Bestselling Historical Fiction Books
of 2025
Last Year’s Top Historical Reads (and What They Teach Us About Faith, the Past, and the Human Condition)
Every year, the historical novels Christians gravitate toward tell a story, not just about which eras captivate us, but about the questions we’re carrying and the kind of hope we’re seeking in the present moment. This curated selection from Christianbook.com's Top 50 Novels of 2025 offers a revealing snapshot of the themes that resonated most deeply with readers this year.
Many of the most-loved stories return to seasons of upheaval—war, persecution, and cultural change—reflecting a desire to understand suffering through the lens of faith and endurance. Other novels focus on quiet faithfulness: ordinary believers navigating loss, sacrifice, and moral complexity in extraordinary times. Together, these stories point to a shared longing for perspective, courage, and reassurance that God remains at work—even in the darkest chapters of history.
The Pharisee's Wife by Janette Oke
From the beloved author of Love Comes Softly comes an inspiring work of historical fiction about a young Jewish woman, plucked from obscurity and thrust on a perilous journey, only to witness the world’s most life-changing story.
Like most young women in ancient Israel, Mary has little control over her own destiny. When Enos, a rising Pharisee, sees her one day in the market―the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on―and determines to make her his wife, Mary’s fate is quickly sealed. His exorbitant bride price is the only hope her parents have of escaping abject poverty, but surely the fact that such a devout and esteemed man has chosen a girl of her station must be a sign of blessing.
When Mary enters training to become the proper Pharisee’s wife, it is as though she has been abandoned in a foreign land, where one misstep could cost her greatly. That feeling only deepens when she discovers Enos is all she feared he might be, treating her merely as a prize he has won―and worse. Then rumors of a miracle-working, traveling Prophet change everything, and Mary and Enos are swept up in events that will challenge all they hold dear and forever alter both their futures.
Designed With Love by Tracie Peterson
After being widowed on her wedding day, Emma Johnson moves to Cheyenne with her sister-in-law to start over. Emma's life has been marked by wild living and a desire for fun, but the death of her husband forces her to reassess her priorities. Her brother-in-law, Colton Benton, travels with them, intending to help Emma get established. However, Emma becomes wary of Colton's intentions, wondering if he is genuinely interested in her or merely after his brother's inheritance.
Colton, who has harbored feelings for Emma since they first met, is caught between his love for her and the pressure from his brothers to marry her for the family's financial benefit. As they settle into Cheyenne, Colton tries to balance his business dealings with the Union Pacific and his growing affection for Emma.
His sister, with her simple yet profound belief in God, becomes a source of inspiration for both Emma and Colton. They embark on a journey of faith, and through their struggles, they discover that love, forgiveness, and a divine plan are intricately woven into their lives.
A master of historical romance, bestselling author Tracie Peterson continues her The Hope of Cheyenne series with a heartfelt and hopeful novel that is sure to delight.
An Unexpected Grace by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse
Can unexpected grace lay the foundation for a second chance at love?
After a decade away, Parker Bennett returns home with a traveling troupe to perform a play based on Uncle Tom's Cabin at the Kalispell Opera House. Parker has relished his life on the road, but being home awakens long-buried emotions when he encounters his first love, Johanna St. John. He can't help but wonder if there might still be a place for him in her heart.
Widowed for three years, Johanna devotes all her time to a demanding toddler, an injured father, and a successful millinery business. After the loss of her husband, she desires to move on, but reconnecting with her past love leaves her unsure of what lies ahead. Both committed to God's distinct calling on their lives, Johanna and Parker struggle to see how their futures can unite, and when strange things start happening around town, their second chance at a life together seems more unlikely than ever.
Land of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling
From Norway to America, they must strive for resilience amid unpromising new beginnings.
On the ship to America, Norwegian immigrant Amalia Gunderson makes a solemn promise to a dying mother, vowing to watch over her five-year-old daughter, Ruth. Together, Amalia and Ruth trek to Iowa to claim the farm and former boardinghouse that Ruth has inherited, despite opposition from a difficult cousin. Struggling with an empty house and scarce resources, Amalia resolves to return the boardinghouse to its former purpose, aided by the kindness of strangers and the resilient spirit of her young charge.
As Amalia and Ruth fight for their new home, a trail of orphans shows up on their doorstep, and Amalia makes a promising friend in Absalom Karlsson, the magistrate's son. With each challenge they face, Amalia and Ruth find hope in believing that faith and determination can overcome even the most daunting of trials.
A Constant Love by Tracie Peterson
Heartache has left them emotionally desolate, but traces of love and healing could forge a future.
