Romance stories have permeated culture from the beginning of time. Whether you’re looking within Greek mythology or Shakespearean plays or modern-day movies — romance is everywhere!
In 2021, it was the second most popular genre of books sold — and most of the others include romance subplots as a matter of course!
Of all human experiences, what is it about falling in love that captures our imagination over and over again, in flavor after flavor?
Women especially LOVE to watch and read about people falling in love. But why? What is it about that journey from friends to forever (or enemies to true love, or a marriage of convenience that turns into something real) that makes us turn the pages late into the evening? Why do readers of all ages still read stories about falling in love?
Why do I continue to read romance novel after romance novel, despite having married the most wonderful man 11 years ago? It’s definitely not because I don’t love him. I found my happily ever after — and I don’t especially want to do it again!
There is something about walking alongside characters as they fall in love. Those wonderful tense moments before a first kiss still thrill me. Reading the characters finally admit that they can’t live without each other? Still gives me all the warm fuzzies. Even watching them inevitably make a huge mistake and walk away when everyone knows they belong together… it makes me angst for them in the best way.
I remember reading the book “Captivating” when I was a teenager. It’s by John and Stasi Eldredge. One of the things I remember connecting with deeply in that book was their discourse on the longing for romance. How God created us to long for those romantic connections — because truly, that longing for connection is a longing for him.
“In the spacious love of God, our souls can lie down and rest. This love from him is not something we must struggle for, earn, or fear to lose. It is bestowed. He has bestowed it upon us. He has chosen us. And nothing can separate us from his love. Not even we, ourselves. We are made for such a love. Our hearts yearn to be loved intimately, personally, and yes, romantically. We are created to be the object of desire and affection of one who is totally and completely in love with us. And we are.”
One of the things I love about Christian romance as a genre specifically is how the romance — the pursuit, the emotional intimacy, and the promise of forever — mirrors the Great Romance between Jesus and us, his bride, the church.
God made me to desire and enjoy romance — partly so that I would ultimately desire and relish being loved by him.
For some, romance novels may act as a poor substitute for an eternal relationship with the Lord — trying to fulfill that hardwired need for love and connection with book after book… For those of us who know Jesus, though? Romance novels can be sweet entertainment that also serve as a pointer to a greater love story. I never feel guilty about reading a Christian romance novel, as long as I’m not neglecting time in Scripture because of it.
One of the things I love about InspyRomance is that the admins are so careful in selecting the authors who blog here. They make sure the books are not only well-written, but also that the romance has a spiritual aspect to it as well.
Comment below with your favorite book from an InspyRomance author! What do you think about what I said above… Do you think God made us to love romance?
I didn’t contribute any paperbacks to the big Back to School Bash giveaway (oops!), so I’ll give one commenter a paperback (US only, international ebook) copy of one of my books! Comments also count as an entry into the Back to School bash. Be sure to check out the previous posts for more info.
That quote from John and Stasi Eldredge really resonates. My favourite thing about Christian romance is how the couple’s love is only part of the much bigger eternal love story to which we all belong.
As for calling out my favourite InspyRomance book… that’s a tough one because I’ve enjoyed so many. But I’d have to say Not Until Now by Valerie M Bodden is one that stayed with me long after I put it down. I loved Kayla and Cam, how they met, and their unique love story. It’s also the first romance I’ve read with a heroine in a wheelchair.
Wow, Milla Holt! We so often think alike.Valerie M Bodden ‘s books immediately came to mind, as did Jessie Gussman’s. Probably because both of them usually have life lessons running throughout the romance that challenge me in my Christian walk.
I completely agree, the spiritual elements included by the authors on this blog make romances so much more meaningful and satisfying to read.
So many great writers here to chose from! I’ve recently been enjoying Elizabeth Maddrey’s ‘Hope Ranch’ series, I love how her characters aren’t perfect, just ordinary people with flaws trying to live as God wants us to, and how the relationships she describes aren’t idealised but are still so romantic and fun to read. I think my favourite was ‘Hope for Family’, but they were all great.
One of my many favorites is The One Who Got Away by you! I like the characters and the Inspy author’s books give us hope, Bible quotes that make us think, they help us relax after working, and can take our minds off of anything that might be bothering us.
I love Liwen Ho’s Fab 40’s series and yes I agree with you. The Word tells us the greatest is Love.
Two authors come to mind: Angela Ruth Strong and Toni Shiloh.
Husband Auditions by Angela is so cute and quirky but the characters are always searching for God’s best for them.
Toni Shiloh’s books always portray characters who want to honor God. They are fun and have spiritual lessons to learn in the midst of obstacles. Getting ready to read To Win A Prince.
