• Best Christian Romance Books

    Faith in the Mountain Valley by Misty M. Beller

    This epic journey is the only way to leave her secrets behind.

    After eleven years spent looking for the girl who stole his heart, Jean-Jacques Baptiste—better known as French to his friends—is tempted to give up. Until the day he spotted the flaxen-haired stranger traveling the wooded path with Blackfoot Indians. He never imagined he’d find his childhood friend masquerading as a man in this Rocky Mountain wilderness, hundreds of miles from the Canadian town where he last saw her. No matter her reasons, he can’t let her go this time.

    Colette Mignon’s life has become a cacophony of lies, including the fact that her Blackfoot Indian companions believe she’s a man. She’s willing to live the taxing life of a trapper in these desolate mountains as long as it keeps her secrets hidden. When her childhood friend and first love discovers her, his determination to help might put everything at risk.

    As the worst of her past threatens to catch up with her, the hope for Colette’s new life shatters. But no matter what, she must protect the one good thing that came from all her mistakes. Though French is determined to stay at her side, she can’t let him become entangled in the perilous consequences of her actions. If only it wasn’t so painful to push him away. The danger pressing in may leave her only one choice—leave everything behind…again.

    The author on writing about certain topics, periods, or characters:

    “I don’t generally like to shy away from settings or characters because of the way our culture views them today. I love history and try to stay as true to the setting as I can. I also firmly believe that no group of people should be judged as a whole on their general reputation. People are individuals, and there are good and bad in every race and time period. I work hard to portray that clearly through my characters.”
    Misty M. Beller

     

     

  • Best Christian Romance Books,  Best Historical Romance Books

    The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron

    The French Revolution, World War II, and present day—three resilient women’s stories are interwoven by an enchanting storybook castle that stands witness to their lives.

    1789: Aveline Saint-Moreau is a wealthy and beautiful young aristocrat preparing for her betrothal to the Duc et Vivay’s heir Philippe, but the French Revolution looms as the Bastille is stormed in Paris. 1944: Viola Hart is a Resistance fighter in France during World War II, desperately trying to root out the evil taking hold in her country as the Nazis occupy France. Present day: Ellie Carver is in a race against time to deliver a decades-overdue message as her grandmother fades into the shadows of Alzheimer’s. Embarking on a journey to France’s Loire Valley, Ellie can only hope to unearth the secrets of the mysterious castle before time silences them forever. As Ellie’s journey unfolds, so too do the journeys of the two other women, each of their stories woven together through their connection with the forgotten French castle—a castle that plays a part in saving each one of them. The author on her favorite part of the writing process:
    “I’m an art and history addict. I love the research part of each writing experience, and falling into the characters’ worlds. Sometimes the experience is so real, it takes me a few days to remember I’m not living in France, 1944… Examining a place in history and then breathing life into it through the characters’ eyes really is an incredible journey that I long to relive with each book.”
    Kristy Cambron
       
  • Best Historical Romance Books

    Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

    Locked in a battle with rising passion and a will matching her own, Annabelle will learn just what it takes to topple a duke…

    England, 1879. Annabelle Archer, the brilliant but destitute daughter of a country vicar, has earned herself a place among the first cohort of female students at the renowned University of Oxford. In return for her scholarship, she must support the rising women’s suffrage movement. Her charge: recruit men of influence to champion their cause. Her target: Sebastian Devereux, the cold and calculating Duke of Montgomery who steers Britain’s politics at the Queen’s command. Her challenge: not to give in to the powerful attraction she can’t deny for the man who opposes everything she stands for. Sebastian is appalled to find a suffragist squad has infiltrated his ducal home, but the real threat is his impossible feelings for green-eyed beauty Annabelle. He is looking for a wife of equal standing to secure the legacy he has worked so hard to rebuild, not an outspoken commoner who could never be his duchess. But he wouldn’t be the greatest strategist of the Kingdom if he couldn’t claim this alluring bluestocking without the promise of a ring…or could he?

