Conversations with Kav – Realistic Women’s Fiction, Inspiration in the Middle of the Mess + Giveaway

If you’ve been around Best Reads for any length of time, you’ve likely surmised that I am a romance reader first and foremost. Contemporary, Historical, Amish, Suspense – I enjoy all the genres, as long as there’s a love story front and centre. But sometimes, I’ve been coerced (er encouraged) to step away from all things romantical and into the emotional realms of Women’s Fiction.

True confession: I really, really, really like it when there’s at least a bit of romance included in the story. 🙂 Ahem, having said that, I’ve enjoyed some stellar Women’s Fiction over the years, even though it isn’t the first type of book I reach for.

So, I thought it would be fun to chat about Women’s Fiction today. Are you a fan? Or not? And what do you like about this genre? What kind of plots / storytelling are you looking for?

What I Enjoy In Women’s Fiction :

  • exploring intergenerational relationships
  • makes an emotional impact
  • women mentoring women
  • social justice themes
  • World War II settings
  • healing in dysfunctional families

A Few Women’s Fiction Recommendations:

Emotional impact, Intergenerational relationships, Healing in dysfunctional families.

From my review: “And, oh my, these sisters and their stories! Deep layers of personal and family drama culminating in divine healing. I was an emotional wreck by the end. (Gentle warning: don’t listen to or read this book in public, especially if you are an ugly crier like I am. Don’t ask me how I know.)

Exploring intergenerational relationships, Emotional impact, Women mentoring women

From my review: “Mrs. Kip starts out as a means to an end, a menial task to do penance for messing up in the newsroom, but the unassuming, terminally ill woman, has a lot of life yet to live and wisdom to impart. Aidyn finds herself roped into her shenanigans, learning important life (and faith) lessons along the way. Who knew Mrs. Kip was so full of surprises?!”

World War II, Social Justice, Emotional Impact

From my review: “I’m emotionally wrung out after this kind of read, but filled with hope too. Because people like Elsa and Hattie actually lived and risked their own lives to stand up against the horrors of Hitler’s regime. I always come away humbled after reading about ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the greater good.”

Time for some conversation and a giveaway!

I’d love to get more recommendations for Women’s Fiction authors and titles, so do share any favourites of yours, if you would be so kind! And any other thoughts you might have on all things Women’s Fiction.

Share your thoughts in a comment and you’ll be entered in a draw for:

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 9 2026

61 thoughts on “Conversations with Kav – Realistic Women’s Fiction, Inspiration in the Middle of the Mess + Giveaway”

    1. I haven’t read many of Robin Jones Gunn’s books and I know she’s written a lot. The Sisterchicks is new to me and the first book is set in Finland! Sounds like fun! Thanks for the recommendation. Good luck, Stephanie!

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      1. I hope you enjoy reading it sometime! Sisterchicks books are standalones, too, so you can read them in any order based on what piques your interest. I think Sisterchicks Say Ooh La La may be my favorite, but the Lord has ministered to me through so much of Gunn’s work, in general.

        Ooh also the comment section jogged my memory… What the River Keeps, by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

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      3. Thanks for letting me know that the Sisterchicks can be read as standalones. My church library has one or two, I think, but not the first one. Thanks for two more recommendations, Stephanie. They both look like they’ll pack an emotional punch.

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  3. Good Sunday Morning. I am, like you Kav, first and foremost a romance reader who reads across the genres in search of the next great book. I don’t specifically search out women’s fiction but still have read some great ones. I enjoy books with multigenerational relationships, emotional impact, women helping women, and enduring friendships.

    I agree The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip tops the list. I also think Sara’s next book, The Divine Proverb of Streusel was another 5 star women’s fiction story. To add to your fall reading, Sara has a new women’s fiction story, The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends releasing Oct. 6th.

    A women’s fiction I read last April that still stands out in my memory is The Light on Horn Island by Valerie Fraser Luesse. It’s a fantastic women’s story about lifelong friendships. I recommend this highly if you haven’t read it, just excellent!

    I think Amanda Cox does women’s fiction really well and I’m looking forward to her August release, Things We Cannot Keep.

    This is a great topic and I’ll check back later to see what other recommendations come in. tracey14567 atgmail.com

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    1. Oh, yes, I forgot about The Divine Proverb of Streusel! And thanks for insider scoop on Sara’s autumn release. She always has such interesting titles. I wonder if she gets to choose them or the publisher does?

      Ohhh, The Light on Horn Island is on my radar thanks to recommendations from this blog. My library actually has a copy but I think I’ll wait until after I move before putting a hold on it. Thanks for that reminder and high praise — your are an excellent Christian Fiction ambassador. Amanda Cox is a good author to mention too. I haven’t read all of her books but enjoyed the ones I have read. Must check my library for those as well. Good luck, Tracey!

