Top 5 Auto-Buy Authors

 I have been an ardent reader of Christian fiction for twenty+ years. In this time, I've seen a massive shift in this genre in the exceptional quality of writing and the gorgeous, jaw-dropping covers. I'm not knocking the '90's, but let's be honest...some of the covers were lacking. 

In the past, decade my auto-buy authors have changed.

5.) Becca Kinzer

With three novels under her belt, Becca has quickly gained readers with her ability to create hilarious, zany moments for her characters that tickle your funny, touch your heart and also make you feel like you can relate to. I also LOVE that she includes pop culture references to classic films and stars from Hollywood's Golden Age.  (If she managed to make a Cary Grant reference in all of her books I wouldn't be upset about it.) 

You can read more of First Love, Second Draft here.

You can read more of Love in Tandem here. 

You can read more of Dear Henry, Love Edith here. 

4.) Amanda Cox

I remember devouring Amanada Cox's debut Edge of Belonging a few years ago coming back from a family road trip. It was so captivating I didn't want to stop for bathroom breaks. My sister had to remind me that the characters wouldn't do anything without me if I left the book for five minutes. (She was right.) That's the power of page-turning, I have to find out what happens read.  Four books later, she's still continuing the exceptional dual-time stories. Just when I think I'm not going to cry, Amanda gets me Every.Single.Time. in the end. 

You can read more about He Should Have Told the Bees here.

You can read more of Between the Sound and Sea here. 

The Bitter End Birding Society came out last month and is at the top of my TBR pile. 

3.) Sara Brunsvold 

Sara's author tagline is creating stories that speak hope and life. Let me tell you reader, she does that in spades. Her debut The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is one of those books that stays with you. PSA: you will absolutely need Kleenex while reading her books. 

You can read more about The Extraordinary Deaths od Mrs. Kip here. 

You can read more about The Divine Proverb of Streusel here.

You can read more about The Atlas of Untold Stories here. 

2.) Sarah Sundin

Sarah Sundin is my go-to WWII fiction author. I'd compare her to Laura Frantz in the amount of history she can cram into a story without make you feel like you're reading a textbook. Whoever designs the covers of her novels knocks it out of the park every time. In no particular order below are a few favorite covers and stories. (Although you can't go wrong with any of her stories).

Through Waters Deep (Waves of Freedom Book #1)

With Every Letter (Wings of the Nightengale Book #1)

The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy #3)

Until Leaves Fall in Paris 

1.) Karen Witemeyer

I make no bones about what a die-hard fan I am of historical fiction author Karen Witmeyer! Voted #1 Readers Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 it's easy to see why. Twenty-nine books later Karen consistently writes rock solid stories that have feisty heroines, swoon worthy cowboys (because no woman ever dreamed of an accountant), page-turning plots and a gospel message beautifully and seamlessly woven in. It never feels forced to the plot and I appreciate that. 

I recently wrote a top ten list of Karen's favorite books you can read here. 

Taming Lady Temperance (Book 1 in The Secret Society of Spinsters) comes out February 2026 

Did any of my top five authors make your list? My hope is that this auto-buy list of authors excites you if you're looking for new-to-you authors or want to discover a different genre to explore in the world of fiction. 

Reading is an adventure,

   Emilee 

Top 5 Reads of Summer

 Summer may still "technically" be in the Midwest until September 22nd, but once Labor Day is over my mind turns to apple orchards and apple cider donuts. 

I couldn't let summer go without mentioning my top five favorite reads. These books made my list because I'm still thinking about them months or weeks after I've closed the book. They captivated, entertained, and inspired. Everything you want while reading a story.

Any books you'd include or any I may have missed? 

5.) 

You can read my review of The Lawyer and the Laundress here.

4.)

You can read more on my review of Whose Waves These Are here.

3.)

You can read more of my review of The Atlas of Untold Stories here.

2.)

You can read more of my review of To Love a Beast here.

1.) 

You can read more about my review of Every Hour Until Then here.

Reading is an adventure,

 

    Emilee