Book picks similar to
Knocking by Robin Merrill


christian
fiction
christian-lit
women-s-fiction

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

The Edge of Light


Ann Shorey - 2009
    And when Samuel's unscrupulous brother takes over the family business, Molly must head out on her own, leaving her old life behind. It's a dangerous journey, but somehow she must find a way to make a living, keep her family together, and fend off some over-eager suitors.

The Wedding Bond


Lee Tobin McClain - 2016
    Enter Phelan O’Donnell: army ranger, bad boy, and Kaylee’s high school ex. What Kaylee doesn’t know, when she enters into a “practice” relationship with Phelan, is that he’s harboring a secret that could rip her family apart. Their chemistry is explosive and their values are finally in sync. Their trial run just might turn into an actual marriage. But can they withstand a shocking revelation about their own history without breaking each others’ hearts? This standalone Christian romance spins off from Lee’s Sacred Bond series of inspirational romance novels. It’s set in the same Florida town where A Doctor’s Bond took place, and you’ll get the chance to wave hello to Boone and Abby, as well as Hector and Maria from A Bond Fulfilled. The Wedding Bond is a great way to jump into the Sacred Bond and Sacred Bond Guardians series of heartwarming, sweet love stories. Escape into small-town Florida, where love warms the beaches… and your heart.

The Color of Heaven


Julianne MacLean - 2011
    When it seems nothing else could possibly go wrong, her car skids off an icy road and plunges into a frozen lake. There, in the cold, dark depths of the water, Sophie experiences something profound and extraordinary--something that unlocks the secrets from her past, and teaches her what it means to truly live"--Publisher description.

Gracie's Song


Michelle Schlicher - 2016
    After graduation, she walked away from everyone she knew with barely a word. Ten years later, she's back. Even as familiar places and faces bring back old pain, Gracie finds hope in rebuilding old ties and forging new ones. Maybe everything can't be undone, but perhaps everything can be overcome.

Thicker Than Blood


C.J. Darlington - 2009
    She’s putting her past behind her and working hard to build her career as a buyer for a large used bookstore. So far she’s been able to keep her drinking problem at bay, but everything changes when she lands a DUI on her thirty-third birthday. When she’s accused of a crime she didn’t commit at work, she has nowhere to turn. She yearns for her estranged family, especially her younger sister May whom she hasn’t seen for fifteen years. Now the owner of a failing cattle ranch in Elk Valley, Colorado, May couldn’t possibly want a relationship with the big sister who didn’t even say good-bye all those years ago, could she? Soon Christy’s fleeing from her shattered dreams, her abusive ex-boyfriend, and God. Could the Triple Cross Ranch be the safe haven she’s searching for, or will May’s new-found faith give her even more reason to reject Christy?

The Irish Cottage: Finding Elizabeth


Juliet Gauvin - 2014
    Book 1 of 3. Elizabeth Lara built a perfect life as San Francisco’s top divorce attorney, but when she loses her great-aunt Mags, the woman who raised her, she boards a plane and leaves it all behind.The Irish shores welcome her as she learns a shocking truth, kept secret for thirty-five years. Devastated and now alone in the world, Beth tries to find peace in a beautiful cottage by Lough Rhiannon, but peace isn’t what fate had in mind. Almost as soon as she arrives, Beth’s solitary retreat into the magic wilds of Ireland is interrupted by Connor Bannon. A man with light brown hair, ice blue eyes and a secret of his own. He’s gorgeous, grieving, and completely unexpected. With the help of Mags’ letters, the colorful townspeople of Dingle, and Connor, Elizabeth might just find a way back to the girl she lost long ago and become the woman she always wanted to be.

What Are Friends For?