In the wake of a harsh winter, Micah Hamilton and Charlotte Aldrich are grappling with loss and guilt after the disaster that took the lives of their loved ones. Struggling to cope with his grief, Micah abandons his father's dreams of a prosperous ranch and cuts himself off from the rest of the world.
Charlotte has loved Micah her entire life and is determined not to lose him as well. With her mother's help, she begins coaxing Micah to live again. Despite their enduring heartache, the affection between them deepens, but just as Charlotte thinks her dreams may come true, a scorned suitor threatens everything she holds dear. Micah and Charlotte must embark on a journey of healing and renewal to build a life founded on faith, hope, and love.
A Constant Love is a clean, frontier-era historical romance of heartache, grief, Christian faith, and second chances in the newly developing American West.
Whispers of Fortune by Mary Connealy
In a land of gold and grit, can two hearts uncover the true treasure?
In 1875 California, Brody MacKenzie arrives at the Two Harts Ranch on a mission to find his runaway brothers, worried they may have fallen into harm. Instead, he discovers them thriving at the ranch's school and orphanage under the care of Ellie Hart, a woman with a heart as resilient as the land she calls home.
His options limited, Brody reluctantly takes on the role of ranch doctor, and he forms an unexpected bond with Ellie, who's kept a steady eye on Brody's two rapscallion brothers. When the boys show him a mysterious journal that has been guiding their travels and may hold the key to a lost treasure, Brody and Ellie are captivated by the possibility of a thrilling adventure.
With winter approaching and his brothers threatening to bolt again, Brody and Ellie race against time to decipher cryptic clues and unearth the hidden fortune. But along the way, old adversaries resurface, threatening their newfound affection and the safety of those at the ranch.
Legends of Gold by Mary Connealy
On a risky treasure hunt in the rugged wilderness, can love trump all odds?
After years of solitude, Tilda Muirhead's life takes an unexpected twist when she accepts a teaching position at Two Harts Ranch following her cross-country pursuit of two brothers obsessed with a treasure map left by their grandfather. Tilda is now tasked with educating those mischievous MacKenzie boys, who are bent on remaining out west with the rest of their family until they find the hoped-for treasure. Then a man named Ben arrives, claiming to be her own long-lost brother. Raised as an orphan with no memory of her past, Tilda is both fascinated and wary of Ben's sudden interest in finding her.
When Ben's motives grow increasingly suspect, rancher Josh Hart suggests Tilda and the young MacKenzies set off on a quest with him that aims to protect Tilda while unearthing the map's secrets. As they explore the wilderness, Tilda becomes captivated by the history behind the map, though she doubts it leads to anything more than old artifacts.
Yet danger looms ever closer, and Tilda and Josh must rely on faith and their blossoming love to navigate the treacherous path ahead.
Riches Beyond Measure by Mary Connealy
When they leave the ranch in search of stolen treasure, will the spark between them survive the perils ahead?
When an earthquake strikes Two Harts Ranch, it shakes the life of Annie Lane along with that of Cord Westbrook, who has been working as a cowboy on Annie's family ranch in anticipation of purchasing his own. The only thing delaying his plan is the deep attraction he feels toward Annie, a widow with a child and an established life as a teacher at the Hart School for Orphans. Unfortunately for Cord, she seems determined to avoid romance.
The aftermath of the earthquake reveals that prized artifacts from the long-sought MacKenzie's Treasure have been stolen from the ranch. But the return of the MacKenzie family from out east has everyone focused on what other precious finds might be waiting at the end of the legendary two-part map.
As Cord, Annie, and the MacKenzies set out in search of riches, they face dangers more treacherous than earthquakes. With gold in their sights and love within reach, Cord and Annie realize that some treasures may fade, but life's true riches are far more valuable than earthly goods.
A Sea View Christmas by Julie Klassen
Spend the holiday season with the Summers sisters on the charming Devonshire coast, where family bonds are strengthened, love is rekindled, and Christmas joy abounds ...
With a promise to her youngest sister, Sarah Summers declares that this year's Christmas at Sea View will exceed all expectations. But an upcoming trip to Scotland--and the prospect of becoming reacquainted with dashing widower Callum Henshall--blows a flurry of doubts into her mind. Sarah had discouraged his attentions before yet soon finds herself once again torn between attraction and duty as alluring thoughts of a second chance at love weave their way into her practical heart.
Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Georgiana eagerly anticipates the exciting Christmas of her dreams after last year's dull, disappointing holiday filled with endless chores. She enjoys all the promised parties, music, and dancing, but is taken by surprise when young love comes knocking. Does the festive romance of a Sea View Christmas hold the key to a happily-ever-after for both sisters?
Julie Klassen's heartwarming Christmas companion to the On Devonshire Shores series holds themes of friends to more, sisterhood bonds, and matchmaking that will fill you with holiday spirit. This novella can be read separately or along with the main series.
