A friend recently asked me to recommend some good Christian fiction authors. Golly, I didn’t have a good and complete answer, so I started a list. I gave myself two rules. First, these had to be authors with books I’ve recently read and enjoyed. My second rule, that the authors have won awards (like this one and this one), means these authors are recognized. They have serious writing chops. They publish good stuff that lots of readers love. In this post, I’ll introduce you to 5 Christian fiction authors you should read. (More to come!)
Even having enjoyed these talented authors’ books, readers, you know that this is completely subjective. What I like may not be what you like. Right? Also, what I read in the summer might not feel right in the winter. Make sense? So take this all with a wink.
My list has 20 authors so far, and I’m just getting started. So many good books! The list includes multiple genres—mystery and historical to romance and contemporary. They are in no particular order, and I’ve mixed genres so there’s something for everyone! Perhaps this will lead you to a new favorite.
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 Christian Authors to Read
#1. Charles Martin
Charles Martin was the keynote speaker at a recent Christian writing conference I attended. Amazing. He’s a story-teller extraordinaire, an encourager, and a faithful man of God who writes real dramas about real people. And it’s fiction.
I’d already read two of his 20+ novels, Long Way Gone and Thunder and Rain, before hearing him speak. After hearing him, I’m putting his entire backlist on my TBR.
You might recognize his book-made-movie The Mountain Between Us.
His book Long Way Gone was a five-star read. It’s a beautiful modern retelling of the prodigal son which takes readers from tent revivals to the Nashville music scene. “No matter where you go, no matter whether you succeed or fail, stand or fall, no gone is too far gone. You can always come home.” Left me weeping. He’s such a gifted writer.
#2. Francine Rivers
Francine Rivers has published more than 30 books, but she is best known for Redeeming Love, another modern retelling of a biblical story, Hosea and Gomer. This is a beautiful (and painful in places) historical romance set during the 1850s California Gold Rush. There are lots of mixed reviews, but you should join the conversation and decide for yourself. After you read the book, check out the 2022 movie. Here’s the trailer.
#3. Jaime Jo Wright
Jaime Jo Wright is a wild ride away from Francine and Charles. She writes award-winning chilling gothic tales. If you love a Daphne du Maurier vibe like Rebecca, pick up one of Jaime’s 11 books. I loved The Curse of Misty Wayfair. Good eerie read.
I’m just starting Echoes Among the Stones and here’s the opening line:
“She should have paid more attention to her longtime neighbor, Oliver Schneider, when she passed him on the road at dawn.”
Yes, my spine is already tingling. Her book covers alone will make your shiver. But don’t worry, these aren’t The Shining kind of creepy.
#4. Rachel Hauck
Rachel Hauck writes lovely but not always fluffy romances. Seriously, I’m not really a full-out romance reader, but sometimes they are super fun. Rachel’s list includes more than 30 books ranging from royal princes set in fantasy lands to grittier stories about loss and friendship.
One of her books became a Hallmark movie, but I hesitate to say this because it’s a hot-button. Right? Some of you might judge the whole Hallmark thing and think, No way. This is not my author. Or maybe you’ll jump in with both feet. Wherever you stand on Hallmark, Rachel Hauck is a wonderful story-teller whose books are filled with romance, hope, and redemption. Well worth the read.
I thoroughly enjoyed many of them including her To Love A Prince. It reminded me of a long ago favorite movie I watched with our daughter — The Prince and Me.
I also met Rachel in real life at a writing conference, and she is the real deal. Genuine, fun, humble, and encouraging. This summer I read her newest book, The Best Summer of Our Lives where the story of four college friends unfolds as one of them struggles to pick up the pieces of a broken past. Lovely story about friendship, loss, and love. A bonus is that if you were a child of the 1970’s, music lyrics and memories will bring you back to those nostalgic days.
Favorite quote? “If you feel lost, go back to the last place you felt found.”
#5. Sara Brunsvold
Sara Brunsvold is a debut award-winning author. Her debut novel really is a gem. The title alone is enough to make you want to read it. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is a lovely contemporary tale of a young journalist who is assigned to write the obituary for Mrs. Kip, a 79-year-old who is in her last days. You might think, no thanks. Sounds depressing. Yes, it’s a book about facing death but it’s really so much more! It’s a hope-filled book about life and how one woman’s faith touches so many lives. I laughed and I cried and I fell in love with Mrs. Kip. She’s one feisty lady!
Favorite quote? “The mark of authentic love is dying a thousand deaths to self.”
I’ve preordered her next book, The Divine Proverb of Streusel. Sounds like another good one.
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!
