About Christy Brunke

Welcome, friends! I’m blessed to be a mom, a pastor’s wife, and the bestselling author of the fictional book, Snow out of Season. But my greatest claim to fame comes from being a child of the King. Because of that, I’m passionate about my family, unborn children, and God-written love stories. Though I used to live in China, now I love serving in ministry here in Maryland. Praying you’ll be blessed as you read my blogs, my story, and my award-winning novel!

New Christian Historical Romance Novels

Love Christian historical romance novels? Check out these new releases from American Christian Fiction Writers! Find a Christian historical romance you want to read? Just click on the book cover to order! (This post contains affiliate links. As a result, if you buy something through one, I may earn a commission to help support this site—at no cost to you.)

A Viscount’s Proposal by Melanie Dickerson

Christian historical romance A Viscount's Proposal Melanie DickersonLeorah Langdon has no patience for Regency society’s shallow hypocrisy and unnecessary rules, especially for women.

She’s determined to defy convention by marrying for grand passion instead of settling for a loveless union like her parents—or wedding a stuffy, pompous gentleman like Edward, the Viscount Withinghall.

But when a chance meeting in the countryside leads to Leorah and Withinghall being discovered in his overturned carriage—alone and after dark—the ensuing gossip may force them together.

Withinghall has his reasons for clinging to propriety and he certainly has no time for a reckless hoyden like Miss Langdon. But soon the two discover that Withinghall’s coach “accident” was no such thing: the vehicle was sabotaged. Strong-willed Leorah and duty-driven Withinghall will have to work together if they have any hope of saving her reputation, his political career—and his life.

The Matchmaker Brides Collection

Christian historical romance The Matchmaker Brides collectionMeet nine women of the late 1800s who have found themselves in the role of matchmaker. They think they have mastered the art of recognizing romantic potential in others, but when it comes to their own lives, they have been unlucky in love.

In small communities from Tennessee to Colorado, Wyoming to Indiana, love unexpectedly enters the women’s lives with men they never imagined marrying. But what will it take to get these ladies to say “I do”?

The Reluctant Guardian by Susanne Dietze

The Reluctant Guardian historical novel by Susanne DietzeWhen Gemma Lyfeld inadvertently interrupts a dangerous smuggling operation in her English village, she’s rescued by a mysterious Scottish spy.

Now with criminals after her and her hopes for an expected marriage proposal recently dashed, she will make her society debut in London. But not without the man tasked with protecting her…

Covert government agent Tavin Knox must keep Gemma safe from the criminals who think she can identify them—a mission he never wanted. But as he escorts her and her rascally nephews around London, the lovely English lass proves braver than he ever imagined.

Suddenly, the spy who works alone has one Season to become the family man he never dreamed he’d be.

Shine like the Dawn by Carrie Turansky
Shine like the Dawn Christian historical romance novel

Photo courtesy of FictionFinder.com.

In a quiet corner of northern Edwardian England, Margaret Lounsbury diligently works in her grandmother’s millinery shop, making hats and caring for her young sister.

Several years earlier, a terrible event reshaped their family, shattering an idyllic life and their future prospects. An event which…might not have been an accident.

When Nathaniel Harcourt returns from his time in the Royal Navy and inherits his father’s vast estate, Morningside Manor, he also assumes partial control of his father’s engineering company and the duty of repaying an old debt to the Lounsbury family.

But years of separation between Nate and Maggie have taken a toll, and Maggie struggles to trust her old friend. Will the search for the truth about her parents’ death draw the two friends closer or leave them both with broken hearts?

The Bounty Hunter’s Baby by Erica Vetsch

The Bounty Hunter's Baby novel by Erica VetschBounty hunter Thomas Beaufort has no problem handling outlaws, but when he’s left with a criminal’s baby to care for, he’s in over his head. And the only person he can think of to ask for help is Esther Jensen, the woman whose heart he broke when he left town. But can he convince her to put aside the past until he tracks down the baby’s outlaw father? Esther is ready to run Thomas off her Texas ranch—until she spies the abandoned newborn in his arms. Soon, working together to care for the precious babe stirs old hopes of a family. With trouble heading to their door, they could overcome it together—if she’ll entrust her wary heart to this sweet, second-chance family…

Want more Christian historical romance? Check out my review of Brandy Vallance’s The Covered Deep!

New Christian Romantic Suspense

Love Christian romantic suspense? Check out these new releases! Want to order one? Just click on the book cover! (This post contains affiliate links. As a result, if you buy something through one, I may earn a commission to help support this site—at no cost to you.)

Justice Delayed by Patricia Bradley

Christian romantic suspense Justice Delayed by Patricia Bradley

Photo courtesy of fictionfinder.com.

It’s been 18 years since TV crime reporter Andi Hollister’s sister was murdered. The confessed killer is behind bars, and the execution date is looming.

