• Best Christian Romance Books

    Mixed Blessings by Cathy Marie Hake

    Mixed Blessings book cover

    A woman marries for convenience to create a family for her children and falls for her new husband in this inspirational romance.

    A routine medical exam told widowed Marie Cadant that her little boy had been switched with another at birth. But when she tracked down wealthy Peter Hallock—the man who had her biological son—she was surprised to find another single parent, and one eager to love not just his own child, but hers, as well. Even as they struggled to keep their children close despite their far-flung homes, Peter was intrigued by Marie’s inner strength and deep faith. He prevailed on her to accept a marriage of convenience for the children’s sake, then faced the challenge of convincing her that despite the circumstances, theirs was a marriage truly made in heaven.
    A 5 star review for the novel:

    “I cried myself through the first chapter. What a wonderfully written story. Who comes up with ideas for a story like this. Loved Peter and Marie and their two little boys. But the best thing was their faithfulness in seeking the Lord in all their decisions and life choices”

    Amazon – Connie Ciulei

     

     

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    The Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie

    The Perfect Rake book cover

    A phony engagement turns into real passion in this delightful Regency romance from award-winning author Anne Gracie.

    Fate has lavished beauty on the Merridew sisters—that is, all save the eldest. But plain Prudence bears no grudge; she loves her four beautiful sisters infinitely. So when their abusive grandfather is laid up with an injury, she seizes the opportunity to concoct an ingenious plan that will allow all five of them to escape the clutches of their legal guardian. All it will take is a little matrimonial deception… A renowned rake, Gideon, Lord Carradice, has a way of making ladies swoon. But when Prudence arrives at his doorstep and mistakes him for his cousin, the Duke, it is Gideon who’s infatuated. The delightful spitfire claims she and the Duke are engaged—although a taller tale was never told. In spite of the lies, Gideon is so taken with charming Prudence that he’s eager to join her game, especially if it will award him a stolen kiss or two. Now, Prudence’s plot is about to go terribly, albeit deliciously, awry…
    The author on intended and unintended themes while writing:

    “I have a reader in America who writes to me after every book and tells me my themes and it’s very interesting because I frequently have not intended or noticed them myself. There may be some thematic things that I’ll deliberately emphasise, but I don’t sit down and think, “What’s my theme?” or anything like that. When writing I’m just trying to make the story work and make it fun, but there are clearly things happening in the brain that are pulling it all into line.”

    Anne Gracie

     

     

  • Best Christian Romance Books,  Best Historical Romance Books

    His Prairie Sweetheart by Erica Vetsch

    His Prairie Sweetheart

    After a broken engagement, a woman heads west for a new life and falls for the local sheriff in this inspirational historical romance.

    After being jilted at the altar, Southern belle Savannah Cox seeks a fresh start out West and accepts a teaching position in Minnesota. But between her students’ lack of English, the rough surroundings and sheriff Elias Parker’s doubts and distrust, Savannah’s unprepared for both the job and the climate. However, she’s determined to prove she can handle anything her new town throws her way. Elias gives it a week—or less—before the pretty schoolteacher packs her dainty dresses and hightails it back home. But no matter how many mishaps he has to rescue her from, Savannah doesn’t give up. Yet the real test is to come—a brutal blizzard that could finally drive her away, taking his heart with her
    The author on the genre she prefers to write:

    “I currently write Regency Era fiction. I’ve always been a lover of history, and I’ve written everything from 1810’s England up through World War I home front America. My current interest in Regency fiction came about through reading several novels set during that time, and I’m also wanting to really sink my teeth into new and exciting research.”

    Erica Vetsch

     

     

  • Best Clean and Wholesome Romance,  Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Moose Be Love by Jacqueline Winters

    Moose Be Love book cover

    A fun cast of characters, a quirky small town Alaskan setting, the town’s favorite moose, and a swoony-romance with all the feels.

    When I travel to the small town of Sunset Ridge for the reading of my great aunt’s will, I have no idea that my sisters and I are about to inherit a lodge. Or that my rugged Alaskan neighbor is the caretaker I’ll be spending all my time with. Falling for Ford Harris would be unwise. I’m supposed to get the lodge listed for sale and leave. Not to mention that he hasn’t dated anyone since his wife died four years ago. The little sister he’s super protective over let it slip that he swore off ever falling in love again. But he’s cooking me dinner, showing me around town, and saving me from getting trampled by the town’s favorite moose. Don’t even get me started on the way my brain short circuits when I catch him shirtless and towel-drying his hair. The truth is? I’m falling hard, and I wish I didn’t have to leave.
    A 5-star review of the novel:

    “Very nice first book in a series. The characters are small town folks who make you wish you could be their neighbors. No violence and no malicious schemes — just day-to-day life and just what I needed in this often unpleasant world. Looking forward to reading more of this series.”

    JGH

     

     

  • Best Christian Romance Books,  Best Historical Romance Books

    One True Love by Lori Copeland

    One True Love book cover

    A heart-lifting story of love, faith, and courage with an eventful and unforgettable adventure of the heart and spirit.

    Copper is overjoyed that her friends Willow and Audrey found love and fulfillment after the war. The only remaining spinster, Copper vows to pour herself into her new teaching job. But tragedy strikes during her very first week. The schoolhouse catches fire and Copper suffers a serious injury while ushering her students to safety. Suddenly she’s on a wagon train bound for Colorado to see the only doctor who can help her walk again. Ever since the wagon train pulled into town, Copper butted heads with wagon master Josh Redlin–and now she must depend on him for her very life. But as Copper is forced to count on others for life’s basic needs, she starts to surrender…and let her guard down around the one man whom she’s despised for so long. Could it be that the very person that drives her crazy is the one she truly needs?
    How faith impacts the author’s storytelling:

    “A storyteller must write for the heart, and I write from my heart. My purpose is to help shape young women’s lives—to tell stories of God’s love and forgiveness in a way that encourages women to make wise choices in life, regardless of what others are doing.”

    Lori Copeland