The RITA Awards were voted on by the Romance Writers of America (named for after their first president, Rita Clay Estrada) and was unfortunately retired in 2020. The most recent book in this list won the award in 2019. The following is a list of books that won the categories “Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements” and “Inspirational Romance.” As a librarian, I’ve found that the terms religious and inspirational are often used interchangeably in this context. It’s also worth noting that this category is most commonly specific to Christian romance. For more information on the RITA Awards, click here.
The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano
After a smear campaign ruins award-winning chef Rachel Bishop’s career, she reluctantly teams up with the man whose viral article triggered her downfall—guilt-ridden essayist Alex Kanin. Together, they launch an exclusive pop-up dinner series to rebuild her reputation, but as professional lines blur, Rachel must decide whether chasing redemption—and unexpected love—is worth redefining her identity.
Then There Was You by Kara Isaac
After a series of personal and professional setbacks, Paige McAllister impulsively leaves Chicago for Sydney, where she lands a job planning tours for a major church—putting her at odds with Josh Tyler, a famous worship leader with a guarded heart. Forced to work together, their clashing values spark unexpected chemistry, but love may mean risking the safe lives they’ve built for a chance at something more.
My Hope Next Door by Tammy L. Gray
When Katie Stone returns to her unforgiving hometown to help her ailing mother, she’s burdened by guilt and a tarnished reputation. As she forms an unlikely bond with her neighbor, Asher Powell—a pastor’s son nursing wounds of his own—they discover healing, faith, and a chance at redemption.
A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter
Lady Miranda Hawthorne longs to break free from society’s expectations and secretly pours her heart into letters to a duke she’s never met—never meant to send. When one is accidentally mailed, it sparks an unexpected correspondence and a growing courtship, even as Miranda finds herself drawn to her brother’s mysterious valet. Torn between two men and caught in a web of intrigue, Miranda soon realizes her heart—and her family’s safety—hang in the balance.
Deceived by Irene Hannon
Three years after losing her husband and young son in a tragic accident, Kate Marshall is stunned to see a boy who looks just like her son at the mall. With the police unconvinced, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan, who soon uncovers evidence the tragedy may not have been accidental. As they search for the truth, they uncover a deadly secret someone will do anything to keep buried.
Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano
Hospitality consultant Andrea Sullivan has one last shot at a promotion, but her plans are upended when she meets charming Scottish chef James MacDonald on the Isle of Skye. As business turns personal, both must confront painful pasts and the possibility that their futures may look nothing like they expected. In just five days, their lives—and hearts—may be forever changed.
Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden
Lydia Pallas has built a life of order and security as a Navy translator, far from the instability of her childhood—until she meets the enigmatic Alexander Banebridge. Hired to translate documents for his secret mission, she’s soon drawn into a dangerous world of crime, faith, and trust. As danger closes in, Bane must rely on the one person he tried to protect: Lydia.
The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller
After escaping her abusive husband, Katie Calloway flees north with her younger brother and finds refuge as a cook in a rugged Northwoods lumber camp. As she works to keep her past hidden, she begins to form a bond with the camp’s kindhearted owner, Robert Foster. But in the harsh wilderness, love and safety come at a price—and Katie must decide if she’s ready to trust again.
In Harm’s Way by Irene Hannon
FBI agent Nick Bradley thinks Rachel Sutton is just another eccentric—until the doll she brings him connects to a missing child case. As the investigation unfolds, Rachel is drawn into a web of danger and secrets that puts her life at risk.
The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander
When McKenna Ashford moves to Colorado to care for her troubled brother, an unexpected inheritance tests her resolve and opens the door to a new beginning. U.S. Marshal Wyatt Caradon, weary from life on the trail, finds in McKenna both a reminder of his past and hope for his future. Together, they must confront old wounds and new challenges to claim a love—and a legacy—that could change everything.
Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren
Stefanie Noble feels like love has passed her by—until a struggling family and a famous but ailing actor, Lincoln Cash, arrive in town and upend everything. As Stefanie clashes with Lincoln over his suspicions of arson, neither suspects they’re caught in a deeper, more dangerous mystery. With lives and hearts on the line, they must uncover the truth before it’s too late.
