Since finding books online is very important right now, I thought I’d do a roundup of reader tools that help keep books in eager hands. You might know about some of these, but maybe there are some you don’t know about. I’m using each tool in conjunction with one of our Inspy Authors, so here goes:
Bookbub
Enter your e-mail to join for free. Here you can browse by genre, find e-book deals, get updates on authors, find where to buy the book and compare prices. You can also add it to your wish list and get e-mail updates on when and where it’s available. If you’re an avid reader who can’t keep up with what you’ve read and what you haven’t, like my mom, you can mark that you’ve read it. Here’s Julie Arduini’s page for you to explore: bookbub – Julie Arduini
Fiction Finder
With Fiction Finder, you can browse by author, subject, title, or publication date. Set up by American Christian Fiction Writers, this tool covers Christian Fiction only. Say you want to read about adoption, just click advanced search under the search slot, go down to topics or issues and type in adoption. Books including that topic pop up, including one by Narelle Atkins. You can also search by genre and setting. If you do an advanced search and type in Australia, all the books set in Australia will pop up, including several by Narelle. There’s also a place adjust to how much action, conflict, humor, mystery, romance, spirituality, suspense, language, sensuality, and violence from 0 to 10. So if you like things edgier, you’ll be able to find those books or if you like sweet and pure, you’ll be able to find those books. You use it as is or register for free and the site will remember your preferences. Since the author’s load their own books, the list is usually up to date and detailed. Here’s Narelle Atkins page for you to explore: fictionfinder – Narelle Atkins
Amazon
I know, everybody knows about Amazon. But did you know about the follow feature? Type in the author’s name and amazon in your search engine, such as: amazon Sally Bayless. This takes you to the author’s amazon page where all their books are listed with prices and formats. Under the author’s picture, click the gold box that says: +follow. Now when Sally has a new book out, you’ll get an alert. You also get improved recommendations since Amazon knows what kind of authors you follow. You can also read reviews and don’t forget to leave one. Here’s Sally’s Amazon page, so you can follow her: amazon.com – Sally Bayless
Facebook
And everybody knows about Facebook. Here you can friend and follow your favorite authors. But do you do it? Or are you afraid we’ll think you’re stalking us or invading our privacy? Trust me, we love when readers friend and follow us. Facebook has made authors three-dimensional, instead of that smiling picture on the back of the book. You can get to know your favorite authors, their families, what they’re up to, including when their next book is coming out. So go ahead, friend and follow us. Some authors also have author profiles where you can like us. Here’s Valerie M. Boden’s Facebook page, so you can get to know her: Facebook Valerie M. Bodden
Goodreads
Join Goodreads, type in the name of your favorite author and follow them, keep up with their new releases, ask them questions, and see what they like to read. You’ll find a list of their books and where you can find them on social media. You can also mark their books that you want to read, keep up with the ones you’ve read or are in the process of reading, and leave reviews. Andrea Boyd is brand new with us here at Inspy. You can get to know her through her Goodreads page: Goodreads – Andrea Boyd
Newsletters
Many authors have newsletters. You’ll find a place to sign up on their websites. Authors tend to get more personal in newsletters. This is the place to really get to know them. You’ll also find things such as recipes, cut scenes from their books, along with new releases. If you like giveaways, free books or short stories, just for signing up, the author’s newsletter is the place to go. Here’s the link to sign up for Hallee Bridgeman’s newsletter: Newsletter – Hallee Bridgeman.com/newsletter
If you love hearing snippets and chatter from authors, Twitter is the place to find it. Author’s post about their new releases and when their books are on sale. Follow your favorite authors and you’ll know when they have new blog posts and giveaways. You might also find family pictures and links to recipes. Here’s Valerie Comer’s twitter, so you can see what she’s up to: Twitter – Valerie Comer
Facebook Author & Reader Groups
I know we already talked about Facebook, but many authors have their own readers groups on Facebook. Check out your favorite author’s facebook pages and see if they host a reader’s group you can join. Tara Grace Ericson is brand new to us here at Inspy Romance. Check out her reader group to get to know her better Tara Grace Ericson Happily ever after Reader’s Group
Author’s Websites
Since I’ve mentioned author websites so much, let’s go there next. Here you can find the author’s blog, sign up for newsletter, social media links, all about their books. Series are usually listed in the order you should read them, along with any book signings the author has scheduled. Some authors feature devotionals, writing advice or helpful links, recipes, and book club questions. Check out Janet W. Ferguson’s Website: Website – Janet W. Ferguson
Join instagram and follow your favorite authors in pictures and memes. Some authors share photos of themselves and their families, some share memes about books. Other share inspirational memes or book covers. But if they have a new realease, they’ll let you know. Here’s Heather Gray’s Instagram: Instagram – Heather Gray
Audible
Do you love listening to books while you clean house, drive, or exercise. Audible is the place to go. You join the service and get books. How cool is that? You can even try it out for free. They carry books other than Christian Fiction, but the Christian section is pretty impressive. Here’s one of Liwen Y Ho’s titles: Audible – Liwen Y Ho
The Book Depository
