Do you ever sit down, open a book, and start reading the story and immediately, you’re captivated? For me, a lot of that has to do with the point of view (pov) it’s written in. Now I’ll admit, I haven’t always been a fan of this particular pov (my favorite). However, some great authors have quickly made a convert.
In case you haven’t guessed my favorite yet, I’ll tell you: first person. This is easily recognizable by the “I/me” statements told by the main character.
Here are my favorite Christian Contemporary romance 1st person pov books (in no particular order). I’ll also thought it would be cool to share the first line. Please click the title to be taken to Goodreads.
Bethany Turner’s The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck
I absolutely love Sarah Hollenbeck and her journey of romance and a new found faith. This book had me laughing out loud and saving my favorite lines. Here’s the first line:
“If you’re willing to admit it, you probably know me as Raine de Bourgh.”
Y’all, just keep reading and you’ll be hooked!
Sarah Monzon’s Book Nerds and Boyfriends
Book Nerds and Boyfriends is actually a collection of three novellas, all 1st pov. The first one, Bookishly Ever After, tells the tale of avid reader Emory Blake. And it just so happens her first line is from the book she’s reading.
“The hunter had become the hunted.”
Fantastic, right?
Jennifer Rodewald’s The Cupcake Dilemma
A heroine who doesn’t cook but needs to make cupcakes for her kids’ Valentine’s party! Let the laughter begin!
“Let me begin by stating this clearly. I was voluntold.”
Brandy Bruce’s The Last Summer
So far all of my suggestions could fall into the sub-genre of romantic comedy. This one, not so much. However, it’s filled with all the feels and the romance is one that draws me in every time I reread it. Oh and you may need some tissue.
“I never meant for any of it to happen.”
Tamara Leigh’s Perfecting Kate
Did y’all know Tamara Leight has contemporary books? If not, run to your nearest book retailer and snap them out. I love her contemporaries almost as much (maybe slightly more) than her historicals.
“I never asked to be made over.”
Siri L. Mitchell’s The Cubicle Next Door
Here’s another author that may surprise you with their foray into contemporary writing. She has some great ones (they are older but no less good) that I’ve also had the pleasure of rereading. Oh, who am I kidding, I’ve read all of these multiple times.
“So what do you think, Jackie?”
Now you may be wondering if any of our InspyRomance authors have books in 1st pov. Well, I’m glad you asked. Below is a list of the author and their 1st pov book. I hope you have a chance to add them to your TBR pile. You won’t be sorry!
InspyRomance Authors:
Adrift by Jaycee Weaver
Surrendering Time series by Julie Arduini
So tell me, do you like 1st person pov? Why or why not? And if you say no, would you ever give it another chance? One person who comments by Friday 3:00pm EDT will be entered into a $5 Amazon gift card giveaway. One random person will be chosen and contacted by Saturday.
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Find out more on her website at http://tonishiloh.com.
Hi Toni, I have read most of these books and loved them- The Last Summer had me reaching for the tissues!!
I genuinely don’t mind first person point of view or third person… so long as it is a solid story, I’m happy:)
Blessings:)
If a story is well written I’m happy to read the point of view that draws me in.
Hi Toni! Not usually fond of first person point of view, but occasionally have been surprised by a well crafted first person POV. Thanks for your suggestions. Many new authors in the list. Best wishes.
I don’t usually love first person pov. I’ll read it if it’s well done, but I love knowing what’s going on in both the hero and heroine’s pov.
Yes! I was reaching for the tissues with that one and After the Rain.
Agree!
I hope you find one you love, Renate!
First person POV is ok but not my preference. It has to be done well or it grates on me a bit. I loved four of the books you mentioned and the other two will be added to my ever-growing TBR list. Thanks for that…I think!
I’ve read a few 1st pov that have been written in heroine and hero’s voice. I know Jaycee Weaver did that in her novella, A Splash of Love. I have to remember who the others were.
No it’s definitely a thanks. You’ll see! ;)
I do like 1st person POV, as a change. I like it for light, humorous stories told by the heroine. However, I love getting in the hero’s head too, which is why I like 3rd person the best.
I love these covers you featured!
Aren’t they great! I love a good book cover.
Love it, and I’ve read most of these. <3 Have YOU written in 1st person?
I will be honest, I prefer third person mostly, but will read first person as well. I get a little bit of an “oh no, well okay” when I first start a book and it is in first person, lol!
To be honest, I’m not a fan of first person. I’m like the others, though, if the book is well written, then I’ll get over my dislike and usually like the book as much as any other. If it’s not, it just keeps me bogged down, and it’s all I can do to finish the book. I can’t stand not reading a book once I start, so I usually slog my way through. If I totally lose interest, I’ll skip ahead to see if it gets any better. You gave me some more books to look up!!
I enjoy it as well, but not all the time. Have a blessed day.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love third person POV, but first person is definitely my personal favorite! I’ve only read Bethany’s, Sarah’s, Jennifer’s and Jaycee’s from this list, but I absolutely loved them all, and I look forward to reading the rest! By the way everybody, Toni Shiloh’s newsletter subscriber exclusive short story, For Your Love is first person, and it’s AMAZING! 😍
First person POV is not my favorite. I’m partial to third person because as a reader I can get inside the thoughts of multiple characters. I have read numerous first person POV books and have enjoyed them, but I prefer third person.
My newsletter magnet is in 1st person and my current wip is as well.
Lol, I can understand that. That’s how I feel when something is in present tense.
I hope you find a new favorite.
You as well.
Thank you so much, Caitlyn!
I was like that for the longest time, so I completely understand. Hopefully you’ll give 1st person another try!
I also am not a fan of 1st person POV. Mainly because I want to know what others are thinking as well. I will read a book written in it, especially if the book is written by a trusted author. I read the books by Jennifer, Sarah and Brandi on your list and enjoyed them all. Tessa Afshar’s Harvest of Rubies and Harvest of Gold are two I enjoyed. Also, The Hidden Creek series by Barbara Gee.
Hmmm…I don’t think I’ve paid attantion to POV before…
My favorite point-of-view has always been first-person, even though I consider my favorite author to be Jane Austen. ;)
But so far I’ve only published books in 1st-person POV. It just feels so much deeper, so much more relatable to the main character.
Oh I should check out the ones you mention!
You’ve been reading some good books then!
I agree. And I like the tension it creates of not knowing what everyone else feels. Unless of course the author does 1st pov in more than one character.
Applying 1st person POV to more than one character is really difficult to nail; but when it’s done right, it works really well! I’ve seen this done well with romances where both the hero and the heroine get their own POV. That can also work well with 3rd person limited. But I hate the few books I’ve seen that have killed off one of their 1st person POV characters!
For me it actually depends on the book. While I mostly read third person I do read some in the first person and have enjoyed them. Again it really does depend on the book and genre. Some author do it really well.
I think for me its more do I like the book than point of view. What I dislike most is a book that constantly changes POV so you have no idea who’s POV the book is talking about. When its clear of a change its ok but I have read a few books that I had no idea who’s POV it was.
I usually find that 1st person pov tends to mean poorly written book. I have to disagree on Jaycee’s books (I enjoyed A splash of love from Once upon a Christmas boxed set) and many Jenn Faulk’s books. Maybe I should try some of the ones on your short list too.
That makes sense
I hope you do.