It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. Today I’m sharing from The Backpack Bride, a modern marriage of convenience story by new-to-me author Dulcie Dameron. Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About The Backpack Bride

Marry a stranger, adopt my nephew. Sounds easy enough…right?

Roxy:

After my brother’s untimely death, I’m left brokenhearted and fighting for a teenage nephew who doesn’t seem to care whether he’s out on the streets or tucked into bed at night.

Maybe I’m not the most responsible person to raise Axel, but I’m all he has left. I would do anything, even sacrifice my future, in order to gain permanent custody of him. Which is why I take Christian Price up on his crazy offer.

But I never could have known that agreeing to a marriage of convenience with my hot billionaire boss would also satisfy my year-long crush on the biker boy of my dreams.

Christian:

Aside from my online alter ego, all I’ve ever wanted to do was take over the family business. So why, when that goal is finally within reach, does my dad slap me with some manipulative bogus contract?

No loving father in his right mind would tell his overqualified son that he can’t inherit their family’s legacy until he’s settled down with a wife and gives proof that he’s committed to providing an heir to pass the company on to someday.

Then I find the solution herself crying in the supply room at work, and everything falls into place. There’s just one complication: my contractual marriage to Roxy quickly turns into way more than I bargained for…and something I don’t think I can give up.

Find The Backpack Bride online at:

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Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

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Bookish Question #388 | Do you read devotional books?

by Iola Goulton

10 June 2025

Yes and no …

I have started many devotional books, but I don’t think I’ve ever finished one.

I like to pick a book up and read it from start to finish, whereas devotional books are designed to be read a page at a time.

I also don’t like the fact that devotional books start with a Bible reading, but don’t include the full reading. I understand that is for copyright reasons, but it’s another reason I don’t finish the devotional book. It tells me to read Romans 8:1-11 (for example), but I keep reading and go off on my own tangent. If I remember to come back to the devotional, it’s inevitably focusing on something completely different than the verse or passage that grabbed my interest.

I have tried, over and over.

I keep getting to day four or day seven or day fourteen, then getting distracted and not picking the book up again.

The only exception is one-year devotionals which are a read-the-Bible-in-a year challenges. With these, it doesn’t matter if you read ahead a few chapters or even a whole book, because you were going to read that anyway.

What about you? Do you read devotional books? What do you recommend?

Book Review | The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

by Iola Goulton

9 June 2025

Sara Brunsvold’s debut novel, The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, won a lot of praise … which meant I started reading The Divine Proverb of Streusel with a little hesitation. Would it be as good? Could it be as good?

In my view, it’s better.

Nikki Warner is broken. Four months ago, her father left her mother for another woman. Their divorce came through a month ago, and he married his mistress last weekend. As a teacher, Nikki has summer off, so she runs away to the Warner family farm, a place she hasn’t visited since she was twelve.

Wes Warner is Nikki’s uncle, a Christian, who has recently returned to the farm after decades in the army. He doesn’t know how to help the hurting Nikki except to make her welcome, give her a place to stay and something to do, and pray for her.

Nikki finds her grandmother’s old recipe books in the old family home. Although she’s no cook, she starts working her way through the traditional German recipes, finding herself again as she finds out more about her family.

The writing is very understated, with the messages coming through as a ripple rather than a roar. But that is what gives the writing power and makes for a compelling read. It’s easy to read, with characters it’s easy to sympathise with and root for.

Recommended for women’s fiction fans looking for something a little out of the ordinary that reminds us of the importance of connection to family and to God.

Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a fee ebook for review.

About Sara Brunsvold

Sara Brunsvold creates stories that speak hope, truth, and life. Influenced by humble women of God who find His fingerprints in the everyday, she does the same in her life and her storytelling. Sara’s recognitions include the 2020 ACFW Genesis Award for Contemporary Fiction. She lives with her family in Kansas City, where she can often be spotted writing at a park or library.

Find Sara Brunsvold online at

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About The Divine Proverb of Streusel

Shaken by her parents’ divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle’s farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She’ll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is a past she barely knows.

Among her late grandmother’s belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town’s history, her ancestors–and her estranged father.

What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured–with the help of their cooking prowess. Nikki realizes how delicious streusel with a healthy dollop of faith can serve as a guide to heal wounds of the past.

