What is the incentive to read Christian books over the latest bestseller in the general market? Because there are tons of well-written books out there, and even more that are less well done. But to niche down specifically to Christian fiction, there has to be a good reason.

And for the record, I put a number in the headline, but there are way more than 21 books in this post. If you follow the genre links towards the middle, you’ll find hundreds of options, for people of all ages!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I may make a small commission. I only recommend books and resources that I’ve enjoyed personally, or believe that you would like. You can read my full disclosure here. You will also find information on Scripture translations there.

What Makes the Best Christian Fiction Books?

We’ve already talked about the pros and cons of Christian romance books, so we’ll just talk about general Christian novels today.

There are a few things to pay attention to when picking out good CF books. Just because they make the Bestseller lists, doesn’t necessarily mean they are good. There are certain things that make them different from mainstream fiction, or even from “Clean” books (which are wonderful places to visit, too).

Yes, we look for clean books, free of explicit content, and not promoting harmful or evil things. But what sets some books apart is that they unfailingly point to Jesus in some way.

Sharing the Gospel

An important characteristic is the ability to share the Gospel. The Good news that Jesus is real, and has a real compassion and involvement in our daily lives. Some authors can do that without coming across as preachy. The truth is woven into the story without beating anyone over the head with it.

Life Lessons of Character

There are so many life lessons of character, and we can get practice for our own lives by experiencing character-building situations alongside the people in the stories we read. Whether it’s marriage, parenting, work decisions, friendship issues, dealing with government, or parents, or neighbors, or…

Great books take you on a journey through so many decisions and choices and consequences. Then, when we face them in real life, maybe we’ve picked up how to (or NOT to) handle them a little better!

They Point to Jesus

The best ones point to Jesus every time. Not “follow your heart” “one day my prince will come” or even “get over it and get back in there.” No. Good ones will always show the way Jesus can and will help you through the worst and the best circumstances. Trusting Jesus to get you through.

*If you don’t know Jesus, click here to read about the 3 steps of salvation, and how to get to know Jesus better. Plus there’s a free printable.

The Best Christian Fiction Books To Add to Your TBR List Today

Now that you know what to look for, something worth putting on your TBR list and reading, let’s get to the good stuff. The book recommendations!

Genre Links

If you’re not concerned about year, these genre-specific posts are loaded with great books.

• Biblical Fiction Authors
• Christian Fiction Authors
• Christian Romance Stories
• Christian Time Travel Books
• Christian Allegory Books
• Christian Fantasy Books
• Middle Grade Books
• Children’s Books that Inspire Faith
• Christian Historical Fiction Books
• Christian Mystery Books
• Christian War Novels*

*Denotes post coming soon. (I’m working on it as fast as I can!) Any Topic Requests???

If the idea of brand new Top Christian Fiction books mailed right to your doorway appeals to you, you might be interested in the Truly Yours Book Box! Including romance, mystery, suspense, and Amish fiction, you never know what you might get! Maybe sign up with a friend, and have a Christian book of the month club between you!

Top Christian Fiction Books 2019

This list would have to include Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette. This Biblical historical fiction account of the goings on in and around one of the Cities of Refuge in the time between Joshua and Judges is AMAZING!

Another unforgettable novel from 2019 is The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin. It’s part of a powerful WWII trilogy of 3 brothers whose relationship seems shattered beyond all hope. Or are they?

I thoroughly enjoyed Daughters of Northern Shores by Joanne Bischof, you can see why here. It’s a story of forgiveness that is well done.

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews was a unique and passionate take on the book of Daniel. Doesn’t cross any lines it shouldn’t, and makes you think hard about your own choices.

Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron is part of a fantastic Timeslip trilogy you DO NOT want to miss. Castles, Justice, Mysteries, and sweet romance!

Fragments of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks was full of suspense and drama, and a dog. in the desert. Does she have a prayer of surviving this?

Shadow Among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens takes the story of Ruth and plants it firmly in Period England. It was unforgettable. You get so lost in the new story that something you should have expected catches you unprepared. Fun and challenging!

Aiming for Love by Mary Conneally is hilarious, sweet, and opens your eyes to looking at things fresh. It is a historical western, and while it has its serious moments, and unsolved riddles (book one in a trilogy), it makes you grateful for the ability to read your Bible!

The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport is about a genealogist, so there’s definitely a timeslip factor, fun mysteries to solve both in the present and the past, and with it being a father-daughter team, it’s not really a romance. When they rely on God, they get the job done.

Christmas on Breakers Point by Chautona Havig is the start of what looks to be an unforgettable series. Uncle Bud’s last request before his ‘expiration date’ arrives, is for his niece to help restore someone’s faith. A friend who’d gotten tangled up in “Why would God allow such evil” to the point she’d lost her way.

Top Christian Fiction Books 2020

The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin (final book in this WWII trilogy) is a beautiful picture of restoration. Her ability to tie everything together without making feel too neat and clean is awesome!

Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar is on my TBR, as I’ve long been fascinated by Prisilla and Aquilla, and Tessa Afshar is one of my favorite CF authors! I just picked up the Audible version, and can’t wait to dive in!

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer explores the backwoods mountains of the 1930s. An undeniably tough time in history, but a beautiful testimony of purposeful kindness. You can read my full review here.

