Book picks similar to
Roadtrip to Redemption by Laurie Larsen


romance
christian-fiction
christian
contemporary

Juliette and the Monday ManDates


Becky Doughty - 2014
    Although raised by loving grandparents, it’s the G-FOURce—the Gustafson Four Sisters Club—that binds them together when their differences would tear them apart. All grown up now, Juliette has become the quintessential doormat, Renata, two years younger, the self-appointed matriarchal figure. Phoebe is borderline narcissistic, according to Renata at least, and Gia is on the verge of a major identity crisis. But they’re still a force with which to be reckoned as they continue the time-honored tradition of meeting together to love and support one another, and if necessary, to intervene in each others lives. What none of the sisters has been willing to address is the hovering presence of Angela Clinton, the senior class darling who drove her cherry black 1970 el Camino into the side of their parents’ car on the night of Juliette’s high school graduation. But Angela’s prison sentence is winding down; soon she’ll be eligible for parole, so face her, they must. Will the G-FOURce be strong enough to hold them together as they step into the eye of the storm that’s been brewing for the last fifteen years? Will they finally be able to let go of the past and embrace the future, no matter what it holds? JULIETTE AND THE MONDAY MANDATES Juliette Gustafson is heart-broken after waiting nearly ten years for a proposal from her boyfriend that never came. Determining she isn’t “getting over Mike” quickly enough, her three younger sisters come up with The Monday ManDates; an intervention plan requiring Juliette to endure what turns out to be a series of remarkably disastrous blind dates. Between TheraPaul, Frisky Frank, TAZ the rock star, and the stoic Tim Larsen, the Monday ManDates are doomed from the start. Then there’s Victor Jarrett, the police officer with an affinity for pulling Juliette over when she’s at her very worst. But no one is more surprised than Juliette when she meets the one man who can right the wrongs in her past and change her future, if she will only let herself fall in love with him.

Secondhand Secrets


Angela C. Castillo - 2017
    Darcy’s have been locked up inside her since that last summer when she left Wimber, Texas, and the boy she loved, for a glitzy life in Los Angeles. Seven years later, her gran’s passed away. Darcy’s been named as the sole owner of the Tangled in Time antique store. Darcy can’t wait to get back to the place where she’s always felt she belonged. But owning a business isn’t as easy as it seems. And sometimes the past is better left alone. But Darcy is determined to push forward, despite the obstacles that cross her path. And maybe even have another chance to be with the man who stayed behind.

Talk of the Town


Lisa Wingate - 2008
    She's just arrived in the tiny town of Daily, Texas, to arrange a surprise "reunion concert" for hometown finalist Amber Amberson. Only it turns out everyone in town seems to know the secret. And paparazzi are arriving. And word from Hollywood is that Amber has disappeared with a "bad boy" actor. Can anything go right in this tumbleweed town?Imagene Doll loves her town of Daily, Texas, but things are lonelier without her beloved husband. Life seems dull. At least until that fancy-dressed woman pulls into town, looking terrified and glamorous all at once. Soon life's not the least bit boring as Imagene--and the rest of Daily--find themselves at the center of a media maelstrom...with a young girl's future on the line.

Dance with Me


Staci Stallings - 2017
     For three years, Kaci has steadfastly guarded her heart to keep it from thinking she will ever dance again, somehow pushing what she really wants under what she needs to do to be successful in life. Then a chance walk down a side street ignites the fire to dance once again. Can Kaci keep her passion reined in, especially when the studio owner's son seems determined to drag it out of her no matter what she tries to keep it under wraps? Josh Garrison hates to dance. He has ever since he was made fun of for it ten years ago. But Josh is in dire straits financially, and if he has to dance to make life work, maybe he has no real choice. Unfortunately, his partner in this venture is a headstrong, obstinate former prima ballerina who loves to dance but absolutely refuses to let herself love it. She want to focus on steps and technique when his spirit has always wanted only to soar on the dance floor. Can two polar opposites in life find common ground when they hit the dance floor together? Find out in USA Today Best Selling Christian Author, Staci Stallings, contemporary Christian Romance, “Dance with Me.” *~* “Dance with Me” is a contemporary Christian romance novel filled to the brim and overflowing with real romance. The dance sequences create a poetry all their own, and the relationship between Kaci and Josh is both magical and challenging. Both have their way of dancing and living, and they are determined to prove their way is the only way. However, as the masks come off and their true realities begin to be unveiled, what appeared to be differences just might not turn out to be so different after all. Inspirational, hopeful, and heartbreakingly romantic, “Dance with Me” will surely find its way into reader’s hearts and onto their to-be-read-again-and-again shelves.