You can find The Divine Proverb of Streusel online at:

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Click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

First Line Friday #394 | How to Kiss a Guy in Ten Days by Liwen Y Ho

by Iola Goulton

6 June 2025

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. Today I’m sharing from How to Kiss a Guy in Ten Days by Liwen Y Ho. It’s the first book in her Young Adult Edenvale Arts Academy series … which apparently released in 2020, yet I’ve only just discovered it.

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About How to Kiss a Guy in Ten Days

I never expected a fake relationship to give me a chance to be loved for who I really am.

Hannah

When my family went broke, I lost everything. My friends. My school. Even my “perfect” boyfriend suddenly decided that now was the perfect time to take a break.

But I have the ultimate opportunity to show him just what he’s been missing. And maybe even win him back.

I just need a little help from the cute new guy at school.

Seth

When Hannah Mitchell asks me to be her fake boyfriend, it’s impossible to say no. Yes, she’s the most beautiful girl at Edenvale, but this could also be my chance to leave my past behind and make a new name for myself.

I’m going to do everything possible to help her forget about her ex—because she deserves so much better.

Ten days. Two secrets. And one chance to turn a fake relationship into something real.

Find How to Kiss a Guy in Ten Days online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

Guest Post | How Christian Fiction Strengthens Your Faith by Zeeva Usman

by Iola Goulton

5 June 2025

Today I’m delighted to welcome Zeeva Usman to the blog, to share her thoughts on how how Christian Fiction Strengthens our faith.

Stories have a powerful way of shaping our hearts and minds. Throughout history, people have used storytelling to pass down wisdom, inspire courage, and reveal deeper truths about life. Christian fiction, in particular, offers more than just entertainment—it can be a tool for spiritual growth, helping readers draw closer to God and strengthen their faith.

1. Bringing Biblical Truths to Life

The Bible is full of stories that teach profound lessons, but sometimes, it can be challenging to relate them to our daily lives. Christian fiction takes biblical themes—grace, redemption, forgiveness—and weaves them into narratives that resonate with modern struggles. When we see characters wrestling with doubt, facing trials, or experiencing God’s grace in unexpected ways, we’re reminded of how these truths apply to our own faith journey.

2. Encouraging Deeper Reflection

A well-written Christian novel doesn’t just entertain; it prompts self-examination. When we read about characters who must trust God in difficult situations, we may find ourselves reflecting on our own faith. Would we respond the same way? Are we relying on God in our struggles? Fictional stories often raise real-life questions, leading us to pray, seek wisdom, and grow spiritually.

3. Providing Encouragement in Hard Times

Life can be overwhelming, and faith can sometimes waver. Christian fiction offers encouragement by reminding us that we’re not alone in our struggles. Whether it’s a story of a prodigal son finding his way home, a young woman learning to trust God after heartbreak, or a community coming together in faith, these narratives can uplift and strengthen our resolve to keep walking with Christ.

4. Teaching Through Emotional Connection

Jesus often used parables to teach because He understood the power of stories. When we connect with a character’s journey—feeling their pain, rejoicing in their victories—it makes the lessons more personal and memorable. A powerful Christian novel can leave a lasting impact, reminding us of God’s love and faithfulness long after we’ve turned the last page.

5. Inspiring a Love for Scripture

Many Christian fiction books are rich with biblical references, subtly encouraging readers to explore Scripture. A novel might introduce a verse in a new light or inspire a desire to study a particular biblical story in more depth. When a book stirs our hearts, it often leads us back to God’s Word for further understanding.

6. Encouraging a Kingdom Perspective

In a world filled with secular media, Christian fiction provides a refreshing perspective that keeps our hearts and minds focused on God’s kingdom. Instead of narratives that promote worldly values, these books reinforce the truth that our hope is in Christ. They remind us that faith, love, and obedience to God matter more than worldly success.

Final Thoughts

Christian fiction is more than just a way to pass the time—it’s a faith-building experience. Whether it’s a historical novel that brings biblical times to life, a romance that showcases God-centered relationships, or a suspenseful story that highlights the power of prayer, Christian fiction has the potential to draw us closer to God.

So, the next time you pick up a Christian novel, remember—it’s not just a story. It’s an opportunity to grow, reflect, and be reminded of the God who writes the greatest story of all.