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    2. So far Sara’s books haven’t done it for me & I found Mrs Kip so utterly depressing at the beginning I couldn’t continue. I think at the time we had just unexpectedly lost a beloved family member, so I just couldn’t handle it. Ooh, but I am looking forward to reading The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends! Thanks for the info, Tracey!!

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      1. Diane, the thing about Mrs. Kip, you have to stick with it, then it starts transforming into something completely different than what you’d expect. Very powerful, maybe give it another go…

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      2. I thought about trying it again, Tracey, but all those other books just seem to get in the way. lol And yes, two recommendations for The Light on Horn Island is even better!!

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      3. I’m with Tracey, Mrs Kip is transforming. But I can see how it would make for a difficult read when you are in the middle of the grief process. Someday you may be able to pick it up and see what all the fuss is about. In the meantime, there are plenty of other books to read.

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  4. Wonderful topic. I wanted to start by saying that I prefer a little suspense, mystery, and dilemma mixed in with traditional romance. A satisfying, realistic conclusion is preferable to one that is neatly wrapped up in a bow. I also enjoyed seeing character growth and learning a little bit about a historical period. Bitter Sweet and The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip astounded me. I should read Renee Ryan’s Secret Society of Salzburg as I haven’t yet,

    The new book A Lumber’s Baron’s Wife by Lynn Austin captivated me. I was drawn in by both storylines. Learning about that era and the logging industry, as well as the main characters’ personal struggles and development, was fascinating.

    Melanie Dickerson’s The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins. It’s not your usual Regency tale; there were amusing situations and surprising turns. I liked the character development and twists, and it was a delight. I had no idea that this is the kind of Regency type story I always wanted to read.

    Clare Holloway is Winging it by Angela Ruth Strong. I like to have fun and learn something along the way, It was fascinating to go on board Clare’s flights as she learnt her job. Our book club talked to her as she was going through her training to become a flight attendant. They say to write what you know, and this author has. This book was a good time.

    The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson. I think this is her best work so far. I enjoyed the dual time periods, the mystery, the heartache, and how both timelines were engaging. This book was impossible to put down. Thanks for this discussion and all you do.

    Nora finding hope

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    1. I enjoy a romance with an interesting mix as well, along with layered characters and setting/historical details. There’s such a wealth of romance genres to choose from these days and I love it. Thinking about this, I wonder if one of the strengths of Women’s Fiction is that the author can go deeper into issues because they don’t have to give as much page time to developing the romance. Maybe that’s why they make such an emotional impact? Mind you, I’ve read plenty of romance that do that too so…..just thinking aloud here. 🙂

      Thanks for all these great recommendations. I have a library hold placed on The Lumber Baron’s Wife – yay, thrilled that my library has it on order. I’ll have to check the other titles you ‘ve mentioned. Good luck, Nora!

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  5. When I first started reading CF I foolishly thought it was all women’s fiction. I mean Christian fiction for women’s reading pleasure, right? (Sorry, Mark B. – lol) But I eventually realized Christian men love to read, too, and avoid the smut. But I digress. I absolutely love women’s fiction, but like you, Kav, there’s gotta be a little romance in the plot. I mean the book doesn’t have to be oozing with it, but just enough for an HEA! T.I. Lowe’s books are a combo of women’s fiction & romance & her latest book South of Somewhere was really good! Here’s some I’d highly recommend! I have a bunch more, but these will do for starters.

    The Light on Horn Island by Valerie Fraser Luesse

    A Weekend on Allyson Island by Susannah B. Lewis

    The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight

    Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke

    Thanks, Kav, for the fun discussion & giveaway!

    dianalflowers at aol dot com

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    1. Sorry, I didn’t know Tracey had already recommended The Light on Horn Island by Valerie Fraser Luesse or I’d have chosen another rec for you. But you’ll love it!

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      1. I think it’s great to have 2 recs for the same book. I’m going to look into a few of yours 🙂

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      1. Stephanie, I agree! I don’t typically do rereads, but I’m gonna wait til the memory of this one isn’t quite so fresh in my mind & read it again!

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    3. We are romantics at heart, Diane! 🙂 Adding these books to my WF list. Definitely must read The Light on Horn Island ’cause both you and Tracey recommend it. I’ll check it out of the library once I move. Good luck, Diane!

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  6. Great topic, Kav!

    I enjoy women’s fiction however it’s not a genre I read much. I like women mentoring women. I’m enjoying my mentoring group led by my pastor’s wife.

    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

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      1. At my church there are four mentoring groups. My pastor’s wife, also a pastor, leads two groups, our lead intercessor and a woman in leadership. I’m grateful for my church family.

