2026 Reading Challenge Themes

 

January – Genre you don’t usually read
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February – Title or Cover with: heart, love, or couple
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March – Title or Author Name begins with the first letter of YOUR first or last name
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April – Funny Book
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May – Indie Author
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June – Somewhere you want to visit
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July – Patriotic theme, time period, or character profession
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August – Classic title
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September – Animal on the Cover
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October – Unusual Occupation
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November – Favorite Season is on the Cover
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December – Read what you want!

Prize Shelf

 

Historical Fiction

The Lone Star Romance Collection – Enjoy two series of romances under one cover from authors Kimberley Comeaux and Cathy Marie Hake. First head to Springton, Texas, where two Texas belles—a pretty outcast and a shy nurse—find rattlesnakes easier to lasso than the hearts of the men they desire. Then join the Gregor brothers from Scotland—doctor, cobbler, lawman—as they settle in the Wild West, seeking wives to help them live out a legacy of faith that their father rooted in them. Watch as God’s love unfolds a grand design into each life.

Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep –  3 Page-Turners Under One Cover from Reader Favorite Michelle Griep! Can truth and love prevail when no one is as they appear?

Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano – Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London’s East End when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Across the Shores Collection – Sometimes love finds you where you are, and other times it meets you across distant shores as four women discover in these four historical stories linked by a shared gold pendant.

Elinor by Shannon McNear – In 1587, Elinor White Dare sailed from England heavy with her first child but full of hopes. Her father, a renowned artist and experienced traveler, has convinced her and her bricklayer husband Ananias to make the journey to the New World. Land, they are promised, more goodly and beautiful than they can ever imagine. But nothing goes as planned from landing at the wrong location, to facing starvation, to the endless wait for help to arrive. And, beyond her comprehension, Elinor finds herself utterly alone. . . . The colony at Roanoke disappeared into the shadows of history. But, what if one survived to leave a lasting legacy?

The Hand-Me-Down Family & The Maverick Preacher (2 Historical Romance Book Combo) – The Hand-Me-Down Family -When mail-order bride Callie Gray arrives in Sweetgum, Texas, she gets the shock of her life. Her husband is dead, and his brother proposes she marry him, for the sake of his orphaned nephew and nieces. Jack Tyler warns her this is strictly a marriage of convenience. But Callie yearns for a true partnership. Now she must convince Jack what he needs is a lifetime of love, faith, and family—with Callie. The Maverick Preacher -Once one of Boston’s most righteous ministers, now Joshua Blue is a guilt-stricken man scouring the West to find the sister he drove away. The trail leads him to Denver, where beautiful boardinghouse owner Adelaide Clark and her young son might hold the key to unlocking past secrets. Adie fears Josh’s presence could tear her family apart. But his strong faith sparks Adie’s long-buried hope for a future with a God-sent partner…

In a Mother’s Arms & The Widow’s Secret (3 Historical Romance Book Combo) – Three touching tales of love, family, and faith.

A Rancher of Convenience by Regina Scott – Sweet mail-order bride Nancy Bennett can’t believe it when her husband is exposed as a cattle rustler—and killed. And when the banker holding the ranch’s mortgage questions whether she can run the ranch on her own, the pregnant widow has nowhere to turn. Until steady foreman Hank Snowden proposes marriage…

 

Contemporary

After She Falls by Carmen Schober (Romance) – After an abusive relationship derails her plans, Adri Rivera struggles to regain her independence and achieve her dream of becoming an MMA fighter. She gets a second chance, but the man who offers it to her is Max Lyons, her former training partner, whom she left heartbroken years before. As she fights for her future, will she be able to confront her past?

Courageous – Randy Alcorn (General) – Four men, one calling: to serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they’re quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark. They know that God desires to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, but their children are beginning to drift farther and farther away from them. Will they be able to find a way to serve and protect those who are most dear to them? When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God… and to their children? Bestselling author Randy Alcorn brings the heart-pounding drama of the screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick to this inspiring novel that also includes subplots, characters, and backstory not seen in the movie.

Once Upon A Montana Summer by Lisa T. Bergren – Love is Never Best Played Out on TV… Adalyn Stalling’s clients convinced her to be a contestant on their reality TV show, The One. Milllions of viewers tune in each week to watch a group of bachelorettes try to win one bachelor’s heart, and then during the next season, watch bachelors do the same. Now America’s most famous “loser at love,” Adalyn is trying to pick up the pieces of her life. Given the media frenzy and the paparazzi that chase her, she’s finding it difficult. And just as she learns she may have picked up a stalker, her childhood friend, Chase Rollins, tracks her down at last. He informs her that her beloved grandfather is ailing and needs her help, in more ways than one.

Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant (romance) – Rory Perez, a food truck owner who can’t cook, is struggling to keep the business she inherited from her aunt out of the red – and an upcoming contest during Modest’s annual food truck festival seems the best way to do it. The prize money could finally give her a solid financial footing and keep her cousin with special needs paid up at her beloved assisted living home. Then maybe Rory will have enough time to meet the man she’s been talking to via an anonymous online dating site.

How the Light Gets In (Women’s Fiction/General) – When Ruth Neufeld’s husband and father-in-law are killed working for a relief organization overseas, she travels to Wisconsin with her young daughters and mother-in-law Mabel to bury her husband. She hopes the Mennonite community will be a quiet place to grieve and piece together next steps.

The Bull Rider’s Homecoming by Allie Pleiter – An injured rodeo rider returns home to recuperate—and rekindle an old flame—in this heartwarming Western romance.

Falling for Her Best Friend by Lisa Carter – A friends-only pact . . . until they say “I do.” Ten months ago, Mollie Drake agreed to marry her best friend, but only to care for his infant son. Now Colton Atkinson is back from his army deployment to end their charade…until their hometown surprises the newlyweds with a calendar of romance. From date nights to family dinners, soon the couple’s marriage of convenience begins to feel real. But will they risk their friendship for a chance at love? 

The Cowboy Bargain by Tina Radcliffe  – A little competition…Brings a change of heart. Sam Morgan never thought he’d see his ex-fiancée again after she skipped town days before their wedding. He certainly didn’t expect to find her opening a restaurant on his property—in the building he’d intended to sell his crafts from. This time Olivia’s sticking around, forcing Sam to strike a deal: work together and see whose products sell best. Could their business venture lead to a surprising reunion?

A K-9 Christmas Reunion by Lisa Carter – Struggling to manage his father’s dementia while raising two young sons, widower Nathan Crenshaw is desperate for help. That is, until his dad’s new service dog arrives with an unexpected guest—trainer Gemma Spencer, the woman who broke his heart fifteen years ago. Now Nathan must spend the holidays working alongside his first love and ignoring their rocky history. But when Gemma steps up for his family after a near tragedy, old feelings start to resurface. With their future uncertain, can matchmaking relatives and a K-9 turn the New Year into their second chance?

Building Her a Home by Lisa Carter – When country music singer Noah Brenden walked away from fame to raise his orphaned niece, he made a vow never to stay anywhere long enough to be recognized. So when a blast from his past, music teacher Chloe Randolph, falls into his arms while trying to rescue little Lili’s cat, it’s his cue to leave. But Lili longs for a permanent home, and Chloe desperately needs Noah’s help to restore the town’s historic theater, promising to keep his true identity safe in return. Staying put wasn’t his plan, but could it lead to the future he never knew he was looking for?

The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner by Susan Tuttle – In the third installment of the Treasures of Halstead Manor series, Brooke Sumner carefully avoids and ignores Storm Whitlock—her replacement in Caspar’s mysterious treasure-hunting group—and instead focuses on her antique shop. Caspar’s next assignment entails finding the second half of a key lodged in the spine of their most recent discovery, and Brooke reluctantly rejoins the group to keep Storm in check. But as they delve into their next adventure, she realizes that Storm might not be who she thought. While the mysterious key unlocks a vault of secrets, Brooke discovers that treasure-hunting together has unlocked her heart toward Storm and the rest of the group. With priceless artifacts at their fingertips, the team discovers that the true treasure is so much more.

 

Romantic Suspense/Thriller

The Cedarfield Purge by Mark Andrlik(thriller) – This thought-provoking and inspirational suspense thriller is a dramatic and engaging illustration of how authorities in contemporary society persecute persons and organizations of faith. It relates both the glories and the challenges of ministry in a small community, and demonstrates that God always prevails.

Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey – When his Coast Guard base is targeted by an elusive but deadly threat, CGIS agent Noah Rowley is rocked to his core. Desperate for answers, he must team up with medic Brooke Kesler, the only witness who could expose the man responsible. With targets on their backs, can Brooke and Noah find the killer before he strikes again?

Cold Case Double Cross by Jessica R. Patch – Convinced his brother was wrongly convicted of murder years ago, detective Cash Ryland’s determined to find the real killer—even if it puts him in the crosshairs. But he needs help from cold case investigator Mae Vogel, whom he mistreated in high school. Can they put their past aside to solve the murder…before the killer succeeds in silencing them for good?

K-9 National Park Defenders by Katy Lee and Sharee Stover – A Christmas skiing retreat turns treacherous when Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit officer Veronica Eastwood’s sister is kidnapped—and only rival officer Parker Walsh can help her in Katy Lee’s Yuletide Ransom.And in Sharee Stover’s explosiveHoliday Rescue Countdown, K-9 officers Dylan Jeong and Brandie Weller must race against the clock when they face a Christmas parade bomb threat…and a killer from Dylan’s past.

K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner – Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. The ambush leaves her in the hospital with three hours of crucial memory missing, which she knows holds the key to finding her father’s murderer. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer?

