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PREMIUM
Heart of the Glen
With perfectly paced and realistic romance, Deibel (The Irish Matchmaker) delivers another book that will leave readers feeling like they have traveled to historic Ireland right from their living rooms. Both a romantic comedy and a thought-provoking Christian read, Deibel’s latest will appeal to fans of Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund and A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer.
In a novel that should be required reading, Miller (The American Queen) movingly explores the aftermath of racial trauma and how resilient people can open their hearts again. Read-alikes exploring Black historical experiences include When Stars Rain Down by Angela Jackson Browne and Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee.
PREMIUM
The Indigo Heiress
Frantz (The Seamstress of Acadie) always provides an exquisitely researched historical setting; here she deals unflinchingly with the controversial legacy of the tobacco lords and the early stages of rebellion in the American colonies. Those who like to read beyond the victor’s perspective in history will also enjoy A River Between Us by Jocelyn Green and The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli.
PREMIUM
Storm Warning
Fans of Lynette Eason and Nancy Mehl will love this thrill-a-minute ride from Goddard (Hidden in the Night).
PREMIUM
Cloaked in Beauty
Each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone and will keep readers guessing at how beloved fairy tales might play out in the turbulent Texas of the 1880s. For fans of Western romances from authors such as Regina Jennings and Robin Lee Hatcher.
PREMIUM
I Think I Was Murdered
This fast-paced thriller incorporating today’s headline news along with compelling family drama proves that the Coble-Acker partnership (What We Hide) will continue to produce hits. Recommend to fans of psychological thrillers such as Lies We Believe by Lisa Harris and Criss Cross by C.C. Warrens.
With witty banter, a crusade for social justice, and a not-so-cookie-cutter romance, this novel has a lot to love. Readers will want to binge the whole unique turn-of-the-century series.
Readers will not want this book to end, but works by Connilyn Cossette and Christine Dillon may tide them over until the next release.
Griep (The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane) delivers a romp that will leave a grin on readers’ faces, especially those interested in archaeology. Read-alikes include The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green and Where We Belong by Lynn Austin.
Both poignant and fun, Gunn (“Sisterchicks” series) delivers a story that is like a warm hug from a good friend in this first installment of the “Suitcase Sisters” series. It is refreshing to see a new trend in Christian fiction focused on friendship and seasoned marriage rather than solely early romance and dating.
Stephens (Shadow Among Sheaves) has penned an expertly plotted mystery in the classic style of Agatha Christie or Alan Bradley. Readers will follow plenty of red herrings and suspect everyone at least once before the end.
This is a delightful Christmas read sure to thaw even the most Scroogelike hearts. Even without her usual spy adventures, White proves she is a maven of the Christian historical novel.
For fans of Patricia Bradley and Nancy Mehl, this latest page-turning thriller from Hannon (the second in the “Undaunted Courage” series, after Into the Fire) will keep readers guessing until the end.
PREMIUM
Lethal Standoff
Fans of Patricia Bradley and Lynette Eason will love this mystery from Mills (Facing the Enemy). The sweet romance and kernels of truth make it a true inspirational read.
Dykes (Whose Waves These Are) doles out just enough clues to keep pages turning in this sweeping historical mystery where each character is fully developed, similar to the novels of Chris Fabry or Stephanie Landsem.
PREMIUM
Beyond Ivy Walls
With echoes of Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast, this turn-of-the-20th-century tale is sure to resonate with fans of historical romance. Fordham (The Letter Tree) pens characters whom readers will want to root for and intersperses fun historical details within a sweet love story.
This satisfying Christmas novel will find year-round fans, as Carlson (Just for the Summer) brings her relationship insight to another unique tale set in the Pacific Northwest. Readers looking for a fast, charming read with hints of faith will enjoy this novella.
Will draw fans of redemptive family sagas that cross time and space, such as Amanda Dyke’s Set the Stars Alight and Heidi Chiavaroli’s Hope Beyond the Waves. Cox (He Should Have Told the Bees) is fast becoming an auto-buy for library collections.
PREMIUM
The Color of Home
For fans of romances that also deal in hard truths, such as Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson and Pixels and Paint by Kristi Ann Hunter.
PREMIUM
What We Hide
This is an explosive beginning to a new series and a dynamic author partnership between Coble (“Pelican Harbor” series) and practicing lawyer Acker. Will appeal to fans of the legal thrillers of Randy Singer and Robert Whitlow.
PREMIUM
Target Acquired
A fast-paced thrill of a ride from start to finish. Readers of Terri Blackstock and Susan May Warren will love this second installment of the “Lake City Heroes” series from Eason (Double Take).
