Brace yourself for a dive into a genre that keeps me burning the midnight oil – Christian romantic suspense. It’s a captivating blend of faith, heart-pounding suspense, and swoon-worthy romance that leaves me breathless until the very last page.
I stepped into writing the genre with my Peach Blossom Romantic Suspense series, but the path there was a twisty one.
What is a Christian romantic suspense novel anyway?
You may not be among the people who are perplexed by this question, but I was for a long time. Some of my reader reviews reflect the same confusion, such as with this one: “I’d prefer this to be a thriller rather than a romance,” an excerpt from a review of “Last Stop,” the fourth book in my Peach Blossom Romantic Suspense series.
The book is both a thriller (in the suspense sub-genre) and a clean romance. So, let’s start by untangling the threads of mystery, thriller, and romantic suspense.
Remember those cozy nights curled up with Jessica Fletcher? That’s the essence of a mystery – a meticulous amateur or professional detective using logic to unravel a puzzle. The focus lies on piecing together the whodunit, building anticipation with a slow, deliberate pace.
Now, crank up the intensity! In a thriller, the protagonist is thrust into constant danger, their survival hanging in the balance. Imagine yourself as an amateur or professional detective on the run, chasing elusive clues amidst high stakes and fast-paced action. You may already know who the antagonist is, but finding them is the mystery that needs to be solved. That’s the exhilarating world of a thriller.
Romantic suspense adds a layer of blossoming love amidst the peril of a thriller. Two heroes face danger together, finding solace and support in each other. The books I love seamlessly weave in a light Christian faith element, making them Christian romantic suspense novels.
My journey into this genre
This genre hasn’t always resonated with me because the initial books I read way back then seemed corny. I stumbled upon the genre years later with Lynette Eason’s “Collateral Damage,” and I was hooked! The genre allows me to explore the complexities of faith within a modern context. As a writer, my own faith journey has profoundly impacted how I craft my characters. I strive to create authentic portrayals of regular, flawed people who grapple with their beliefs just like anyone else, facing real-life challenges and doubts. It’s about showcasing faith as a source of strength, guidance, and hope, not a preachy afterthought.
Big Toe Era: Rim Country Mysteries
I started with subtle faith and romance elements in my debut mystery novel, “Deadly Deceit,” in which the husband of a mid-life woman is murdered. In figuring out why, she must untangle a web of lies leading back to her husband’s service as a Marine. She encounters danger and relies on silent prayers for strength, and there is a hint of the beginning of a romance that grows throughout the series. This was my first tentative step into merging suspense with a light touch of Christian themes and romance.
Half Foot Era: Experimentation
In later series I explored themes of faith, forgiveness, and redemption within suspenseful plots in the novellas of my three-book Frankie Shep Series in which a young widowed rancher faces danger and internal conflicts while trying not to love the pastor who is her new neighbor.
I learned a valuable lesson in the Kayla Walsh Trilogy experiment: Readers don’t like it when you end a book on a cliffhanger! In this friends-to-lovers series, a young woman and her friend hop continents on a global quest to deliver justice to a brutal home invader.
While experimenting with these six novellas, a found a balance between the thrilling narrative and the characters’ internal struggles, which led to:
Jumping In Era
I think I have it figured out now, having found my sweet spot with the Peach Blossom Romantic Suspense Series. Here, faith becomes a cornerstone, offering characters an anchor amidst the chaos into which I throw them. They may face moments of despair, but their faith offers them strength and a sense of purpose. There is equal emphasis on the danger to both characters, the budding romance, and their faith. In this genre, there are no steamy bedroom scenes, use of alcohol or illicit drugs, and swearing.
What captivates me about Christian romantic suspense?
- Intriguing Plots: Buckle up for mind-bending mysteries, menacing threats, and a constant sense of evil lurking around the corner. These authors will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Example: Imagine yourself as Sarah, a single woman living alone in a secluded cabin. A raging storm mirrors the turmoil within you as you hear a crash downstairs. Grabbing a candlestick for defense, your heart pounds in your chest as you creep down the creaking stairs, each step filled with suspense.
- Enduring Values: Christian values like forgiveness, hope, and redemption are seamlessly woven into the narrative. These values act as a moral compass, guiding not only the characters but also resonating with the reader.
Example: Something has caused your neighbor John to worry about you, so he comes over to check on you. Now you’re both in deep trouble, as the noise you heard was a home invader. While you’re tied up together in the basement, you come up with an escape plan, only to discover they were after your father’s diary that implicates them in a crime. Through it all, John’s touch is a source of comfort, though you may resist it at first. You will eventually accept his love and comfort, but you both have internal battles to face first. And you’re attracted to John on a spiritual level when he declares, “We’ll get through this together, Sarah. Life has shown me that even in the darkest night, God’s light shines through.” These words offer a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
- Internal Struggles: Characters grapple with their faith and beliefs amidst danger, creating relatable journeys. They might silently pray, find solace in scripture verses, or draw strength from their community.
Example: As dawn breaks, you and John are on the run. You watch John as he sinks to his knees in silent prayer and wonder what that’s all about. As the days of adversity pass, you talk about your doubts and fears and why you can’t love him.
- Uplifting Romance: Love stories blossom through shared experiences and a deep connection that transcends physical attraction, reaching a spiritual level. These relationships are built on shared values, trust, and a sense of mutual respect.
Example: You and John are thrown together by the circumstances. You notice little things about each other at first. You help each other see the truths behind both of your fears, insecurities, and the lies you tell yourselves. You both grow emotionally and spiritually along the way. Your attraction by the end of the story much deeper than physical, though there has been at least toe-curling kiss.
Organic Integration of Faith:
The key to weaving faith seamlessly into Christian romantic suspense lies in making it a natural part of the characters’ lives. Here, faith isn’t an afterthought but a source of motivation, comfort, and strength. Characters might:
- Reference scripture verses in moments of doubt or fear, seeking guidance from their faith.
- Engage in silent or spoken prayer as they navigate danger or make difficult decisions.
- Find solace in their faith community who offer support and encouragement.
Example: As Sarah cautiously explores the dark house, a floorboard creaks beneath her feet. Fear clenches her heart, but she takes a deep breath and silently repeats a words she remembers from Sunday School as a kid: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” This familiar passage brings a flicker of calm amidst the rising panic.
Conclusion
By authentically weaving faith into the characters’ lives and the narrative of danger and a budding romance, Christian romantic suspense authors create relatable stories that resonate with readers through a thrill ride of danger and suspense with an equal weight on a heart-warming clean romance and a faith that gives them courage and strength.
You can buy any of my books on Amazon in ebook, paperback, and (some) audiobooks. I’ll give you great discounts on ebook bundles when you buy the exact same books from me at my online store.
Karen Randau is a lifelong writer who has grappled with conflicting messages in her upbring in a diverse Christian family. With a degree in journalism and a background in non-profit marketing communication, she lives with her family in the majestic mountains of Arizona.