A Touch of Grace by Linda Goodnight
When journalist Gretchen Barker’s sister is found dead near Ian Carpenter’s New Orleans mission, grief and suspicion drive her to investigate. Though initially wary of the minister, Gretchen begins to see his strength and sincerity—until a mysterious call makes her question everything. As truth and trust collide, she must decide whether Ian is a hero… or hiding something.
Revealed by Tamera Alexander
Haunted by her past, Annabelle Grayson sets out for a new life in Idaho and hires a reluctant trail guide—only to discover he’s connected to the darkest chapter of her history. Matthew Taylor is a man burdened by regret, and Annabelle’s reappearance reopens old wounds he thought were buried. As they journey west, both must confront the pain of the past to find forgiveness, healing, and the chance for redemption.
Heavens to Betsy by Beth Pattillo
Reverend Betsy Blessing’s life would be nearly perfect—if not for meddling parishioners, unexpected romantic feelings, and her own growing fear of failure. When she’s promoted to senior minister, she must rediscover her confidence and reconcile her faith with her fabulous flair. A witty, heartwarming celebration of faith, friendship, and fierce womanhood.
Grounds to Believe by Shelley Bates
In the small town of Smoke River, a devout community hides dark secrets—secrets that detective Ross Malcolm must uncover to find his missing daughter, taken by a cult six years ago. Julia McNeill, torn between loyalty to her church and concern for her sick nephew, begins to question everything when Ross walks into her life.
Autumn Dreams by Gayle Roper
In sleepy Seaside, New Jersey, bed-and-breakfast owner Cass Merton is juggling family demands, aging parents, and raising her niece and nephew—while her own dreams get pushed aside. When Dan Harmon, a finance specialist shaken by 9/11, arrives for a stay, both their lives begin to change. But as a hurricane nears and danger strikes close to home, they must rely on faith to weather the storm.
Never Say Goodbye by Irene Hannon
Five years after tragedy shattered their marriage and their faith, Jess and Scott Mitchell are on a journey to rebuild both. Once the perfect couple, they now seek reconciliation—with God and with each other.
Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney
After losing her husband Nate in South America, Daria Camfield finds healing and love again with veterinarian Colson Hunter—until a shocking telegram reveals Nate is alive. Now caught between two husbands, each with a claim to her heart and family, Daria must choose between the past she mourned and the future she’s built.
The Shepherd’s Voice by Robin Lee Hatcher
After serving ten years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Gabe Talmadge returns to his hometown during the Great Depression, only to face rejection from his powerful father. Taken in by kind-hearted ranch owner Akira Macauley, Gabe begins to find hope, healing, and the possibility of love. But when tragedy strikes again, he must choose whether to give in to despair or embrace a faith strong enough to redeem his past.
Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson
Sara is in witness protection and must stay hidden to survive—but falling in love with high-profile ex-football player Adam Black could expose her and cost her life. As danger closes in, Sara must choose between safety and the love she never expected to find. This thrilling story introduces the O’Malleys, a close-knit, self-made family bound by loyalty, faith, and love.
Patterns of Love by Robin Lee Hatcher
Inga Linberg, a sensible young Swedish immigrant, takes a position caring for a widowed farmer’s family in rural Iowa—only to find her heart drawn to the brooding and honorable Dirk Bridger. Though considered plain, Inga quietly longs to be truly seen and loved by him. Patterns of Love, set in the late 1800s, is a tender story of unexpected romance, faith, and the quiet courage it takes to let love grow.
Homeward by Melody Carlson
Seeking peace from her chaotic life in San Francisco, Meg Lancaster returns to the Oregon coast to mend family ties—and unexpectedly finds love along the way.
The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers
When Sierra finds a handcrafted quilt and journal from a young ancestor, she’s struck by the parallels to her own life. Through the journal’s wisdom, she learns to surrender to God’s sovereignty and embrace His unconditional love.
As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers
Warrior Atretes sets out to reclaim his son, only to clash with Rizpah, the strong-willed Christian widow who raised the child. Meanwhile, Hadassah faces death in the arena, Marcus searches for faith after her loss, and Julia longs for forgiveness as illness overtakes her. As their stories intertwine, each discovers that God’s love can redeem even the deepest wounds.
An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers
Hadassah, scarred and presumed dead, lives in secrecy as a healer, guided by her faith. When her former tormentor Julia falls ill, she must decide whether to risk everything to help her. Meanwhile, Marcus searches for purpose and healing, drawn by Hadassah’s enduring influence toward a faith that could transform his soul.
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