Author Recommendations

• Come Along by Jane Rubietta: The subtitle of this book is A Journey Into a More Intimate Faith and this book delivers on that promise. Jane is one of my very favorite Christian non-fiction authors, and her books always challenge me spiritually and help me grow in my faith. Her previous book, Come Closer, is equally as excellent.

• The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok: This is my favorite book by Potok, who is one of my very favorite novelists. His Orthodox Jewish worldview shines through his excellent fiction, and he inspire me to strive for excellence in my own writing.

• The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher: The depth of her characters and her rich, well-written family sagas are why I re-read Pilcher’s books over and over again.

• Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy: Although all of her books are my “favorites.” She always makes me care about her characters and worry about what is going to happen to them.

• Diamond of the Rockies series by Kristen Heitzmann: Kristen is an AMAZING storyteller and one of my heroes! I’ll never forget reading the Diamond of the Rockies series when I was on bedrest with my first daughter. I had checked out the first book from our library, and stayed up half the night to finish it. I begged my mom to pick up the second book from the library the next morning. I was like an addict, the story was so good! Kristen brought the Colorado Rockies to life, and the characters were incredible! When I finished book 2, I realized the library didn’t have book 3. NOOOOO!!! After calling all the area libraries and even looking into interlibrary loan (which might have taken weeks), I called my husband, almost in tears. (In my defense, I was weepy anyway from the pregnancy). Loving man that he is, he found a bookstore that stocked the series and picked up a copy of book 3 for me that very day. That act of love is probably why we’re still married, thirteen years later.

• Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz: I love everything Laura’s written, but this one I keep coming back to over and over. Something about Red Shirt and Morrow’s journey to love and survival (dreamy sigh). The first time I read this story, I was only a few chapters in when I realized I’d found a new author-hero! I write frontier mountain stories just like she does (even though our characters live in different mountain ranges), and I feel such a kinship with her remote settings and the inherent challenges. I love it!

• A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist: Deeanne Gist’s books are all great, but I especially love her earlier books with Bethany House! I think I’ve listened to the audiobooks of A Bride in the Bargain and The Measure of a Lady at LEAST a thousand times each. Maybe more . . .

• Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer: Everything Karen writes is fun and wonderful, but this one is my all-time favorite. I loved the idea behind that story, and the characters were so REAL! The remote setting of the Archer’s cabin was one of the things that inspired my first release, The Lady and the Mountain Man.

There’s nothing I enjoy so much as recommending marvelous books, and there’s nothing I find so difficult as narrowing down said books to a list of favorites. Lists are tiny, cramped, little things, and I find there’s never enough room on them to showcase the myriad of stories that have whisked away my imagination, encouraged my spirit, or touched my heart with the artistry of words. When surveying shelves that contain the wry wit of Jane Austen’s Emma, the sisterly bonds of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, and the poetical scope of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, how—I ask you—can a reader be expected to choose just one favorite tome? Austen, Alcott, Montgomery. They’re all my favorites. For I love each, wholeheartedly, as I love a bouquet of wildflowers comprised of disparate, but distinctly beautiful blooms.

Alas, dear reader, for the sake of this exercise, I must limit my bookish suggestions. Therefore, I’ve decided to focus on five-star series that I recommend whenever an opportunity presents itself—or whenever an opportunity can be easily manufactured.

• Heirloom Secrets series by Ashley Clark: The Dress Shop on King Street, Paint and Nectar, Where the Last Rose Blooms. This dual-time series is a work of art from beginning to end! One I will treasure and gush about for years to come. Inhabited by a cast of multifaceted characters and brimming with southern charm, this series tackles relatable issues with authenticity and respect. Clark’s use of metaphor is exquisite, tugging at the heartstrings without breaking them, and her sassy, steel magnolia wit is an utter delight. If you’re a fan of southern fiction, generational stories, and intricately woven narratives, the Heirloom Secrets series is a must read!

• Muir Harbor series by Melissa Tagg: Autumn by the Sea, A Seaside Wonder, Wedding at Sea. This contemporary romance series has it all! A small town that combines the seaside charm of Cabot Cove with the eccentricity of Stars Hollow. Unique cute-meets that had me smiling at the pages. Spiritual themes that moved me to tears with their raw honesty and poignant truth. An endearing cast of quirky, complex, and relatable characters. Well-paced plots that balance humor and romance with page-turning mystery and suspense. And a blueberry farm. And flannel. And goats, oh my! If you enjoy riveting family dramas, romance with all the banter, and mysteries that keep you guessing, book a visit to Muir Harbor!

