Christian Fiction

Christian fiction has a bad reputation. It's poorly written, preachy, and goody-goody...right? Actually, while that was true not so long ago, much of the fiction currently released by Christian publishing houses is really quite good.

I have nothing against reading mainstream or secular fiction, but it can be tiresome wading through foul language, graphic sex scenes, characters that don't share your values, and Christians portrayed in negative ways. Too, reading good Christian fiction can help us focus more on the Lord.

So if you've never read a Christian novel before, or you need some suggestions to lead you to new authors, this is the post for you! I read primarily historicals, so I've gotten together with my friend Tanya Dennis (mom of two, book reviewer, and writer) to chat about our favorite Christian authors and novels. Check it out!

HISTORICALS:

For books about World War II, many of Tricia Goyer's novels are rich and touching. I especially like Night Song: A Story of Sacrifice, a novel about an Austrian who resists the Nazis, an American doctor who falls in love with her, a Nazi musician who enters a concentration camp looking for a priceless violin, and a young Jewish violinist who plays in a concentration camp orchestra. This book will haunt you. From Dust to Ashes: A Story of Liberation is another great title by Goyer. It's the story of a guilt-ridden wife of a Nazi SS guard who finds freedom through the liberation of concentration camp survivors. It's inspired by real events.

Lynn Austin has provided historical Christian fiction with some of its strongest titles. Often writing complex and deeply moving novels, Austin has won many awards. I especially like A Light to My Path, a story of the Civil War as seen through a house slave. When Yankees come to offer freedom, will she embrace her freedom? Or remain mobile due to her fears? I cried my way through this book. A companion novel, Fire by Night is also a must-read. It's the story of the Civil War as seen through the eyes of two young Northern women. One wants the attention of an attractive young abolitionist and becomes a Union nurse to bring meaning to her life. The other is a solider in the army.

Another great Austin book is Eve's Daughters, which tells the story of a secret plaguing the lives of four generations of women, from WWI through the 1980s. This is an insightful look at mothers, daughters, and sisters and how God can change our lives even when we think it's impossible.

LEGAL SUSPENSE:

Tanya says: "James Scott Bell, a former LA prosecutor, writes books very much like those of John Grisham, but with a more obvious Christian perspective. It's good stuff that keeps you on your toes. Sins of the Fathers and The Whole Truth were my favorites.

"I also recommend Robin Carroll's books. Bayou Justice and Bayou Corruption were both great.

"Steven James is a phenomenal writer who authors suspense titles for Christian publishers, but because his plots usually involve serial killers, his books lean more toward the thriller or horror genres. Most excellent writing, but be wary of graphic details within his works. (Please note the Christian content is much more obvious with Bell and Carroll than with James. While all are produced by Christian publishers, the extent of Christian content within these books can vary greatly.) Try James' The Pawn and The Rook."

CHICK-LIT:

Tanya says: "My favorite Christian chick-lit author (right now) is Rachel Hauck. She creates witty characters with fun twists of romance. Her attention to detail is amazing. It allows her characters to jump off the page with authenticity. I've even found myself imitating a few of them because they're just that cool. Try Lost in NashVegas, Diva NashVegas, Sweet Caroline, and Love Starts with Elle. ALL great reads!

"Other great authors within this genre include Susan May Warren (try Nothing But Trouble and Double Trouble), Tracey Bateman (You Had Me at Goodbye, Catch a Rising Star, and That's (Not Exactly) Amore), and Camy Tang. (Camy's "Sushi Series" is fantastic chick-lit; try Sushi for One, Only Uni, and Single Sashimi. Recently, she switched genres. Her newest works fit better into the "suspense" category. I've not yet read them.)"


MOM-LIT:

Tanya says: "Mom-lit is a growing genre within publishing. While it is a sub-category of chick-lit, the content is quite different. Rather than primarily following single women in search of the perfect husband and career, these books often follow women in the throws of family life. The queen of this genre in the Christian market is Kimberly Stuart. Her books often push characters (and readers) to weigh their priorities, seek after God and find humor in ourselves. Stuart's Balancing Act, Act Two, and Stretch Marks are my favorites."

MAN-LIT:

Tanya says: "Just as mom-lit is growing, so is a new genre that doesn't quite have a name yet. I call it 'man-lit.' These are books written by men, read by both genders, but they don't fit into the typical 'manly' genres of action or suspense. Rather, they're light dramas with a dry humor. Recommended authors include Michael Snyder (My Name is Russell Fink and Return Policy) and Rob Stennett (The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher and The End is Now)."

CONTEMPORARY DRAMA:

Tanya says: "This genre offers a wide-spectrum that, if they were movies, would span from TBS to Lifetime. The question is whether you want plot-driven or character-driven drama, external elements and circumstances or inner turmoil.

"If you want to go Lifetime Drama, you need some Karen Kingsbury. Her books are guaranteed to make you cry. They often involve romance, unfaithfulness, and the consequences of living outside of God's plan. They are saturated with faith and biblical truth, but also with heart-wrenching, sometimes over-the-top drama. These are great escape books. Kingsbury has three series, fourteen books in total, all about the same family: the Baxters. In fact, her latest series includes these characters in supporting roles as well. Of those books, my favorite titles are Remember, Fame, and Summer. She also has several stand-alone titles. I enjoyed Oceans Apart.

"If you want something not quite so melodramatic, you could pick up a number of books. Lisa Sampson and Mary DeMuth offer introspective dramas that push readers to be active in their faith. Nancy Rue uses fiction to tackle relevant issues and light paths to biblical healing. Samson's Embrace Me and Quaker Summer are her award-winning titles. DeMuth's Wishing on Dandelions, A Slow Burn, and Daisy Chain are great choices. I recommend Rue's Healing Waters and Healing Stones.

BIBLICAL-ERA FICTION:

Tanya says: "Francine Rivers has two series of novellas based on biblical characters. They're short reads, but thoroughly researched. Each includes a Bible study at the back for further study or group discussion. Her two biblical-era novella series feature five Old Testament characters. The series on men is called "Sons of Encouragement" and highlights Aaron, Jonathan, Caleb, Amos and Silas. The titles are The Priest, The Prince, The Warrior, The Prophet, and The Scribe. The series on women covers the five women listed in Matthew's genealogy of Christ: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary. They can be purchased individually under their original titles Unveiled, Unashamed, Unshaken, Unspoken, and Unafraid, but last year they were released one-bound volume titled "Lineage of Grace."

"Also, Brock and Bodie Thoene, best known for their many books on WW II, have a collection of novels on the lives of those who knew or encountered Christ. These are tremendous books that put flesh on minor characters from Scripture. The series begins with First Light and continues to Eleventh Guest. The first three books focus on people who met Jesus during His earthly ministry. The fourth book, however, goes back tot he beginning when Mary, the mother of Christ, learned of her fortuitous role in God's plan to save us. The books that follow chronologically re-tell her story along with Joseph's, the wise men's and several others'."