Let’s not forget about International Readers. The book depository offers tons of Christian books and they’ll ship anywhere for free. That’s right, no shipping, no matter where you live. Check out all the Kimberly Rose Johnson books they have: Book Depository – Kimberly Rose Johnson
Walmart and other Store Sites
If a store has a book section, you can usually find books on their online store. Usually only e-books are available, but some stores carry print also. There’s always shipping to contend with, but if you’re ordering something else or several books, you can reach the dollar amount each store requires to qualify for free shipping. And to get out of shipping, you can have books shipped to the store for free, then pick them up when they arrive. Sometimes you click on a book and it turns out, it’s out of stock, but there are still a lot of titles available. Check out all the titles you can get by Deb Kastner: Walmart.com – Deb Kastner
Kobo
Kobo is dedicated to e-book, audiobooks, Apps and e-readers. They have a large catalog and you pretty much find every book your favorite author has ever written here. It’s easy to search by author or genre, and you can even type in how much you’re willing to spend. Here’s Laurie Larsen’s Kobo page: Kobo- Laurie Larsen
Facebook Reader Groups
I know, we’re back to Facebook again. But do a search on Contempory Christian Romance or Contemporary Inspirational Romance and see what you find. In these groups, authors post new releases, blog links, and giveaway opportunities. Readers chat about what their reading or make recommendations. Just search and see what you find that might interest you. Just search and see what you find that might interest you. Elizabeth Maddrey does a great job of running the inspy romance blog facebook group: Facebook – Christian Romance Reader Gathering
Reading is My Superpower
This is a great blog run by an avid reader. You’ll find reviews, upcoming releases, spotlights on authors, and books. Speaking of Elizabeth Maddrey, she and several other Inspy authors have been featured on this blog. Check it out: Reading is My Superpower – Elizabeth Maddrey
Fantastic Fiction
Here you’ll find a list of titles, series and collaberations with other authors by your favorite authors. The series are listed in order by title. So if you’re wanting to start a new series, you know what order to read them in. Check out Lindi Peterson’s titles: Fantastic Fiction Lindi Peterson
Author’s Blogs
Lots of authors have blogs. You can find them on their websites. Some authors blog about their lives, updates on books, or devotions. Some feature other Christian Fiction authors. But if there’s a book coming out, trust me, you can read all about it on a blog. Often when authors have a new release, they’ll go on a blog tour on other author’s blogs with prizes and giveaways. Tony Shiloh keeps you up to date on new Christian Fiction releases on her blog: Blog – Toni Shiloh
Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble website carries a lot of books you won’t find in the store. They often have percentages off for new members. You can also order the book and pick it up at the store for free with curbside delivery. You can search by author, title, genre, and price point. Check out the titles they have by Barnes and Noble – Ginger Solomon
Fiction Database
Another great place to find your favorite author’s booklist is fictiondb.com. Just do a search on your favorite author and find a pretty complete list of titles. They’re not great at providing covers, but the blurb is there, so you can see what the book is about along with links on where to buy your copy. Here’s what you can get from Stacy Stallings: Fictiondb.com – Stacy Stallings
Christian Book
Christianbook.com carries only Christian titles often at 10% off. If your book budget is tight, here’s the place to get your fix. Sometimes, they don’t have all of an author’s titles, but you can e-mail them to ask for a certain title and they’ll add it. I recently learned through a reader that author’s can request Christian carry their new releases as well. Here’s a link to all the Angela Ruth Strong books they carry: christianbook.com – Angela Ruth Strong
Fiction Full of Faith Blog
The fiction full of Faith Blog is chock full of reviews by an avid reader of Christian Fiction. Looking for a place to find books, check it out. Here’s a review on our own Jan Thompson: Fiction Full of Faith – Jan Thompson
Books A Million
Books A Million’s website is easy to search for books in stock in the store and online. You can ship to store to save shipping and they have curbside pickup. Here’s all the Marion Uekermann books they have: Books A Million – Marion Uekermann
Pinterest
Lots of authors have Pinterest pages with boards featuring crafts and what have you. But they also have book pages. Once I discovered Pinterest, I started using it for scene and character inspiration and I set up a board for each book. When it comes time to send my editor scenes from the book that might make good covers, I go to my board for the book and there I have all kinds of images that inspired my scenes and characters. Here’s my Pinterest page: Pinterest – Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Authors love to hear from readers. Writing can be such a solitary pursuit. We’re stuck in our writing corner or offices alone much of the time. If you love our book, please tell us so. It makes our day. Or if you’re dying for the next book and can’t find any info online, ask the author when it’s coming out. Most authors will have a contact box on their website or their e-mail listed. Here’s how to e-mail Jaycee Weaver: E-mail – Jaycee Weaver
Best Reads
Kav is an avid Christian Fiction Reader. I’d like to know how many books she reads a week. She lives, loves, and breathe’s books. And if she loves them, she loves to talk about it. She also likes to giveaway free books. Check out her review of a title from Merrilee Whren’s backlist: Best Reads by Kav – Merrilee Whren
There you have it. I hope I turned you on to a new tool to find great Contemporary Christian Romance. Happy reading. So what’s your favorite tool to find books? Answer for a chance to win a copy of my latest two in one Western Collection title: Counting on the Cowboy by me and Her Texas Cowboy by Jill Lynn. Deadline: April 15th.