        Have a blessed week.

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  7. Good morning! I usually look for romance in my books but I’ve also read and enjoyed some Women’s or General Fiction. I see some of my recommendations already mentioned but I would add The Color of Home by Kit Tosello and she has another coming out soon. I also enjoy Katie Powner, Amanda Cox, Sara Brunsvold books and Janine Rosche. Loved The Road Before Us.
    Sandyavery at comcast dot net

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    1. I do remember The Color of Home as a title bandied about during a Reader’s Choice Week. I’ll have to put it higher up on our list. And I still haven’t read a Katie Powner novel! Must make that a priority too this year since so many people rave about her books. Good luck, Sandy!

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  8. Interesting discussion! A few weeks ago I just happened upon a new library purchase by an author I then recalled reading one of her books some time back. I checked out that and another which I enjoyed. Her name is Sandra Dallas and I would consider her books very clean women’s fiction. Some of her titles might be considered inspirational.

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    1. Thanks for this new to me author recommendation, CC. Her books do sound good. I checked my library and they have a number of them. I’ve added them to my ‘for later’ shelf which for me means ‘after the move’! There’s even a Christmas book. Eeeepp! Good luck, CC!

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  9. Most books I enjoy only have a hint of romance. Even ones I consider more women’s fiction. Such as Cathy Gohlke, Christina Nelson and such. While I love a good romance story though, it’s the family and friends dynamic that draws me to these books. It’s encouraging to see families and friends can heal esp after a huge traumatic event.

    sarahdar0801ATgmailDOTcom

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  10. I am fond of Women’s fiction because of its meatiness. I am reading These Empty Places by Sarah Loudin Thomas and it is southern charming with a message. About two clasees of society after the Stock Market crash in the 30s.
    Other authors of this genre I have enjoyed are Nicole Deese, Cynthia Ruchti, Sara Brunsvold, Rhonda McKnight, Katie Powner, Cathy Gohlke, Valerie Fraser Leusse, Cheryl Gray Bostrom, Amanda Cox, Kendra Broekhuis, TI Lowe, and Lisa Wingate.
    This genre kinda grows on you.
    paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. These Empty Places is high on my new releases to read list. Love that time period too and Sarah Loudin Thomas is such a great storyteller. You’ve introduced me to a new author, Paula — Kendra Broekhuis, hot books so sound good! I should have mentioned Lisa Wingate — she was actually my first Christian Women’s Fiction author I read! Thanks for sharing some of your faves. I’m taking notes. Good luck!

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      1. I think Lisa Wingate wrote the first CF dual time book that I read: The Prayer Box.

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  11. I don’t remember if you’ve read it or not, but All My Secrets by Lynn Austin checks almost all of your boxes😉 (And she does EXCELLENT transitions in that book! Awesome storytelling!)

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  12. I think I have mentioned Katie Powner to you before and you hadn’t read her. I would highly recommend Where the Blue Sky Begins, and the Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass.

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    1. Yes you have and I still haven’t read her! Shame on me. Just added all the books my library has on my for later shelf and I will dive in after my move. Thanks for the nudge. Good luck, Patty!

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  13. For some reason I don’t think I’ve been getting your blog post for the past week or two… or maybe I’ve just been to busy and they are buried in my inbox somewhere! And if you get two comments from me, sorry about that. Sometimes I think it takes some time for the comment to post, but I think it didn’t go through.

    I do enjoy women’s fiction. I think I’ve mentioned Katie Powner to you before and you hadn’t read her. I would recommend The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass, and Where the Blue Sky Begins.

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    1. So strange about you not getting an email notification each day. Maybe it’s going into your spam folder? Glad you stopped by today and shared about Katie Powner. I will definitely read a book (maybe more) by her this summer! Good luck, Patty!

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      1. I checked my spam folder, and not there either☹️ not sure if I might have accidentally unsubscribed. I am going to send you an email with a different email address…

        Patty

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  14. Some recommendations: Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke, The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas, The Bitter End Birding Society by Amanda Cox, The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox, The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay. Some of these have a side of romance, but are mainly women’s fiction.

    Happy reading! Jolene – iwant2save34 at gmail dot com

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    1. I think you are the third, maybe fourth person to mention Ladie of the Lake sounds like a must read. Just checked and my library has it too. Woohoo. Looks like they get more Christian Women’s Fiction than romance these days. ooohhh, The Berlin Letters was so good! I need to check if I am up to date with Katherine Reay. Haven’t read The Bitter End Birding Society yet but I loved The Edge of Belonging so I don’t know why I’m dragging my feet on the Bitter End book. Good luck, Jolene!

