Read a good book lately? I have. 15 in fact!
Below are fourteen Christian novels that I read in 2014 … and the one I’m currently reading. (I’m enjoying it.)
All the books that I read last year were awesome–honestly! I loved them so much that I’m recommending them to you!
I’ve included 15 GREAT books below with a 3 or 4-sentence review!
A Lasting Impression (A Belmont Mansion Novel)
Tamera Alexander
This is the first Southern novel that I read by Tammy, and it won’t be my last. I learned so much about history, and I fell in love with the characters in the process. I have to admit it made me want to learn to paint … or attend a ball!
Larkspur Cove (Moses Lake, Book 1)
Lisa Wingate
I picked up Larkspur Cove because I wanted to try a new author, and I was amazed by how much I loved Lisa’s writing. Real-to-life characters made me really care. And some quirky characters kept me laughing. And the hero … swoon worthy!
Lisa Wingate
I loved Larkspur Cove so much I put it down and I picked up Blue Moon Bay. I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a romance set in a former funeral home … yes, you read that right! Loved it!
Francine Rivers
I’ve never read a Francine Rivers book that I didn’t love. A Bridge to Haven didn’t disappoint. Francine not only takes me on a character’s heart journey, her words always inspire me to consider my own heart before God, too.
The Shunning (The Heritage of Lancaster County #1)
Beverly Lewis
Beverly Lewis is the “grandmother” of Amish fiction, and as an author of Amish novels I knew I needed to read her. I enjoyed all three books in this series. The story captured me and I read one after the other. Now I know why people got hooked on Amish fiction after reading these!
Beverly Lewis’ The Confession (The Heritage of Lancaster County)
The Reckoning (The Heritage of Lancaster County #3) (Volume 3)
Murder Simply Brewed (An Amish Village Mystery)
Vannetta Chapman
I’m currently writing an Amish cozy mystery. (In fact, I just finished at 2:00 a.m. last night!) I read Vannetta’s book to inspire me. It was a fun read that had me guessing.
Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Vannetta Chapman, and Tricia Goyer
Yes, I’m one of the authors in this collection, but I also greatly enjoyed the other three stories. (And if you’ve read and enjoyed any of my novels set in West Kooteni, I do believe you’ll love Seeds of Faith.) Each author’s story centered around a garden, and each story made me smile … and want to start a garden of my own.
Once Upon a Prince (Royal Wedding Series Book 1)
Rachel Hauck
Rachel Hauck never disappoints. It was a fun, captivating novel that swept me away … and actually made me enjoy the REAL royal family even more. This was another book that I put down and then picked up the next one in the series immediate. A sign of a great book!
Princess Ever After (Royal Wedding Series)
Rachel Hauck
I started Princess Ever After the day after I put down Once Upon a Prince. I listened to it on audiobook during a long car ride, and my 20-year-old son got hooked on the story too. The characters kept us smiling across many miles. When the story ended Nathan turned to me and said, “That was really good.”
Robin Lee Hatcher
Robin Lee Hatcher is a favorite authors. Robin is also a sweet friend. That’s why this story was especially wonderful to me. It’s a glimpse into Robin’s personal story … or rather personal miracle!
Elizabeth Camden
This was my first Elizabeth Camden book, and it was SO unique. The characters and circumstances really impressed me. If you want something different from a typical Christian novel I’d highly recommend this book.
Take a Chance on Me (Christiansen Family Series)
Susan May Warren
Susan May Warren is another favorite author. (I’m glad I can say this with honesty since she’s also a good friend.) I fell in love with the Christiansen family. And it reminds me that I need to pick up Book 2!
The book I’m currently reading:
Julie Klassen
This is my first Julie Klassen book and it won’t be my last. I’ve had to read this book slowly since I’ve been writing my own novel … but I can’t wait to get back to in now that my novel is done. If you’re a history buff you’ll especially enjoy walking on this journey with Margaret Macy. And you’ll learn a thing or two along the way!
