Discover the best Christian novels for women, perfect for relaxing. These novels all have an element of romance and purity with a focus on God.
What’s your ideal day? For me, it would definitely include a trip to the bookstore. A cushy chair, a stack of books, a cup of hot tea… and no deadline. That’s the life for me.
I’m a little obsessed with reading. I’m convinced the Amazon kindle “buy it now with one-click” button was made for me (much to my husband’s chagrin).
Reading can boost your health by promoting relaxation, increasing intelligence, and even restful sleep. Read this article for more info on why you should read more.
As an avid reader, I tend to read a lot of the self-help variety… which can be both a blessing and a curse. While my fascination with bettering myself has helped me learn a lot, it can sometimes be the opposite of relaxing. Too many rules!
Right now, I’m trying to focus more on reading just for fun and relaxation.
Every woman should take time to put their feet up and read a good romance novel. If not, you may be too busy! Cross something off your list – life is meant to be enjoyed!
(To get you on the right track, grab my free self care checklist below!)
My favorite genre of books is definitely Christian romance novels. What woman doesn’t love a good romance? I love Christian ones because I can be confident that they are clean and also inspirational.
(Note: While I enjoy and recommend the novels below, I do not endorse all of the religious teachings contained therein as some of them are not Biblical. You have to enjoy the meat and spit out the bones, so-to-speak.)
Below are some of the all-time best Christian novels for women. These books are just the “put your feet up, grab your favorite beverage and settle in” kind of escape you need. All of these would be perfect to treat yourself with or as a gift for a friend.
Best Christian Romance Novels for Women – Personal Recommendations
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Probably my #1 favorite book of all time. Rivers retells the Biblical account of Hosea from a real-life perspective within a beautiful love story. It illustrates the love of God in the most profound and transformational way. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy. A must-read for every Christian woman.
The Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn
This book series just makes my heart flutter. I SO identified with Christy’s spirit and insecurities – I actually feel like we grew up together. This series qualifies as my most frequently read, for sure. The books even inspired me to take a backpacking trip through Europe in college.
I started reading the Christy Miller series when I was a young teen, and as I approached different life stages it seemed a new Christy book would be released at the same time – the College Years, the Married Years, or the Baby Years. All super-sweet. I’ve read them countless times.
All the Christy books point the reader to Jesus with themes of unending love, friendship, and pure romance… with all the good feels.
Glenbrooke Series by Robin Jones Gunn
Another fabulous series by the same author as Christy Miller, the Glenbrooke Series features a different love story in each book. The cool thing is, each story is intertwined with the one before it – all in the same small town of Glenbrooke. Feel-good charm at its finest.
Lori Wick novels
To this day, I have yet to encounter a single Lori Wick novel I haven’t loved. I recommend anything of hers. She writes both series and stand-alone romances with a spiritual twist. Sophie’s Heart is probably my favorite, but the Kensington Chronicles is right up there. I’ve read almost every book of hers, but there are still a few I need to check off my list.
French Twist series by Sandra Byrd
If you enjoy cooking and culture, you’ll fall in love with the French Twist series by Sandra Byrd! So far I’ve only read the first, Let Them Eat Cake, which is a delightful story of a talented young woman who is floundering in her career but discovers a love for baking (and more) in a French cafe.
Love Comes Softly series Janette Oke
Janette Oke novels are classic, and several of her books have been turned into moves and TV series (such as When Calls the Heart on the Hallmark Channel). Love Comes Softly is the story of a young widow and widower who marry for practical reasons in the harsh Wild West, but who slowly grow into a forever love. I’ve read a couple of her other books as well. They are older novels but the themes are timeless and oh-so-sweet.
Best Christian Romance Novels for Women – On My Wish List
The following books are also some of the best Christian romance novels for women, according to research and reviews. I haven’t personally read them yet but they are definitely on my wish list.
The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
Charlotte is a bridal shop owner who is an expert at helping brides find the perfect dress, but can’t seem to find the perfect one for herself. That is, until she finds an antique heirloom dress in an old trunk and encounters the stories of the other three women who wore it. This novel is a USA Today Bestseller with over 3,000 great reviews on Amazon. I’m reading this next!
The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton
Charged with renovating her deceased grandmother’s old B & B, Sara puts her successful New Orleans life on hold. While undertaking this project, she encounters both romance and a history of her grandmother’s life she never knew existed. This book is apparently dripping with Southern charm, perfect for your porch swing.
A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist
Lady Constance Morrow is a prisoner on a ship full of Tobacco brides arriving in the Colonies. In a series of strange events, she finds herself married to farmer Drew O’Connor, although she wants to return home. Both spouses are hard-headed and create conflict, but their attraction for one another is undeniable.
The Apothecary’s Daughter by Julie Klassen
Daughter of the town apothecary Lillian dreams of experiencing the world beyond her hamlet, and her wish finally comes true when her aunt offers to educate her in London. During her father’s illness, she ends up back home where adventure and romance await her – something she never imagined.
Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden
This novel won the 2013 Christy Award Winner for Historical Romance. It’s a story about a young woman translator for the U.S. Navy who meets a man in need of her help to end the opium trade. They are swept up in a story of suspense as they try to fight their growing love for each other.
Archer Brothers Series by Karen Witemeyer
The three books in this series, Short-Straw Bride, Stealing the Preacher, and A Cowboy Unmatched, are all chock-full of adventure, romance and Texas roots. The second book really appeals to me since I’m married to a preacher – can’t wait to read it!
Your mission today: grab one of these books, draw a hot bath, and get lost in the story! You deserve a little pampering, my friend.
You may also like:
What are your best Christian novels for women? Let me know in the comments.
With Joy,
PIN IT!
I enjoy Karen Kingsbury. Haven’t found one I haven’t enjoyed yet.
I’ve heard hers are really good! (I apologize for the delayed response. A glitch on my blog was preventing me from viewing comments.)
I absolutely love the Christy Miller series! They are my most frequently read books as well. They even have their own shelf. Some other favorites of mine are anything by Janice Thompson, Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Rachel Hauck, and Katie Ganshert. You cannot go wrong with anything from any of these authors!
Oooh, thanks for theses suggestions! I’ll have to try some of these! (Sorry for the delayed response. I had a glitch on my blog and it wasn’t displaying any comments).
Karen Kingsbury is my favorite. The Redemption Series is the one to start with. She weaves scripture, prayer and God’s love into each book so well. Her books have encouraged me in my walk with the Lord.
I have heard a lot about her books and need to try them! The one I tried I think had a sad beginning and I felt like something lighter. Do a lot of hers have a more serious tone?
This list is not complete without “A Mark of the Lion Series” by Francine Rivers
I’ve heard such good things about that series! Need to read it.
Yes Mark of these Lion Series will no doubt be one if your favorite. I love it more than Redeeming Love. Amazon Prime has A Bride Most Begrudging available to read for free. I read it based on your book suggestions and it was really good.
Thanks for the recommendations, and especially for letting me know about the freebie! Going to download now!
I agree! Love that series!
Nothing like a good book series!
Absolutely!
Because I love mystery, suspense, and a little action, i also love Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock, and a couple of others. Thanks for your recommendations.
Yes!!
You sure nailed your #1 as Redeeming Love. My all time favorite. Karen Kingsbury is also one of my favorites. When I was growing up I read all of Grace Livingston Hill’s books. My grandmother introduced me to them. Now in my 60’s I still love them.
Yes, it’s the best! Thanks for telling me about Grace Livingston Hill – I want to check out her books!
I love all Neta Jackson’s book like the yada yada series and all the rest! As well as Colleen cable you will love her! I read everything she wrote in the mystery genre !
Colleen Coble it was autocorrected time cable oops
Wow those books sound awesome, thanks for the recommendations!
Thank you for the suggestions . I Gave my life to Christ after reading Redeeming love. And since then have read all of Francine Rivers books. I love Karen Kingsbury and Lori wick too.
They are all so good!
I am currently reading the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr. Thoroughly enjoying them.
Sounds great
The Raven Coulter Series by Barbee Kinnison. They’re new and so fun. Dreamy, and Christ is the central focus for a benevolent life she and her brother have chosen for their foundation. Interesting set up with first book.
Wow, those sound great!
Francine Rivers, Lori Wick and Karen Kingsbury are my favorite writers. I love their books a lot.
Thanks for these suggestions.
Definitely checking them out.
😘
Thanks Ruth!
I loved The Mitford Series by Jan Karon. Also Debbie Macomber, Blossom Street series and Cedar Cove series.
Great recommendations, thank you!
Jan Karon’s Mitford series is my all-time favorite!
I think Brooke St. James is one of the most underrated Christian Romance authors out there. Once you read one of her books you will not be able to put it down and you will want to read ALL of her books!
Thank you for the tip!
Lynn Austin and Brandilyn Collins are by far my favorite Christian authors.
I came across this blog on Pinterest and though it’s a pretty old post, check out Indie author Minnie Letcher
I totally agree that these books will really be a good addition to my wife’s library! I’m excited for this! I already have ideas on what Christmas Presents I can give to my wife and this list of Christian books for women! I bought her some books by Keion Henderson, and she really loved it and I’m sure these books will really make her happy!
Sorry for my delayed response. I thoroughly enjoy all of Elizabeth Camden’s novels as well as Karen Witemeyer. If you like her check out Mary conneally. Very light and funny. Also Shanna Hatfield.
Thank you for your recommendations. I’m looking forward to taking a look. Robin Jones Gunn is delightful. She spoke at our Writer’s Group and joined! I adore Julie Klassen, and am amazed and inspired by her stories. Great reads!
I loved several of these books too! I will need to check out the Glenbrooke series and several of the others that you recommended. Thanks!
Kimberly Rae Jordan is my personal favorite author.