Patricia McLinn - 2006
    Though that didn’t keep him from longing for the unattainable prom queen, Jennifer. The one person who did understand his out-of-the-box brain was Darcie, his best friend. After their high school graduation, Zeke and Darcie for one night jolted from friends to lovers. And then he left town, and she knew he couldn’t look back. What he didn’t know was the depth of Darcie’s feelings for him. Now it’s 17 years later, and Zeke’s a self-made billionaire founder of a tech security firm, Darcie’s a local cop and Jennifer’s a divorced mom of a tween girl. And their little town is flagging. At Darcie’s urging, Zeke returns to Drago to boost its economy. Will his new wealth attract the still-beautiful Jennifer? Or will Darcie, the one girl who always made him feel at ease, show him that true love knows no boundaries? * * * * * * * * What Are Friends For?, Book 1 of USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's Seasons in a Small Town series, is a moving, passionate contemporary romance that will captivate fans of Bella Andre, Roxanne St. Clair and Jill Shalvis.

Finding Faith (Love's Compass #4)


Melanie D. Snitker - 2016
    Moving away from her family support system so Gideon can attend a special school seems like the right choice, even if it means her entire life is about to change. The satisfaction of helping children and being a part of their lives is one reason Aaron Randall loves his job as a music therapist. When Hope Academy instills a dating policy, he doesn't give it a second thought. Until the new coworker who'd caught his attention turns out to be the parent of one of his students.A love they never expected is just out of reach. With Aaron's job and Gideon's education hanging in the balance, they'll have to rely on faith to find their way.

The Pastor's Wife


Jennifer AlLee - 2009
    But when "the other woman" in her marriage turned out to be her husband's congregation, she ran. Six years later, she's back in the small community of Granger, Ohio, for the reading of a will that names both her and Nick as beneficiaries. Now, Maura must face the husband - and the congregation - she left behind.

God's Grammar


Mick Mooney - 2012
    While the grammar lesson begins at Sam's kitchen table, inwardly an epic journey also takes place; a journey out of Sam's inner Fortress and into the greater realm of his soul. While God seeks to liberate Sam, the General--a dark co-inhabitant of Sam's inner Fortress--is determined to keep the revelation of God's unfailing love from finding a permanent home in Sam's heart. God's Grammar is an imaginative tale of loss, love and redemption that dares to answer one of life's biggest questions: Will love last forever?

The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma


Trisha Messmer - 2020
    She longed to be free. Pressured by forces beyond their control, will they give in to forbidden desire?England, 1823. After establishing a successful practice in America, Dr. Harry Radcliffe swore he wouldn’t set foot on British soil again. But when he’s named the Duke of Ashton after his callous brother’s sudden death, he begrudgingly returns to the pretentious world he detests. And his pledge to his dying mother to find a wife is thrown into chaos when he meets his stunning sister-in-law.Margaret Radcliffe finally escaped her abusive marriage. Yet her late husband’s final cruel act left her penniless, with her only option to remarry... the one thing she vowed she’d never do again. But the new duke’s startlingly familiar features awaken yearnings she thought long-forgotten, dangling the heartbreaking whisper of a passion impossible to fulfill.Although convinced the accusations that she murdered her husband are only salacious gossip, Harry's real torment comes when he wishes for a union that would make them outcasts. But even when they finally submit to their simmering attraction, Margaret’s dream of happily-ever-after may be derailed by society’s schemes.Can a scandalous affair turn into a lifetime of love?The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma is the suspenseful first book in The Hope Clinic Regency romance series. If you like swoon-worthy heroes, uplifting humor, and heroines beating the odds, then you’ll adore Trisha Messmer’s tale of tortured hearts.

