Romance and History

ACFW authors are releasing a bumper crop of inspirational books in September–34 in all. This week I’m listing nineteen contemporary romance and historical titles.

Across the Cotton Fields; Mississippi Brides, book 1 by Diane T. Ashley and Aaron McCarver– Romance from Barbour. Alexandra Lewis must find a husband before a family scandal follows her to Mississippi, but where does God fit into her plans?

Baby Makes A Match; Love Inspired/Chatam House Series by Arlene James — A Romance from Steeple Hill. A rodeo cowboy rescues a stranded pregnant girl and with the help of three matchmaking aunties….well what else do you need?

Lydia’s Charm by Wanda Brunstetter — A Romance from Barbour. Will the anonymous gifts left for Lydia bring her hope for a new life, and when tragedy befalls her yet again, will the mysterious gift giver be there to support her?

Tender Vow by Sharlene MacLaren — A Romance from Whitaker House. When John Evans is killed in a skiing accident, his brother, Jake, reaches out to his widowed sister-in-law, but Rachel will have nothing to do with his charity, particularly since they have a “history” she’d rather forget–but God has other plans.

The Columns of Cottonwood; The Alabama River Heritage Series by Sandra Robbins — A Romance from Barbour. When a handsome stranger purchases a woman’s plantation for back taxes, she vows to recover her land, but they discover God has a greater solution–a compromise to benefit both.

The Doctor’s Blessing; #2 in The Brides of Amish Country by Patricia Davids — A Romance from Steeple Hill. A nurse-midwife to the Amish and the new doctor clash over her home deliveries.

A Hope Undaunted; Winds of Change series, book 1 by Julie Lessman — A Romance from Revell. While on a summer law internship, a sassy and modern woman of the Roaring 20s butts heads with her lawyer boss, a stubborn pest from her past.

A Memory Between Us; Wings of Glory, Book 2 by Sarah Sundin — An historical from Revell. During World War II, B-17 pilot Maj. Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge – until he meets Lt. Ruth Doherty, a striking nurse with a shameful secret.

Finding Becky; Book 3 Winds Across the Prairie by Martha Rogers — An Historical from Realms/Strang. Rebecca comes home with a new attitude, but Rob wants to find the Becky he’s loved since their youth.

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer — A Romance from Bethany House. When a recovering romantic goes to work for a handsome ranch owner, her heart isn’t the only thing in danger.

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer — An Historical from Bethany House. Claiming an inheritance turns deadly when Mia Blackburn returns to her hometown.Three best friends, three cherished dreams, three searching hearts…

Lily and the Lawman; Idaho Brides, Book Two by Erica Vetsch — An Historical from Barbour. A wary woman has no choice but to join forces with a local lawman to rescue her kidnapped niece.

Making Waves; CHAIM series, Book Four by Lorna Seilstad — An Historical from Revell. After Mr. Boring presses for an engagement, a witting debutante meets an intriguing sailing instructor who is everything her hum drum suitor is not.

McKenzie; Montana Skies Series by Penny Zeller — An Historical from Whitaker House. She wanted to change him and mold him into the man she was supposed to marry. Instead, she was the one whose heart was changed.

More Than Words; Daughters of Amana #2 by Judith Miller — An Historical from Bethany House. Will Gretchen Kohler’s one impulsive decision cause tragic consequences for the entire Amana Community and cost her everything, even the love of her life?

Second Chance Brides; Texas Boardinghouse Brides #2 by Vickie McDonough — An Historical from Barbour. When the man they came to town to marry weds someone else, two mail order brides must find a way to survive in Texas–or find another man to marry.

The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson — A Romance from Zondervan. The Sleeping Beauty fairy tale comes to life when Rose, the apprentice to the town healer, falls in love with Lord Hamlin, the betrothed son of a duke.

The Newcomer by Laurie Alice Eakes — An Historical from Barbour. Marigold sacrifices things precious to her, for the sake of her young charges and isn’t willing to let their uncle take over when danger follows in his wake.

Where Hearts Are Free; Darkness to Light Series, Book #3 by Golden Keyes Parsons — An Historical from Thomas Nelson. In the freedom and promise of the New World, Bridget Barrington and Philippe Clavell fall in love, but nothing about their love seems possible, apart from God’s intervention.

Next week, I’ll list the mysteries, sci-fi/fantasy, and novellas.

What is your favorite period and setting in history to read about? Why?

(Monthly releases are compiled by ACFW and reprinted here with permission.)