• The Codebreakers series by Roseanna M. White: The Number of Love, On Wings of Devotion, A Portrait of Loyalty. Emotionally gripping and spiritually uplifting, this historical romance series set against the backdrop of WWI features page-turning intrigue, heart-stirring romance, unforgettable characters, and gorgeous prose that transport the imagination. If you fancy a period drama that blends strong notes of espionage and faith with aromatic hints of dark academia, The Codebreakers series is sure to be your cup of tea!

I enjoy reading a variety of genres, but my deep affection for fiction began around age eleven after I devoured the Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn. I wrote Mrs. Gunn a note of thanks during the summer of my fifth grade year (along with a poor attempt at a poem) and to my absolute delight, she wrote back with a handwritten card of encouragement, telling me to never stop writing. All these years later, I still have that card. It sits on my writing desk as an inspirational treasure I’ll cherish for decades to come. Fiction books I’ve loved throughout the years (in no particular order or genre arrangement): 

• The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers 

• What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

• From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon

• Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones

• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

• Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

• Christy by Catherine Marshall

• The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

• The Winner’s Trilogy series by Marie Rutkoski

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Books that stirred my soul:

• Long Way Gone by Charles Martin

• Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz

• The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers

• The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

Books that stirred my imagination:

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

• The Chronicles of Narnia (particularly The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) by C. S. Lewis

• Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

• The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

• The Enchanted Barn by Grace Livingston Hill

• Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney

Timeless books tucked into my heart:

• Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. E. Prentiss

• Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry

• Jane of Lantern Hill by L. M. Montgomery

• Mandy by Julie Andrews

Books that challenge and inspire me:

• Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis

• If by Amy Carmichael

• Many Sparrows by Lori Benton: Gut-wrenching portrayal of a mother’s love and fear, and a soul-filling conclusion.

• I’ll Watch the Moon by Ann Tatlock: A poignant story told in through one of the most poignant child protagonists I’ve read.

• The Seamstress by Allison Pittman: Exquisite writing, historical integrity, and a gorgeous end.

• The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers: Classics worthy of multiple readings.

• As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner: An extremely tough subject made personal and handled with tender care.

Bethany House historical fiction authors are my absolute favorite! At the risk of sounding like I’m biased toward my own publishing house, I can honestly say my shelves were packed with Bethany House authors long before I joined the Bethany House family. If you came to my house and browsed my shelves here’s a small sampling of Bethany House authors you’d find:

• Chronicles of the Kings series by Lynn Austin (and many others)

• Love’s Pursuit and A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell

• Mozart’s Sister, Just Jane, and Washington’s Lady by Nancy Moser

• A Bride Most Begrudging and Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist

• Westward Chronicles series by Tracie Peterson

• The Russians series by Judith Pella

• Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake

• The Apothecary’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

• Beyond this Moment by Tamera Alexander

• A Measure of Mercy by Lauraine Snelling

• My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer

• Hidden Places by Lynn Austin: romantic, poignant, funny, and filled with memorable, quirky characters. The movie didn’t do it justice.

• The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark by Lawana Blackwell: Why does a Louisiana girl with a sharp sense of southern humor write about Victorian England? I don’t know, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

• These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer: a romantic romp through Georgian England by the grande dame of Regency fiction. I laughed and laughed.

• North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell: If you haven’t seen the BBC adaptation—go forth and rent today.

• The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer

• Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb

• God: As He Longs For You to See Him by Chip Ingram

• Dewey by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter

• Heaven, The Heart’s Deepest Longing by Peter Kreeft

• Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

• Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns

• The Pearl by John Steinbeck

• Home Song by LaVyrle Spencer

• The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

• The Rapture of Canaan by Sheri Reynolds

• A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

• A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter

• Christy by Catherine Marshall

• Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Bilbreth, Jr., and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

• Rosanna of the Amish by Joseph W. Yoder

• Heaven to Betsy by Maud Hart Lovelace: The most influential books I’ve ever read are the charming Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace. It’s a semi-autobiographical series in the style of Little House on the Prairie, but it follows Betsy Ray as she grows up during the turn of the twentieth century. I instantly connected with Maud’s writing because it’s set in Minnesota (where I live), she and I share a birthday, and she always wanted to be a writer. Heaven to Betsy is the fifth book in the series and chronicles the year that Betsy started high school in 1906.

• Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin: This is the first book in the Refiner’s Fire series, and it completely captivated my attention from the first page. Each book is told from the perspective of a different person during the American Civil War. This series shares a special place in my heart with my other favorite story by Lynn, A Proper Pursuit. Lynn’s stories are so gripping, emotional, and filled with amazing history.