Did you find a few things for your reading list? I thought so!
I’d love to hear some of your favorites from 2014, too. A girl can’t have too many books on her to-be-read pile, right?
Latest posts by Tricia Goyer (see all)
- Adoption in Fiction . . . and in Life - June 17, 2015
- In a cathedral in Europe my daughter said I DO! - June 3, 2015
- The Brave Writer - May 20, 2015
Melissa B says
Thanks for all the great suggestions! Rachel Hauck’s books are on my to be read list, looking forward to reading them! =)
Tricia Goyer says
I know you’ll enjoy them!
Barbara H. says
I’ve read all of Beverly Lewis’s books and many of Robin’s. My favorite Christian fiction read in 2014 were Unspoken and Undetected by Dee Henderson, Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay, and Somewhere Safe With Somebody Good by Jan Karon.
Tricia Goyer says
I’ve heard good things about all those books!
Rebecca Maney says
I am currently reading my first Vannetta Chapman book right now; “Hidden”, her first contemporary suspense, I think. You have put together a great list! And be sure to read Julie Klassen’s latest; “The Secret of Pembrooke Park”; possibly my favorite!
Tricia Goyer says
I’m looking forward to reading The Secret of Pembrooke Park!
Deborah Raney says
My BIG New Years resolution this year is to READ MORE, so I really appreciate your list of books, Tricia. I’ve read several of them, but most I haven’t yet. The word of a friend is always the best recommendation ever! My favorite books read this year were:
• Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon
• Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
• A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner
• As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti
• To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander
(Sorry, those last two aren’t out yet. Since much of the reading I do is for endorsement or critique, I get sneak peeks. But you will definitely want to put those on your list for this spring!!)
Tricia Goyer says
I loved Unbroken, too. And I’m going to add these other books to my list. I’d have to say Under the Southern Sky by a lady named Deb Raney is still a favorite book 🙂
Sharon Cates says
I have read so many great books in 2014, I don’t think I could pick a favorite. Among these were the “The Breed Apart” series by Ronie Kendig as well as her new series “The Quiet Prifessionals”. Colleen Coble’s “Seagrass Pier. I am still waiting on more WW2 novels from Tricia Goyer (hint, hint) and the final installment of Mel Odem’s “Called to Serve” series.
Tricia Goyer says
Sharon, you’ll be happy to know that I’ll be writing a full-length WWII novel this year! And I love your ideas, too! I need to read faster.
michelle says
The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen
Tricia Goyer says
Adding to my list!
Cathy A. says
Thanks for your ideas! I love Julie Klassen’s books. I just read her 8th book, the best yet! I have loved them all. Your books are right up there, Tricia!
Tricia Goyer says
Thank you!
Pam Morrisson says
Great list! I have read & enjoyed most of them. Rachel Hauck, Lisa Wingate, Susan May Warren, & Julie Klassen are a few of my favorite authors. I also absolutely loved Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas and the Cadence of Grace series by Joanne Bischof. Burning Sky and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton were also quite good. Being a reviewer has wonderful benefits – I discover so many new favorites that way!
Tricia Goyer says
Ohhhh, I’m going to have to check those out!
Tarissa says
These books look awesome! The only Julie Klassen book I’ve read is The Apothecary’s Daughter… and I loved it! I’ll have to read the one you mentioned, and I’d also like to try Rachel Hauck’s books.
Tricia Goyer says
Yes, you must try them!
Lynn Grier says
All your suggestions sound like awesome books. You might like reading
Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas.
And looking forward to read your WWII novel. Blessings to you!
Tricia Goyer says
I’ll look for it!
Pam Burke says
I’ve seen several listed here already that I read in 2014. Another to add to the list is The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron — a very gripping story!
Connie Price says
Loved your list!! Have added a few to my tbr list!!! I have read A Promise Kept. Oh what a great book!! Love Robin Lee Hatcher!! Thanks for this list!!!
Robin says
we have the same taste in books!