PREMIUM
Her Part To Play
Destined to be a smash-hit rom-com similar to Toni Shiloh’s “Love in the Spotlight” series. In her fiction debut, Erlingsson’s (Milk & Honey in the Land of Fire & Ice) voice is warm, funny, faith-filled, and perfect for Hallmark movie lovers.
PREMIUM
The Song of Sourwood Mountain
Readers interested in the hardscrabble mountain life, as depicted in Michelle Shocklee’s Appalachian Song and Lynn Austin’s Wonderland Creek, will want to add the latest from Gabhart (In the Shadow of the River) to their TBR lists.
PREMIUM
A Run at Love
A charming friends-to-lovers story that will satisfy fans of Shiloh’s “Love in the Spotlight” series and its previous entry, The Love Script.
Hauck (The Best Summer of Our Lives) pulls out all the stops in this heartwarming novel of perseverance and family, with her trademark dual-era nostalgia and mysterious, heaven-sent character. Her loyal fans will also appreciate nods to her “True Blue” series.
Miller’s debut is a sweeping historical romance and spy thriller rolled up into a novel highlighting a little-known aspect of World War II. For fans of the deep research of Amanda Barratt and the war-era romances of Sarah Sundin. Miller is definitely a rising star in the genre.
Get ready for a wild ride with Sophie, Mac, and the Speranza team. One can hope there is more to come from this dynamic group. Mann’s (Beyond Fear) latest is perfect for readers of Susan May Warren and those who love a good conspiracy read.
With a thrill a minute and myriad twists and turns, readers will devour this first novel in the “Secrets of Kincaid” series. Fans of Lynette Eason and Colleen Coble won’t want to miss this enthralling debut.
Deese’s (The Words We Lost) latest is a beautiful story of faith, family, and the power of forgiveness. This second installment in the “Fog Harbor” series can be read as a stand-alone and will appeal to women’s fiction readers as a Dolly Parton–esque tale of hard-won fame. Suggest to fans of Charles Martin and Amanda Cox.
Wright is in a class by herself, writing her own twists into the classic gothic mystery trope and exploring how people from all centuries face fear. Readers will want to read this novel in the light of day or commit to finishing the creepy tale in one sitting.
PREMIUM
Love in Tandem
Kinzer (Dear Henry, Love Edith) will make readers laugh out loud with her zany small-town characters and the delightful rom-com situations they get themselves into. For similar authors, check out Courtney Walsh and Pepper Basham.
Thomas (The Finder of Forgotten Things) excels at taking a little-known slice of history and bringing it to life, similar to authors Elizabeth Camden and Laura Frantz.
PREMIUM
The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple
This is a fascinating look at silent film, the power of story, and God’s pursuit of lost children. Readers who enjoy the rich metaphor found in Amanda Dykes, Charles Martin, and Sarah Loudin Thomas novels will want to give Politano (The Lost Melody) a try.
PREMIUM
Love, Unscripted
Readers of Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr will love this charming romance from Hunter (A Novel Proposal) that’s filled with friction and fun.
In this delightful historical romance, with nods to the movie You’ve Got Mail, readers will be put through the emotional spectrum, all the while rooting for the mismatched couple: now middle-aged and battle scarred, but not without hope for true love.
Sundin (The Sound of Light) delivers another historical masterpiece, fraught with tension and humor and filled with a cast of eccentric supporting characters. This is a must-buy.
PREMIUM
One Last Shot
With detailed and nail-biting rescue scenes, Warren (“Sky King Ranch” series) beautifully sets up her new adventure, while also baiting readers with her trademark Easter eggs from her other books. Readers of romantic suspense by Lynn H. Blackburn and Lynette Eason will devour this one.
PREMIUM
Dysfunction Junction
Pearson has crafted a realistic family drama that takes a hard look at the baggage many women carry.
PREMIUM
The Seamstress of Acadie
Frantz (The Rose and the Thistle) is a wordsmith extraordinaire who makes readers care about little-known episodes of history through her characters. This is one of her best novels yet.
Full of whimsy and laugh-out-loud adventure, Bell’s novel will appeal to readers who like period romances with zany characters and surprising depth, similar to those from Mimi Matthews and Carolyn Miller. She is an up-and-coming author to watch.
Readers will root for both Ginny and Jacqueline in this heartwarming tale from Carlson (Second Time Around).
Action and budding romances make this a fast-paced, thrilling ride. Readers of Lynette Eason and Colleen Coble will enjoy this first novel in the “Jeopardy Falls” series from Pettrey (The Shifting Current).
