Today’s post features 5 more Christian fiction authors to add to you reading list. I’ve introduced readers to ten Christian authors so far here and here, and it’s time for five more recommendations.
See, I set an intention to share some of my favorite authors with you, specifically authors who profess a Christian faith. Why do this? Because I hear so many women (and men) who bemoan the state of contemporary fiction (also movies/programs/music). Some of us just prefer to consume what is known as “clean fiction,” fiction without language or bedroom scenes or the celebration of darkness.
Now please don’t misunderstand here. Countless classics and even bestsellers today are beautiful stories with some ugly things because isn’t that what our lives look like on this side of heaven? But the stories can also include redemption, grace, and truth. Many classics, I would argue, are speaking the truth about what is good and right without ever mentioning the Name of Christ. Sometimes these stories may not seem at all “Christian,” which is completely okay with me. I studied and taught English literature for years, so I appreciate good writing and well-told stories that spark conversations with myself or others. But sometimes I long for books that don’t shy away from being boldly Christian, front and center. You’ll notice a few of those on this list. I hope you enjoy them too.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase from a link, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
5 More Christian Authors to Check Out
#1. Katie Schuermann
Katie Schuermann describes herself as “a baptized child of God, pastor’s wife, and author” on her website. Her books include the acclaimed Anthems of Zion fiction series and her newest book, The Saints of Whistle Grove, a delightful story that centers on the cemetery in Whistle Grove where faithful voices from generations past will connect people who need to know the wondrous mystery of Christ. “Though he die, yet shall he live.”
I’m going to talk more about Katie’s newest book as it’s my March book club read, and I don’t want to dive deep yet. For my Lutheran readers, you will feel right at home with her books which is a lovely place to be. Lyrical, funny, and Christ-centered, Katie’s writing is rich and rewarding. You are in for a treat.
#2. Paul L. Maier
Paul L. Maier is a brilliant historian who taught Ancient History at Western Michigan University until 2011, well into his 80s. As of this writing, he is nearing 94 years old and the last time I heard him talk–not many years ago–his mind was sharp and his knowledge deep. If you run in Lutheran circles, you’ll recognize his name as his father was the founder and long-time speaker of The Lutheran Hour.
I have been blessed to hear Dr. Maier speak on many occasions. The first time was when he came to Utah in 2002 during the XIX Olympic Games to speak at a small Lutheran school. Then ten years later, we happened to move and began attending his church in Kalamazoo, Michigan where he conducted several casual events.
While he has written so much in the academic/nonfiction world, my bookshelf has his historical fiction bestseller A Skeleton in God’s Closet, published in 1993. It’s a page-turner of a book and the story and characters stayed with me for a long time which is the best compliment for any book. He knows the history of the Ancient Near East, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Christianity and the Roman Empire, and the Reformation Era so well. If you love historical fiction, you really need to check out Dr. Maier’s books.
#3. Erin Bartels
Erin Bartels has been writing for more than twenty years and describes herself as writing “character-driven fiction for curious people . . . reckoning with the past, improving the present, and looking with hope to the future.” As of this writing, I’ve only read one of her many works, The Words between Us, and I admit that I was originally drawn to this book at a local bookstore because of the title and the cover, a stack of books and a feather. You can’t judge a book by its cover, but sometimes it does pull you in!
She also happens to be a fellow Michigander which made the reading an even lovelier experience. This book is a powerful story of a young woman running from her past who finds refuge in a used bookstore. Her prose is lyrical and evocative, echoing the classics. “She pens a story that shows that words–the ones we say, the ones we read, and the ones we write–have more power than we imagine.” I look forward to reading more of her work. And she is a guest presenter at our next Michigan Christian Fiction Writer’s meeting!
#4. Roseanna M. White
Roseanna M. White is a best-selling and award winning author of dozens of novels ranging from Biblical fiction to American and British set historicals.
I have read one of Roseanna’s books so far, the first in her Codebreaker Series, The Number of Love. Set in London during the Great War, the book is part mystery and part romance and fully engaging. We meet Margot DeWilde who works in the secret Room 40, which I had never heard of before this, where she deciphers secret messages. Drake Elton enters her life and that’s when things get exciting. If you like meticulously researched stories with strong female protagonists, check out Roseanna. I have the rest of her Codebreaker Series already on my shelf just waiting for summer reading on my porch.
#5. Heather Kaufman
I was introduced to Heather Kaufman’s books almost six years ago when the publishing company that I have worked with for years (as a writer and copy editor) published two of her fiction books, The Story People and Loving Isaac. Good stories! So it was a delight to get to know Heather in real life, at a writing conference, and on social media.
She’s a faithful writer who recently published her first in a series of Biblical fiction stories called Women of the Way. I’m just finishing the first one, Up From Dust: Martha’s Story, and it’s a gem. I’m not normally a Biblical fiction reader but I knew Heather was a gifted writer, so I grabbed this one.
If you’ve never read Biblical fiction, be prepared for The Chosen on paper (or audio). Characters from the Bible come alive in ways you wouldn’t imagine. Of course, we know that this is fictionalizing Scripture which I’m fine with, as long as we remember that it is fiction and not God’s Word.
You will meet Martha of Bethany and walk her through her heartbreak and faithful service to her family and ultimately to the Lord. You’ll get a realistic peek into the life of a first-century family with Martha’s first-person perspective. Heather’s careful research is evident. You can imagine the climax of the story when Jesus returns upon hearing of his friend Lazarus’ death. Here’s Martha running to meet Jesus, just to give you a taste of her style:
“Lord,” I gasped, bowing my head over his dusty sandals. With a trembling hand, I snagged the hem of his robe, grasping tightly as if tethering him to myself . . . Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” My words were ripped out of my chest, ragged and raw, all my pain and fear pooling into this moment.
Love learning about Christian authors? Check out my (always growing) list of recommended authors. Who are your favorite Christian authors to read? Favorite Christian books?
Pin this post for later!