Books 1-5 Collection : After, New Beginnings & The Excellence Club


Joy Ohagwu - 2020
    Over 500 Five Star series reviews. Quoted by the famous and churches alike. The First Five Novels of the acclaimed After, New Beginnings & The Excellence Club Christian Inspirational Series. Enter your most impactful Christian Fiction series yet.Book 1 - AFTER - Candace had a stunning voice but he plotted her downfall and the loss of her faith. When she falls before thousands, will shame win, or will her newfound faith in Jesus build her a new platform?Book 2 - JABEZ - Born into a family where support was lacking, will his dreams fall before it began? Or will an encounter with a pastor change the direction of his life and destiny?Book 3 - AFTER 2 - Blinded by tears, broken by rejection, and caught at her wits end, Blossom mistakenly plunges her car into the Potomac River and isn't sure whether she will survive. Will she drown or can she be rescued before it's too late? Will she trust God to carve her a fresh start while sinking to the bottom of the Potomac?Book 4 - AFTER 3 - Harboring a secret that torpedoed every chance at finding love, can she trust God to lead someone who accepted her...including her challenge? His grief for a tragedy soured his choice to live. After his chance encounter with her, a future filled with sorrow seemed like a choice. Would he accept hope?Book 5 - HER UNDYING FAITH - Sharon Parsons is no stranger to being different. However, she did not expect to fall in love with a man who not only didn't share her faith, but any faith at all. When her heart gets deeply in love, and their faith differences more stark and impossible to ignore, what ends - his faithlessness or their marriage?Dive into this beloved series by USA Today bestselling author Joy Ohagwu, hailed as a top 17 Christian Fiction Author, stories applauded by thousands, and hope-filled adventure and don't stop until you flip the last page. Books by Author Joy Ohagwu in reading order:The New Rulebook & Pete Zendel Christian Suspense Series-1- Red2- Snowy Peaks3- The Wedding4- Vanished5- Rescued6- Delivered7- Freedom8- Rest9- Sunshine10-Whisper11-The Secret Heritage12-Hunter13-Hunted14-Courageous15-Defended16-Warrior17-Emergent18-Reign19-Legacy20-Emerald EyesThe Pleasant Hearts & Elliot-Kings Christian Suspense Series:Uncommon GroundUnbound HopeUnveiled TruthUnshaken LoveDecoyA Home RedeemedA Trust RestoredA Tainted FruitA Righteous CallingRaspberry KissesThe After, New Beginnings & The Excellence Club Christian Inspirational Series:AfterJabezAfter 2After 3At First SightTo Have & To HoldHer Undying FaithHis Changed LifeHis Secret MissionTheir Sister's RescueHis Stubborn ChaseA Daring AdventureTheir Happy HomeA Sacred TrustA Sealed DealAn Opened TreasureA Restored PromiseA Three-fold CordA Cherished BlessingA Godly CovenantAsia Bancroft Christian Suspense series:She Knows Her GODShe Had A Name

Cowboy Creed


Rhonda Lee Carver - 2020
    For Mindy and Creed the flame remains.Newly divorced and empty nester, Mindy Sage, decided that her hometown might be the perfect place to reinvent herself, or at least find the wild and carefree girl she used to be before she moved away.She’s craving small town comfort, but the problem is, in Cooper’s Hawk, everyone knows everyone. Secrets can feel as tall and wide as the Montana mountains that backdrop the friendly, picturesque town where she’d left her heart in the hands of a handsome cowboy nineteen years ago.Search and Rescue team member, Creed Hawke, understood more than anyone what saving a life meant, but who would save him from the one woman he’d never gotten over? He’d moved on—or at least he thought he had until those old emotions come tumbling back with the vengeance of a forest fire. He’s reminded of how much he’d loved Mindy, wanted her, swore to marry her. Why couldn’t he forget her? Resist her? Deny her his heart?Because he’d fallen for her at ten and never came back up for air.How can he forgive her for stealing his daughter from him? Is love stronger than the mistakes they’ve made? Or are they doomed before they find forever?

Over the Waters


Deborah Raney - 2005
    Botox” to the bored rich women of Chicago, plastic surgeon Max Jordan was shocked by the decision of his son, Joshua, to focus his medical talent on Haitian orphans. Embittered by Joshua’s death, Max searched for resolution in the very place his son called home. The selfless labor of Joshua’s coworkers stunned Max. He was particularly taken by American volunteer Valerie Austin, whose dream of a honeymoon on a tropical beach had been crushed, replaced by a stint working in the impoverished orphanage. But Valerie’s view of Joshua’s sacrifice—and her own—challenged everything Max had lived for. Transformed by his visit to Haiti, and especially by his encounters with Valerie, Max wondered if he could ever return to his “Max-a-Million” lifestyle, or if the doors to his gilded cage had finally opened. Originally published in 2005