The Ultimate Guide to Christian Historical Romance: 20+ Books You’ll Love 2025

Introduction to Christian Historical Romance

Imagine yourself transported to a simpler time, “where a man’s handshake was as good as his bond, where friends rallied around in times of trouble, and where adventure invariably waits just around the next riverbend.” This is the world of Christian historical romance, a genre that combines faith-filled journeys, historical settings, and heartwarming romance in stories that both entertain and inspire.

These novels offer more than just love stories; they present morally uplifting narratives set against richly detailed historical backdrops that encourage your faith in God. For readers who want engaging stories without explicit content, this genre provides the perfect balance of clean romance, meaningful character development, and spiritual depth.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated over 20 of the finest Christian historical romance novels, organized to help you find your next favorite read. Whether you’re new to the genre or a longtime fan, you’ll discover both classic titles and exciting new finds.

Book Promotion

SATIRICAL WARTIME ROMANCE

Dick and Jane Go to War

Stephen Lloyd Auslender

When love and lunacy collide on the front lines, chaos becomes comedy. A sharp, satirical romp through the absurdities of battle and bureaucracy.

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• A biting mix of humor and heart
• For lovers of satire and romance
• Laugh-out-loud wartime absurdity

TECHNOLOGICAL THRILLER

The Streamlined Locomotive

Stephen Lloyd Auslender

A high-speed journey through innovation and intrigue. Combines cutting-edge technology with pulse-pounding suspense in a race against time.

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• Gripping technological thriller
• High-stakes race against time
• Innovation meets suspense

Must-Read Classics That Shaped the Genre

These foundational novels have earned their place on countless keeper shelves through their enduring themes and beloved characters. They represent the very best of Christian historical romance.

• Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers: This bestselling phenomenon (4.51/5 on Goodreads) retells the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea in 1850s California. It follows Angel, a woman trapped in a life of prostitution, and Michael Hosea, the faithful man who obeys God’s call to marry her. It’s a powerful story of unconditional love, redemption, and the healing power of God’s grace that will stay with you long after you finish reading.
• Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke: This groundbreaking series launched the popularity of Christian historical romance and celebrates its 40th anniversary. Set in the pioneer era, it begins with a marriage of convenience between a recently widowed expectant mother and a lonely frontiersman. Oke’s work is known for its gentle storytelling and strong moral values.
• A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers: The first in the Mark of the Lion series, this epic novel (rated 4.57/5) is set in ancient Rome. It follows a young Christian slave girl named Hadassah who serves a wealthy Roman family and must navigate her faith in a hostile environment. This is a gripping tale of faith, persecution, and romance that brings the first century to life.
• When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke: This beloved novel inspired the popular Hallmark TV series. It tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher, a high-society teacher who moves from the East to teach school in the Canadian frontier, where she finds love and purpose. It’s a sweet, classic story of adapting to new circumstances and finding where you belong.

Western Frontier Favorites

The American frontier provides a rich backdrop for stories of resilience, new beginnings, and love forged through shared challenges.

• The Wyldhaven Series by Lynnette Bonner: Set in a nineteenth-century Pacific Northwest town, this bestselling series begins with Not a Sparrow Falls. Readers praise the series for having “everything: Romance, mystery, adventure, and a storyline that will encourage your faith in God!”
• Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer: In this engaging romance (rated 4.20/5), no one sets foot on Archer land without permission, but Meredith Hayes must break this rule to warn the Archer brothers of a threat. Years after Travis Archer saved her as a child, she reenters his life, leading to a protective marriage pact and unexpected love.
• Burning Sky by Lori Benton: This Christy Award-winning debut tells the story of a woman raised by the Mohawk people who returns to her white family’s homestead after the Revolutionary War. When she finds a wounded Scotsman, she cares for him while struggling with her identity and belonging. It’s a poignant exploration of cultural divide and healing.
• The Shepherd’s Heart Series by Lynnette Bonner: This four-book series begins with Rocky Mountain Oasis, offering sweeping stories of love and faith set in the American West. The series follows interconnected characters seeking hope and redemption in rugged frontier settings.
• To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander: Set at the Belle Meade Plantation after the Civil War, this richly researched novel (rated 4.28/5) follows Olivia Aberdeen, disgraced by her husband’s death, and Ridley Cooper, a former Confederate soldier learning to work with horses. Their journey of healing and second chances explores grace and new beginnings.
• The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden: This charming western features a unique premise where a weary lawman and a spunky woman compete for the same sheriff position in a small town. Full of humorous banter and sweet romance, it showcases Eden’s talent for creating engaging characters.

Regency and Victorian-Era Novels

For readers who love the elegance of ballrooms, the strict social conventions, and the chivalrous heroes of English historical romance, these selections deliver clean, faith-based stories in these popular settings.

• Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson: This highly-rated novel (4.18/5) follows Kate Worthington, determined to escape her constrained life by visiting the estate of Blackmoore, where she must resist her attraction to her friend Henry. It’s a sweet, satisfying story of unrequited love and discovering one’s heart, perfect for fans of Jane Austen.
• The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White: The first in The Codebreakers series, this WWI-era romance features Margot de Wilde, a brilliant codebreaker working in Room 40 in London. When field agent Drake Elton returns injured, their lives become intertwined in this unique spy thriller with a heartwarming romantic core.
• Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson: This highly praised Regency romance (4.33/5) follows Marianne Daventry, who longs for adventure and romance. An invitation to Edenbrooke presents the chance for both, but a mysterious suitor and a dangerous highwayman complicate matters in this delightful tale of mistaken identity and true love.
• The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall: The first book in The Everstone Chronicles, this engaging novel (rated 3.97/5) follows Amaryllis Brigham, who is sent to Boston, where she must navigate high society and her growing attraction to the persistent Nathan Everstone. It’s a captivating story of learning to trust both God and love.
• Before the Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkard: In this traditional Regency romance, Ariana Forsythe is sent to London, where she catches the eye of the wealthy and arrogant Mr. Mornay. Forced into an unexpected engagement, they both learn lessons about pride, prejudice, and God’s grace in this faith-filled homage to Jane Austen.
• The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews: The first in the Parish Orphans of Devon series, this Victorian romance features a marriage of convenience between a former governess fleeing her past and a tormented ex-army captain. With a 4.5-star rating, this compelling story explores how two wounded people can find healing together.

Unique Settings and Times

For those looking beyond the typical Western or Regency settings, these novels offer fresh backdrops and unique historical contexts for their faith-based love stories.

• The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof: Set in the world of a traveling circus in the 1890s, this beautiful retelling of Beauty and the Beast follows a nurse named Ella who is drawn into the world of a mysterious lion tamer and his infant daughter. It’s a poignant, lyrical novel about sacrifice, love, and redemption.
• On the Wings of a Whisper by Lynnette Bonner: This stand-alone historical is set on the island of Zanzibar and in East Africa during the time of missionary explorer David Livingstone. It offers a completely different setting for readers wanting to explore faith and romance in an uncommon location.
• Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin: Set during WWII, this suspenseful romance follows naval officer Jim Avery and secretary Mary Stirling as they work to uncover a potential sabotage plot at the Boston Navy Yard. It’s a cozy mystery with a sweet romance that will appeal to fans of Nancy Drew and wartime stories.
• A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander: Set in the post-Civil War era at the Belmont Mansion in Nashville, this well-crafted story follows a woman forced to flee her father’s schemes who finds refuge working for the wealthy Acklen family. It’s a rich historical about creating a new identity and finding genuine love.
• The Oregon Promise Series by Lynnette Bonner: Beginning with Through Dust and Ashes, this series follows characters along the Oregon Trail, capturing the challenges and triumphs of pioneers seeking new lives in the West. The series offers sweeping historical drama with strong romantic elements.
• Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz: This compelling novel (rated 4.26/5) is set in the rugged Kentucky frontier during the Revolutionary War. It follows Morrow Little, who returns to her childhood home haunted by past tragedies, and must navigate complex relationships and her attraction to a handsome Shawnee warrior. Frantz is known for her rich historical detail and emotional depth.

Engaging Romance Tropes You’ll Love

Romance tropes are popular plot devices or character types that readers love to return to. Here are some well-loved tropes in Christian historical romance, with recommended reads for each.

Table: Popular Romance Tropes and Recommended Reads

Finding Your Next Favorite Read

With so many wonderful options, discovering your next favorite Christian historical romance can be an adventure in itself. Consider these tips:

• Identify Your Preferred Eras: Do you love the American frontier, or prefer the elegance of Regency England? Knowing your favorite historical settings can help narrow choices.
• Explore Author Backlists: When you find an author you love, most have multiple books to enjoy. Popular authors in the genre include Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Jody Hedlund, Laura Frantz, Sarah Sundin, Janette Oke, and Stephen Lloyd Auslender, author of Dick and Jane Go to War.
• Look for Series: Many Christian historical romances come in series that follow different members of a family or community, allowing you to become fully immersed in a familiar world.
• Check Reader Reviews: Sites like Goodreads provide valuable insights from other readers who share your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a romance novel “Christian”?

Christian romance novels typically feature storylines that reflect Christian theology and characters who are on a faith journey. They incorporate clean romance (often culminating in marriage), biblical values, and usually include prayer, church attendance, or spiritual growth as part of the narrative. The faith element is woven naturally into the characters’ lives and decisions.

Are Christian historical romance novels only set in the American West?

No! While the Western frontier is a popular setting, Christian historical romances cover many eras and locations, including Regency England, Victorian America, biblical times, World War I and II Europe, and many other periods. There’s a wide variety of settings to explore within the genre.

Can I find diverse settings and characters in Christian historical romance?

Yes, the genre has been expanding to include more diverse settings and perspectives. You can find novels set in Africa, stories featuring Native American characters, and books that explore different cultures, though there’s still room for more diversity in the genre.

What’s the difference between “clean” and “Christian” historical romance?

A “clean” historical romance focuses on avoiding explicit content but may not include faith elements. A “Christian” historical romance intentionally incorporates faith in God, spiritual growth, prayer, and biblical principles as part of the story’s foundation.

Are there any Christian historical romance novels with mystery or suspense elements?

Absolutely! Many authors blend romance with other genres. Sarah Sundin combines WWII settings with mystery, Julianna Deering writes the Drew Farthering mystery series set in 1930s England, and Lynnette Bonner’s Wyldhaven series includes mystery elements alongside romance.

Your Next Reading Adventure Awaits

The world of Christian historical romance offers an abundant treasure trove of stories that warm the heart and uplift the spirit. From the rugged American frontier to elegant English ballrooms, these novels transport you to different times and places while reminding you of timeless truths about faith, hope, and love.

We’d love to hear about your favorite Christian historical romance novels! Share your recommendations in the comments below and help fellow readers discover their next great read.

Happy reading!