Did you know that August is Romance Awareness Month? It works out for me because this is also my wedding anniversary month. We usually just go out to dinner. Since we are still unpacking boxes in our new empty-nest home near the beach, we are already living at our vacation spot. So you can say that my new favorite vacation is a staycation. Peace and quiet are gifts from God.
In today’s blog post, I’ll continue the theme of Christians in Love from my Christian Romance Reader Gathering takeover this week. If you missed my seven days of posts, you can still catch up via the Table of Contents.
Comment for a chance to win an ebook of your choice from among my 30 published books. How does that sound?
CHRISTIANS IN LOVE BEFORE THE WEDDING
This is what we mostly read in Christian romance novels, don’t we? The happy ending would be a proposal or a wedding to “seal the deal.” Out of the thirty books I’ve written and published, twenty eight books would fall into this category of romance before the wedding. The other two are a devotional and a romance after the wedding. I am sure I will be writing more of each of these sub-genres.
Tell us about the latest Christian romance novel you’ve just finished reading. Was it exciting? Did it end in a satisfying way for you?
The latest Christian romance novel I published is Pray for Me (Vacation Sweethearts Book 5), the story of a gentleman gardener and the pastor’s daughter. Gus and Tally are not strangers to each other but have been friends for a while. In this novel, their friendship takes a turn into romance territory when they end up spending way more time with each other, realizing that God has brought them together for such a time as this. But first, they are held hostage… Say what?
CHRISTIANS IN LOVE AFTER THE WEDDING
What do you think is a romantic thing to do when the couple is already married? I think that husbands and wives need romantic moments in which they can spend time with each other. Kids are great but sometimes you need romantic date nights for mom and dad.
In my story world, I write this sub-genre under Romantic Women’s Fiction. For example, in Wait For Me (Vacation Sweethearts Book 2), Logan and his ex-wife get a second chance at romance and love when they are forced to take a summer cruise with their five-year-old son.
CHRISTIANS ARE LOVED BY GOD FOREVER
Do you have a favorite Bible verse? I have many favorite verses, to be sure, but this one is my life verse. I am eternally grateful that God loves me. The One who invented love, the Creator of the universe, loves you and He loves me. Isn’t that amazing?
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
What are your go-to verses that remind you of the love of God? If someone comes to you and says that he/she doesn’t feel the love of God, which verses do you share with them?
My books talk about God’s love all the time. If I am an author new to you, here are two free ebooks you can download and read now. These two books showcase Christians who are able to move forward once the understand the precious love of God.
- Ask You Later (A Savannah Sweethearts Prequel): JanThompson.com/ask-free
- Time for Me (A Vacation Sweethearts Prequel): JanThompson.com/time-free
Don’t forget to comment for a chance to win one of my ebooks of your choice. This giveaway ends on Monday, August 22, 2022.
USA Today bestselling novelist Jan Thompson writes clean and wholesome multiethnic contemporary Christian romance with elements of women’s fiction, Christian romantic suspense with an air of mystery, and inspirational international thrillers with threads of sweet Christian romance. Join Jan's mailing list for her latest book news: JanThompson.com/newsletter
The last book I read was one of Narelle Atkins Seaside Christmas and I was happy with it. (haven’t read much due to pain for the past few weeks. hopefully Monday it will be sorted)
I have heard of a couple that use to leave love notes. It may only say I love you but often if the husband left early he would leave on on the pillow. He may find one in his lunch box. some notes were a little longer. It wasn’t every time but it would often happen when they didn’t expect it and was often at just the right time.
I know with mum and dad on a Saturday morning (if brother didn’t have sport) mum would have a sleep in (I think it was more a rest or reading in bed) and dad would make breakfast and often gave her breakfast in bed. or have it for her when she got up. It was to give her a break and I know she appreciated it. We did too cos it was the one day we got bacon
Hi!
The last book I read was ‘Sweet Beginnings’ by Melissa McClone, it was a lovely story about the development of a relationship between two people who have had difficult life experiences to overcome but find redemption and a new start through God and their relationship.
Like you, I have many favourite Bible verses – one I come to a lot at the moment is short and comforting as I lean in to the strengthening love of Christ and supportive power of the Holy Spirit as a mum of little ones – Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’.
I haven’t read any of your books before Jan so I look forward to downloading the ones you’ve linked to, many thanks!
welcome today. I love to read Christian romances. I am in the middle of : Nothing More by Autumn MaCarthur. I dont read too many cotemporaries, but his is about an older couple and I like Autumn’s books I dont want to give too much away, but he is now seventy and she is ill and there is so much about how God is working in their lives and their marriage. I am so absolutely loving this story.
The last book I read was The Music of Love by Leah Busboom. I enjoyed how faith and music brought the couple together.
I just finished an ARC for Hannah Jo Abbott that was wonderful!!! Had everything I love in a romance, especially a cowboy!!