    “Like Annabelle, I went to Oxford on a scholarship, and while I was writing, I felt the feeling that this education was my key to a better, independent life all over again. It made me very sympathetic toward Annabelle as she struggled to keep juggling all her responsibilities only to be ambushed by a most inappropriate, irresistible love interest..”
    Evie Dunmore

    Evie also shared with us a quote that inspires her:

    “”Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
    ~ Mary Oliver

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Loving the Billionaire Heir Doc by Dobi Daniels

    A doctor who’s guarded her heart for so long. A hospital billionaire determined to break down her walls. And secrets that could destroy everything…

    Driven Alicia Montgomery is managing her busy life as best as she can, both as a star medical resident at the prestigious Dexington Medical Center and as a guardian for her sick niece. But when an expensive experimental treatment becomes the only way to save her niece’s life, and a chance to win a sizable monetary prize after presenting at a hospital symposium arises, Alicia jumps at the opportunity. Only she has to co-present with Blake Dexington. Her new enemy. A handsome doctor who seems set on infuriating her at every turn! Billionaire doctor Blake Dexington has to win the hospital board’s approval to take over his father’s position as CEO, and presenting at the upcoming hospital symposium, with the board members in attendance, would be his best move. Yet he has to do so with Alicia, the beautiful, smart doctor he can’t stop thinking about, even though love should be the last thing on his mind. As they’re forced to work together, would they give in to love, or would their secrets destroy any chance at a happily ever after? The author’s “warning” to the reader about this book:

    “This sweet enemies-to-lovers romance will send you on a tender, heartwarming ride filled with unexpected twists and surprising secrets. Side effects can occur if you’re allergic to all-the-feels, strong heroines, and swoon-worthy doctor heroes.”
    Dobi Daniels

     

     

  • Best Christian Romance Books,  Best Historical Romance Books

    Kari by Miriam Minger

    A sweet Western historical romance series that reminds us angels are near and love is where you least expect to find it…

    Still grieving the loss of her mother, Kari Hagen leaves her younger siblings behind and travels to Walker Creek, Texas. She promised to deliver a letter to her mother’s first love, so now she just has to find him. Should she accept an offer of assistance from that tall cowboy who’s as handsome as any man she’s ever seen? The sooner she gives the letter to Mr. Caleb Walker, the sooner Kari can start earning money as a seamstress for train fare back to her family in Minnesota. Seth Davis isn’t expecting any surprises when he meets the train. He plans to pick up his uncle’s new racehorse and head back to Walker Creek Ranch. Yet what about that pretty little miss standing alone on the platform…all honey-gold curls, blue calico, and no taller than his chin? Is she lost? He’s never seen her before, though she looks oddly familiar, something telling Seth that his day just got a whole lot more interesting.

    A 5-star review:

    “Kari really touched my heart. It was about the overcoming of prejudices, forgiveness, acceptance, and pure love that happened. You have to believe in the possibility off angels and just plain Christian romance. Its suspense is great and keeps you on the edge but also with so many other emotional aspects too this book; it’s too much to describe. Reading it will give you a warm homey feeling of love and courage with strength that you never thought possible. I loved it.”
    Shamika L. Bland  – Goodreads

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    The Patriot by Jennifer Millikin

    I’m a soldier. A cattle rancher. A Hayden.

    My family’s legacy is spread out in front of me, just waiting for me to seize it. If it weren’t for one outdated rule, I’d be the owner of the Hayden Cattle Company and my aging father could retire. When Dakota Wright shows up to buy and develop twenty acres of Hayden land, I see more than a pretty mouth and strawberry blonde hair. I see a way around the decree keeping me from getting what I want. And, as luck would have it, Dakota has a big problem of her own. We strike two deals: one for the land, and a second that’ll make both our problems a distant memory. It isn’t too long before I realize I’m in over my head. I’ve convinced myself the ends should justify the means, but everything begins to fall apart when my birthright is no longer all that I’m after. I never thought there’d be anything I could love more than my ranch and my country. I was wrong. Turns out, I want it all. Including her.

    A 5-star review:

    “Throughout the whole book, I could see a change in both Dakota and Wes gradually and see this beautiful relationship evolve from the hurt and anger of being left alone to something inseparable and worth fight for! I highly recommend this fast paced story about second chances and taking risks in life.”
    Lauren frm Lala’s book reviews

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    The Pride of Jared MacKade by Nora Roberts

    For Jared, would it be cold pride – or warm bride?

    Jared MacKade always fights for what’s right. As a kid he was competitive, and that spirit has continued in his career as an attorney. So when a challenge arrives in the form of stubborn single mother Savannah Morningstar, Jared won’t be deterred by her cool and defensive attitude—quite the opposite. Jared is drawn in by the strong woman, and though Savannah is prepared to keep her guard up, Jared knows what he wants. Not only is he interested in Savannah, he’s grown to love her son too. The former bad boy has always longed for a family of his own, and now that he’s found the one woman he wants to come home to, Jared is ready to shed his pride and take a chance on love.

