As Chosen by FamilyFiction Readers
For our FamilyFiction Collector’s Edition 2021 Romance Special, we asked our readers to weigh in on their favorite type of romance stories, and their favorite Christian romance authors.
We’re pleased to announce the results right here! We hope you’ll take a look at who Christian romance readers picked as their favorite authors–including those who write romance, historical romance, Amish romance, and romantic suspense!
This article is from the 2021 Collector’s Edition Christian Romance Special. Download the issue FREE here!
Favorite Type of Romance Story
We know that lots of FamilyFiction readers love a good tale of romance—but what kind of tale? We asked, and this is how our readers answered…
Suspense 36%
Historical 27%
Amish 19%
Contemporary 18%
We also asked our readers to name their five favorite Christian romance authors—and these are who they told us. The results are taken from the combined number of votes for each author.
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Click through to meet who our readers picked as their favorite Christian romance authors…
#1 Lynette Eason
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/lynette-eason
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She lives in South Carolina with her family.
“I hope that the characters will come across as capable and caring. Women who can take care of themselves and others, but ones who are willing to admit they need help sometimes. They’re not perfect, they’re not indestructible, but they’re resilient and strong, and have all the characteristics we sometimes wish we had for ourselves. I hope they help us see that it’s okay to have flaws and weaknesses. What’s not okay is allowing those flaws and weaknesses to hold us back or define our future. We can overcome all of that by relying on God and trusting Him to take care of us, to get us through the tough times.”
READ THE INTERVIEW: Suspense Q&A: Lynette Eason (Active Defense)
https://familyfiction.com/suspense-qa-lynette-eason-active-defense
Active Defense
Danger Never Sleeps #3
Lynette Eason
Revell
Romance, Suspense
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#2 Wanda E. Brunsteter
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/wanda-brunstetter
One of the founding authors in the Amish fiction category, Wanda E. Brunstetter has published more than 100 books, which have sold more than 11 million copies. Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today, CBA, ECPA, and Christianbook.
“It’s a blessing when one of my readers tells me that something they read in one of my novels has inspired them to do something or helped them cope during a difficult time. When I meet readers at a book signing, speaking engagement, or via social media, I feel a connection, and friendships develop.”
READ THE INTERVIEW: Wanda E. Brunstetter: Six Unlikely Souls Connect Through an Amish Cooking Class
https://familyfiction.com/wanda-brunstetter-blessing
The Blended Quilt
Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter
Shiloh Run Press
Amish, Romance
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#3 Susan Sleeman
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/susan-sleeman
Prolific suspense writer Susan Sleeman keeps readers on the edge of their seats—and seems to be in the middle of multiple series at any given moment. She’s the bestselling author of more than thirty-five romantic suspense and mystery novels, with sales exceeding one million copies. She’s also won several awards, including the ACFW Carol Award and the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award.
“For me there will be an equal balance of romance and suspense in a book, neither one overshadowing the other. I try for this balance in my books, but if I am guilty of having more of one than another it would be suspense. My favorite part is developing real characters that readers can relate to and who need to change to find their happily ever after in life. This almost always involves a spiritual struggle in my books. I just love it when I see the suspense plot, the romance, and the spiritual message all come together in that ‘aha’ moment that changes the character’s life, and they realize they are deserving of a wonderful life no matter their past or their struggles. I just sit back and sigh with joy when that happens.”
READ THE INTERVIEW: Suspense Author Interview: Susan Sleeman—Heroes in the Digital Age
https://www.familyfiction.com/suspense-author-interview-susan-sleeman-heroes-digital-age
Hours to Kill
Homeland Heroes #3
Susan Sleeman
Bethany House
Romance, Suspense
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Listen to the Christian Romance Book Club Podcast!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/familyfiction-christian-romance-book-club-podcast-family/id1543943778
#4 Dee Henderson
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/dee-henderson
Dee Henderson is the author of numerous novels, including Taken, Undetected, Unspoken, Full Disclosure, and the acclaimed O’Malley and Uncommon Heroes series. Her books have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, such as the RITA Award, the Christy Award, and the ECPA Gold Medallion.
