory. So Madison wanted to learn how to sail and win a sailing race because that was his thing. He loves to sail, but the only guy (Beckett) she can find to help her learn how to sail is this family friend who loves her.
Beckett would never say anything because something awkward happened when they were younger, and he feels he can’t say anything now. So Madison has no idea, and she also has a lot of trauma that she hasn’t worked through about her brother dying. He helps her learn how to sail, and their relationship is so cute. I enjoyed seeing their journey of returning to God and believing him again. So, this is a clean romance with many inspirational quotes.
Author: Denise Hunter
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Christian Fiction & Inspiration
Number Of Pages: 336
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Library Binding | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
7. Take a Chance on Me (A Misty River Romance)
This is a prequel novella to Becky Wade’s new series, A Misty River Romance. It’s about two characters (Penelope and Eli). But then Eli went off to the war and didn’t tell her he was getting stationed again. So Penelope feels betrayed, and she’s mad at him. But he’s back, and they both end up having to help her sister-in-law take care of her new baby because her sister-in-law has blood clot issues.
So the two of them have to take care of the new baby, and it’s so funny. Penelope was forced into proximity with Air Force fighter pilot Eli. It’s also a brother’s best friend romance. If you want a bit more heart-pumping adventure in your cute Christian romance, this would be a good one to pick up.
Author: Becky Wade
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: Inspirational Spiritual Fiction, Religious Romance
Number Of Pages: 142
Available: Paperback | Kindle
8. A Worthy Pursuit
This is set in the late 1800s. So, if you like historically set books, you’ll like this one. The story follows Charlotte Atherton (teacher) rescuing the three kids from a closing school, and they don’t have anywhere to go. One of their grandfathers wants his granddaughter back. But secrets are swirling around. The teacher is not in the wrong here and’s trying to keep them safe.
But a bounty hunter comes to collect the child. Then Charlotte realizes she’s not the villain here, but the grandfather is. Stone Hammond is the best tracker who is hired for this rescue mission. So he ends up helping Charlotte, and it’s their romance. The romance was good, and the Christian faith here was good, too.
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Category: Historical Christian Fiction Romance
Number Of Pages: 344
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
9. The Hideaway
This is about our main character, Sara, living in New Orleans. She runs a little shop called Bits and Pieces and is also an interior designer. One day, she finds out that her grandmother passed away and owns this little place. A little bed and breakfast called the Hideaway. So she goes there to wrap up the whole estate, go through the Will reading, and put things to rest.
Sara never seemed like she wanted to return to this place in Sweet Bay, Alabama, which happens to be about three hours away from where she is in New Orleans. She seemed content with her life. Yet when she goes there, everything changes for her. She ends up falling back in love with Sweet Bay. So that’s this turning point where she discovers more of herself and her grandmother.
But there’s a little bit of heartbreak. She also lost her parents, but she also finds herself. She finds love, and there’s even more to this Hideaway than meets the eye. So we get to see how Sara ended up at the Hideaway and how she ended up falling in love with a Christian guy.
Author: Lauren K. Denton
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Comedic Dramas & Plays, Southern Fiction
Number Of Pages: 352
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
10. Love Comes Softly
In this novel, we follow a character named Marty. She is a young widow; and she’s lost her husband to an accident, and she’s pregnant with their first child. On a funeral day, she meets Clark, and Clark is her husband-to-be. He has lost his wife, and he is a widower with only a daughter left with him. So he approaches her and says, we could get married because you need a husband and my daughter. So Marty is shocked that this man would offer such a thing after losing her husband on the day of the funeral. For this reason, she hates him.
Marty’s pregnant and lives without a husband. So it’s hard for her to travel. Then, she goes ahead and reluctantly agrees to marry this man. One day, she goes to Clark’s house and has to deal with Missie (Clark’s daughter) in her morning tantrums. Life is hard for her at first. But as life goes on, she grows to love Missie.
Clark is a loving man trying to provide for and give her what she needs. So the book goes on, and she gives birth to her and her first husband, a son. This is a slow-burn romance where you get to see two single Christian parents struggling with their lives.
Author: Janette Oke
Average Rating: 4.8/5
Category: Western & Frontier Romance
Number Of Pages: 240
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
5 Modern Christian Romance Novels
“True to You” by Becky Wade (Bradford Sisters Romance Series): This novel tells the story of genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford and former Navy SEAL John Lawson. As they uncover his past, they find themselves drawn to each other in a tale of faith, love, and discovery.
“The Masterpiece” by Francine Rivers: Renowned for her Christian fiction, Francine Rivers delivers a compelling story about Roman Velasco, a successful artist with a troubled past, and Grace Moore, his deeply religious personal assistant. Their story is of redemption, transformation, and love, set against contemporary struggles.
“Stay with Me” by Becky Wade (Misty River Romance Series): This novel revolves around Genevieve Woodward, a Christian author and speaker confronting personal challenges and secrets. Her path crosses with Sam Turner, and together, they go on a journey of forgiveness, love, and faith.
“Then There Was You” by Kara Isaac: Set in the present day, this novel follows Paige McAllister, who moves to Sydney to start afresh, and Josh Tyler, a local pastor, dealing with his struggles. Their unexpected romance is filled with humor, heart, and faith-based challenges.