Out of a Dream


Rosemary Hines - 2011
    From the outside, it all looks idyllic. A newlywed settling into a quaint coastal town, her husband establishing himself as a junior partner in a law firm—what more could she want? But a series of disturbing nightmares haunts Michelle. Her quest to understand these dreams leads her to the New World bookstore, where she begins a spiritual journey that will challenge her Christian heritage as well as her marriage. Captivating characters, suspenseful story lines, and thought-provoking themes—bestselling author, Rosemary Hines crafts gripping, and at times poignant, tales of the challenges Christians face in contemporary culture. Known for her realistic portrayal of life and her sensitivity in tackling tough topics, her novels examine issues such as the prevalence of New Age beliefs and practices in today's society, the tragedy of suicide in families of all walks of life, the struggles of children from broken homes, the heartache of infertility as well as unwanted pregnancies and abortions, and the difficulties of aging. Never preachy but always leading the reader to a message of hope and redemption, Rosemary is a committed follower of Christ. The novels of the Sandy Cove series—Out of a Dream, Through the Tears, Into Magnolia, Around the Bend, and From the Heart convey profound Christian messages that touch hearts and impact lives. Refreshingly honest and true to life, the characters resonate with readers and become their friends, and the stories transition seamlessly from one novel to the next. "Out of a Dream quickly introduces you to characters that parallel people in our own lives. Shaped by traits that enhance the plausibility of the plot, you could swear that you’ve met them all before. This novel resonates with the theme of how people often go looking for love in all the wrong places when seeking spirituality. The beauty here is that although some explore false approaches to knowing God, there is hope for everyone who diligently seeks the truth.” —Irene Dunlap, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul, and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Treasure for Kids

Fools Rush In


Janice Thompson - 2009
    When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding planning business, Bella is determined not to let them down. She quickly books a "Boot Scoot'n" wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch--she's a country music numbskull because her family only listens to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Where will she find a DJ on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his Keith Urban?When a misunderstanding leads her to the DJ (and man) of her dreams, things start falling into place. But with a family like hers, nothing is guaranteed. Can the perfect Texan wedding survive a pizza-making uncle with mob ties, an aunt who is a lawsuit waiting to happen, and a massive delivery of 80 cowboy boots? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding?Book one in the Weddings by Bella series, Fools Rush In is fun, fresh, and full of surprises. Readers will love the flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex, and the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.

Smile for Me


Jan Thompson - 2016
    He is uptight. Never the twain shall…kiss? A deadline-driven workaholic assistant school principal who meticulously plans his schedule months in advance meets an easygoing art teacher and studio potter with no sense of time, living her life as the seasons come and go. When they cross paths again at the Summer by the Sea Day Camp sponsored by his church in Nassau, Bahamas, how can they get along if they cannot see eye to eye? Byron’s Burden… This is what I’ve always wanted, right? Then why does this assistant headmaster position hem me in? I feel constricted, restricted, afflicted. I fear I have taken a wrong turn in my career. What is God’s will for my life? And what does Tina think about— Tina? What does she have anything to do with my career decisions? Tina’s Turn… Go to the Bahamas, they said. It will be fun, they said. Well, arriving in Nassau, I feel I could enjoy myself if Byron’s not around. I made it, right? I’m here! That’s good enough for me, but apparently it’s not good enough for Mr. Uptight. Why does he bother me so? I don’t need his approval— Oh yes, I do. As a volunteer art teacher at the day camp, I have to answer to Byron for four weeks. Well, thank God it’s only for four weeks. And then I’m outta here, and he’ll be out of my hair.

His Baby Bond


Lee Tobin McClain - 2014
    . . Poor-but-proud Kendra Forrester doesn’t need an arrogant millionaire to tell her how to raise her sister’s baby. But when handsome Zeke King arrives at her Colorado cabin demanding custody of his brother’s child, strategy dictates that she let him stick around. Battling mountain weather and the baby’s illness brings these two opposites together, but their own insecurities, their dead siblings’ secrets, and a jealous former boyfriend threaten their tentative bond. Only the Lord and the Sacred Bond Brotherhood can help Kendra and Zeke form a family for their baby.