PREMIUM
A Winter by the Sea
This Regency coming-of-age novel is chock-full of fun, everyday history, and witty repartee. Klassen delivers another sweet story (following The Sisters of Sea View) in a romance series best read in order. Anglophiles and fans of Sarah E. Ladd and Kristi Ann Hunter will want to catch up with the Summers family.
Barratt (Within These Walls of Sorrow) is a superb researcher, making readers feel as if they are living in World War II Poland fighting for freedom, for life, and for love of family. This is a hard but important read that will tug on heartstrings.
PREMIUM
The Gardins of Edin
Intergenerational women’s relationships, self-care, and setting healthy boundaries are only a few of the themes explored through this quirky and complicated yet lovable family. Fans of contemporary Christian fiction authors Pat Simmons and Robin W. Pearson will cheer at this new voice in the genre.
PREMIUM
Just Once
Reminiscent of timeless romantic tales such as The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks and Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller; librarians should hand this to fans of closed-door romance. While Kingsbury is best known for her long-running “Baxter Family” series, her stand-alones showcase her range as a writer, and her first foray into historical fiction is a fast and worthwhile read.
PREMIUM
Fragile Designs
With tons of suspects and plenty of danger, this is Coble (“Annie Pederson” series) at her best. Readers will appreciate a stand-alone offering that’ll keep them up all night with fast-paced and tightly written action. Similar romantic-suspense authors include Irene Hannon and Dani Pettrey.
PREMIUM
On Moonberry Lake
Varni, host of the Moments from Moonberry Lake podcast, delivers a solid debut focusing on the stories of ordinary Midwesterners. The faith content is vague enough that general-fiction readers of Fannie Flagg, J. Ryan Stradal, and Viola Shipman will appreciate the small-town flavor and humorous anecdotes.
PREMIUM
The Light on Halsey Street
Friendship and the power of community are the shining stars of this novel, which doesn’t shy away from tough issues but also offers a hefty dose of hope and humor. Read-alikes include Lean on Me by Pat Simmons and No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert.
Powner’s real-life experience as a seasoned foster mother shines through in this tale of finding treasure in the people and things that others have cast aside. The secondary characters are funny, flawed, and so unusual that readers will be clamoring for more.
PREMIUM
Calling on the Matchmaker
Hedlund (“Colorado Cowboys” series) seems to have a hit no matter what time period she writes, and this book is no exception. With its strong supporting characters set to continue this new series, readers will appreciate a unique U.S. immigrant story not set on the coasts. Fans of historical fare from Karen Witemeyer and Regina Jennings will want to open up this matchmaking adventure.
PREMIUM
Appalachian Song
Shocklee (Count the Nights by Stars) delivers another powerful stand-alone novel for readers who love Appalachian stories in the style of Ann H. Gabhart and Kim Vogel Sawyer.
PREMIUM
He Should Have Told the Bees
Cox (The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery) is a brilliant writer, and her characters feel like old friends. With humor and a tenderness for the struggling, the novel explores what happens when people let the light in on their journey to healing.
PREMIUM
Ladies of the Lake
History buffs looking for deep writing and character development will want to add Gohlke to their lists. Recommend to fans of Lisa Wingate, Amanda Dykes, and Valerie Fraser Luesse.
With faith and pop culture references from page one, Shiloh (To Win a Prince) excels at growing multidimensional characters into friends, with a little help from family and God. Recommend for readers of chaste romantic comedies in the style of Betsy St. Amant or Sandra D. Bricker.
PREMIUM
Letters from My Sister
A nuanced and heartwarming tale of sisterly love and community, based partly on the author’s family history, from a master of Southern fiction similar to Lisa Wingate or Lauren K. Denton.
PREMIUM
The Girl from the Papers
In this Bonnie-and-Clyde tale with a redemptive twist, Wright (Come Down Somewhere) proves her literary chops and puts herself on the level of historical-fiction favorites like Susan Meissner and Fiona Davis.
A great read for those enthralled with real-life stories of war and survival such as Laura Hilderbrand’s Unbroken and Adam Makos’s Devotion. Recommend to those looking for a new angle on World War II fiction.
PREMIUM
The Best Summer of Our Lives
Themes about the endurance of friendship and the ability to come home give readers plenty to think about, and those nostalgic for childhood summers will enjoy this novel.
PREMIUM
The Heart’s Choice
Readers looking for a clear gospel message, as found in the novels of Janette Oke, Gilbert Morris, and Lauraine Snelling, will want to begin this new series.