“I love a strong character who has made decisions about their life, who has a sense of who they are, and where they want to go. The romance that unfolds tends to play to the strength of each character, rather than change their personality. I want an authentic story that reflect how these people would act and decide matters in their lives.”
READ THE INTERVIEW: Suspense Q&A: Dee Henderson (Unspoken)
https://www.familyfiction.com/q-a-dee-henderson-unspoken
Betrayed
Cost of Betrayal Collection
Dee Henderson
Bethany House
Romance, Suspense
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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/familyfiction-christian-romance-book-club-podcast-family/id1543943778
#5 Karen Witemeyer
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/karen-witemeyer
For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warm-hearted historical romances with a flair of humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Winner of the HOLT Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, National Reader’s Choice Award, and a finalist for both the RITA and Christy Awards, Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings—and ice cream.
“Every book I write is a spiritual journey for me, and I pray that when a reader picks one of them up, they are taken on a spiritual journey as well. One in which God reveals a nugget of truth to them that allows them to walk closer to the Father even as they romp through a lighthearted, adventurous story.”
READ THE INTERVIEW: Historical Romance Interview: Karen Witemeyer—Spiritual Journeys
https://familyfiction.com/historical-romance-interview-karen-witemeyer-spiritual-journeys
Heart’s Charge
Hanger’s Horsemen #2
Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House
Historical, Romance
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Listen to the Christian Romance Book Club Podcast!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/familyfiction-christian-romance-book-club-podcast-family/id1543943778
#6 Becky Wade
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/becky-wade
Becky Wade’s humorous, heart-pounding contemporary romance novels have won multiple Christy Awards, the Carol Award, the INSPY Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award for Romance. Becky lives in Dallas, Texas with her family.
“I write Christian romance because I want to honor God through my profession. I ask the Lord before every writing session to enable me to tell the story He would have me tell. I work and work to give each character a spiritual arc that illustrates an aspect of God’s astonishing grace and love because my faith compels me to celebrate those aspects of His character.”
READ THE INTERVIEW: Becky Wade—Romantic At Heart
https://familyfiction.com/becky-wade-romantic-heart
Let It Be Me
Misty River Romance #1
Becky Wade
Bethany House
Romance
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Listen to the Christian Romance Book Club Podcast!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/familyfiction-christian-romance-book-club-podcast-family/id1543943778
#7 Beverly Lewis
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/beverly-lewis
Born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Beverly Lewis has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 12 languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado.
“At its core, every book I write is about lifting the spirit and stirring the heart—which allows readers from all ages and walks of life to relate to my characters, however cloistered and unalike they may initially seem.”
READ THE INTERVIEW: Beverly Lewis–Taking the Long Way Home
https://familyfiction.com/beverly-lewis-taking-long-way-home
The Stone Wall
Beverly Lewis
Bethany House Publishers
Romance, Amish
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Listen to the Christian Romance Book Club Podcast!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/familyfiction-christian-romance-book-club-podcast-family/id1543943778
#8 Susan May Warren
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/susan-may-warren
Susan May Warren is the USA Today-bestselling author of more than fifty novels with more than one million books sold. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She makes her home in Minnesota.
“It’s all about the heart, and how the hero and heroine reach inside and heal each other’s deep wounds. So first, we need to discover the wounds (half the fun is getting to the heart of the matter!) and then we have to figure out how they heal them. Of course, there is physical attraction, and high-stakes issues, but I think the heart of the matter is the healing they bring to each other. I’ve always said that the way a man treats a woman wins her heart, and likewise, the way the woman lets the man be a hero wins his heart, so I just let that play out on the page, and … swoon!”
READ THE INTERVIEW: Suspense Interview: Susan May Warren—All About the Heart
https://familyfiction.com/suspense-interview-susan-may-warren-heart
The Price of Valor
Global Search and Rescue #3
Susan May Warren
Revell
Romance, Suspense
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Listen to the Christian Romance Book Club Podcast!
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#9 Rachel Hauck
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/rachel-hauck
Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. She is a Christy Award Winner and a double RITA finalist. Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Club. She is also the recipient of RT’s Career Achievement Award.