Award winning author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter writes contemporary Christian cowboy romance and has over a dozen published titles. A romance reader since her teens, she hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as she demonstrates that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does. She gleans fodder for her fiction in rural Arkansas where she spent her teenage summers working the concession stand with her rodeo announcing dad and married a Texan who morphed into a pastor. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and son, flea marketing, and doing craft projects.
Wow, with all that to maintain it makes me wonder when authors have time to write books! Do love Bookbub though!
Thankfully some sites and publishers do the maintaining, Dianne. I’ve just recently joined Bookbub and haven’t had time to really see what all is there. I kept seeing it in author bios with links when I host them on my blog, so I finally checked it out.
I really like BookBub at the moment and author’s newsletters. Thanks for sharing all of these places.
I love author newsletters, Lori. So informative and there’s so much you find anywhere else.
I love this summary! I need to expand my options. My favorite tool to find books are book blogs.
I love Fiction Full of Faith, Kav’s Best Reads, and Reading is My Super Power, Ellie. All are a great blogs for finding books.
I have you have mentioned and a few more. Thanks.
Ooh, please share anything that’s not on my list, Kim.
What a great list! My favorite is probably Facebook and Goodreads.
It took me most of a day to compile this list and plug each author while doing it, Toni. I love your blog.
Wow! Learned about 3 or 4 new ones!
Yay, Laurie! That was my intent.
I’ve used most of these at times, but you have listed a few I didn’t know about. Blessings!
I’m so glad, Lucy. I think my all around favorite is Fiction Finder. It helps you find exactly what you’re looking for right down to topic and it’s all Christian.
Goodreads is my go to. Thank you kindly
I love Goodreads too, Kelley. I need to update what I’ve read. It’s been a while.
What a great list!!! I follow most of the Inspy authors on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub, and get their newsletters. I’m friends with a lot of authors on FB, and am in their reader groups, too. I use Christian Book ALOT for paperbacks, but Amazon for ebooks.
It was fun and a little exhausting to compile the list, Trudy. It took up most of a day, but I’m hoping readers find it helpful.
I like the blog Reading is My SuperPower. Also, Fiction Full of Faith. There are so many!! You did a great list, though!!! So easy to miss one, too!
Wow! I’ve been writing Christian fiction for more than ten years and just found some new resources! Thanks for including my Amazon page!
You’re welcome Sally. I kept seeing new things I wasn’t familiar with and checking them out, so I thought compiling the list would be helpful for readers.
What a great informative post…and wow, thank you for the mention of Fiction Full of Faith! Pretty sure I remember featuring you on there too!! 😀
Thank you for a wonderful blog and everything you do to promote Inspy authors and Christian Fiction. Authors love readers, but authors really love readers who promote us.
It is truly my pleasure ❤️
Bookbub, newsletters and email are my favorites. But what a set of options! Thanks!
Thanks Lincoln. It was slightly exhausting putting together. But with bookstores and libraries closed, I thought it was timely.
i love Bookbub ,Amazon,and Goodreads
Good choices, Shelia.
Thanks for the list. I mostly use Facebook, newsletters, and Book Bub.
People are always asking where they can get my books or how they can know I have a new one out, so I spent a day looking into how to help them.
How neat! I learned some new resources! I am on Goodreads and Bookbub. My favorite tool is Facebook: being part of the Love Inspired Authors and Readers Group, part of other authors’ groups, and friending authors. Thank you for the information, and the opportunity to win!
