Seven books. Three completely different genres. One author with a gift for telling stories that stay with you long after the last page. If you have landed on this page wondering where to begin with C.L. Holden’s collection, you are in the right place. Whether you are drawn to Christian fiction, heartfelt romance, or a practical lifestyle guide, this complete buying guide breaks down every title so you can walk away knowing exactly which book belongs in your hands next.
About Constance Holden: The Writer Behind the Stories
Constance Louise Holden is a Las Vegas-based author who spent decades serving her community in law enforcement before retiring and turning to her lifelong passion for writing. Her books are rooted in real-life experience, which is precisely what makes them feel so honest and alive. Her faith-filled fiction explores what happens when ambition collides with purpose. Her lifestyle guides were born from personal necessity. Her mocktail book, for example, came directly from navigating life after a diabetes diagnosis while still wanting to host joyful, vibrant gatherings.
That authenticity runs through everything she writes. As noted by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, readers today are seeking books that blend practical wisdom with emotional depth, and Constance delivers exactly that across every genre she touches.
A Quick Look at All 7 Books
Here is a fast overview of every title currently available in the Stories by C.L. Holden shop:
• Running from Destiny ($13.95) | Christian Fiction | Best for readers who love faith, family, and career struggle
• Running from Destiny II: Divine Intervention ($15.95) | Christian Fiction | Best for readers who finished Book 1 and want more spiritual depth
• From What If to Forever ($14.99) | Friends-to-Lovers Romance | Best for readers who love slow-burn, pinky-swear-promise love stories
• If You Scrooge, You Lose ($12.95) | Christmas Romance | Best for holiday reading and second-chance love fans
• Jack of All Trades ($9.99) | Romantic Thriller | Best for readers who want luxury settings, high stakes, and undeniable chemistry
• Sip, Sip Hooray! ($13.99) | Mocktail Lifestyle Guide | Best for hosts, health-conscious entertainers, and those living alcohol-free
• Vintage Vibes: Golden Gatherings ($15.95) | Entertaining Guide | Best for lovers of timeless elegance and old-world hosting charm
If You Love Christian Fiction, Start Here
The Running from Destiny series is where Constance Holden’s voice is at its most powerful. Book 1 follows Derek Anderson, an ambitious professional who uproots his family in pursuit of a promotion, only to discover that success without faith and family is hollow. It is a story that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever chased a goal at the cost of what matters most.
Book 2, Running from Destiny II: Divine Intervention, picks up the spiritual thread and pulls it tighter. The central truth at the heart of the sequel is simple and profound: you cannot outrun God’s purpose. Readers who have experienced seasons of spiritual struggle or personal redirection will find this book speaks directly to them.
Who Should Read This Series
• Fans of Christian fiction authors like Francine Rivers or Karen Kingsbury
• Readers navigating career transitions or major life decisions
• Anyone looking for a faith-based story that tackles real-world family pressures
• Book clubs and church reading groups seeking discussion-rich material
Start with Book 1 and read straight through. The two books together form a complete and satisfying arc.
If You Love Romance, These Three Deliver
Constance writes clean, emotionally layered romance that does not rely on cheap shortcuts to create tension. Each of her three romance titles offers a completely different flavor:
From What If to Forever ($14.99)
Two best friends who grew up side by side sealed their bond with a childhood pinky swear, and spent years carefully avoiding the truth that had quietly been holding them together all along. This is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance for readers who believe that the best love stories are built on the deepest friendships. According to Goodreads reader data, friends-to-lovers remains one of the most searched romance tropes, and this book delivers it with heart.
If You Scrooge, You Lose ($12.95)
Renee Carrington put her career first and accidentally broke the heart of the one man worth keeping. Five years later, David Bennett returns at Christmas, and this time he is not chasing love. This is a second-chance Christmas romance with real emotional stakes. If you enjoy the kind of holiday story that gives you warmth and a little ache at the same time, this is your book. It makes an especially thoughtful gift during the holiday season.
Jack of All Trades ($9.99)
Jacqueline Sinclair survives on instinct and silence, until a chance encounter draws her into the orbit of a powerful and captivating man and a world of private jets, candlelit penthouses, and whispered promises. This is the most thriller-adjacent of Constance’s romance titles, with a luxury setting and palpable tension. At $9.99, it is also the most affordable entry point in the shop.
If You Want a Lifestyle Book or a Gift That Stands Out
Sip, Sip Hooray! ($13.99)
This mocktail guide was written for hosts who want to wow their guests without alcohol, parents who want to serve something fun at family gatherings, and anyone reclaiming their health without giving up a vibrant social life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 38 million Americans are living with diabetes. Sip, Sip Hooray! was born from that reality, and it offers practical, playful, purposeful recipes that work for everyone at the table. It is a wonderful hostess gift and a standout choice for anyone pursuing a low-sugar lifestyle.
Vintage Vibes: Golden Gatherings ($15.95)
A beautifully illustrated guide to hosting gatherings with vintage charm and timeless elegance. Vintage Vibes provides the creative spark and quick-start inspiration needed to turn any gathering into a golden memory. If you love old-world aesthetics with a modern sensibility, or if you are shopping for someone who treasures beautiful entertaining, this is an excellent choice.
Not Sure Where to Start? Answer These Three Questions
Use this quick decision guide to find your perfect match:
What are you in the mood for?
• Faith and purpose in the middle of real-life struggles: Go to the Running from Destiny series
• A love story with emotional depth and clean romance: Go to the romance titles
• Practical inspiration for hosting or a healthy lifestyle: Go to the lifestyle guides
Are you buying for yourself or as a gift?
• For yourself: Pick the genre that reflects where you are right now in life
• As a gift: Sip, Sip Hooray! and If You Scrooge, You Lose both make beautifully packaged presents
Do you want to start a series or read a standalone?
• Series: Running from Destiny I and II read best together in order
• Standalone: Every other title works perfectly on its own
Where to Buy and Why It Matters
All seven books are available directly through the Stories by C.L. Holden official shop. Buying direct from the author’s website means more of every purchase goes directly to supporting Constance and her future work. Select titles are also available on Amazon, including Kindle editions for readers who prefer digital formats.
If you are purchasing as a gift or buying multiple books at once, ordering directly through the shop is the recommended route. The American Booksellers Association has long encouraged readers to purchase from independent authors and creators whenever possible, as it creates a more sustainable ecosystem for diverse, authentic storytelling.
Ready to Choose Your Book?
Every title in the C.L. Holden collection was written with intention, honesty, and a genuine desire to connect with readers where they are. Whether you are searching for spiritual encouragement, a love story to curl up with, or a guide to living more beautifully, there is a book here for you. Browse the full collection at storiesbyclholden.com/shop and find your next favorite read today. While you are there, consider joining the Reader’s Circle newsletter for sneak peeks at upcoming releases and exclusive author updates.
Explore This Story
if you are looking for your next spiritually uplifting story, faith-based fiction books offer the perfect blend of compelling storytelling and deep moral values that speak directly to the heart. With thousands of titles available across Christian fiction, inspirational romance, and religious drama genres, finding the right book can feel overwhelming but the right guidance makes it simple.This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pick a faith-based fiction book that truly connects with your beliefs, your lifestyle, and your soul.