“Weddings are the truest picture of love. After all, the end of the age cumulates with a wedding! Jesus and His Bride. Weddings are the ceremony where love is publicly declared. Commitments are made. Hope blooms. Families are formed. It seems weddings are a doorway into a new life. Two lives joining together to become one.”
READ THE INTERVIEW: Royal Love — Rachel Hauck on Romance, Writing, & Her New Novel
https://familyfiction.com/royal-love-rachel-hauck-on-romance-writing-her-new-novel
Once Upon a Prince
Movie Tie-In Edition
Rachel Hauck
Thomas Nelson
Romance
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#10 Irene Hannon
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/irene-hannon
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels. She’s been award multiple times by the Romance Writers of America, and has also been elected to the RWA’s Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include National Readers’ Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers’ Choice, Booksellers’ Best, Carols, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement award for her entire body of work. Her latest contemporary romance is Starfish Pier (Revell), the sixth book in the Hope Harbor series.
“All the [Hope Harbor series] plot lines—and there are others besides the central romance in each book—feature characters facing challenges. I weave the stories together, showing the interconnectedness that binds us all together. And in the end, I strive to leave readers feeling upbeat and optimistic. I try to show that happy endings are always possible, and I also highlight the tremendous power of love (not just romantic love) to transform lives.”
I write from a Christian worldview, so all my stories are told through the lens of faith. Overt faith content tends to be on the subtle side, especially in my suspense novels, because I prefer to show my characters living their faith rather than talking about it.
READ THE INTERVIEW: Irene Hannon—Hope of a Happy Ending
https://familyfiction.com/irene-hannon-hope-happy-ending
Blackberry Beach: A Hope Harbor Novel
Irene Hannon
Revell
04/06/21
Romance
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Karen Kingsbury
https://familyfiction.com/authors/karen-kingsbury/
Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated to debut soon. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. She and her husband, Donald, live in Tennessee near their children and grandchildren.
Colleen Coble
https://familyfiction.com/authors/colleen-coble/
Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series.
Jody Hedlund
https://familyfiction.com/authors/jody-hedlund/
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She loves to imagine that she really can visit the past, although she’s yet to accomplish the feat, except via the many books she reads.
Denise Hunter
https://familyfiction.com/authors/denise-hunter/
Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest.
Tracie Peterson
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/tracie-peterson
Tracie Peterson’s avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Romance Writers of America honored her with The RWA Centennial Award for authoring more than 100 romance novels. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.
Terri Blackstock
https://familyfiction.com/authors/terri-blackstock/
Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series.
Roseanna M. White
https://familyfiction.com/authors/roseanna-m-white/
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia.
Francine Rivers
https://familyfiction.com/authors/francine-rivers/
New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers had a successful writing career in the general market for several years before becoming a born-again Christian. As her statement of faith, she wrote Redeeming Love, a retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea set during the time of the California Gold Rush. Redeeming Love is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction and it continues to be one of the industry’s top-selling titles year after year. Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes—all bestsellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the world.
Tamera Alexander
https://familyfiction.com/authors/tamera-alexander/
Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist whose works have been awarded and nominated for numerous industry-leading honors, including the Christy Award (two-time winner, seven-time finalist), the RITA Award (two-time winner, four-time finalist), the Carol Award, the Maggie Award, the Booksellers Best Award, and Library Journal’s top distinction, among others. After seventeen years in Colorado, Tamera and her husband now reside in Nashville, Tennessee, where they live a short distance from Belmont Mansion and Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of Tamera’s two USA Today bestselling Southern series.
Janette Oke
https://familyfiction.com/authors/janette-oke/
Bestselling author Janette Oke is celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies, and she is the recipient of the ECPA President’s Award, the CBA Life Impact Award, the Gold Medallion, and the Christy Award. Janette and her husband, Edward, live in Alberta, Canada.
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Join the Christian Romance Book Club group!
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Listen to the Christian Romance Book Club Podcast!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/familyfiction-christian-romance-book-club-podcast-family/id1543943778