Christian historical fiction books have captivated readers around the globe with inspiring and illustrative stories that showcase the role of faith, hope, and love throughout history. This exciting genre, which combines elements of Christian faith, historical events, and captivating characters, can transport you to a completely different world while enriching your spiritual journey. In this guide, we’ll explore the world of Christian historical fiction, its evolution, top authors, and must-read series.
Before diving into the best Christian historical fiction books and their authors, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental concept of what this genre entails and the importance of faith in its stories.
Christian historical fiction is not just a genre that tells stories about the past. It is a genre that seeks to explore the intersection of faith and history. The stories told in this genre are not just about the characters and their journeys, but also about the ways in which God has been present and active throughout history.
What is Christian Historical Fiction?
Christian historical fiction is a subgenre of historical fiction that focuses on Christian themes, characters, and morals. These stories often portray realistic historical events, places, and people, but the main characters and their journeys are grounded in Christian faith. This unique aspect helps make the stories more relatable for readers who share similar beliefs and values. While individual faith journeys inevitably vary, Christian historical fiction offers a vast array of perspectives and inspiration that can resonate with each reader’s unique path.
One of the most significant benefits of Christian historical fiction is that it can help readers gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which faith has shaped history. By exploring the lives of characters who lived in different times and places, readers can gain a new perspective on the challenges and triumphs of the Christian faith throughout history.
The Importance of Faith in the Genre
One of the most significant defining traits of Christian historical fiction is the focus on faith. While some historical fiction novels may include religious elements, Christian historical fiction stands out for its in-depth exploration of the characters’ spiritual lives and their relationship with God. This focus on faith can provide readers with an engaging and emotionally powerful journey while increasing the impact of the lessons learned throughout the story. Moreover, it can serve as a reminder that God has been present and active throughout history, regardless of the challenges that people face.
Christian historical fiction is not just a genre for those who share the Christian faith. It is a genre that can be appreciated by readers of all backgrounds and beliefs. The stories told in this genre are not just about the past, but also about the present and future. They offer readers a glimpse into the ways in which faith can shape our lives and the world around us.
Whether you are a lifelong fan of Christian historical fiction or are just discovering the genre, there is no denying the power and impact of these stories. They offer readers a unique perspective on history and faith that can inspire and challenge us in our own lives.
The Evolution of Christian Historical Fiction
The genre of Christian historical fiction has gone through an exciting transformative journey from its early beginnings to its modern-day popularity. It has become a literary genre that has captured the attention of readers worldwide. The following sections delve into this fascinating evolution.
Early Influences and Pioneers
The roots of Christian historical fiction can be traced back to the 18th and 19th centuries. During this time, classic books such as John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” and Lew Wallace’s “Ben-Hur” set the foundation for the genre. These pioneers in Christian literature inspired readers by combining historical events with stories of hope and faith. Their works were a source of comfort and inspiration for many people during difficult times.
John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” is a Christian allegory that tells the story of a man named Christian who embarks on a journey to the Celestial City. The book is a powerful representation of the Christian life and has been translated into over 200 languages. Lew Wallace’s “Ben-Hur” is a historical novel that tells the story of a Jewish prince named Judah Ben-Hur, who is falsely accused of a crime and sent into slavery. The book’s themes of redemption and forgiveness have resonated with readers for over a century.
The Growth of the Genre in the 20th Century
The 20th century witnessed a significant expansion of Christian historical fiction. During this time, authors focused more on Christian themes and faith-driven narratives. Many captivating novels flourished, highlighting different periods in history and aspects of faith. One such novel is Catherine Marshall’s “Christy,” which gained widespread acclaim and even inspired a TV series. The book tells the story of a young woman named Christy Huddleston who moves to a remote village in the Smoky Mountains to teach impoverished children. The book’s themes of love, sacrifice, and faith have touched the hearts of readers for generations.
Another notable author of Christian historical fiction during this time was Bodie Thoene. She, along with her husband, wrote a series of books set during World War II, including “Vienna Prelude” and “Munich Signature.” These books explored the themes of faith and courage in the face of adversity and have become beloved by readers worldwide.
Modern Christian Historical Fiction
In recent times, Christian historical fiction has continued to evolve and adapt. Many authors have woven intricate stories and complex characters into the fabric of history. Some modern Christian historical fiction books explore biblical-era events, while others focus on significant moments in Christian history or the lives of ordinary people faced with extraordinary challenges.
One such author is Francine Rivers, who has written many bestselling books, including “Redeeming Love” and “The Mark of the Lion” trilogy. Her books explore the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of faith. Another notable author is Lynn Austin, who has written many books set during different periods in history, including “Candle in the Darkness” and “While We’re Far Apart.”
The creativity and imagination of modern authors in this genre have attracted and engaged a wide range of readers. Christian historical fiction has become a genre that not only provides entertainment but also encourages readers to reflect on their faith and the power of hope in difficult times.
