Happy December, Friends!
This month, I thought I’d share my favorite Christian contemporary romance reads of 2021. I know the year isn’t technically over, but I’ve been reading a lot in other genres and don’t see myself reading any new CCR until the clock strikes 2022. The next time you read a post of mine, I’ll probably be sharing my anticipated reads. :)
*All of these books were released this year and are listed in no particular order.
Claiming His Inheritance by CJ Carroll
From the cover to the characters to the happily ever after, I loved everything about C.J. Carroll’s first Love Inspired book. Add to the fact that it’s set during Christmas, has a marriage-of-convenience trope, and I was so there. This is perfect to read this time of year.
Never Too Late by Susan L. Tuttle
I had the pleasure of endorsing this beauty and it was such a blessing for me. Not only did I laugh but I sighed the sighs and smiled with the happily ever afters. Susan is one of my auto-buy authors and I would have read this on my own outside of the endorsement opportunity.
Let It Be Me by Becky Wade
What would a best of post be without Becky Wade? I don’t know because she always lands on my “best ofs” because I’ve been a diehard fan since My Stubborn Heart. With a smart and unique heroine and a brooding hero, I was a gonner from start to finish. Let It Be Me is my favorite in the Misty River romance series.
All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese
This one was totally about the hero for me. Silas Whittaker had me in his corner from the moment he walked in on scene. A man who cares about orphans, who has a great backstory? Sign me up! But Molly wasn’t so shabby herself and I loved watching her grow.
Amanda by Sarah Monzon
There’s so much to love about this book besides the humor, secondary characters, and football. How about a second chance romance that has you swoony. Or better yet, a heroine I completely identify with and empathize with the unknown chronic illness she battles. Amanda is one for the books and I’m so glad I read it.
So You Love Your Best Friend’s Sister by Elizabeth Maddrey
Elizabeth Maddrey is an auto-buy author for me. I don’t need to know anything other than she’s writing a new book. When I heard she was doing a billionaire series, I was even more excited. This one was my fave of the series. Maybe it’s the whole forbidden love trope (guy falls in love wit his best friend’s sister) or the fact that Jessica Ward is an ethical hacker. I don’t know what exactly made me love this one the most, but I did.
Charmed by the Cowboy by Mandi Blake
There’s just something about wounded characters that tug at my heart strings and has me glued to my ereader until I reach the end. In Mandi’s second book of the Blackwater Ranch series, I felt invested from the beginning. I had to find out the story behind Maddie’s past and discover why Lucas was such a perfect match for her. This story has all the feels.
Autumn by the Sea by Melissa Tagg
Melissa Tagg has a way of drawing the reader in to a new place, a new adventure, and feel like you’re right along for the ride. The opening scene was amazing and had me on the edge of the seat. There’s one scene in this book that was sooo romantic and I could perfectly picture it in my head. Now I just need it as a movie. :)
Aspen Crossroads by Janine Rosche
Aspen Crossroads is written with Janine Rosche’s signature style of romance, beautiful scenery, and a story that will deepen your faith. With a terrific meet cute, and a topic that needs to come to light, I quickly became engrossed in the story.
Since You’ve Been Gone by Tari Faris
The Restoring Heritage series is great for seeing past characters, subplots with more romance, and main characters that have you guessing will they or won’t they. In this book, you’ve got an enemies-to-lover trope (might be my fave after marriage of convenience) that had me smiling at the dialogue and tension between the two. Coupled with a mystery that’s had readers guessing since the prequel, and you’ll be glad you visited this town.
Giveaway
For a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card and buy one (or more) of these reads, tell me your three of your favorite Christian contemporary romances of 2021. Comment by 12/9/21 3:00pm EST and I will pick a random winner.
Happy Saturday Toni! Love today’s blog question, because it makes me review my reading for the year. I enjoy browsing the 146 books I reviewed on Goodreads this year and realized I may need to revise the names of my book shelves or categories. This year my reading interest leaned toward cozy mysteries and historical romance.
The answer to your question: ONLY Three favorite CCR???? I enjoy reading books with an unique premise. So two series come to mind: Valerie Comer’s Pot of God Geocaching (4 stories with alliteration gem titles) and Elizabeth Maddrey’s So You Want to be a Billionaire (6 stories each having a different troupe). I also enjoy the series You Are on the Air by multi authors. My favorite being Dial B for Baby by Marlene Bierworth. The premise being radio talk show personalities.
Best wishes for a day of inspiring romance reading.
I am a huge fan of Susan Sleeman and her lastest series, Nighthawk Security is wonderful.
Books – Night Prey, Night Hawk as well as Dead Even are great. But all her stories are as well.
Ok, first off, to pick just three???? You must be kidding!!! I’ve read all of Mandi’s Blackwater Ranch books, so all of those are tops for me! I loved Valerie Boden’s Pieces of Forever, and one of my absolute favorites will be out in a few days, it’s one I proofread. I’m also really enjoying Tina Radcliffe’s Ready to Trust, and way too many more to name, as I’m on my 211th book of the year!
Hi, I loved reading With All My Heart, Desire of My Heart and I’m not sure if Nowhere Near Goodbye is one. Have a great weekend and stay safe.