What are some Christian fiction books that have strengthened your faith? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

About Zeeva Usman

Zeeva Usman is an experienced content manager at Christian Marketing Experts and a content specialist at Salt of Heaven, where she uses her expertise to create impactful, faith-centered content. When she’s not crafting words, Zeeva finds joy in worshiping and singing for the Lord Jesus, drawing inspiration from her faith to encourage others.

Find Zeeva online at:

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Bookish Question #387 | Is there a location you would like to see in Christian fiction?

by Iola Goulton

3 June 2025

This is a tough question!

(But not for the reason you might think.)

Most Christian fiction is set in the USA, so it stands to reason that I would look at locations outside the continental USA, or further afield.

So I started running through other places I’d like to see in Christian fiction … but I can actually think of books with those settings.

Let’s list a few:

Italy is the setting for at least some of the story in each of the books in the multi-author A Tuscan Legacy series.

Athens, Greece, is the setting for Athens Ambuscade by Kristen Joy Wilks. (Actually, check out the entire Passport to Romance series.)

Elizabeth Musser has set many of her novels in her adopted country of France, including This Promised Land and the upcoming From the Valley We Rise.

Michael Phillips is an older author, but set his Secret of the Rose in Poland and Germany.

Nadine Brandes set Romanov in pre-Revolution Russia.

Jeanette Windle set several books in South America, including Crossfire (Bolivia) and The DMZ (Colombia).

Kimberly Duffy has a Dreams of India trilogy set during the Raj.

Milla Holt has several international settings, including Uganda (Falling for the Foe) and her Seasons of Faith series, set in Norway.

Going Back Cold by Kelley Rose Waller is set in Antarctica!

And, of course, New Zealand features in Close to You by Kara Isaac.

The only location I can think of that I haven’t already read about is Iceland.

Jenny Erlingsson is from Iceland, so perhaps this is a location she can use as the setting for a future novel.

What about you? What location or locations would you like to read about in Christian fiction?

Book Review | Here by Lydia Sohn

by Iola Goulton

2 June 2025

Part self-help and part memoir, Here is a short but powerful lesson on moving through life and attaining our goals in a traditional but possibly counter-cultural way.

One of the features of reading nonfiction, especially Christian nonfiction, is discovering more about how other people think about faith and God and living the Christian life. Some of the authors are like me; some are not. Some of their ideas are familiar; some are not. Some of their ideas gel with me; some do not. But there is always something to ponder and learn, even when I thnk I have little in common wiht the writer.

Here by Linda Sohn is one such book. We have some things in common: we are both Christian women, working mothers, wives, and first-generation immigrants. We have differences: she lives in Los Angeles; I live in New Zealand. She is a Methodist minister; I am an evangelical turned Baptist. She describes herself as a leaver; I do not. Sohn says:

I am, by nature, a leaver. Once a relationship, job, or any other arrangement requiring commitment gets to be challenging, I fantasize about the next better thing.

That alone makes us very different. But it’s in that difference we can learn … and possibly change our beliefs and resulting actions to become more Christlike. Sohn suggest this is because we live in a world that values leaving over staying, pointing out that we have taken journeys to escape the present or move. There is a longstanding belief that leaving one’s hometown is a marker of success and moving up in the world. Sohn points out this restlessness, this desire to leave because of external satisfaction, is not unusual.

Sohn’s premise is than instead of wondering where we should go next when we get restless, we should ask different questions:

What is it within me leading to dissatisfaction?

What can I change within myself that will influence the larger situation?

Here is a statement of the power of staying where we are planted, the self-discipline that requires when all we want to do is leave, and an examination of a range of Christian spiritual disciplines. She also points out that these disciplines will lead to our transformation … so we can change even while remaining here (wherever “here” may be).

Here is a quiet yet compelling book, one that encourages us to explore a range of spiritual practices, including meditation and prayer, spending time in nature, expressing gratitude, spiritual contemplation (reading the Bible), self-reflection, and communal worship.

It’s a book that’s packed full of wisdom. Wisdom Sohn herself has gleaned over the years. Wisdom from spiritual giants of the past. Wisdom from not-so-spiritual giants of today. You won’t agree with everything she says, but it will make you think. And it could inspire you to decide to make a change for good.