I just finished Mulberry Hollow by Denise Hunter
I just finished reading The Cowgirls Redemption and I loved it. Psalm 23 is very comforting to me. Have a great weekend and stay safe.
interesting books
My favorite Bible verses are Ephesians 3:18-19: And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (NLT)
I am 2 chapters away from finishing In Time For Christmas by Heather Blanton. It is sooo good. My life verses are 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV) Thank you for you books and your devotion to our Lord. God bless you.
Thank you so much for sharing. I have been having a reading slump. Prior to it hitting, I was reading romantic suspense. I cannot think of any books off the top of my head. God bless you.
Thank you for sharing. I’m reading Where the Last Rose Blooms. Blessings
I just finished reading Tacos for Two. I hadn’t read anything by Betsy St. Amant before and loved it! I’ve just started No Mistaken Identity For A Cowboy by Alexa Verde. It’s really good so far!
I love the pictures in this post <3 I can stare for hours lol
You’re right! The last books I read finished at the wedding or engagement Also, I don’t think I’ve read that many books that feature couples after their wedding, but if done well, they can be equally sweet. :)
Happy anniversary! Hope you have a wonderful day, and may God bless you both!
I do read Christian romances but I am awful at remembering the titles!
The last book I read was claiming her Texas family by Jolene navarro it is a love inspired book it was a really good book.
Sounds amazing
The last Christian romance novel that I was read was The Prince’s Chance at Love. I really enjoyed it and the ending was sweet.
The last Christian book I read was The Secret of Emerald Cottage by Julie Lessman. I enjoyed it and it helped me with some personal struggles.
Ooh I love a Christmas romance! That’s a sweet book title re: Seaside Christmas. I love the word “seaside” and named a whole series after it (Seaside Chapel). Happy reading!
Love notes are great! I don’t know anyone who does it but I have seen them in movies and in YouTube. I remember one in which the dad left notes for his daughter and she collected them for many years. Then she framed them and surprised him for a special occasion.
What a lovely message of love for your dad to cook breakfast for your mom. On top of it all, bacon is delicious for breakfast! It does leave an indelible memory for the kids.
Thank you for your comment. So sorry my reply is late. I was called out of town and had to make a last-minute long road trip on Saturday. When I got here the WiFi wasn’t working well and my laptop hasn’t been updated in a while so I was a fish out of water. I am replying on my dinky phone and I’m still not home.
Have a wonderful week in the Lord!
Love that verse! I happen to have some stickers with this very verse on it, and I stuck one on my phone charger so that every time I charge my phone I am reminded of the truth in Philippians 4:13. Good verse!
Oh so happy to meet you then! I hope you’ll enjoy my books. I have lots of plots and ideas so I’m just looking for time to write them all LOL. My 31st book should be coming soon…
I haven’t heard of the novel Sweet Beginnings, but what a lovely book title. I love stories that reflect God and point people to Jesus.
Thank you for your comments! Have a wonderful week in the Lord!
Autumn MacArthur is amazing. Glad you’re enjoying her books! Ooh yes that’s a good shift in character demographics but she’s such a wonderful author that I’m glad the book resonates with you!
Thank you for your comment. Have a wonderful week in the Lord!
Fun! That sounds like an interesting title!
Thank you for your comment!
Nice! Thanks for sharing! They sound like a good list of TBR!
Cool! I haven’t read Denise Hunter’s books but she’s very popular!
Thank you!
Excellent verses! I have prayed this passage back to God for my family and friends. Thank you for the reminder that I need to pray again with these verses!
It’s fine to take a break from reading. Are you watching a drama, perhaps? Sometimes a variety of things is fun!
I like them too!!!
Thank you very much! And May God bless you too!
Me too! I remember unknowingly rereading library books and wondering where I had read the same scenes before and they turned out to be in the same novels LOL.
Fun! Is it a cowboy book? That’s so popular nowadays!
Thank you!
I like sweet endings too! Thank you for your comment!
Julie Lessman writes so well. I have read her historical romances. Glad that Christian novels can help with personal situations too.
Good Psalm! And that sounds like a lovely cowboy book!
Thank you for your comment.
IKR! Cowboys are always popular!
Thank you for your comment!
Ooh that sounds fun!
I like the combination of faith and music too. I have a whole series that has an underlying music theme. In Seaside Chapel, we have not only orchestra music but also church music. At least one main character can play a musical instrument or can sing. I hope you get to these novels too. Thank you for your comment.
Love those Bible verses! I’m glad for the reminder to be always thankful and joyful. God is always good. Appreciate your kind words!
I do like Christmas romances! I’m glad you’re enjoying Heather Blanton’s novel. Happy reading!
You don’t often see romances with characters once their married but when I do find one I enjoy seeing how married couples keep up the work of wooing one another.
The latest Christian Romance (or by a Christian author) i read was Dandelion Meadows by Jen Spencer. I loved it and it’s going on my ‘Keep’ shelf (It’s a RomCom)
The last Christian Romance I read was Hometown Hope by Laurel Blount. I liked the bookstore setting of the story. Romance after the wedding is fun, but when the children come it is more challeging.