    A 5-star review:

    “I loved this book and it was all because of Savannah. Usually the heroines in romance books are indirect and too willing to be led by the man. When the hero is the one directing all the action because he makes the moves, initiates things, and so on, I get tired of the heroine. Savannah wasn’t that kind of heroine. She was determined, bad tempered at times – but also warm . The balance between her being temperamental and reasonable enough to apologize was excellent.”
    Kelly Kleeb – Goodreads

     

     

  • Best Christian Romance Books

    Leaving November by Deborah Raney

    There’s one thing she’s vowed to never abide in a man… could the horrible rumors be true? Is her life repeating itself?

    Eight years ago, Vienne Kenney moved away from Clayburn and all its gossip to pursue a law degree in California. But now she has failed the bar exam again. Is she destined to be stuck forever, a failure—just like her father—in this tiny Kansas town? Nine months ago, Jackson Linder left Clayburn with no explanation to anybody. Now he, too, is back. He isn’t sure he’s ready to face the rumors and well-meaning questions of the town’s busybodies. Yet he’s determined, once more, to make his art gallery a success—despite the secret that haunts him every day… The author’s faith in her writing process:

    “I love that my research is often like a Bible Study, as I try to discover what God’s Word says about the situations my characters find themselves in. In addition, as a writer of Christian novels, I’ve become friends with other Christian writers who enrich my life immensely with their perspective on spiritual matters. Very often, writing feels more like worship than work. And that is a blessing beyond words.”
    Deborah Raney

     

     

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    One Wylde Night by Chasity Bowlin

    A wallflower, a man trying to ferret out a blackmailer, and a fake betrothal… 

    Branded a wallflower along with her twin sister and her cousins, Miss Felicity Wylde has set out for London under the less than watchful eye of her eccentric aunt for one final season and one last chance to catch a husband. But her sister has convinced her it’s also a last chance for adventure. Goaded into attending a scandalous party, Felicity soon realizes her mistake. The women present are not ladies and men, though titled, are far from gentlemen. Closeting herself in the study, she hides there only to find herself trapped when a quarreling couple invade that space. Lord Phinneas Merrick attended Lord Hadley’s bacchanal as a means to an end. His entire relationship with the notoriously hot tempered cyprian, La Belle Rose, had been a carefully crafted ruse to gain entree to a particular set and ferret out a blackmailer in their debauched midst. But when he discovers a shockingly innocent young woman hiding in the study where his entanglement with the infamous demirep has come to a crashing end, he knows that the first order of business must be to remove her from that house before the unthinkable happens. But he can’t wash his hands of her so quickly. Not when the blackmailer has them in his sights. With her reputation and his honor hanging in the balance, Phin must convince her to a very public and very fake betrothal. There’s only one problem… the longer their fake betrothal lasts, the more he desperately wants to make her his.

    A 5-star review:

    “Another great book by Chasity Bowlin, One Wilde Night, kept me thoroughly entertained. I love Chasity Bowlin’s books and her feminine characters. Felicity is a woman hoping for some more adventure in her life but that desire leads her into trouble. Phinn is a character with an intriguing sense of honour and I really appreciated the relationship that developed between the two. Book 1 in a new series is an intriguing mixture of romance and suspense and I am really looking forward to book two.”
    Anne–Goodreads

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    The Island House by Elana Johnson

    Charlotte Madsen’s whole world came crashing down six months ago with the words, “I met someone else.”

    Thirty-seven, recently divorced, and childless. That’s Charlotte when she disembarks from the plane in Getaway Bay. She thought the best way to do that was to buy a run-down house overlooking the bay. She’s hoping as she overhauls the house, she’ll get a life makeover too. She was not expecting a tall, handsome man to be under the kitchen sink when she arrives at the supposedly abandoned house. And she certainly wasn’t expecting her heart to be well enough to feel anything for anyone. But former Air Force pilot, Dawson Dane, has a charming devil-may-care personality, and Charlotte could use some carefree laughter in her life. But everything with Dawson isn’t sunshine and unicorns. He’s estranged from his family, though he does speak to one of his brothers. And he’s never committed to anything except his career, even choosing flying over an engagement years ago. Can Charlotte navigate the healing process as she renovates the island house? Can Dawson finally make a commitment to a woman? Or will he and Charlotte decide a relationship is just too hard?

    A 5-star review:

    “This was such a sweet story about starting over when the life you knew is no longer yours… I really enjoyed watching this pair as they healed from those old open wounds and learned to trust one another and themselves. Remember, no matter where you go, there you are. You may be able to run from your life and problems for a time, but you can’t hide from yourself forever.”
    Kristen Lewendon–Goodreads