10 Top Christian Fiction Books to Read This Year
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Looking for a good Christian novel? How about a list of 10 top Christian fiction books to read this year? Here you go!
Best Christian Fiction Authors
This list of 10 Best Christian fiction books isn’t based on numbers, although included are a few best sellers and Christy award winners. It is comprised of some of the best Christian authors for Christian contemporary romance, along with a smattering of romantic suspense, women’s fiction, and a thriller, too.
So here goes. A reading list for you to take into the new year, into summer, to snuggle up with when it’s cold, and to consider for Christmas gift-giving this year.
Best Christian Fiction Books of All Time
What’s on your list of best Christian fiction books of all time? Are these on your list?
1. Pilgrim’s Progress
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Pilgrim’s Progress By Rosalie de Rosset, ed. |
It’s by far, my favorite Christian fiction book of all time. If you haven’t read this religious allegory, penned in the late 1600’s–no, 1600’s isn’t a typo–then hurry out when you finish this post and grab a copy. I read the unabridged version, and the language was tough to understand. BUT, with a little time and determination, it was worth it. If you’re up for the task, grab an unabridged version, otherwise, look for an abridged copy.
There’s also a children’s version. Several, honestly. We bought one years ago, and I read it often to our three kids. Quite enjoyable.
2. Redeeming Love
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Redeeming Love By Francine Rivers |
This is the only book on the list I haven’t read. Well, to be honest, I tried. And I’m probably the ONLY person in history that couldn’t get into and absolutely LOVE Redeeming Love. It’s on the list because a huge, happy crowd of people LOVES this book. And there are now several companion Christian non-fiction products as well.
3. The Shack
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The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity By William P. Young |
This one’s a bit controversial for some folks. It’s considered poor writing by some, while others don’t care for the depictions. Yet others, like me, call it an enjoyable read. The millions and millions it has sold indicate many in that category, too.
(I’m already an award-winner with both nonfiction & flash fiction. Hungry for more!)
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4. Love Comes Softly
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Love Comes Softly By Janette Oke |
Historical fiction isn’t my gig, BUT Love Comes Softly, a movie based on Jannette Oke’s novel of the same name, caused me to skip right down to the library and find the book. It piqued my curiosity about Chrisitan fiction after fifteen years of pure silence in the fiction reading arena.
5. Fame
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Fame, Firstborn Series #1 (rpkgd) By Karen Kingsbury |
One of my favorite Christian authors is Karen Kingsbury. She has sold a zillion books–or something like that. Most of those are based on the Baxter family. (They even have their own television series!) God used Karen Kingsbury to draw me back to fiction reading (after the fifteen-year, Holy Spirit-inspired hiatus mentioned earlier.) Her books nudged me into considering that I could write fiction. (That’s still a work in progress, but getting there.) Karen has her own style of writing that stands out from all the rest. Good, clean reading with real-world issues at stake undermined by beautiful grace.
10 Top Christian Fiction Books to Read
Here’s a list of more recent reads to add to your TBR (to be read) list, a few goodies from prior years, and others that were released in 2021. These are included on my best Christian novels list.
1. Before We Were Yours
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Before We Were Yours |
Are there words to describe this dual timeline novel by Lisa Wingate, a story based on a true and horrifying reality in a Tennessee children’s home? Fantastic writing? Gripping? Not-to-put-down? Sad? Yes. All of these. This story contains a modern-day storyline as well as a historical one based on two generations earlier.
My husband, sixteen-year-old son, and I listened to Before We Were Yours via audio. Did you catch that? A fifty-something woman, her HUSBAND, AND SIXTEEN-year old son listened together. Not many books could keep those three categories of people engaged, but this one did. I crown Before We Were Yours high on the list of my all-time favorite Christian fiction reads.
2. The Girl Behind the Red Rope
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The Girl Behind the Red Rope By Ted Dekker & Rachelle Dekker |
Written by father/daughter duo of Ted and Rachel Dekker, I was introduced to this one by a KristiWoods.net subscriber. Excellent suggestion, Linda! This fantastic thriller’s underlying theme grips readers in a good and godly way.
3. The Masterpiece
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The Masterpiece, softcover |
Most folks rave about Redeeming Love. (Read more about it near the beginning of this post.) My favorite Francine Rivers novel, however, is one my daughter, Beka, introduced me to. It’s The Masterpiece. This contemporary, well-written, and gripping story centers on the life of a graffiti artist and a woman who captures his attention. I loved this one! It’s well worth reading.
See What I’m Reading & Possibly Find Your Next Favorite Christian Novel!
4. Bridge to Haven
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Bridge to Haven By Francine Rivers |
Another Francine Rivers novel to read is Bridge to Haven. This one hovers between contemporary and slightly historic–a generation earlier. It’s a Christian fiction novel.
5. The Water Keeper
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The Water Keeper |
Charles Martin writes novels threaded with detailed descriptions and deep characters that morph into these life-like figures without the reader realizing it. This novel, based on the character Murphy Shepherd, was released in 2020. The story catapults a redemption theme to the forefront amid human trafficking. The Letter Keeper, next in the series was released in 2021.
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Letter Keeper |
6. Bookshop By The Sea
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Bookshop by the Sea |
Each new Denise Hunter release is on my TBR list. They’re pure entertainment in the Christian thread versus a read deep on spiritual themes, but I find my brain needs a little simple escape from time to time. And Denise’s books do the trick.
