These Christian historical romance novels are perfect for when you’re looking for something sweet to read.
We all remember that moment in BBC’s North & South when the once-proud Mr. Thornton once again locks eyes with the woman stealing his heart, Margaret Hale. Similarly, a good historical romance novel (like a good period drama) creates memorable old-fashioned romantic moments steeped in chivalry and classic storytelling.
Today, we will discuss some of the swoony romances found in Christian (and inspirational) historical romance fiction.
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Like any list, this isn’t all-inclusive. Our list of Christian historical romance novels is simply a small portion of the Christian or inspirational fiction you can discover and read.
However, on our list today, you’ll discover a wide array of genre stories in the “bigger picture,” that is, the historical fiction market; for example, we visit various eras. You’ll meet lady marshals, find adventure in an old-fashioned western (or two!), and of course, you’ll most certainly find new romances. Hopefully, above all, this list will introduce you to new Christian historical romance novels.
NOTE: While we do our best to ensure all of these do fall under the “clean and wholesome romance” tag, not all of them are part of the Christian genre.
Clean, Christian Historical Romance Novels
(Sorted by author name; from A-Z)
1. A Lasting Impression by Tamara Alexander
Anytime you want Civil War-era fiction, Tamara Alexander is a favorite go-to author. For example, A Lasting Impression is about a woman forced to flee from her father’s schemes. She soon meets a man who protects her in their first meeting and subsequently seems to be a completely different person when their paths cross again.
A Lasting Impression on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
2. Burning Sky by Lori Benton
Her debut and a Christy-Award-winning novel, this frontier-setting book introduces us to a woman raised by Indians. When she discovers a wounded Scotsman, she cares for him while trying to come to terms with where she belongs.
Burning Sky on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
3. The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof
It is a beautiful Beauty and the Beast retelling set in the world of a traveling circus. It’s romantic, complex, and well worth a read. Plus, no list is truly complete without a good fairytale retelling.
The Lady and the Lionheart on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
4: Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin
Taking place in 1918, this one is about a former soldier now working with MI8. When he receives a summons from a woman he thought was dead, he travels to France only to discover the message isn’t from his former love.
Far Side of the Sea on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
5. The Ringmaster’s Wife by Kristy Cambron
A time-slip novel, this story beautifully tells two tales of two different women. The intriguing world of a circus is its backdrop and common element. Anyone who enjoys The Greatest Showman will love this story.
The Ringmaster’s Wife on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
6. The Drew Farthering Series by Julianna Deering
If you like cozy mysteries, this six-book series is for you. It’s like a combination of Miss Fisher and Downton Abbey.
The Drew Farthering Series | Add on Goodreads
7. The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden
In stores on September 3rd, this novel marks the debut of a new series by the award-winning author, Elizabeth Camden. Plus, who can resist a book with a broad-shouldered hero on its cover?
The Spice King on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
8: Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
Not sure this one is technically tagged as “Christian,” but it’s a sweet historical fiction novel that most anyone who prefers an inspirational story will enjoy.
Blackmore on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
9. The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden
A western by genre, this novel pits a weary lawman and a spunky girl against one another as they vie for the job of sheriff in a small town.
The Sheriffs of Savage Wells on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
10. The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz
A story of a marriage of convenience set in the aftermath of the revolutionary war, this novel is beautiful. It’s romantic in ways most of its peers aren’t. This book is a story easy to invest your bookish heart into.
The Mistress of Tall Acre on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
11. Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist
With plenty of Downton Abbey flair, this one sounds like a sweet read about a maid “dazzled” by the wealth of the family she works for, and the young footman who captures her attention.
Maid to Match on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
12. What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
Set during WWI, Amy’s novels receive consistent praise, and this, her latest, is no different. With over 3,000 reviews and an average five-star rating, this author and novel make you want to pay attention.
What the Wind Knows on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
13. Impossible Saints by Clarissa Harwood
Set in the 1900s, many reader friends have nothing but glowing things to report about this novel. It’s described as a “novel that burns as brightly as the suffrage movement it depicts.”
Impossible Saints on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
14. A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund
Anything by Jody is well written and is a memorable experience. This one features a swoony hero and a kiss that epic romances are made of.
A Noble Groom on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
15. Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson
A debut novel, this Civil War-era novel is an impressive and well-written story. It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys the era or the period drama Mercy Street.
Engraved on the Heart on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
16. The Mail Order Bride Series by Al and Joanna Lacy
An oldie series that’s more of a western series; what they have in common is they all feature a mail-order bride trope.
The Mail Order Bride Series | Add on Goodreads
17. Love at Any Cost by Julie Lessman
A Texas oil heiress clashes with a “handsome pauper,” hoping to marry well.
Note: Julie’s novels tend to be on the more adult side of Christian fiction with some innuendo/adult themes.
Love At Any Cost on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
18. The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews
Matthews’ novel marks book one in her Parish Orphans of Devon trilogy. It also has an impressive 4 ½ star rating and 200+ reviews! This one is about a marriage of convenience, and though it does have the “clean” tag, be aware, there are some minor expletives.