Thanks to Convergent Books and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Here

A Spirituality of Staying in a Culture of Leaving

A contemplative guide to finding satisfaction right where you are, by understanding what it is within us that leads to dissatisfaction and creating long-lasting fulfillment—inspired by the ancient Christian tradition of Benedictine stability.

Lydia Sohn was a serial burn-it-down-and-make-a-fresh-start girl until, when in her late twenties, she encountered the Rule of St. Benedict with its vow of stability, and her world was transformed. Sohn took a pause to consider what she wanted out of life—identity, purpose, community—and had a lightbulb moment: Everything she needed to live the life she desired was already within her reach.

Here pushes back against our age of constant reinvention and the cultural message that we should do whatever it takes to get wherever we want to go. Instead, Sohn’s message is the opposite: stay. Stay and cultivate the immense potential and beauty that currently lies dormant within your circumstances.

Sohn understands the allure of nomadism. A nomadic life would protect us from the stress of relational conflicts that inevitably arise when we’re caught in the intricate web of commitments. But the restlessness, FOMO, and disappointment we’re trying to escape always come along for the journey. That’s because they’re not the result of our circumstances; they reside within us.

Braiding personal narrative and spiritual reflection, Here inspires readers to both embrace and transform their circumstances through commitment and stability—in order that they might find true contentment right where they are.

Find Here online at:

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About Lydia Sohn

Rev. Lydia Sohn is a United Methodist minister, currently serving as senior pastor of Walnut United Methodist Church, and a writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Christian Century, among other venues. She lives in Claremont, California with her husband and three children.

Find Lydia Sohn online at:

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First Line Friday #393 | My Achy Broken Heart by Meredith Resce

by Iola Goulton

30 May 2025

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m currently writing my third Trinity Lakes romance, which means I’m reading some of the earlier books to remind myself what the other inhabitants of Trinity Lakes have been up to. It’s called research, right?

Today I’m sharing from My Achy Broken Heart by Meredith Resce, which released this week. Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About My Achy Broken Heart

How quickly things can change.

Last week Lucy was full of joy and hope, having finally met a Christian man who seemed to be crazy about her. One minute, she is full of heady passion and hope that a proposal is imminent—the next she is coming to terms with being alone, pregnant, and not understanding where he’s gone.

Her ‘dream’ man has turned into a nightmare, hiding behind his status as a worship pastor in a large church and his influential parents, denying he’s ever had anything to do with Lucy. And she’s fully aware that she’s stepped way outside her own moral boundaries—a fact that is being ruthlessly thrown in her face from some of the people she’d expect to have supported her. Only her close family are willing to stand by her in this difficult time. But the pressure is so great she decides to fly Downunder to visit her brother in Australia.

Will Phillips has finally found some hope after having lost the family farm and his long-term relationship. The small-town pastor, Caleb Kennedy, is proving himself to be not only a spiritual mentor, but a good mate. And then his sister arrives from the States. She’s attractive and seems nice, but he’s not interested in starting a new relationship—still smarting from the last one.

But she seems sad, and Will’s caring side wonders why, despite himself. When he finds Lucy on the side of the road after an accident, he finds out her secret and all of his intentions to stay distant seem to have disappeared.

A small town, romance that spans to both sides of the globe. Reconnect with Caleb and Alanah, and Matt and Arianne from earlier stories in the Trinity Lakes Romance series.

Find My Achy Broken Heart online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

Bookish Question #386 | Are there any occupations you would like to see in Christian fiction?

by Iola Goulton

27 May 2025

Great question.

Christian fiction (and perhaps all fiction) seems to go through stages. It seems that most fiction I read features cowboys, cafe owners, bookshop owners, or B&B owners. (And it’s almost always the owners, not the workers.)

I see a handful of accountants and a few marketing executives, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Human Resources manager or business analyst. I’ve never read a Christian novel featuring an auditor or an actuary. I’ve seen a few winery owners, but never seen a publican (which perhaps is less surprising than the winemakers.)

I see very few stories set in big businesses or government departments.

Even billionaire romances tend to feature heroes (and they are almost always heroes) who spend little of their time in the office. And when I see government employees, they tend to be law enforcement, teachers or medical professionals(because outisdethe USA,most medical professionals are government employees).

When I do see businesspeople, the story typically mentions their occupation, but everything happens outside this office. This does make sense: most businesses, especially large businesses have strict rules about relationships between colleagues.