Cave of Secrets by Shannon Redmon (LIS) – What she uncovers may get her killed… When Carli Moore finds the body of Zain Wescott’s missing sister on her family’s ranch, Zain is convinced Carli’s brother is the murderer. But Carli’s sure Zain is wrong, and she’ll prove it—if the killer doesn’t take out both her and Zain first. Now they just have to live long enough to uncover the truth…and bring a murderer to justice.

Everglades Escape by Kathleen Tailer (LIS) – Pursued by a drug ring, she depends on a stranger to survive. US marshal Whitney Johnson’s peaceful vacation explodes when drug dealers interrupt her wildlife tour and she overhears information that could destroy their operation. After a daring escape, she washes up on a remote island. Reclusive scientist Theo Roberts didn’t expect danger on his doorstep, but he’ll help Whitney face it. With killers edging closer, will a route through the Everglades lead to safety—or end their lives?

Texas Buried Secrets by Virginia Vaughan (LIS – Larger Print) – An uncovered grave reveals a deadly secret … Publicly vowing to bring a serial killer to justice, Deputy Cecile Richardson solidifies herself as the criminal’s next target. And when a newly discovered victim is identified, it becomes even more personal for Cecile. She will solve this cold case. Can Sheriff Josh Avery keep her safe long enough to identify and catch the culprit—or will the killer successfully hunt down his prey?

Shielding the Tiny Target by Deena Alexander (LIS – Larger Print) – A little girl in peril and a killer in pursuit. Accepting help from Jack Moretta is widow Ava Colburn’s last chance after her late husband’s killers track her down and target her little girl. But after years on the run, it’s hard to trust anyone else with their lives—and even harder to trust Jack with her secrets. Could he be just what this little family needs to put the deadly past behind them?

Hunted for the Holidays by Deena Alexander Keeping out of sight is the only way to stay alive. When Shae Evans spots a familiar face at a Christmas pageant, she knows her witness-protection cover has been blown. Six years ago, her testimony put a crime boss away for life, but his vengeful son never stopped looking for her. Fleeing with her daughter, Shae accepts protection from former FBI agent Mason Payne—her child’s secret father. Now they’re only seconds ahead of the ruthless crime family who want Shae silenced forever. With threats everywhere, will they live to see the New Year?

Sorority Cold Case by Jacquelin Thomas – An unsolved murder. Two detectives with something to prove… Detective Charlie Tesarkee has never forgotten the case she couldn’t solve. It’s been eleven years since a college student was murdered, and she’s desperate for a second chance to catch the killer. The Cold Case Unit will let her lead the investigation…if she works with Detective Grayson Leigh. A partner is the last thing Grayson and Charlie want. But they’ll have to work together to get justice for this victim…and put a murderer behind bars.

Fantasy/Steampunk/Sci-fi/YA

Tainted by Morgan L. Busse (MP3 – book 1) – What Happens When Your Soul Dies?

Awakened by Morgan L. Busse (MP3 – book 2) – The monster has awakened.

Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse (CD set – Book 2) –  Selene Ravenwood, once the heir to House Ravenwood, is now an exile. On the run and free of her family’s destiny, Selene hopes to find the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking. But first she must adapt to her new life as wife to Lord Damien Maris, the man she was originally assigned to kill.

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes – Guy Fawkes’s son must join his father’s plot to kill the king in this magical retelling of the Gunpowder Plot that will sweep you back in time to a divided England where plagues turn victims to stone

Chaos Grid by Lyndsey Lewellen – Cross the grid. Survive the storms. Let your destiny burn. When mankind’s attempts to control nature backfire, Texas descends into a wasteland. Storms rage and ravenous beasts roam the Outer Grid. The only safe havens rest inside the tech-obsessed domed cities. But when her parents are murdered inside the Plex City dome, seventeen-year-old Juniper Conway wants revenge.

 

Non-Fiction

Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep Fried South by Jane Jenkins Herlong – Southern humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong brings joy and humor with her 50 unusual-but-true faith-filled stories of growing up in the South Carolina low country. Whether you love Southern ways of life or find their ways strange and amusing, you’ll be entertained and inspired with warm Southern-fried humor and tried-and-true tips for attaining the best version of yourself. Jane’s 50 stories address specific landmark events along with issues in a woman’s life, such as fitting into the covered-dish church culture, sacred sisterhood, sassy seasoned Southern women and why we are drawn to beauty pageant competition, and much more!

Stories from the Heart by Steve Demaree – Over fifty very short inspirational stories. Some may cause some readers to shed tears of joy. Others may put a smile on the reader’s face. Many are designed to make the reader think about what they have read.

Be the Difference Monthly Planner – Identify the issues that matter most to you, create a plan of action, and make the impact God wants you to make—locally, nationally, and globally—with this undated, guided twelve-month planner.