Top Christian Historical Fiction Authors
Throughout the years, numerous talented authors have made their mark on the Christian historical fiction genre, each offering their unique perspective and storytelling style. Some of these authors have become household names in the field, garnering awards and legions of loyal readers. Here, we’ll introduce you to a few of these top Christian historical fiction authors.
Francine Rivers
Francine Rivers is a New York Times bestselling author and well-known in the Christian fiction world for her exceptional storytelling skills, profound characters, and strong themes of faith. One of her most popular works is the “Mark of the Lion” series, which takes readers on a journey through ancient Rome, Israel, and Ephesus. Her novels often contain powerful messages wrapped in beautiful prose, making her one of the top authors in Christian historical fiction.
Lynn Austin
Multiple Christy Award-winning author Lynn Austin is renowned for her vivid and authentic historical settings and her captivating characters. Among her numerous achievements, Austin has penned “The Chronicles of the Kings” series, a masterpiece of historical fiction that retells the biblical story of Hezekiah. With powerful themes of faith, loss, love, and redemption, Lynn Austin’s novels have captured the hearts of many readers around the globe.
Tessa Afshar
Tessa Afshar is an award-winning author who brings biblical history to life with a fresh and inspiring perspective. Her engaging stories often focus on lesser-known Bible characters and provide readers with thought-provoking spiritual insights. Afshar’s work, such as “Pearl in the Sand” and “Land of Silence,” is widely celebrated for its descriptive prose and deep exploration of faith in the ancient world.
Bodie and Brock Thoene
Writing duo Bodie and Brock Thoene have authored over 70 novels, many of which have won prestigious awards and made bestseller lists. The Thoenes are particularly known for their “Zion Covenant” series, which showcases the struggle, faith, and hope of characters caught up in the tumultuous events leading to World War II. With a unique combination of historical accuracy, gritty realism, and faith-driven narratives, Bodie and Brock Thoene’s works continue to captivate readers worldwide.
Must-Read Christian Historical Fiction Series
Christian historical fiction has a fantastic lineup of series that are beloved by readers for their engrossing narratives and engaging portrayals of faith throughout history. The following list is a compilation of must-read series for any historical fiction enthusiast:
The Mark of the Lion Series
Written by Francine Rivers, this renowned series follows the life and struggles of Hadassah, a young Christian slave in the Roman Empire. The narrative explores themes of faith, persecution, and forgiveness, and has become a cornerstone in Christian historical fiction literature. The series consists of three books: “A Voice in the Wind,” “An Echo in the Darkness,” and “As Sure as the Dawn.”
The Chronicles of the Kings Series
Lynn Austin’s epic five-book series follows the biblical story of King Hezekiah and his descendants of the Davidic line. Each novel vividly brings to life the ancient world of Judah, Israel, and Assyria, with in-depth character development and engaging plots. The series includes “Gods and Kings,” “Song of Redemption,” “The Strength of His Hand,” “Faith of My Fathers,” and “Among the Gods.”
Written by Lisa T. Bergren, “The River of Time” series is a romantic and thrilling Christian historical fiction series that follows two modern American girls who are transported back in time to medieval Italy. The series consists of five novels: “Waterfall,” “Cascade,” “Torrent,” “Bourne & Tributary,” and “Deluge,” which blend romance, adventure, and the testing of faith throughout the characters’ unique journey.
In conclusion, the world of Christian historical fiction is both extensive and fascinating, offering a plethora of inspiring stories for readers to delve into. With relatable themes and engaging storytelling, this genre has become an essential pillar in the world of literature. So, whether you’re a seasoned Christian historical fiction reader or just starting your journey into this captivating genre, these books, authors, and series mentioned above are sure to provide plenty of compelling reads.
FAQs
Does Christian historical fiction have to be about the Bible?
Not necessarily, many Christians would consider clean historical fiction books as ‘Christian-appropriate’.
Who are the best Christian historical fiction writers?
Joan Brady, Colleen Coble, June M. Bacher, Lynn Austin, Melody Carlson, and Stephen A. Bly are all at the top of the list of authors who write in this niche.
What is Christian historical fiction?
For the most part, Christian historical fiction has clear Christian undertones running throughout, whether that’s a protagonist practicing the religion or leading a Christian life, or whether Christian themes are woven throughout the plot in other ways.
Eddison Monroe, born 1990 in Portland, Oregon, is an accomplished and celebrated female writer and independent author. The youngest of three siblings, Eddison's passion for storytelling began during her childhood as she entertained her family with vivid tales and fantastical characters. Her nurturing environment and the encouragement of her parents, both educators, played a crucial role in shaping her literary aspirations.
Eddison's writing often explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. Her works are characterized by their lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and strong, multidimensional female characters.
A strong advocate for independent publishing, Eddison frequently conducts workshops and seminars to guide budding writers in navigating the world of self-publishing. She also serves as a mentor for aspiring authors, providing them with the knowledge and tools to pursue their dreams.