So what occupations would I like to see?

Honestly, I’d like a good workplace romance where the woman is the boss or where the man is the one who sacrifices his career for love.

What about you? What occupations would you like to see more of in Christian fiction?

Book Review | What Not to do on Vacation by Rachel McGee

by Iola Goulton

26 May 2025

What Not to do on Vacation is part romance and part women’s fiction. On the outside, it’s the story of three sisters reuniting for a reenactment of the childhood summer holidays in Sunnyside, Florida.

But nothing goes according to plan …

Cora arrives with no luggage. Bianca and Savannah each arrive with news, although while Bianca is delighted to share that she’s engaged to a man she’s been online dating for five weeks and has never met in real life, Savannah keeps her news a secret.

In what seems perfectly logical in a way only a rom-com can be logical, Bianca persuades the very single Cora to sign up for SoulMate, the AI matchmaker app she used to find Zander, her now-fiance. The app sets Cora up with local hotel chain heir Jax Verona, who isn’t interested in a relationship that goes past two dates except for when a much-wanted promotion is dangled in front of him.

The characters are relatable, if a little cliche: Savannah, the responsible perfectionist oldest sister. Cora, the hardworking middle sister who sometimes resents both her sisters. Bianca, the flighty youngest sister who doesn’t know what she wants from life (and whose sisters don’t believe her when she claims she’s found The Answer).

The book description discloses the plot is partly based on 10 Things I Hate About You (which is based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew), although I felt it was more like How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days (which isn’t officially based on The Taming of the Shrew but has some strong parallels). As with It’s All Relative, the names do give away the underlying plot: Bianca, Jax Verona, and the Padua hotel group.

The story doesn’t have any kind of faith element, which (unfortunately, if you ask me) is becoming more and more common with Thomas Nelson, the flagship imprint of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.

Having said that, there was no bad language, no violence, nothing that went against Christian principles, and only a couple of kissing scenes. The characters are best described as wholesome.

Yet there is surprising depth and character growth

… particularly given the story has three viewpoint characters (four, if you count a couple of scenes from Jax’s point of view). Each character has learned something by the end of the story, which makes for a satisfying read.

Recommended for fans of sweet and Christian contemporary romance from authors such as Tara Grace Ericson, Sarah Monzon, Courtney Walsh.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Rachel McGee

Rachel Magee writes rom-coms and women’s fiction with relatable characters, witty dialogue, and plenty of happily-ever-afters. Her stories are usually set in fun, sunny locations where she doesn’t mind spending lots of time ‘researching’. When she’s not out scouting the setting of her next book, you can find her at home in The Woodlands, Texas with her amazing husband and their two adventurous kids.

Find Rachel McGee online at:

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About What Not to Do on Vacation

Savannah is on a mission to reconnect the Prestly sisters the best way she knows how: reliving their carefree childhood summers at the beach. She’s booked the same beach house, convinced her sisters to take the month off, and even made a bucket list to fit in all their favorite coastal fun. It’s going to be perfect . . . or else. (And if planning this trip has anything to do with a certain secret she’s hiding . . . well, let’s not dwell on that.) Sun, sand, and some sisterly bonding–what could possibly go wrong?

Enter Bianca, the baby of the family, with a huge announcement: she’s getting married! And her sisters’ reactions are . . . not exactly what she hoped for. But Bianca is on a mission to prove that she’s not the mess they think she is. Her grand plan? To find love for Cora, her perpetually single sister, on the same dating app where she found her fiancé. The stakes? A bet that if Cora can’t find her ‘One’ on the app, Bianca will call off her engagement. A challenge Bianca is all too ready to tackle head-on, even if it means a little conniving. Cora’s about to get swept off her feet, whether she likes it or not!

Meanwhile, Cora is rolling her eyes so hard they might get stuck. Love is a fairy tale for other people, not her. As she’s filling out her dating profile, she thinks–nope, she knows–it’ll be easy to show her sisters just how absurd this whole love thing is. So what if this Jax guy Cora just matched with is Hemsworth-brother hot? And, if his messages could be believed, maybe even slightly charming? None of this is real, anyway–love just doesn’t come easily Cora. And she’s getting ready to prove it. She’s got this under control.

(Spoiler alert: nothing is under control.)

Find What Not to Do on Vacation online at:

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