PREMIUM
The All-American
Finkbeiner (The Nature of Small Birds) excels at illuminating history and the human condition through the voices of young people. Fans of the 1992 movie A League of Their Own will enjoy this, as will readers of women’s fiction such as Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd and The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir by Jennifer Ryan.
PREMIUM
Indigo Isle
With beautiful themes and strong writing, Lowe (Under the Magnolias) delivers a romance that lifts up women and men and shows how love can overcome the walls built around secrets. Nicole Deese and Natalie Walters are similar contemporary authors in the genre.
PREMIUM
Windswept Way
Hannon, who has long been viewed as a successful writer of Christian thrillers, proves she can excel in the contemporary-romance genre as well.
Cabot (The Spark of Love) is becoming a must-buy. Her sensitivity and realistic portrayal of characters often on the margins of history really shine in this new historical series, which includes a child with Down syndrome, a domestic-abuse survivor, and a family impacted by suicide. Read-alikes can be found in the works of Melanie Dobson, Ann H. Gabhart, and Tamera Alexander.
PREMIUM
The Vanishing at Castle Moreau
Wright (The Premonition at Withers Farm) pens another delightfully creepy tale where nothing is quite as it seems and characters seek freedom from nightmares both real and imagined.
PREMIUM
The Words We Lost
Deese (All That It Takes) is a master wordsmith, deftly weaving a story that readers won’t be able to put down. This latest book has crossover appeal for fans of contemporary romance seeking realistic and endearing characters.
PREMIUM
The Year of Jubilee
In her adult fiction debut (a semi-autobiographical novel), singer/songwriter Morgan (How Could I Ask for More: Stories of Blessings, Battles, and Beauty) highlights the hardscrabble life of the 1960s working poor. Fans of classic coming-of-age stories such as To Kill a Mockingbird or A Tree Grows in Brooklyn will enjoy this unflinching tale of an American family longing for a “Year of Jubilee,” where debts are forgiven and captives are set free.
PREMIUM
The Metropolitan Affair
Classified as Christian fiction, this involving blend of historical crime story, family saga, and romance will please a range of readers. Suggest it beyond its BISAC category and put it on reading lists of cozy mysteries and gentle romances too.
Each Sundin (Until Leaves Fall in Paris) novel tops the last as she delves deeper into the Christian psyche. Fans of Lisa Wingate, Lynn Austin, and secular author Hazel Gaynor will treasure this moving tale.
PREMIUM
The Rose and the Thistle
Readers who love Celtic settings will rejoice over this offering featuring bonny Scotland. For fans of historical fiction from the likes of Jocelyn Green, Michelle Griep, and Elizabeth Camden.
Hilarious misunderstandings and secrets abound in this humorous, action-packed romance. Jennings (Proposing Mischief) brings out the best in the historical Christian romance genre, and this is a satisfying conclusion to her trilogy that can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Using a lyrical style heavy with metaphor, Dykes connects a myriad of details to form an epic tale of beauty and redemption with echoes of all the great love stories. With a bit of a National Treasure vibe and a unique setting, this will appeal to historical fiction fans who appreciate art, archaeology, and history.
PREMIUM
In Love’s Time
Breslin (As Dawn Breaks) weaves a tale of intrigue, secrets, romance, and redemption in wartime England that will satisfy demand for light-hearted historical reads. Fans of Tracie Peterson, Deanne Gist, and Mary Connealy will enjoy this.
This is an uplifting read for dark times, featuring strong and unique characters uniting toward a common goal. It also has crossover appeal for fans of historical fiction from Jennifer Ryan and Kate Quinn.
PREMIUM
Authentically, Izzy
Though sweet, this romance from Basham (The Heart of the Mountains) will have trouble finding its audience.
PREMIUM
The Secrets of Emberwild
This is a great pick for readers who like historical fiction and cozy mysteries with a strong female lead. Hand to fans of Carrie Turansky and Laura Frantz.
Mills (Trace of Doubt) delivers another action-packed novel that offers intrigue and an adventurous ride. Recommend to fans of Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason, and Carrie Stuart Parks.
This is historical fiction as it is meant to be told: a glimpse (based on true events) through the eyes of people caught up in the maelstrom of world events beyond their control.
Barnett spins an effortless tale that will quickly engross readers with vivid imagery reminiscent of a time long ago. Fans of Lori Wick, Francine Rivers, and Charles Martin will likely be drawn to this novel that combines contemporary with historical.
The themes of grace and faith are strong throughout and the topic of refugees is evergreen and will resonate with today’s readers. However, at times, the narrative style is detail filled and heavy on backstory, which makes for a more plodding read. May appeal to readers of character driven fiction.