The Matrimonial Advertisement on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
19. Love’s Pursuit by Siri Mitchell
Historical fiction set in a Puritan settlement uses the love triangle trope to tell its story.
Love’s Pursuit on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
20. Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke
If you want to read something really sweet and go way back into the Christian Fiction archives, there’s none better than Love Comes Softly, and this year it celebrates its 40th anniversary!
Love Comes Softly on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
21. Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano
This one is an 1800s mystery you’re sure to enjoy if you like period dramas like Mystery of a Hansom Cab or The Moonstone.
Lady Jayne Disappears on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
22. Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin
When it comes to WWII fiction, you really cannot go wrong with anything by Sarah Sundin. But one of my favorites by her is Through Waters Deep, a cozy mystery that reminds so many readers of Nancy Drew! Most importantly, it’s romantic, too.
Through Waters Deep on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
23. A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano
If stories with a bit of humor are more your thing, then know that Turano’s books always have a nice sense of humor, and also tend to feature spunky heroines!
A Change of Fortune on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
24. The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White
Titled as The Codebreakers, this series follows a group of people who work to break codes in “Room 40” during the Great War.
The Number of Love on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
25. Marrying Miss Marshal by Lacy Williams
This is a reprint novel and seems to be a western about a fierce lady marshal who’s determined to keep order in her small town. Sounds fun, right?
Marrying Miss Marshal on Amazon | Add on Goodreads
In addition to these 25 titles, there are countless other Christian historical romance novels written by many other authors! A few of these include Karen Barrett, Ann H. Gabhart, Elizabeth Ludwig, Lorna Seilstad, Mary Lu Tyndall, Karen Whitemeyer, and so many more!
To sum up this list, I’m curious about your favorites. Tell me which of these have you read? Do you have any must-read Christian (or inspirational) historical fiction favorites? I’d love to know about your favorite Christian historical romance novels!
Great list, Rissi! I see many favorites here. Blackmoore is one of my favorite historicals ever. And I really liked that Maid to Match is set at the Vanderbilt mansion in Asheville. That’s not a setting you see in fiction very often.
I read “Blackmore” YEARS ago, but honestly, don’t remember much, which usually means it wasn’t a favorite. But I know SO many people love her novels. Also used to read Deeanne Gist’s novels ALL THE TIME, but don’t think I ever got around to read “Maid to Match”!
I’m so honored to be included on your list. And I love Julie Lessman!
A pleasure to include your novels; and thanks so much for visiting, Siri! It’s been so long since I read one of Julie’s novels, but were teenage me highly anticipated books to read. 🙂
Thank you so much, Rissi! I’m honored to make your list. Too many of my favorites on my list to actually list 🙂
It’s a pleasure to include your novels, Sarah! They’re always wonderful reads. 🙂
Rissi, thank you for sharing this great list of titles! Several are already on my TBR and I see a few new ones, and am so honored you included Far Side of the Sea!
Blessings!
Kate
My pleasure, Kate; isn’t it fun to find new titles to add to that TBR!? 🙂
Rissi, Wow! So happy to be among such fine reads. Love your lovely thoughts/words about TMOTA. You make me want to reread my own book! Heartfelt thanks!
Sincerely mean every work, Laura! Still have so many fond memories of reading ‘Tall Acre.’ 🙂 And it’s definitely one I want to re-read!!
RISSI!!
God bless you, you sweet thing — I am SO thrilled to be on your list, especially with so many of my own favorite authors!! AWESOME list, by the way!!
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie ♥️
Thank you, Julie – and it’s my pleasure! And I too always like to see favorite books or authors on a list. 🙂
Have fallen in love with the “Eagle Harbor” series by author Naomi Rawlins. I’ve read the whole series and am now working on her other Western Series. Check her out. A wonderful Christian historical romance writer. She even includes some bible scripture here and there..
Are you familiar with author Julie Klassen? Wonderful books, Christian based, take place in England, early 1800’s. I highly recommend any of her books!
We love Julie Klassen!
Thanks for these! Another, just published, Christian-historical-romance-adventure to suggest for your list is All the Seas of God: An Odyssey of Love. Here is a brief description.
All the Seas of God is a whirlwind, year-long, three-continent wild ride of dangerous living in a love story to remember! Sam and Addie, childhood best friends for a summer and lovers of adventure stories, meet accidentally on purpose as adults in the last year of World War One. A roller coaster romance leads to a dream of married bliss in Sam’s native India. But the dream is throttled at every turn. Separate rescues from their torpedoed ship land them in different countries with neither knowing if the other has survived. And an overheard conversation brings danger on the high seas and puts them on the run in Calcutta, the Himalayan foothills, and Bengal’s predator-filled Sundarban forests. The world war comes to an end. A global pandemic subsides. But Sam and Addie’s vision of a peaceful life remains as elusive as ever.
Thanks for sharing!