Midnight On the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin
In a time of war, danger lurks beneath the water — and in the depths of the human heart ...
As the German war machine devours the Netherlands, the only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the occupation is to do the unthinkable — train to become a spy for the Nazis. Once dispatched to Britain, she plans to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. But her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.
Yet perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence employs her to radio misleading messages to Germany from the lighthouse at Dunnet Head in Scotland — messages filled with naval intelligence Lachlan must provide. If the war is to be won, Lachlan and Cilla must work together.
But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy — a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?
The Pursuit of Elena Bradford by Ann H. Gabhart
True love and loyalty are harder to come by than she imagined ...
At twenty-two, Elena Bradford has never met a man who made her consider marriage. But when her father dies and leaves the family deeply in debt, Elena becomes their only hope. Her mother uses their last funds to take Elena and her younger sister to Graham Springs, Kentucky, where people find healing by drinking the mineral spring water and healthy recreation through the many daily activities — including dances almost every evening.
As her mother schemes to find Elena a wealthy husband, Elena finds herself drawn to two men her mother would never consider. Charming artist Kirby Frazier spends his days drawing and painting the guests, but his real mission is to find a wealthy bride to finance his dream to go west. Melancholy Andrew Harper has come to Graham Springs in need of healing after a broken heart.
When a beautiful young lady shows up at the Springs with no chaperone and a story that seems suspicious, nearly everyone is charmed and intrigued. But when an unexpected tragedy occurs, Elena, Kirby, and Andrew will all be faced with decisions of life, love, and loyalty.
With a Southern flair and a spark of intrigue, this historical romance will charm readers with masterful artists, colorful dances, a love triangle, and endearing family relationships.
Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen
She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past--not danger and romance.
Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.
Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sickroom nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own.
As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her resolution to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real culprit--and protect her heart--before it's too late?
Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this compelling Regency-era novel laced with intrigue, love, and English village charm for fans of historical romance and whodunit mysteries.
At Morning's Light by Lauraine Snelling
Alone in her new homeland, she must risk heartbreak and uncertainty for her dreams to flourish.
Maya Bredesen and her husband plan to journey from Norway to a new life at her cousin's boardinghouse in America, but on one last fateful fishing trip, a fierce winter storm steals away her husband. With her dreams for the future crushed, Maya is left grieving on the voyage to Iowa, accompanied instead by her brother, who plans to finish his seminary degree.
Arriving at a boardinghouse spilling over with orphans and a newly married couple, Maya struggles to find her place amid the chaos. A new friendship develops between her and Eben Miller, the reserved, kind farmer next door, but just as Maya begins to recover from her wounded heart, more tragedy engulfs her.
As she and Eben weather trials together, can they overcome the difficulties this new land holds when it seems so far from becoming home?
A Moment to Love by Tracie Peterson
A shared heart for justice pulls them together, but is their love strong enough to survive their trials?
Dr. Carrie Vogel's heart is shattered when her groundbreaking medical research is stolen and falsely credited to her ex-fiancé. With years of diligent work lost, she grapples with the disastrous turn of her career and leans on her faith for strength. When she learns that her Pinkerton friend Spencer Duval is on a justice-driven mission to her hometown of Cheyenne, she agrees to an arranged marriage to provide him with a cover story. But merely pretending to be in love with Spencer becomes increasingly difficult the more time she spends with him.
Spencer is determined to apprehend the ruthless murderer who killed his father years ago, but his quest ignites unexpected emotions--both for Carrie and about the desire for revenge that has dominated his life.
As the web of suspects tightens, their futures hang in the balance, and they must learn to trust God's plan as unexpected love takes flight.
The Most-Read Christian Historical Fiction Titles of 2025
These bestselling historical fiction books of 2025 offer more than stories. They offer remembrance.
They draw readers into other times and places, illuminating lives shaped by courage, loss, love, and quiet endurance. Through richly imagined worlds, these novels invite us to slow down and consider how the past still echoes into the present.
The popularity of historical fiction rooted in real events reminds us that history is not distant or static, but lived—by ordinary people navigating extraordinary moments. At the same time, the rise of deeply personal, character-driven narratives reflects a longing to understand ourselves through those who came before us.
These books bridge then and now, inviting readers to reflect, empathize, and remember… one chapter, one life, and one turning point at a time.
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A note about our recommendations: Our mission is to recommend Christian books that will inspire and uplift. However, we recognize that reading is a deeply personal and subjective experience. While we aim to feature books that align with Christian values, our inclusion of any book or author does not imply an endorsement of all their views, beliefs, or other works. We encourage you to be discerning and make your own informed decisions when selecting the books you read.
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