But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned killer didn’t actually do it, Detective Will Kincaide of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, the person who confessed to the crime is Will’s cousin.

They have less than a week to find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But much can be accomplished in one week–including uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and falling in love.

Dead Run by Jodie Bailey

Christian romantic suspense Dead Run by Jodie Bailey

Photo courtesy of fictionfinder.com.

Kristin James’s morning run turns deadly when she’s attacked by a stranger who’s after something her deceased soldier brother stole overseas. Her neighbor Sergeant First Class Lucas Murphy steps in to help her and won’t let her brush the attack under the rug.

He’ll do everything he can to keep Kristin alive, but he can’t tell her that he’s under orders to investigate her link to her brother’s misdeeds. Kristin has no idea what the bad guy is after and doesn’t want to believe that her brother wasn’t on the straight and narrow.

But as evidence against him piles up, can they catch the criminals without becoming the next casualties?

Undercover Protector by Elizabeth Goddard

Christian romantic suspense Undercover Protector by Elizabeth Goddard

Photo courtesy of fictionfinder.com.

Undercover at a tiger sanctuary, Special Agent Grayson Wilde is convinced the owner’s involved in a wildlife trafficking ring—until someone tries to kill her.

Gemma’s determined to rebuild the tiger oasis she lost when her family died, but someone wants her out of the way, and she’s starting to wonder if her parents’ and uncle’s deaths were really accidental.

Grayson says he’ll do anything to protect Gemma, but she can’t shake the feeling that her alluring new volunteer might not be all that he seems. With a vicious criminal closing in, though, she has to trust Grayson…because she won’t survive without him.

Still Life by Dani Pettrey

Still Life romantic suspense novel by Dani Pettrey

Photo courtesy of fictionfinders.com.

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright—and changed her life.

But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart. Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show.

But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead—and the photographer insists he didn’t take the shot. Worse, her friend can’t be found. She immediately calls Parker for help.

Buried Memories suspense novel by Carol J. Post

Photo courtesy of fictionfinder.com.

As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

Buried Memories by Carol J. Post

A soldier hero suffering from PTSD and a young woman struggling to overcome a traumatic childhood fight for their lives and find healing together.

Want more Christian romantic suspense? Just click here! 

Bride of a Distant Isle Book Review

Would you rather be committed to an insane asylum or forced to marry a man who makes your skin crawl? I’ve been a fan of Sandra Byrd’s historical fiction since I read the first book in her Ladies in Waiting series. She doesn’t disappoint with her latest release, Bride of a Distant Isle. Set in Victorian England, this novel is the second in her Daughters of Hampshire series.

Highcliffe House Bride of a Distant Isle novel

Photo courtesy of beaulieu.co.uk.

Synopsis

Annabel Ashton is teaching young ladies in Winchester when she’s summoned to her family’s estate at Milford on Sea. She thinks she’s just visiting Highcliffe Hall, but her cousin Edward has other plans.

Bride of a Distant Isle by Sandra Byrd

Photo courtesy of goodreads.com.

Since Annabel’s father was from the Mediterranean island of Malta, Edward elicits her help negotiating a deal with a Maltese man. Once the contract’s signed, Edward intends to give her to his business partner, a man who embodies creepiness.

To save Highcliffe from being sold, Annabel agrees to befriend the dashing Captain Dell’Aqua. She cannot, however, willingly consent to marry the odious Mr. Morgan. But, being the illegitimate daughter of a woman who died in an insane asylum, neither can she refuse. As heir, Edward holds the purse strings and, hence, her fate.

But then artifacts appear, suggesting Annabel’s parents married in Malta, and she is the rightful heir of Highcliffe. But as Annabel and her anonymous abettor get closer and closer to the truth, someone . . . or something . . . is seeking to strip her of her birthright, her heritage, and even her sanity.

Will the love of the handsome Captain Dell’Aqua prove true or as fickle as the seas he sails upon? Will Annabel inherit Highcliffe Hall or be forever trapped inside its hidden room? 

My Thoughts

Bride of a Distant Isle is another Sandra Byrd masterpiece to treasure.

Exquisite writing weds a haunting plot to create a stunning Victorian romance. (Tweet that!) Add to that echoes of Gothic novels like Rebecca and Jane Eyre, and this story is spellbinding. I’m eager to read the next novel in the Daughters of Hampshire series: A Lady in Disguise.

Daughters of Hampshire novel series by Sandra Byrd

Photo courtesy of sandrabyrd.com.

I recommend this book to women who enjoy mystery, Gothic romance, and historical fiction.

Update: A month after I posted this blog, the third romance in the series was released! Read my review of A Lady in Disguise here!