So you want a second chance
I think the Isaac Project by Sarah Monzon is one that really stood out to me for romance. It’s such a beautiful, sweet story that points to hoe much we need God and how He loves us.
Welcome. Great post today. Absolutely God put a desire for love in our hearts and souls. After all He is Love. And we are made in His image. I have read a lot of wonderful Christian authors books. But honestly I couldnt tell you if they are Inspy or not. Sorry. Will have to pay more attention.
Oh, man, I have to choose just one???? I love Liwen’s Spark Brothers, but I also love Elizabeth’s Billionaire series, and then there’s Laurie’s Matchmaker Mom’s, Heather’s Love in the Squared Circle, and then your books, and the other Inspy authors, and I’m to chose one??? Can’t be done!!
I have many favorites but the one that really sticks with me is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. It’s a true snapshot of God’s love for us!
I liked The Secret of Emerald Cottage by Julie Lessman. It was a really good book, one of my favorite this summer.
Good morning, so many great authors with so many great books, it is just so hard to choose just one. I loved reading your post thank you so much for sharing this. Have a great weekend.
Ha ha, Jeannette, you know what they say about great minds. ;-)
This is so hard! But I love your books and Toni Shiloh’s books. I can’t say that I have a favorite.
I loved Toni Shiloh’s Faith and Fortune series!
There are so many good choices, but the most recent ones I read were Toni Shiloh’s Maple Run series which I really enjoyed.
The Madrid Book Fair is an annual event held in the Retiro Park in Madrid. I met different authors, publishers houses and independants bookstores.
The book fair is international in scope. Although it features mainly books from Spanish-speaking countries, the event promotes the literature of a guest country every year.
I had the pleasure to meet Mario Escobar (Auschwitz Lullaby) and other non Christian authors there. I came back home with new books and signatures. A great time for any reader ;-)
Ops! Wrong post. How can I delete my entry? Thank you.
Hello and what a wonderful post as God always shows us his Love for us and I Love reading books by these great Authors I can’t pick just one favorite because all is wonderful Thank you and have a wonderful Day!
Sorry, I can’t think of a favorite but I enjoy the posts on this site!
There are so many wonderful authors under the Inspy Romance umbrella that it is hard to pick one book. I do think you are spot on in your blog. I never thought of it that way, though. I love Christian romance novels especially when God’s love shines through. Thank you for your blog.
so many books
“the couple’s love is only part of the much bigger eternal love story to which we all belong.”
That’s such a perfect way to phrase that!
I love Valerie’s books too :)
I remember messaging Jessie Gussman after I first read some of her books. I wasn’t an author yet, but I just loved her writing and faith messages!
Oooh, I loved that series from Elizabeth. You are spot on about her characters!
Oh, thank you for that! There are so many good reasons to enjoy heart-warming romances!
I haven’t read that series yet, but I love Liwen’s other books – so I definitely need to!
Two great suggestions there! Thanks for sharing.
I loved that whole series from Elizabeth Maddrey – but especially the two main characters in that first book!
I love that one!
Thank you for reading!
That’s okay — you can always find the list of our current authors on the Author page of this site if you are curious :)
Haha! I know — trying to choose just one is impossible! You listed some amazing ones!
Definitely a long-standing winner in Christian Romance.
Oooh, I haven’t read that one yet!
Thanks for reading, Alicia.
Oh thank you! Toni’s books are excellent, as well!
I enjoyed that series as well. I loved all the interaction between the characters of the three books.
That’s a great series!
So hard to pick a favorite, right?!
Thanks for reading :)
Thanks for reading, Bonnie.
I just finished a couple of Jessie Gussman’s books and they were so good.
Deb Kastner’s Love Inspired A Daddy for Her Triplets is great, as well.
Choosing a favorite Inspy author book is hard! I’ve really loved all of Valerie Comer’s books I’ve read.
The first one that comes to mind is “Love at Second Sight” by Liwen Ho. Also, I loved your thoughts on this post. I had thought about it, but you put it beautifully into words. I agree with all the reasons to love Christian Romance. :)
She was a guest author, Betsy St. Ament’s book Taco for Two. Thank you so much for sharing. My mind is not working very well. It has been a rough few days. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
My favorite book… no way I can choose one LOL
It’s hard too choose a favorite one but a few of my favorite that I have read recently are the Santa run by Beth pugh the one that got away by you The babys Christmas blessing by Meghann whistler I have read so many good books but can’t list them all. I like lots of the authors books from inspy romance.
I’ve enjoyed the books by K Leah. She knows how to tear a heart out and make a person read faster to figure out how things get put back together.
I love this post!
P.S. A favorite InspyRomance author’s book of mine would be An Unlikely Proposal by Toni Shiloh, I just love her books so much and that’s the last one I read.