Daughter of Cana by Angela Hunt is a unique and fun exploration of what it might have been like as the family of one of Jesus’ disciples. Or Jesus’ own brother. The concern, the doubts, the curiosity.

Star of Persia by Jill Eileen Smith was a fantastic telling of the story of Esther, that emphasized wisdom and compassion in beautiful ways.

Tempting Tait by Chautona Havig is a contemporary Good Samaritan story that becomes a marriage of Conviction (NOT Convenience). It’s a beautiful story, and one that will challenge your ‘getting involved’ muscles and ask you to put your actions where your faith is.

The Wilkester Mysteries by Barbara Cornthwaite are really enjoyable cozy mysteries that have you evaluating your thought life and insecurities. Brought to Book was wonderful, but book 2, Snuffed Out, was even better!

Here’s what I’m reading in 2021

Best Selling Christian Fiction Books

According to Amazon’s Best selling Christian Fiction Books list, here are a few highlights that are among the top choices as of the publication of this post:

The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis is a series of letters between demons, filled with coaching strategies on how to cause the most damage among the humans. This one will probably always be on the list!

The Esther Paradigm by Sarah Monzon, a contemporary retelling of the book of Esther. Review Here (Spoiler, it’s Great!)

The Circle Series by Ted Dekker, a 4 in 1 collection. This series has been highly recommended to me, and I’m looking forward to diving in.

Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt is another cozy mystery, about a college student turned crime scene cleaner who uncovers evidence the police missed… it’s a lot of fun, with a budding faith. To date, there are 16 Squeaky Clean Mysteries in this series.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, an American West historical novel based on the book of Hosea. If you don’t cry while reading it, and examine your heart, I’d be surprised! Thankfully, you’ll also laugh a lot while reading this, as with any of Francine Rivers’ books. *They are definitely for adults, not tweens*

I have to say I like the best selling Christian fiction book list on Amazon, and check it out too often, both the top 100 free and paid! It’s a wonderfully dangerous tool for bookworms!

Best Christian Fiction Books for Teens

These are a few I would suggest, each an excellent tale:

Lisa T Bergen’s River of Time series, both the one in Italy and the one in California. These are great novels for girls who dream of adventure, but you’re not sure how they’d handle it if they actually found it.

No Space Like Home by Dell Tunnicliff is a fun Wizard of Oz allegory set in space. It’s remarkable how much fun I had with these young people! And my faith and compassion grew, too!

Dragons in Our Midst by Bryan Davis is a series for teens (and adults) who love a little bit of fantasy mixed with real adventure and spiritual warfare unmasked. Bryan Davis has a couple of other series they’d probably love too!

Susan Muira’s Healer is a contemporary story of a 17-year-old girl who has to learn to trust God’s will, his timing, and his wisdom as she discovers an incredible gift. Learning to hold to the truth is a powerful skill for us all!

Melody Carlson and Melanie Dickerson are some more wonderful writers, who create stories for teens where we don’t have to worry about what they’re being taught.

The Best Christian Fiction Authors to Put on Your Must Read List

When building your library, these are some amazing writers to keep an eye out for.

As far as Biblical Fiction Authors, you want to keep your eye out for Lynn Austin. Her Chronicles of the Kings and Restoration Chronicles are powerful, offering perspective and hope throughout.

Also, Tessa Afshar, Mesu Andrews, Connilyn Cossette, and Jill Eileen Smith will captivate and encourage you while opening the scriptures for you to experience firsthand in their Biblical fiction accounts.

Some of the best Historical fiction writers, in my opinion, are Lynn Austin again, Penelope J Stokes, Sarah Sundin, Tamara Alexander, Tracie Peterson and Laurine Snelling.

Contemporary Christian fiction books written by Hallee Bridgeman, Chautona Havig, Toni Shiloh, Carol Moncado, Sharon Srock, and Amanda Tru are awesome to read.

Suspense genre: if they’re written by Joel Rosenberg, Jerry B. Jenkins, Terri Blackstock, Alana Terry, Carrie Stuart Parks, Robin Caroll, and Ginny Ytrupp are fantastic. Intense, but not overwhelming.

And then of course, there are the classic Christian writers like CS Lewis, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Charles M Sheldon. They may have been around a long time, but their tales are still powerful, meaningful, and relatable today.

These talented CF writers know how to hook you, and point you to Jesus every step of the way.

Best Places to Find Affordable Christian Novels

• Amazon
• Answers In Genesis
• Audible
• AudioBooksNow
• Barnes&Noble
• BetterWorldBooks
• BibleStore (Much More Than Bibles)
• BooksAMillion
• Bookshop.org
• ChristianBook.com
• Ebooks.com
• SecondSale
• Thriftbooks

What Are Your Favorites?

What are your favorite Christian novels? Did you find a new favorite here? I’d love to hear about it! Please comment, and help us grow this list! (and my TBR mountain!)

These stories have a tendency to lift my mood, carrying me away for a bit of a break from reality, while preparing me to handle reality with a little more grace and compassion than I might have otherwise.

Time with God will do that, and this is one way I spend time with him. Another way is through short inspirational devotions like these. Or these fun women’s devotionals.

What would you say makes the best Christian fiction books? Which CF authors are your favorites?

Until Next Time, Love God, Love Books, Shine The Light!!