New Christian Fiction: Romance, Thriller, & Mystery

Love Christian fiction? Then check out these new romance, thriller, and mystery novels! See one you want to read? Just click on the book cover to order! (This post contains affiliate links. As a result, if you buy something through one, I may earn a commission to help support this site—at no cost to you.)

Contemporary Romance

new Christian fiction Restoring Love by Jennifer Slattery

Photo courtesy of fictionfinder.com.

Restoring Love by Jennifer Slattery

Mitch, a contractor and house-flipper, is restoring a beautiful old house in an idyllic Midwestern neighborhood. Angela, a woman filled with regrets and recently transplanted to his area, is anything but idyllic.

As Mitch struggles to keep his business afloat, and Angela works to correct the mistakes of her past, these two unlikely friends discover they have something unexpected in common—a young mom fighting to give her children a better life after her husband’s incarceration.

While both Mitch and Angela are drawn to help this young mother survive, they also find themselves drawn to each other. Will a lifetime of regrets hold them back from redemption and true love?

Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley Arcadia Valley Romance

Photo courtesy of fictionfinder.com.

Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley Novellas Collection

Is love possible for a makeshift mom and a handsome widower? What about a bed and breakfast owner and the farmer next door? A curvy jilted bride and a mysterious, handsome chef?

Then there’s the real estate consultant and the grandson of her elderly client, a high-powered lawyer and a woman farmer, and a formerly engaged couple. Can love make a difference in their lives?

Exploring food, friends, and family in Arcadia Valley, each of these novellas kicks off a three-book series, intertwined with the works of the other authors. This collection is only the beginning of your adventure.

Supernatural Thriller

new Christian fiction Fatal Accusation by Rachel Dylan

Photo courtesy of fictionfinder.com.

Fatal Accusation by Rachel Dylan

Attorney Olivia Murray hopes her life in Windy Ridge will get back to normal after a hard-fought trial. But she soon finds out that the forces of evil have not given up. An embezzling scandal rocks the community church to its core.

The New Age groups are ready to declare victory when a high-profile prosecutor files criminal charges against the local pastor. However, Olivia is not willing to give up on the community she’s come to love. She takes on the defense pro bono knowing it could destroy her career, but it’s a case she is called to defend.

The battle will be fierce, but she’s not fighting it alone. Her friend and fellow attorney Grant Baxter is by her side. Olivia must use all the tools in her arsenal to combat those who seek to destroy the believers in the community. If Olivia can’t prove the pastor’s innocence, more than her career is on the line. The entire community of Windy Ridge could fall to the forces of darkness.

Historical Mystery

Murder on the Moor by Julianna Deering

Photo courtesy of fictionfinder.com.

Murder on the Moor by Julianna Deering

Drew and Madeline Farthering visit the Yorkshire moor to catch a killer and solve a mystery that involves an old feud, a new rivalry and a huge, spectral hound that may or may not be a harbinger of death.

Want more new Christian fiction? Check out these historical romances: just click here!

The First Principle by Marissa Shrock

What would you sacrifice to save the life of your little one? The Declaration of Independence claims we each have the right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Unfortunately, unborn Americans have had their right to life undermined since 1973. But what if, in the future, the state decides when a woman can give birth and when she must terminate her pregnancy? That’s what happens in The First Principle by Marissa Shrock.

Novel Synopsis

The First Principle YA novel by Marissa Shrock

Photo courtesy of goodreads.com.

Sixteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins never imagined she’d become a rebel. After all, she leads a privileged life as the daughter of a governor in the United Regions of North America. But then Population Management drags her classmate away to force her to abort her baby.

When Vivica discovers she’s pregnant too, she’s caught between a rock and a hard place. She can submit to the law that requires underage girls and adults with two kids to end their pregnancies. Or she can flee from her home, high school, and everyone she knows to try to save the life of her first child.

My Thoughts

The First Principle by Marissa Shrock is a fast-paced page-turner about faith, freedom, and the sanctity of life. (Tweet that!) When the state threatens all three, a spunky 16-year-old must summon all her courage to save her baby. Drawing on every resource in her growing tool kit, she battles both her own unbelief and the powers that be. 

Marissa Shrock, author of The First Principle novel

Photo courtesy of marissashrock.com.

Though the target audience is teens, I found myself just as gripped by the story as a 15-year-old. (YA fiction is designed for people age 12 and up, but 40% of its readers are adults.)  

Not only does the suspense keep you on the edge of your seat, it inspires you to stand in the gap for the unborn. As a 30-something mom, I ended the book wanting to snuggle my toddler and kindergartener

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy thrillers, dystopian fiction, and novels with a strong female protagonist. I look forward to reading the next novel in Shrock’s Emancipation Warriors trilogy.

To learn more about Marissa Shrock’s young adult fiction, go to MarissaShrock.com.