Welcome to Last Chance


Cathleen Armstrong - 2013
    But as she encounters the people who make Last Chance their home, it’s her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life for Lainie’s comfort-especially since she’s on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.Yet in spite of herself, Lainie finds that she is increasingly drawn in to the dramas of small town life. An old church lady who always has room for a stranger. A handsome bartender with a secret life. A single mom running her diner and worrying over her teenage son. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little hick town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?Cathleen Armstrong pens a debut novel filled with complex, lovable characters making their way through life and relationships the best they can. Her evocative descriptions, observational humor, and talent at rendering romantic scenes will earn her many fans.

Love at Sunset Lake


Sally Bayless - 2018
    An artist who's withdrawn from the world. A property battle that just might heal them both.When struggling caterer Tess Palmer inherits her great-aunt's home at Sunset Lake, Missouri, she thinks she's found the way to save her business. Selling the property can provide just the infusion of capital she needs to pay off her debts and move to a larger commercial kitchen.Wildlife painter Jack Hamlin, who lives across Sunset Lake, wants the area kept exactly as it is--a place where waterfowl can thrive and where he can find peace and solitude to ease his troubled heart. Although he's drawn to Tess's honesty and beauty, he's appalled to learn she would welcome a deal with a developer, and he vows to stop her.As Tess discovers the reasons why Jack is so passionate about protecting the lake, she finds him more and more attractive. She takes a tentative step past her own emotional pain to risk her heart again. But there seems to be no solution to the impasse over the property. As a sale becomes imminent, can Jack and Tess trust God--and each other--and finally find a love that will last?

Angel Beneath My Wheels


K.S. Moore - 2016
    An angel beneath his wheels.Beneath his playboy façade, young NASCAR driver Luke Brandt yearns for a family. Rachel Tate, an inventive, purity-ring-wearing mechanical engineer, is determined to prove herself in a male dominated industry. When Luke outbids Rachel on the only two muscle cars she could use to test her new vapor-fueled engine, she wants nothing to do with him. But Luke’s gentle ways and down home country charm just might win her over—if his painful past doesn’t push her away. When she begins to touch his heart, he’s haunted by bitter memories of the only woman he’s ever loved—the mother who abandoned him as a little boy. With an intense trust that God will lead her on life’s journey, Rachel perseveres, her innocence and grace breach his defenses and his walls begin to crumble. As they join forces to bring her remarkable invention to market, their love, their very lives, are threatened by the iron-tight grip that “Big Oil” holds over the whole auto industry and Luke realizes his final happiness must come through faith, in the One who has always loved him… and always will.

Prelude


JoAnn Durgin - 2014
    Lewis and Sarah Jordan, parents to Sam Lewis, the core character of The Lewis Legacy Series. Prelude gives insights into Sam’s family history in this involving, heartfelt story of family, friendship, and love. A story of never letting go of our dreams, and how faith, sacrifice and trusting our lives to the Lord’s guidance will always triumph over our human fears, temptations, insecurities and frailties. On April 24, 1962, U.S. Air Force Captain Samuel Lewis returns home to small Rockbridge, Texas. Six years older than Sarah, Sam is the boy who moved four doors down when she was ten. A teenager who nicknamed her Tomboy and teased her like an older brother. That boy is now a fully grown, incredibly handsome man who makes her heart race, but what does she know of love or life? In another year, she’ll be able to save the five thousand dollars she needs to attend nursing school in Austin. Besides, everyone in Rockbridge expects Sam to date her older sister, Tess, the prettiest girl in town with the beauty queen titles to prove it. Not to mention Tess announces her intention of marrying Captain Lewis. After his return stateside, Sam Lewis finds Sarah Jordan occupying his favorite pondering spot at Thornton’s Creek. After his years away from home, first at the Air Force Academy and then serving in the Air Force, Sam finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Sarah. The sassy, funny girl he used to tease has grown up into a beautiful, charming woman with wit and intelligence who challenges him more than any other woman he’s ever met. Sarah’s frequent reminders that she’s leaving Rockbridge, along with her encouragement to date any other girl in town, unsettle him. During the eventful summer of 1962, their friendship grows deeper and blossoms into love. Sam knows he can’t hold Sarah back from achieving her dreams. Besides, he has no plans to leave town since he’s stepped into place beside his father as the vice president of Rockbridge Savings & Loan. Sam's heart is torn. All seems hopeless when she tells him it’s her dream to work as a nurse on mission fields across the world. When an unexpected financial gift gives Sarah the needed funds to enter nursing school in the fall, she faces saying good-bye to Sam earlier than expected. Are Sam and Sarah destined to be together or to spend their lives apart? Can these two find a place where their hearts can meet or does the Lord have a much better plan that only He can design? Prelude releases on December 19, 2014.