PREMIUM
Life Flight
Fans of DiAnn Mills, Dani Pettrey, and Carrie Stuart Parks will be drawn to this suspense series.
PREMIUM
In Search of True North
Readers of character-driven Christian fiction will appreciate Mallory’s character and her struggle to not be defined by her mistakes. Fans of Cynthia Ruchti and Jennifer AlLee will want to put Neely on their watch list.
PREMIUM
The Paris Betrayal
Hannibal (Chasing the White Lion) writes a fast-paced, quick read thriller with crossover romantic elements loosely based on the Book of Job. Ben is often told to rely on faith, but otherwise this could be a secular novel, since the faith isn’t implicitly religious. Recommended for libraries where Hannibal’s books are popular.
Sundin (The Sky Above Us) is a must-buy for any Christian fiction collection, and her latest World War II tale positively crackles with tension. The characters struggle with changing sympathies while wrestling with the balance between freedom and order. Attentive readers may see parallels between the circumstances depicted in the book and the world today.
PREMIUM
Nine
Dekker (“Seer” series) comes into her own with this thought-provoking companion to the Girl Behind the Red Rope, coauthored with her father Ted Dekker, exploring themes of good, evil, and the power of choice. Fans of thrillers by James Rollins, Ronie Kendig, or the “X-Men” comics series will relish this fast-paced story.
PREMIUM
The Black Midnight
Y’Barbo (The Pirate Bride) deftly weaves modern theories into the latest installment of this Christian “True Colors” crime series. Alice is a bright, refreshing character, and fans of enterprising female detectives, such as Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs and Elizabeth Peters’s Amelia Peabody, will appreciate the period details and clean romance.
PREMIUM
The London Restoration
Fans of the author may still want to give this a try. For readers seeking a more nuanced historical mystery, one might suggest Sherry Thomas’s “Lady Sherlock” series.
Packed with poignancy and meaning, Powner’s debut novel delivers life lessons that cross generations and will linger long after the last page is turned. If Powner has more stories like this, she will be the next big star in Christian fiction.
The intricate setup Wright (The House on Foster Hill) delivers requires patience and suspension of disbelief, but the ending is worth it. Fans of complex Christian fiction in the vein of Kristy Cambron and Michèle Phoenix will enjoy this title.
PREMIUM
Under Scottish Stars
Laureano (The Saturday Night Supper Club) pens a worthy crossover title concluding this modern romantic trilogy that could also stand alone as a winsome story of community and second chances. Fans of light, contemporary, Christian romance along the lines of Jenny Colgan or Bethany Turner will want to add Laureano to their lists.
PREMIUM
Love and a Little White Lie
Purchase for collections where modern inspirational romance does well.
PREMIUM
These Nameless Things
Those who enjoy Jolina Petersheim, Carrie Stuart Parks, and Tosca Lee and who appreciate mind- and genre-bending fiction will want to add this to a reading list. However, readers who are not familiar with Dante’s Inferno will miss a lot of symbolism and be confused by the plot, especially the ending. Recommended for those looking to try something completely different.
A thoughtful and powerful book about how trauma impacts multiple generations and how forgiveness can set anyone on the path to healing.
PREMIUM
Where the Road Bends
Rawlings (The Baggage Handler) uses magical realism to take his characters on a journey into the twisted wilderness of their own pasts. Fans of Mitch Albom, Richard Paul Evans, and Angela Hunt will enjoy this morality tale of four people whose steps have wandered but who may still be able to find their way.
Austin transports readers into the lives of her characters, plunking them in the middle of a brutal war and giving them a unique take on the traditional World War II tale. Readers won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough to find out how Eve and Audrey met and what could have gone so terribly wrong.
Martin deftly unwinds Shepherd’s backstory in between high-octane chase scenes. Readers who enjoy flawed yet likable characters created by authors such as John Grisham and Nicholas Sparks will want to start reading Martin’s fiction.
PREMIUM
The Best We’ve Been
Vogt rounds out the “Thatcher Sisters” trilogy with this last installment. All three siblings realize the strength in family and faith as the story unfolds. Best read in order; readers who enjoy authors Karen Kingsbury and Lori Wick will love the Thatcher sisters.
PREMIUM
A Mosaic of Wings
Duffy is an author to watch. She presents a unique look at society’s expectations for women in two different cultures in the late 19th century. Only by losing all she has held dear can Nora gain a love and passion she cannot live without. This historical romance is recommended for readers of Tracie Peterson and Jody Hedlund.
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