7. Stay with Me
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Stay with Me, #1 |
This novel by Becky Wade just won a Christy Award. As well it should have. Becky always writes a tender, sweet romance, but this one grabbed me. She handled a touchy subject that IS real in a gentle way. This is my favorite Becky Wade novel.
If you’re looking for Becky’s 2021 release, check out my review of Let It Be Me here.
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Let It Be Me, #2 By Becky Wade |
8. Love and the Silver Lining
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Love and the Silver Lining, #2 By Tammy L. Gray |
While perusing my GoodReads feed one day, I noticed a slew of 5-star ratings for this recent release by Tammy L. Gray. I’d never heard of the author, but by the looks of things, her novel must be good. So I added it to my TBR list.
That assumption was spot-on.
This book IS SO GOOD! Be forewarned, though, that it’s book #2 in her series. Love and a Little White Lie is #1. I recommend it as well. Tammy’s a keeper of a novelist, and her new releases will be on my list for a long time to come.
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Love and a Little White Lie, #1 By Tammy L. Gray |
9. The Writing Desk
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The Writing Desk By Rachel Hauck |
This is, so far, my all-time favorite from Rachel Hauck. I fell in love with her writing amid the pages of this novel. If you haven’t read any of her work, try this one out. You might fall in love, too. It was published in 2017 with much acclaim and fantastic reviews. Look for newer Rachel Hauck releases as well.
10. All That Really Matters
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All That Really Matters |
Nicole Deese is a new-to-me author this year–and now a new favorite. And guess what? She’s writing buddies with Tammy L. Gray and another beloved writer I follow, Amy Matayo. Isn’t that fun? (EDIT 7/28/23 The latest of Amy’s books appear to fit more in the secular market.) )
You’ll likely smile, laugh, and devour this story in no time. All That Really Matters is a fantastic read–for you or as a gift. (And the cover’s pretty, too!) Be assured, I’ll be reading more of Nicole’s work, and I hope you do too.
Don’t Miss These Christian Fiction and Faith Posts
- 10 Not-to-Miss Female Christian Fiction Authors
- 10 Fantastic Christian Fiction Books to Read this Summer
- Grab this Free Christian Planner Now
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of 10 top Christian fiction books to read. What are your favorite Christian novels? Let us know in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to subscribe and join the journey here at KristiWoods.net.
Pin These to Find Later
I read about your choice of reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardroom on Facebook. But I can’t seem to be able to find it again. I’d like to join you in this read. Is there any information I should know?
Looks like you found A Christian Fiction Book Club. Yay! Here’s the link in case you need to find it again: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3280804305568769
The characters are deeply relatable and their spiritual journeys are both inspiring and authentic.
It’s always good to find authors who write relatable characters. Any particular novel that sticks out to you, Teresa?
I appreciate how the author melds historical accuracy with creative storytelling in this biblical fiction.
This thoughtfully curated list is a true gift for Christian fiction readers. Your selections reflect both spiritual depth and literary quality, and your brief yet heartfelt summaries offer just the right touch to spark interest. It’s clear that each recommendation was chosen with care and discernment. Thank you for guiding readers toward stories that both inspire and uplift.
Kristi Woods has curated an exceptional list of Christian fiction that seamlessly blends spiritual depth with compelling storytelling. Her thoughtful selections, such as Before We Were Yours and The Masterpiece, offer readers not only entertainment but also profound reflections on faith and redemption. This compilation serves as an invaluable resource for those seeking to enrich their reading journey with narratives that inspire and uplift.
There’s nothing like a good Christian novel to read.
Hi sis thank you. I was interested in reading good Christian fiction, and it took me years to find some hiding. Now I know there’s more good reads out there. I have been one to be obsessed with books, and now God has shown me that it was a gift He gave me so I could love to read, analyze, dissect, and learn His word as He teaches it to me. He has kind of put me on a temporary reading limit for fiction for now. Honestly I like Nancy Rue books, they spiritually leave me thirsty to read the Bible, and I think a good C.F. Book should do that for us. Otherwise, me personally I get caught up and I don’t read my Bible. So I want fun clean Christian books that leave me wanting Jesus. Nancy Rue(I can’t explain it) always does such a good job of making me want a drink from the well. After years as a lukewarm Christian just only praying for food for when I needed something, and reading and watching garbage, now I see the need and benefit of Christian fiction, which I used to never find good options to indulge in. So glad God has gotten people in their creative space, seeking His will to write good books. He is the creator after all, so honestly how we have over the years had terrible, cheesy movies and books about Jesus, I just don’t get it. Jesus is cool. He is an all consuming fire, what’s not to write about? And how can you make something boring when God is far from boring? How can anyone sink their teeth into a book that is spiritually dry, and dry creatively as well? Real things happen and we should write about real things and God’s redemptive plan in motion within those times. Sorry I just couldn’t understand it, but now I do, the religious spirit is real and I’m sure there are other factors. Still we need good books that share the truth of God’s word, while still being fun and engaging. Thank you for this list. I pray the Lord blesses you for your effort and honesty in His kingdom. Bless you my sister.
Glad this list of Christian fiction had been helpful