10 Christian Fiction Books to Read This Summer

Ah, summer. While I’m not looking forward to the humid, 100-degree days of north Louisiana, I am looking forward to the change in schedule and routine. To the slower days and longer evenings. To the late-night family ice cream runs and the fireflies hovering over our backyard pond. And, perhaps, most importantly, to the extra reading time!

It’s hard not to picture summer without vacation. Maybe you’re hitting the beach this year, or trying to keep cool on a mountain retreat. Or maybe you’re going to do a stay-cation and tent in your own backyard with the kiddos and second helpings of S’mores. Regardless of where you find yourself this summer, don’t be caught without a good novel close by. After all, the only thing more stressful than not taking a vacation is forgetting to bring your book with you!

Which brings up the million-dollar question: which book should you read? The shelves are overflowing with choices, and I’ll be honest—most of the existing novels featured in brick-and-mortar stores and online ads aren’t clean. If you’re interested in reading something that won’t make you blush or skip pages, don’t worry! I’ve done the work for you!

So grab that beach towel and sunscreen (or mosquito repellent and hiking shoes!) and tuck at least one of these wholesome fiction novels in your suitcase. With a variety of genres and varying degrees of faith threads, there’s sure to be something for everyone (including your mom and daughter!) on this list of recent releases in Christian fiction.

Here are ten Christian Fiction books to read this summer:

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/LeManna

1. Rocky Road by Becky Wade

The second novel in Becky Wade’s newest Sons of Scandal series doesn’t disappoint. This sweet, swoony romance has memorable characters, unique circumstances (working with the FBI to catch your cousin!), and a heartfelt message of love and hope. It stands on its own, but if you’d like to read the other brother’s story first, check out Book 1 titled Memory Lane.

Promo: Escape to Maine for this swoon-worthy "fake romance"! Banter, humor, perfume, and a mystery from the past intertwine in this sweet Sons of Scandal love story.

2. Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright

I always read Jaime Jo Wright novels with my back to a wall and my dog at my feet! Jaime’s books pack a deliciously creepy punch, but, as she calls it, in a total “Scooby Doo way,” where everything is explained. This latest offering from Jaime includes her standard dual-time point of view, a murder mystery, and a haunted house. Perfect for staying up late this summer and finishing in one sitting!

Promo: As the walls of the house at Predicament Avenue reveal their hidden truths, two women—generations apart—discover that fear and foreboding are no respecters of time.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/CatherineFallsCommercial

Girl reading at a table, Court rules with InterVarsity in case against University of Iowa

3. Protector by Megan Schaulis

This debut YA novel from Megan Schaulis is a fantastic adventure for both you and your teenager. What could be more creative and fun than a high-tech, Ninja-warrior retelling of the story of Esther? This novel features an outlawed people group, a gifted young woman competing for the role of head bodyguard for the king, and a cast of side characters that you won’t soon forget. Better yet—it’s Book 1 of a duology so you’ll get to pick the story up where you left off next spring!

Promo: If you can't be invisible, be unremarkable.

4. Between You & Us by Kendra Broekhuis

Another outstanding debut novel! Kendra pens a powerful “what if” story of romance, heartache, and impossible choices. You’ll get captivated by this beautifully written tale that will pluck all the heartstrings and linger long after you close the book.

Promo: When a grieving woman unexpectedly steps into a different version of her life, she must choose between the husband she loves and the daughter she lost in this brave, gripping novel.

Photo Credit: ©Alexis Brown/Unsplash

5. Love, Unscripted by Denise Hunter

Denise Hunter has been a long-time addition to my must-buy list, and this latest novel is the perfect beach read. (Just check out the cover!) I love books about books, and this one didn’t let me down. Join heroine Chloe Anderson, a best-selling author, whose book just got turned into a movie. With a hunky hero and a fake dating trope, this is a novel you’ll probably want to read twice from your beach blanket!

Promo: The perfect boyfriend only exists on paper…doesn’t he?

6. The British Booksellers by Kristy Camron

I genuinely couldn’t put this novel down! World War 2 fiction is incredibly popular right now, but Kristy takes the genre to a new level. The mother-daughter relationship reminded me of a historic version of Gilmore Girls, while the handsome heroes were both flawed and heroic. If you love reading romance set in World War 2, The British Booksellers will hit the spot.

Promo: Inspired by real accounts of the Forgotten Blitz bombings, The British Booksellers highlights the courage of those whose lives were forever changed by war—and the stories that bind us in the fight for what matters most.

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7. Into the Fire by Irene Hannon

This romantic suspense novel left me exhausted in the best way. I love stories with strong heroines, and arson investigator Bri Tucker is one tough cookie! I also enjoy romance where the hero and heroine can’t be together because of working a case… so there’s an extra urgency to solve the mystery so they can finally date. This is well-researched, intriguing romantic suspense at its finest!

Promo: The bestselling and award-winning queen of romantic suspense is back with a brand-new series that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you burn through the pages to discover the truth.

8. The Last Exchange by Charles Martin

I can’t compile a book list without adding Charles Martin. Ever since reading The Keeper series (Murphy Shepherd), I’ve stocked up on all of Charles’ backlist books and even his nonfiction. Trust me, after reading any of his works, you’ll want to do the same. This is his latest emotional offering that must be read and savored in bite-sized pieces. (Although, good luck reading slowly enough to actually do that!)

Promo: One man seeks to answer the question: How far would you go—really— to save someone you love? And in the masterful hands of New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin, finding the answer will take readers on an intense and heart-wrenching journey to the very end.

9. My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh

I might have to hand Courtney the crown for rom-com queen! This swoony, delightful addition to her Holidays with Hart series was so much fun to read. Courtney has recently advertised that she wants to provide her readers with clean, wholesome, romantic, feel-good novels that provide an escape from deep-thinking, heavy topics. She absolutely delivers! This book is one you could put down on vacation to run and get dressed for dinner—but you won’t want to! With plenty of sparks between a professional hockey player and his assistant, this is a must-read for your beach bag.

Promo: A humiliating break-up leads to an impulsive New Year’s kiss with a complete stranger. What could possibly go wrong?

10. Better Watch Out by Natalie Walters

If you’re looking for a little Christmas in July, this is the one! This romantic suspense is light-hearted and festive while still delivering a measure of suspense and “what’s going to happen next?”. All is merry and bright as a feisty, recently-dumped heroine and an uber-professional protection agent find love during the holidays in New York City…in the most unexpected of ways.

Promo: An accidental meet-cute, a case of mistaken identity, and a bucket-list of Christmas activities befitting a Hallmark movie make this holiday romantic adventure the perfect Christmas read.

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over twenty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two daughters, an impressive stash of coffee mugs, and one furry Schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored to truth. When she’s not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can be found somewhere in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She is a regular contributor to iBelieve.com and offers author coaching and editorial services via Storyside LLC.