“A Distant Shore” by Karen Kingsbury: This novel focuses on a young girl, Eliza Lawrence, who escapes a dangerous situation in her home country and ends up in America, where she meets a former FBI agent, Jack Ryder. Their story is touchingly about love, bravery, and faith amidst modern-day challenges.
5 Steamy Christian Romance Novels
“Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers: A retelling of the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer set during the California Gold Rush, this novel explores themes of unconditional love, redemption, and personal transformation. While the romance is deep and sometimes intense, it is handled with sensitivity and respect for Christian values.
“The Lady and the Lionheart” by Joanne Bischof: Set in the world of a traveling circus in the late 1800s, this novel tells the story of a lion tamer and a nurse who find love. The book is popular for its rich storytelling, emotional depth, and tender yet passionate romance.
“A Passion Most Pure” by Julie Lessman (The Daughters of Boston Series): This novel, set in the early 20th century, follows the story of Faith O’Connor as she faces family drama, World War I, and a complicated love life. The series is famous for its passionate but wholesome approach to romance.
“To Whisper Her Name” by Tamera Alexander (Belle Meade Plantation Series): Set in post-Civil War Nashville, this novel combines historical romance with Christian themes. The story of a Southern belle and a war-ravaged general is filled with emotional and romantic tension.
“The Masterpiece” by Francine Rivers: This contemporary Christian romance explores the unlikely relationship between a successful but troubled artist and his newly hired personal assistant. Their story is about transformation, redemption, and deep, respectful love.
5 Christian Romance Books For Young Adults
“First Date” by Krista McGee: This contemporary novel is about Addy Davidson, a high school student chosen to be on a reality TV show where the prize is a date with the President’s son. The story covers faith, self-discovery, and romance in a unique, modern setting.
“There You’ll Find Me” by Jenny B. Jones: This book tells the story of Finley Sinclair, an American teenager who travels to Ireland to trace her deceased brother’s steps. There, she meets Beckett Rush, a famous actor, leading to a journey of healing, faith, and unexpected love.
“By Your Side” by Kasie West: This novel features an unlikely romance between an academically driven girl, Autumn, and a misunderstood bad boy, Dax. Trapped together in a library over a weekend, they develop a deep connection that challenges their preconceptions about life and love.
“Save the Date” by Jenny B. Jones: Focused on Lucy Wiltshire, who runs a home for girls in foster care, this story combines romance and humor. When Alex Sinclair, a former NFL star and son of a US senator, comes into her life, Lucy finds her world turned upside down.
“Once Upon a Prince” by Rachel Hauck (Royal Wedding Series): This fairy-tale-like story follows Susanna Truitt, who meets and falls in love with Nathaniel, a man she later discovers is actually a prince. The novel explores love, faith, and destiny in a charming, modern-day royal setting.
5 Christian Historical Romance Books
“Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers: A powerful retelling of the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer, set in the California Gold Rush era. It follows the story of Angel, a woman forced into prostitution at a young age, and Michael Hosea, a devout Christian who seeks to show her unconditional love and the path to redemption.
“The Lady and the Lionheart” by Joanne Bischof: Set in the world of an 1890 traveling circus, this novel tells the tender story of a nurse named Ella and a lion tamer named Charlie Lionheart. Their unique romance is a tale of healing, sacrifice, and the power of love.
“A Voice in the Wind” by Francine Rivers (Mark of the Lion Series): This gripping tale set in ancient Rome and Jerusalem during the first Jewish-Roman War, follows Hadassah, a young Christian slave, and her relationship with the noble but non-believer Marcus. The story combines historical detail with themes of faith and love.
“To Win Her Favor” by Tamera Alexander (Belle Meade Plantation Series): Set in post-Civil War Nashville, this novel follows Maggie Linden, a determined horse breeder, and Cullen McGrath, an Irish immigrant. Their story is about overcoming prejudices and societal expectations and finding love.
“Love Comes Softly” by Janette Oke: The first in a series, this heartwarming novel set in the American West is about Marty and Clark Davis. Their marriage of convenience gradually turns into a deep, loving relationship set against the challenges of pioneer life.
Must-read Christian Romance Authors
Francine Rivers: As one of the most beloved authors in the Christian romance genre, Francine Rivers has touched readers’ hearts worldwide. Her ability to weave faith, love, and redemption together in her stories is unmatched. From her powerful debut novel “Redeeming Love” to her captivating series “The Mark of the Lion,” Rivers’ books are a testament to the transformative power of Christian romance.
Janette Oke: With her heartwarming stories set in the American West, Janette Oke has become a household name in Christian romance literature. Her “Love Comes Softly” series has captured readers’ hearts for decades, offering tales of love, faith, and the importance of family. Oke’s wholesome and relatable characters make her books a joy to read for fans of all ages.
Emma Miller: Known for her contemporary Amish romance novels, Emma Miller brings a fresh and modern perspective to the Christian romance genre. Her stories explore the clash of cultures and beliefs, highlighting the universal themes of love, forgiveness, and personal growth. Miller’s relatable characters and engaging storytelling make her books a must-read for fans of contemporary Christian romance.
Whether you are a devout Christian seeking to deepen your faith or simply looking for a heartwarming love story with a spiritual twist, these books are sure to ignite your soul.
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Table of Contents