Risking Love


Brenda S. Anderson - 2016
    From her job to romance, every major decision is planned out. But before she can go out on a date with Mr. Perfect, she attends a charity auction with her meddling mom who wins Lissa a date with thrill-seeker Caleb Johnson. Caleb lived for adventure until heart disease stole his wife’s life. Then debt closed his business and now threatens to take his home. With a toddler to raise, he vows that his risk-taking days are over. But then he meets the cautious yet curious Lissa Morgan and decides it’s time to take one more risk—this time on love. When Lissa learns the extent of Caleb’s debt, she wonders if she can collect on his heart if she forecloses on his home. And why is she falling for the wrong man—one who challenges her to leap from her orderly life and into his waiting arms?

Destiny Bay Boxed Set Vol. 1


Helen Conrad - 2013
    He wants answers. But some secrets are just too painful to share. Jenny jumps out of airplanes in order to block out the painful memories of what made her run away from her family. Reid wants to fix the damage. The only problem is, he doesn’t know how deep it is, and how impossible it will be to cover over. Will his intoxicating love tempt her to risk it all again? Or will it end up making everything worse after all?Book 2-WIFE FOR A NIGHT Forced to pretend to be Matt’s wife, Janet Cardona plans to blow his cover –just as soon as she gets her cat back. Haunted by lies that have hurt her in the past, Janet can’t stand slick operators. When Matt coerces her into pretending to be his wife in order to fool a nice old lady, she hates every minute of it—doesn’t she? He’s nothing but a despicable conman—so why does his touch make her quiver with anticipation? Book 3-TOO SCARED TO BREATHE She can see the crash coming but she can’t break away. Carrie Harlow can’t stand arrogant men like race car driver Grant Carrington—but something about him keeps her coming back for more. She knows he’s not a forever kind of guy—and she knows he lives life on the edge in ways she can’t comprehend. But as she tries to heal his body with her hands, he chases away her fears with his kisses—until finally, it’s too late to avoid the inevitable tragic end to their fairy tale love story.

Fall From Grace


Kelsey MacBride - 2015
    It begins with the story of Kevin Pierce, an ER doctor whose life falls apart when he fails to save a young girl who resembles his late niece, a niece who lost her life while he was behind the wheel. In order to escape his painful memories, he leaves LA for a small town by the ocean, hoping to rebuild his life and rediscover God’s purpose for his life. This story highlights Kevin’s journey from hopelessness, his hopes, his struggles, and his achievements as God shows him a different path to healing. *This is a FREE Preview and not a stand-alone novel* In this first book, Kevin, a resident ER doctor has his world turned upside down when he fails to save a teenage girl named Rachel injured from an auto accident. What complicates matters is Rachel resembles Sarah, his late niece who died while he was behind the wheel. While Kevin still blames himself for Sarah’s death, his failure to save Rachel causes his life to spiral downward. Unable to cope with the overwhelming guilt, he escapes to a small town in Northern California where he hopes to find God and a resolution to the devastation he feels. But the overwhelming emotional pain paralyzes him and just when he is at his limit, his life takes another unexpected twist when he accidentally meets Stephanie, Rachel’s mother who has also escaped to the same small town to live with her parents. Kevin is torn between feelings of guilt and indebtedness when he finds out Stephanie wants him to help her heal from the loss of Rachel. Can he come to grips with the painful events in his life and travel down the road to recovery with Stephanie by his side, or will he reject her help? Stephanie Knight is a single mother who suffers the loss of her daughter Rachel to a tragic car accident. Even though she has a close relationship with her mother Valerie and a strong faith in God, she struggles with the question of why God would allow Rachel to be taken so early. She relocates to her parent’s home in Northern California to escape the depressing memories of her daughter and to take time to heal. With God’s help and her mother’s support, she manages to cope with the loss of Rachel. But to her surprise, she finds out that Kevin Pierce, the same doctor who couldn’t save Rachel, is also living there. When she notices that Kevin’s life has spiraled into a place darker than her own, her heart goes out to him and she proposes they work together to help each other heal. But will he accept her help and forge an unlikely relationship? Or will Kevin reject her and miss out on an opportunity to experience sacrificial love? Other titles in the Glen Ellen Series by Kelsey MacBride -Saving Grace: Book 2 of the Glen Ellen Story Don't miss out on these Inspirational stories of love and faith!