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  15. Kav, you know I love a good meaty read and much of women’s fiction falls into that realm. I see others have already mentioned Katie Powner and I’m reading her new release, Birds on a Wire, right now. I’m just a few chapters in, and it’s already a powerful read. Have also seen Lisa Wingate mentioned, and I think her books Shelterwood and Before We Were Yours should be required reading in high school because of the history involved. Susie Finkbeiner is another great women’s fiction author. Her All Manner of Things is amazing and oh so powerful. In fact, I’ve read it twice now 🙂

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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    1. I really need to get cracking on Katie Powner’s books! Susie Finkbeiner! I should have mentioned her too. I still have lots of her books to read but I’ve loved the ones I have read. Totally immersive. Good luck, Cheryl!

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  16. I do enjoy reading Women’s Fiction though like you, romance is my favorite. A lot of the authors that came to mind have been mentioned but since I just skimmed the comments, I don’t know if Susie Finkbeiner has been mentioned. I always enjoy her books.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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  17. I definitely enjoy women’s fiction, but i don’t think I’ve read very much of it.  I  also enjoy a bit of romance in my reading.

    I loved The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip!  BUT The Divine Proverb of Streusel was one I really struggled with.  It reminded me too much of my parent’s struggles and divorce as a child.

    I recently read Birds on a Wire by Katie Powner and thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend. Be sure and have some tissues handy though, she takes a good look at foster care due to her personal experiences with the system.  And yes Kav, you DO need to read at least one of her books! You pick, there are no bad ones. (She’s fantastic!)

    The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter was another recent one I enjoyed but the enemies to romance troupe is not my favorite. 

    I’ve read Cathy Gohlke, Amanda Cox, T.I. Lowe, Susie Finkbeiner, Nicole Deese, Sarah Loudin Thomas, and Katherine Reay, they are all fantastic.

    I wasn’t too fond of Robin Jones Gunn’s Sisterchicks series, I just found it too silly and not relatable.   I also struggled with Lisa Wingate, I think maybe her topics are too deep and that could be a thing with women’s fiction.

    I don’t think I was much help with your quest for more women’s fiction, but it seems that I’ve read more of it than I realized.

    perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com

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    1. Ha! I have my marching orders after today’s conversation. Katie Powner books here I come! Denise Hunter is an author I associate romance with but she has written more WF books too, must check into her backlist and see what I have missed.

      Cathy Gohlke is a great addition for my WF read list. I have read a few but I know she’s written a lot and both my church and public library carry her books. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Perrianne. Good luck!

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  18. I think the closest book to women’s fiction I’ve read was Washington’s Lady by Nancy Moser, and I’m not even sure it counts? I typically like two things when I read; romance and history. Of course I enjoy an adrenaline rush every now and then, as long as there’s some romance to break up the suspense. 😜

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    1. Nancy Moser is an author I’m not too familiar with though I know she’s written a ton of Christian Fiction and, I think you’re right, her books fit more into the Women’s Fiction genre that Romance which is probably why I’m not as familiar with her books. 🙂 Good luck, Sabrina!

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  19. I’ve been trying to think, but I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever read a Woman’s Fiction book before. If I have I don’t remember, or didn’t know to classify it as such!

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    1. I definite Women’s Fiction has book with heroine(s) and no romance and lots of realistic depth. 🙂 Don’t take that as an official definition though. Good luck, Bridget!

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  20. I don’t read a lot of women’s fiction, but I’ve enjoyed most of the books I’ve read in that category. I’m like you, Kav, and like at least a bit of romance in the books I read. I have read most of Katie Powner’s and Susie Finkbeiner’s books and enjoyed them very much. I also enjoyed Mrs Kip.

    There are a lot of great suggestions in these comments! Thanks, everyone!

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

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  21. Great post! Women’s fiction isn’t my go-to genre, but if a book is by a favorite author or comes recommended I will pick it up. I would be interested in family relationships- complex and healing, main character reinventing self or exploring new passions, and female friendships and support. I would want it with a heaping dose of romance. Favorite authors who have written in the genre are Katherine Reay, Heather B. Moore, Catherine West, Amy Matayo, and Katie Ganshert. Thanks Kav!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. Fellow reader recommendations are the best. That’s how I found my way to many of the WF I’ve read. And I’m so with you on the dose of romance. You’ve added a couple more authors for me to check out. Thanks, Heidi. Good luck!

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  23. With the Enduring Tides by Jane Kirkpatrick is my selection. I didn’t know how to answer this as I didn’t know what or where to find an entry for Women’s Fiction. Here it is Friday evening and I see your explanation. All of Jane’s (the majority anyway) books are about women in history and their trials and triumphs. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse(at)gmail(dot)com

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