• The Colonel’s Lady by Laura Frantz: This book literally changed my life. I had dreamed of writing novels since I was ten but had not found the courage to start. When Amazon suggested I might like The Colonel’s Lady, I bought it and devoured the book! After I read the last page, I asked myself an important question: why wasn’t I writing books? So, I began. Laura has become a dear friend and encourages me along my journey. I’ve read every one of her fabulous books and remain one of her biggest fans!

• Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson: I always say the mark of a good book is one that I don’t even realize I’m reading. It plays out like a movie in my mind, and I lose all track of time and place. This happens every time I read Edenbrooke—and I’ve read it three times. I absolutely love the heroine and the gentle love story that unfolds in this delightful story.

• The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews: When I discovered my first Mimi Matthews books, I immediately binged her entire backlist of books! I couldn’t get enough, and I still can’t. The Matrimonial Advertisement is the first in a four-book series about four men who were parish orphans in Devon during the Victorian era. Each book stands alone, but there is a mystery that threads through the series and culminates in the last book! A must-read series.

• True to You by Becky Wade: Where-oh-where to start? The sizzling chemistry between the main characters? Because it was on a heat stroke level! The twists and turns galore? I gasped so loud at one point, my husband came in the room to check on me. The setting? Unique and charming. The beautifully woven faith elements? Perfection. It was all sheer perfection.

• The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter: The mystery aspect surrounding the heroine’s amnesia in this inspirational romance kept me turning the pages, unable to put this novel down. The characters, the Maine setting, and the heartbreaking circumstances woven into the plot have made this one of my favorites.

• Above the Fold by Rachel Scott McDaniel: I love how vividly Rachel Scott McDaniel writes the 1920’s. She’s my go-to for historical romances. With a fast pace, witty banter, and mystery to solve, Above the Fold reminded me of the classic film, His Girl Friday. Except it had the bonus of sweltering chemistry between the main characters, and touching faith elements.

• The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham: This historical romance had me laughing out loud and staying up way too late reading each night. The faith elements spoke right to my heart and brought several teary-eyed moments. The sheer hilarity of the heroine brought me so much joy, and not to be outdone was the hero’s redemptive story arc.

• The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner: This book was addictive! I laughed, gasped, and then laughed again. Bethany Turner’s writing style in this novel is unique, honest, and witty. It’s not easy to cultivate chemistry-riddled scenes in an inspirational romance, but Bethany Turner walked that tightrope with ease and believability.

• Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer: This book had me smiling so, so much! The mistaken identity premise between Henry and Edith was hilarious. Henry thinks she’s an elderly widow. Edith is certain he’s an old man. As a reader it was fun to be in on the truth. The quirky townspeople added a surprising layer of laughter too. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a lighter side to inspirational romance.

• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

• Please Understand Me by Keirsey and Bates

• Immortal Poems of the English Language edited by Oscar Williams

• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

• On Writing by Stephen King

• Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

• Heaven by Randy Alcorn

• A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

• Christy by Catherine Marshall

• The Zion Chronicles and the Zion Covenant series by Bodie Thoene

• The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Vol. 1 and 2

• Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: I remember reading Pride and Prejudice for the first time in my early twenties, and I absolutely fell in love with Jane Austen and the Regency period. I read all of her books and have researched the time period thoroughly. I really hope to make a trip to England one day so I can visit where she wrote such a beloved novel. 

• The O’Malley series by Dee Henderson: I couldn’t pick just one. I love the entire series. The Protector (book four) was given to me as a gift. It was my first Christian fiction novel. I had no idea the world receiving this book for me would open. I’d been a huge Christian fiction and Dee Henderson fan ever since. Her books inspired me to begin writing. Now, more than a dozen years later, I’m honored to call her my mentor and friend. 

• Predator by Terri Blackstock: This is a keep-your-lights-on-all-night kind of book. I read the opening line and was completely hooked. Talk about a suspenseful read. 

• The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis: I think this novel shows good versus evil and God’s final triumph over evil in the life of a believer. Absolutely brilliant novel! 

• A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton: This is not a Christian book just FYI, but it introduced me to private detective Kinsey Millhone. I’ve loved her adventures and mysteries ever since. 

Whenever I’m asked to list my favorite books, I always hesitate because I have so many favorites, and then, well, a ton of my friends are authors. One does not want to annoy friends by leaving them out, so I’ve randomly selected a few authors I’ve met in person, and then picked one of my favorite books from them.