So You Want a Second Chance by Elizabeth Maddrey
Her Brother’s Best Friend by Hannah Jo Abbott
Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter
I loved the entire Chapel Cove series which I bought and read during a .99 sale this year. I need to catch up now that I have KU.
I also loved Cherished by the Rancher by Jen Peters
Toni, thanks for the giveaway. I know you just more recs for your TBR pile:)
I haven’t heard of the You Are on the Air series. I’ll look that one up! Have a great weekend.
Cool!
I completely understand. I’ve read over 200 books this year as well and found it tough to narrow to 10.
Thanks. Who are the authors?
I appreciate the recs!!
I read Irene Hannon’s entire Hope Harbor series this year and LOVED it, concluding with Blackberry Beach that released this year. I also enjoyed her suspense book Labyrinth of Lies and Terri Blackstock’s Aftermath.
Really? Thank you for including Aspen Crossroads. You made me cry!
I’ve read a lot of great CF books this year. Some of my favorites are: Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes, Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette, and The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden.
Hi, Toni! Thanks for the great recommendations! I picked up one or two to add to my TBR pile. Pick just 3? No way. I read so many they start to blur. :-)
Merry Christmas!
There were so many good books this year! Here’s my three favorites off the top of my head.
Husband Audtions by Angela Ruth Strong
Provenance by Carla Laureano
Love and the Silver Lining by Tammy L. Gray
It’s hard to whittle it down to just three.
1. Red Canary- Rachel Scott McDaniel. I’m not usually a fan of historical fiction, but I got caught up in this 1920s story.
2. Nicole- Sarah Monzon. I keep up with all the sewing ladies, but for some reason I really like the banter between Nicole and Drew.
3. Never Miss-Melissa Koslin
Sigggghhhhh, I really wish I could list more. The Murphy’s Brothers series by Jennifer Rodewald was GREAT! Rachel Dylan’s Capital Intrigue series was great too. THERE’S JUST SO MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM.
Hard to choose just 3.
Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren
My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Sweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter
Impossible to choose just three! I read over 100 books each year and there are many that stand out as top “favorites” :-) Here’s some recent ones that I just adored:
1. The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham
2. Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong (such a cute, funny, inspirational story!)
3. Freedom’s Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer
And I’m adding a fourth because I just can’t leave it off the list:
4. Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn (especially because it’s very emotional and has a gentle faith thread that tugs at your own heart).
I’m going to read Engaging Father Christmas (#2) and Marrying Father Christmas (#3) next because I had such a connection with the first book.
I agree with Nicole Deese’s “All that Really Matters” because she just has a way with words that draws you into her stories and feeds both body & spirit! There are several on your list that I have already and am planning on reading sometime after the January because I am on a Christmas reading binge right now :-) Thanks for sharing your list with us Toni!
For the record….I HIGHLY recommend The Mistletoe Countess to anyone to read (you too Toni). It’s just THAT good!
I’ve recently discovered her writing when I read Just the Way You Are (Pleasant Gap Romance #1) and with this new Christmas one, I am now a forever fan :-)
My favorite books this year is The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox and Roots of Wood and Stone by Amanda Wen.
An Unlikely Proposal by You! 😊
Plot Twist by Bethany Turner
Glory Falls by Janine Rosche
Star Rising by Janet W. Ferguson
Show Me a Mistaken Identity by Alexa Verde
Love’s Treasure – A Christian Romance Collection
Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber,
Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant
Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard (This one is a combination romance/suspense.)
Thank you for sharing. God bless you. Merry Christmas.
I could never pick just 3 lol
I have more then 3 for my list.
Becky Wade, Robyn Care and Nora Roberts. Please enter in contest
Her Hope Harbor series gives all the cozy feels.
I hope happy tears!
Awesome!
They certainly can start to blur. I hope you enjoy the ones you picked up!
I haven’t read Tammy’s yet. It’s on my TBR, I just need the time to read it.
I have Red Canary on my Kindle, just need to read it. And Nicole and Drew was great. I almost chose that instead of Amanda …so hard to choose!
And Never Miss was awesome. I just stuck to the CCR genre for this post. :)
My Stubborn Heart is one of my most reread books ever!
I haven’t read The Mistletoe Countess yet but JTWYA was a fantastic read. I’ve read so many of Pepper’s books.
Oh I need to check those out.
Thank you so much!
Mistaken identity books are awesome!
Excellent list! I concur with all of the ones that I’ve also read from this list (and am sneaking off to add the others to my TBR). 😍
Merry Christmas!
lol, it’s difficult.
I bet. Want to share 3 random ones then?
Got it.
Yay for making your TBR list longer!
Three of my favorites Christian contemporary romances from 2021 are You & Me by Becky Wade, Lost and Found Faith by Laurel Blount, and The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston.
Wow, narrowing it to 3 is really hard, so this is my top 3 just from the last 3 months:
– The One Who Wrote Away (The Prodigal Ones #3) by Joanna Alonzo
– Molly by Sarah Monzon
– a tie between Dreaming of His Convenient Kiss & Dreaming of Her Secret Santa’s Kiss (Cowboy Mountain Christmas #2 & 3) by Jessie Gussman
Oh I need to read the last two!
I love Molly!!!