9 Uplifting Faith-Filled Books To Read This Season From the Christy Award Finalists
Meet 2026 Christy Awards finalists in Christian fiction, from heartwarming romances to historical dramas and suspenseful mysteries
Key Takeaways
- The Christy Awards return to Nashville to celebrate outstanding Christian fiction writers.
- 'Woman's World' highlights 9 standout book finalists across diverse fiction categories.
- From romance to mystery, these inspiring books showcase the power of faith-based stories.
The Christian fiction community is getting ready to gather in Music City! On November 6 in Nashville, Tennessee, the Christy Award Gala will celebrate the best in Christian fiction, honoring the power of faith-centered novels to inspire readers and make a positive impact, while bringing together writers and publishers who share a passion for meaningful storytelling.
This year, nine fiction categories will be recognized at the ceremony: Contemporary Romance, First Novel, General Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Short Form, Speculative and Young Adult.
Here at Woman’s World, we’re huge fans of the thought-provoking, heartwarming stories Christian authors bring into the world. From swoon-worthy romances and gripping mysteries to imaginative adventures and rich historical fiction, these novels offer readers so much to enjoy as these authors continue to inspire, entertain and encourage us through their work!
With so many wonderful books in the running, we’ve picked one finalist from each category that has caught our attention. Here are nine novels we’re excited to celebrate as we await this year’s winners.
Contemporary Romance: ‘Hearts on the Fly’ by Toni Shiloh
A longtime Woman’s World favorite, Toni Shiloh delivers another sweet romance about love and second chances. When a hockey injury threatens Jabari Hall’s career and his eyesight begins to deteriorate, his teammates set him up with Val Elliott — the sister of his ex-girlfriend. Though Val has reason to be wary, their friendship deepens as Jabari faces an uncertain future and searches for a new purpose.
First Novel: ‘The Lawyer and the Laundress’ by Christine Hill Suntz
Set in 1837 Canada, this debut novel follows widowed lawyer James Kinney, who turns to laundress Sara O’Connor for help when his young daughter falls seriously ill. As Sara becomes part of their household, James proposes a marriage of convenience to protect them from scandal. But with rebellion threatening the colony and James accused of treason, Sara’s hidden past may hold the key to saving his life.
General Fiction: ‘The Bitter End Birding Society’ by Amanda Cox
Hoping to escape unwanted attention, Ana Leigh Watkins travels to Bitter End, Tennessee, to help her great-aunt prepare for retirement. There, an unlikely group of bird-watchers introduces her to the healing power of friendship and the outdoors. But a discovery involving a forbidden romance between a preacher’s son and a moonshiner’s daughter uncovers a painful family history — and offers two estranged women a chance to reconcile after 60 years.
Historical: ‘The French Kitchen’ by Kristy Cambron
In 1952 Paris, former intelligence operative Kat Fontaine enrolls in a cooking class led by Julia Child, only to find herself confronting painful wartime memories and searching for her missing brother. Meanwhile, in Nazi-occupied France in 1943, chef Manon Altier secretly aids the resistance while working at a chateau frequented by Nazi leaders. As both women navigate dangerous secrets and uncertain loyalties, their stories reveal the unexpected ways the past can shape the future.
Historical Romance: ‘The Belle of Chatham’ by Laura Frantz
During the American Revolution, sisters Maebel and Coralie Bohannon find their family divided between Patriots and Loyalists. As Maebel’s feelings grow for American general Rhys Harlow, she begins to suspect that Coralie’s relationship with a British officer may conceal a dangerous secret. Leaving home for the New York frontier, Maebel faces betrayal and peril that test her courage, her convictions and the sisterly bond she hopes to preserve.
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller: ‘Girl Lost’ by Kate Angelo
After placing her baby for adoption as a teenager, CIA officer Luna Rosati sets out to find the daughter she has never known. But when her mentor disappears, she reconnects with Corbin King, a former teenage love whose family history holds its own dark secrets. Together, they investigate a frightening trail of kidnappings, missing bodies and murder, discovering that their search for answers could put far more than their hearts at risk.
Short Form: ‘A Very Merry Matchup’ by Becca Kinzer
Travel nurse Ivy West loves playing matchmaker, but she has yet to find her own ideal partner. When baseball player Beau Wall catches her attention, she decides he’d be better suited to her friend Lucy. Months later, Ivy returns to Iowa for Christmas and discovers Lucy has arranged a surprise of her own. With holiday movies, festive lights and some enthusiastic family matchmaking, Ivy begins to reconsider whether Beau might be the one she’s been waiting for.
Speculative: ‘Every Hour Until Then’ by Gabrielle Meyer
Kathryn can cross between two eras: 1938 and Victorian London in 1888. While researching Jack the Ripper for a London museum exhibit, she discovers that her sister is destined to become the killer’s final victim. With help from her childhood friend, Kathryn races to uncover the murderer’s identity and change history. But preventing the tragedy could cost her the future — and the love — she longs to hold on to.
Young Adult: ‘Illuminary’ by Chawna Schroeder
Yosarai Patican dreams of becoming an illuminator and earns a place at a prestigious arts academy, hoping to follow in her famous mother’s footsteps. Meanwhile, Prince Xander faces assassination attempts after his father’s unexpected death leaves him heir to the throne. Hiding in a neighboring country, he poses as an inventor and recruits Yosarai to help him. As danger and secrets threaten them both, a high-stakes competition may be their only chance to protect their futures.
Celebrating the stories that bring us together
From tender romances and festive love stories to suspenseful mysteries, sweeping historical dramas and imaginative worlds, these nine finalists showcase the wonderful range of Christian fiction. Each offers something different, whether it’s a reminder of the power of forgiveness, the courage to face an uncertain future, the comfort of community or the hope that love can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.
We’re thrilled to see so many talented authors recognized for their work. We’re excited to see which novels take home the honors at the Christy Award Gala on November 6. We’ll be cheering on all the finalists — and celebrating the writers who make Christian fiction such an inspiring part of the literary world!
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