Interesting Novels to Read this Summer

Looking for interesting novels to read this summer?
A book that keeps you flipping pages? If so, grab these titles for your reading list. Many are new releases, others are less recent, but more than excellent.
Perfect for the TBR pile (to be read), staycation, or beach time this summer. Happy reading!
Christian Romance
If you’re in the market for clean entertainment or a romance with a message, check out these Christian romances from a variety of genres.
Historical Christian Romance
A Secret Heart by Lacy Williams & Wendy Klopfenstein (Book 3 of 6 in the Wind River Mail-Order Brides Series. Yay! That means there’s more to read.)
It’s a fantastic Christian historical romance about brothers, the unexpected, and love.
Wendy’s an AMAZING writer. You won’t be disappointed.
Contemporary Christian Romance – Series
Author Lori DeJong
Love’s True Measure by Lori DeJong
Who doesn’t love a good love story, especially when the Lord’s at the center of it?
Releasing June 10, 2025, this is the third and final book in Lori’s debut series. It’s well worth the time to read Love’s True Calling (Book 1) and Love’s True Home (Book 2) as well. Yay! Another stellar series.
If you like Karen Kingsbury, you might like Lori’s award-winning, page-turning work, too.
Author Nancy Lavo
This is the first book in a series from Nancy Lavo. It’s a feel-good romance reuniting high-school sweethearts.
The Place Where You Belong, Lone Star Loves Series #1 By Nancy Lavo / Iron Stream Fiction |
Nicole Deese
Where to start? Nicole writes a stand-out novel. This series is one of my favorites. They are listed in order, but reading these Christian novels in that manner is not required.
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The Roads We Follow, Softcover By Nicole Deese / Bethany House |
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The Voice We Find By Nicole Deese / Bethany House |
Short Novel
Love Inspired, Author Lisa Jordan
Lisa Jordan writes a sweet story, which matches her personality. I love that this one highlights military veterans. Readers will enjoy her recent release from Love Inspired: Earning the Veteran’s Trust.
Earning the Veteran’s Trust By Lisa Jordan / Love Inspired |
Love Inspired, Author Meghann Whistler
Meghann Whistler’s stories pace well. They’re clean and offer an enjoyable, faith-centered story, too. Check out this Love Inspired favorite: Their Unlikely Protector.
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Their Unlikely Protector By Meghann Whistler / Love Inspired |
Love Inspired Author Chris Maday Schmidt
The pre-order price is great. Check out this July 1, 2025 release of The Fire Chief’s Surprise.
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The Fire Chief’s Surprise By Chris Maday Schmidt / Love Inspired |
Love Inspired Author Jennifer Slattery
Another July 1, 2025 release, you’ll enjoy this inspirational read. It’s the perfect size for the beach bag, too. Check out The Rancher’s Secret Daughter by Jennifer Slattery.
The Rancher’s Secret Daughter By Jennifer Slattery / Love Inspired |
Southern Fiction
T.I. Lowe’s southern flair engulfs readers, and how she intertwines serious life issues, mental health in this case, with her stellar storytelling skills is a true gift.
Several fantastic titles make up her backlist, but Under the Magnolias happens to be my favorite.
Maybe you’ll love reading this novel this summer, too.
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Under the Magnolias, Softover By T.I. Lowe Barely a teenager when her mother died, Austin was left to care for six siblings—and a father who retreated into his own darkness. Growing up on their farm was tough. Just when she glimpses a possible future with Vance Cumberland, Austin’s father reveals an explosive family secret. Will she finally find freedom in the truth? 384 pages, softcover from Tyndale. |
Christmas in July
Who wants a little jingle bells amid the blistering summer heat? If so, here’s a solid pick-up from Jennifer Slattery called Christmas on the Ranch. Enjoy!
Christmas on the Ranch By Jennifer Slattery / Love Inspired |
Books on the Beach
I just finished reading this recent release, Love, Unscripted, from Denise Hunter, and it, straight away, barged onto my top 10 favorites list. What a fun, sweet story! Check it out and see if you find yourself wrapped up in Chloe and Liam’s story, too.
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Love, Unscripted By Denise Hunter / Thomas Nelson Fiction When Chloe can’t find her perfect man, she writes a book to create him and receives a movie contract! Notorious Hollywood playboy Liam gets the lead, but he comes with a twist: Chloe must save his reputation by pretending to be his real-life girlfriend. Will this bargain prove to be more trouble than either could imagine? |
Here’s another beach read from Denise Hunter to enjoy, too. FYI most of her contemporary Christian romances carry a very light faith thread, leaning more heavily toward “sweet romance” or “clean romance”, in my opinion.
A Novel Proposal By Denise Hunter / Thomas Nelson |
Contemporary Christian Romance
Free Flash Fiction
If you like flash fiction, especially free stories, take a look at this line-up of military-themed clean and/or Christian romances on Spark Flash Fiction.
“A Perfect Match”, a Christian romance I penned, won the reader’s choice poll. You can go directly to the story here.
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Don’t Miss These Christian Fiction and Christian Nonfiction Book Posts
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- Here’s Your List of Christian Books to Read this Summer
- 10 Best Christian Fiction Books to Read this Summer
- Top 10 Christian Fiction Books to Read this Year
- 10 Not-to-Miss Female Christian Fiction Authors
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