The best Christian romance books with strong friendships

Picked by Ally Katz

What did I love about each book?

List by Ally Katz

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Why am I passionate about this?

A giving heart must also be a receiving heart was a phrase that always stuck with me. We all need a little help from our friends, after all. And it should be a two-way street. Seeing healthy, giving, and loving friendships always makes a good read that much better. Friendships will always play an important part in the books that I write. Below is my list of the best Christian romance books with strong friendships.

The books I picked & why

Jane Eyre

By Charlotte Brontë,

Why did I love this book?

Jane Eyre was the very first romance novel I had ever read, and is still my favorite. I was pulled into this gothic romance classic and could see why it’s such a celebrated book from almost the first page. I love the struggle Jane has with finding her place in the world after a rocky start. The people she comes across test her integrity in so many ways. She looks to find balance with freedom, belonging to someone, and being true to herself.

The author mentions ‘kindred spirits’, which are people who strongly connect for various reasons. I love that aspect of this book. The character could come from abundance, or from very little, yet there is this drive to find friends and connect. And friendship is such an important theme in Jane Eyre.

Jane Eyre

By Charlotte Brontë,

Why should I read it?

39 authors picked Jane Eyre as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Introduction and Notes by Dr Sally Minogue, Canterbury Christ Church University College.

Jane Eyre ranks as one of the greatest and most perennially popular works of English fiction. Although the poor but plucky heroine is outwardly of plain appearance, she possesses an indomitable spirit, a sharp wit and great courage.

She is forced to battle against the exigencies of a cruel guardian, a harsh employer and a rigid social order. All of which circumscribe her life and position when she becomes governess to the daughter of the mysterious, sardonic and attractive Mr Rochester.

However, there is great kindness and warmth…

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Ella Enchanted

By Gail Carson Levine,

Why did I love this book?

I found this book to be an exciting YA fantasy where the princess actually does more than wait to be rescued. The main character is under a curse, loses her mother, and faces so many trials. She finds powerful allies, and of course the prince. I love how confident, strong, and capable Ella is despite all the challenges that face her. Once I finished the book, it made me wish there were more books like this one. The friends she meets along the way add a lot of charm to this tale.

Ella Enchanted

By Gail Carson Levine,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Ella Enchanted as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

ELLA ENCHANTED is a witty, refreshing take on the popular fairytale, Cinderella which preserves the spirit of the original but adds plenty of humorous twists and a spunky, intelligent female protagonist. "If you've read HARRY POTTER, try ELLA ENCHANTED" Publishers Weekly

Ella is given a blessing at birth by a very stupid fairy: She gets the gift of obedience! but the blessing turns into a horror for Ella who literally has to do what anyone and everyone tells her, from sweeping the floor to giving up a prrecious necklace! She has to battle with ogres and wicked stepsisters, make friends…

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Free

By Careena Campbell,

Why did I love this book?

The author has a great YouTube channel that offers writing advice for Christian authors. After getting so much value from her channel, I was happy to buy her first novel Free. It’s such a clever book that had me quickly rooting for the main character. She overcomes so much. And I found the process of the ship’s crew and captain slowly warming up to her to be heartwarming. It’s a great story of a person without a family finally finding one on the high seas!

Free

By Careena Campbell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Free as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

17-year-old Ruth is used to being independent and trusting God to provide for her needs, even with the little protection life in the 17th century provides her. But when a strange turn of events lands her on a cargo ship with no immediate way off, what is Ruth to do? The sailors are rough and rowdy, but Ruth finds First Mate Leonard particularly intimidating. What is hiding behind Captain Edward’s passive nature? Will she ever be free? As the sailors face the trials of ocean travels, they realize their young servant holds a key to peace and happiness that they…

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Falling In Fast

By Danielle Arie,

Why did I love this book?

The book is just a perfect blend of faith, drama, and romance. I love a good villain, and the character Lauren made a great one! The author skillfully raises the tension level through the family’s dysfunctional situation, to which I felt a connection. My parents divorced when I was 11, and some of Tucker's backstory resonated with me. Not only does the main character find support and friendship with the main female lead, but he has mentors and close friends to help him shoulder the responsibility that he takes on.

I've written three novels geared toward New Adult Christian readers before I discovered this author. I gravitate toward characters in that age range, and really enjoyed her series.

Falling In Fast

By Danielle Arie,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Falling In Fast as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Two Hearts. Three Weeks. One Unexpected Romance.
She’s sworn off guys for the summer and he’s done dating Bridgeport girls. Will three weeks together be enough time to change their minds?

When 18-year-old Emery Hudson decides to work the summer at her favorite Christian camp, she determines to forget her recent breakup, uphold a no dating policy, and center her life on God. But her new crew lead is a hottie with a contagious faith, and she can’t help but start to crush on him. When Tucker starts crushing back, she has to choose between her dream full-ride basketball scholarship,…

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A Work in Progress

By Staci Stallings,

Why did I love this book?

This is another New Adult Christian Romance that made the list for an odd reason. Sure, the romance is solid. Rebecca is an awkward nerd who falls for an attractive guy with his own struggles. Physically, he looks perfect, but there is more than meets the eye. What really made him stand out was that he takes sign language classes, a rare choice for men.

I took sign language for three years in college and attended a Deaf church until I got married. It’s such a beautiful language and culture. The main character from my book has a sister who’s an Interpreter, and in the sequel the gang goes to Deaf day at Six Flags Theme Park (it’s a real event that’s held in the Arlington, Texas location). Weaving sign language into my stories was such a fun task!

A Work in Progress

By Staci Stallings,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Work in Progress as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Rebecca Avery has never been one of “them”—the popular kids, the beautiful people. With less than fashion-plate looks and an off-beat, quirky style to living life, she has been relegated to finding “alone” activities to fill her time throughout high school. Unfortunately, college hasn’t changed that. Then she meets Eric Barnett, a nice guy who seems a little quirky himself. The only problem is, he’s in love with her roommate—one of the truly beautiful people. When Rebecca finds herself falling for him, she must find a way to break out of her shell or risk losing him forever. Who will…

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An Heir of Realms

By Heather Ashle,

Book cover of An Heir of Realms

New book alert!

What is my book about?

An Heir of Realms tells the tale of two young heroines—a dragon rider and a portal jumper—who fight dragon-like parasites to save their realms from extinction.

Rhoswen is training as a Realm Rider to work with dragons and burn away the Narxon swarming into her realm. Rhoswen’s dream is to Ride, but her destiny will pit her against her uncle and king, who have scorned her since before her birth.

In the Exchange, the waystation between realms, Emmelyn fights the G’Ambit, a gambling ring with members more intent on lining their pockets than protecting the realms—or their own lives.

Both…

An Heir of Realms

By Heather Ashle,

What is this book about?

Realm-devouring parasites threaten all existence. The Exchange is desperate to destroy them. But could their radical plans endanger the realms, too?

Soul-sucking parasites are overwhelming the realms.

Rhoswen of Stanburh is of age to train as a Realm Rider—a defender of the realms. Riders and their dragons work together to burn away infiltrating Narxon as they swarm in through tears in a realm’s fabric. But it’s not an easy battle: the mere touch of the smoky, dragon-like adversaries can reduce the lively winged beasts—and their Riders—to ash.

Becoming a Realm Rider is Rhoswen’s dream, but she carries far more responsibility…

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