Hey Heather, thanks for popping over. I’m glad I introduced you to some new sources. Books are a must :)
Out of print books I use thrift books. They sell used books for new books I always order on amazon or barns and noble. Sometimes eBay. I always try to find the sites with feee or little shipping fee. If I am going to the store usually just shop at a Walmart For them.
I should have mentioned thrift books, Gayla. I racked my brain trying and still forgot some. Thanks for mentioning it.
When finding my next (or future) books to read, I like to read author’s newsletters and read what they say about what they have written or about their new releases, look at thrift stores, or browse library shelves or browse Amazon books lists by author, subject, or “Love Inspired” book lists.
All excellent sources, Suzan. I found a lot of them through writing proposals. We have to tell the potential publisher what our book is about and find other books similar that are already published to compare ours to.
I love author newsletters and finding them on christianbook.com too.
Author newsletters rock, Megan. I always worry mine are too long. I’m kind of long-winded like that.
Goodreads, Bookbub and Amazon are my three biggest sources for new books by authors I follow. Facebook and Facebook reader pages give me tons of new authors to discover.
Facebook is such a great source for readers and authors Lisa. I love connecting with readers.
Hi, these are all good sources to finding books and learning more about the books and the authors. I love to read blogs that share their book reviews and I also love the ones the share about the book and interview the author. Lots of very good sources here, I actually got to learn about a couple of more of them, Thank you so much for sharing this very helpful post.
I’m so glad you found it helpful, Alicia. I’m sure there’s tons I missed.
Wow! Thanks for doing all this work–and giving us all a plug in the process! You introduced me to a few new ones too–can’t wait to check them out.
It took a day, Valerie, but I enjoyed it.
I usually connect with authors on Facebook.
What did we do before Facebook Denise?
Author’s newsletters are my favorite way to find new books. I use other methods as well–free and bargain book sites, especially.
I love author’s newsletters, Lisa. I feel like in the know.
I love following and friend authors on Facebook. I also am in the Love Inspired Readers group. I follow authors on Amazon. Order on Amazon. Get books through bookbub. Three free books (1, 4, and 7) on there made me go out and buy the other 14 the first one was that good. The author is still writing books in that series. I also like to give reviews on Amazon and just tried Goodreads for leaving a review. Some of these other sites I hadn’t heard of. May have to check them out.
Wow Jennifer, you’re a really active reader. Authors love readers who take the time to leave reviews. I’m glad I could help you find some new places to go.
This is a very impressive list. I’m kind of lazy to go to all of these though I used to check Bookbub a lot when I first started reading form a Kindle app. I haven’t done that in a while. I’m following favorite authors these days and haven’t tried new authors in a while. Bookbub was great to introduce to me to the new ones, but I have so many books that I can’t even think about trying something I don’t know I’ll like instead of just reading something I already have and know I’ll like.
I’m kind of bad to stick with my tried and true authors, Priscila. But since I’ve been a new author trying to find an audience, I’m a little more willing to try new ones. Free books you get by signing up for an author’s newsletter, or free on Amazon for a limited time is a great way to try new authors, without spending any money to do it.
Wow, thanks for the resources. There are several there that I was not aware of. I have been finding a lot through Bookbub and Goodreads. I have found so many great new authors during this period of quarantine!
Yay, Lisa. I’m glad you’re spending your quarantime well :)
What a wonderful blog post! As authors I think we sometimes assume readers know where to go to browse. And it’s especially important during this time of quarantine. This list is amazing! Thanks for all the hard work in putting it together.
You’re welcome, Deb. Thanks for writing great books.
This is an excellent list of resources! Thanks for the post! I definitely can’t wait to follow all the links I’ve never thought of using before. :)
Happy internet travels, Jaycee.
I use e-bay ,thrift stores,Better world books and library sales for old books. I use Amazon online and Books A Mile for new books. Your list had some that I did not know about.
Better world books are new to me, Melinda. I’ll have to check them out.
I usually count on authors’ newsletters to find out about new books.
That’s a very good source, Melynda. I love newsletters
I follow on a bunch of these. Did you know you can leave reviews on Books a Million, Barnes Noble, Christian Book, Bookbub, Walmart, not to mention Goodreads, Twitter, Pinterest( Twitter and Pinterest are easy to share from Bookbub) and Facebook. Mostly copy and paste. I start at Goodreads.
There is also Hoarding Books another of Carrie Booth Schmidt’s endeavors. They host First Line Fridays and give you easy links to blogs.
And don’t forget you can leave a review on Tyndall Publishers if your book was published by them.
Thanks for the extra resources Paula. I knew about some of the review opportunities, but not all of them. I didn’t know about Hoarding Books or First Line Fridays. I’ll have to check them out.