• Elizabeth Camden: I’ve met Elizabeth numerous times at writing events, and I have to admit that it was my fault that we got lost in Atlanta at an RT convention. Who knew I would have such difficulties navigating my GPS after we hit the streets? Elizabeth was incredibly gracious about the whole fiasco, and she’s got such a wonderful grasp of historical events that I love any opportunity I get to hang out with her. My favorite book of hers is Against the Tide because, well . . . Bane. There’s no need to say more.

• Julie Klassen: I’ve only met Julie once in person, and she’s delightful. My favorite book of hers is The Silent Governess. It’s the first book Julie Klassen book I read, and since it had me becoming an immediate Julie Klassen fan, I can highly recommend it.

• Karen Witemeyer: Karen is one of the very first Bethany House authors I met in person, and because of her warm and sunny personality, I went right out and read some of her books. I absolutely adore Stealing the Preacher. Even the title makes me smile, and after reading the first scene, I knew it was going to be a book I’d read in one sitting, and it was.

• Kristi Ann Hunter: I met her a few years back at a conference, but then I had the extreme pleasure of meeting up with her when I went to visit Bethany House. It made for a very amusing trip because Kristi is definitely amusing. I fell in love with her debut A Noble Masquerade, and I’ve been reading everything she writes since.

• Sarah Loudin Thomas: Sarah and I share a love of Appalachia, although we grew up in two different parts of Appalachia. We tend to disagree on how to pronounce Appalachian, although I’m sure she’s right and I grew up hearing it incorrectly, but don’t tell her I said that. As for my favorite book of hers, I’ve enjoyed all of them, but I’m going to highly recommend Miracle in a Dry Season. It’s phenomenal.

• Rachel Dylan: I met Rachel during that same trip to Bethany House I shared with Kristi Hunter. Rachel’s an attorney, which made me want to read her legal thrillers a moment after I met her. Her books do not disappoint, and I recommend starting with Deadly Proof. A riveting read that kept me up until the wee hours of the morning. 

• Susan Ann Mason: I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Susan often at conferences, and she’s yet another friend of mine whom I might have gotten lost with while trying to find a specific room we were late in finding. Funny how it now seems as if I’m responsible for getting a lot of my author friends lost, but I digress. One of my favorite books from Susan is Irish Meadows. It was my introduction to her writing, and I’ve been reading her ever since.

• Regina Jennings: She’s simply delightful and I always enjoy seeing her at events. All of her books are delightful as well, but I believe my favorite of hers is A Most Inconvenient Marriage. It had me hooked from the first page until the last.

• Dani Pettrey: What a talented writer! I love all of her books, but since I just recently read The Killing Tide, and found it to be exceptional, I’ll recommend that one, although you can’t go wrong with any of her books.

• Rounding out my list of ten is . . . Tracie Peterson: I’ve only met her once in person, tracked her down in her hotel room because I wanted to say hello—nothing says stalker like tracking a person down that way. She’s incredibly gracious and is so supportive of other writers. I can’t narrow her books down to a favorite because, I mean, she’s got like a million wonderful books, so I say read them all.

• A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist: I love Deeanne’s historical romance novels! The romance sizzles, the history woven through is intriguing, and she has a strong and confident author’s voice.

• Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz: Laura’s books flow like poetry! I’m captivated by her skill, the beauty of her stories, and the deep sympathy she stirs within me for her characters.

• No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert: Gripping and thought-provoking, this novel follows three fabulously authentic women, each struggling to come to terms with the joys and challenges of their lives. It’s fast-paced and, at the same time, thoughtful.

• The Emily series by L. M. Montgomery: These are my favorite books from childhood because (duh) Emily was a writer. And how she grew up pursuing that shaped my life in innumerable ways!

• The Hawk and the Jewel by Lori Wick: This will always be counted as a favorite of mine as the book that first made me fall in love with the Christian historical romance genre.

• A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers: I could really name any book by Francine Rivers, but this was the first of hers I read, and it really showed me how deep fiction could take us.

• Within These Lines by Stephanie Morrill: I absolutely adore how Stephanie Morrill explores some little-known history in a way that makes it perfectly relevant to us today.

• The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater: This author has the most amazing way of putting words together and always inspires me not to be lazy in my writing.

When I read for pleasure, I always reach for the same genre—historical romance. My favorite Christian novels include: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, Christy by Catherine Marshall, A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist, and Remembered by Tamera Alexander.

I also enjoy reading stories from a variety of settings and time periods in the general market.

• Favorite Medieval—The Secret by Julie Garwood

• Favorite Regency—The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

• Favorite Western—The Texan’s Wager by Jodi Thomas

Two nonfiction books that ministered to me during my pre-published years were The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson and Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado—wonderful books for those trying to discern their calling.