Did I read for the most hours or do the best book review assignments in elementary school? Absolutely not. Was I always known as the kid with her nose stuck in a book? Heck no. BUT, for most of high school and now graduated, I got my redemption in the reading world by choosing it as a new hobby.
Christian Fiction
I began my reading journey taking recommendations from Tik Tok and Instagram, thinking I enjoyed my reading. In some cases, I truly did! Then, I started to grow close to God, but still took the average reader’s book suggestions… Bad idea. Most of the books you’ll catch many people reading are filled with terrible language, obscure scenes, and no wholly driven plot. I didn’t realize the absence of Christian literature in my life until I was introduced to the presence of it. About a year ago, I started reading from the Christian fiction section at my local library, and would soon intentionally search for clean content.
Here are four fiction books I have read in the past year that are written beautifully to glorify the Lord!
1. A Perfect Silhouette by Judith McCoy Miller
https://images.app.goo.gl/YbnDwaRBjAzEa7Qu9
I would say this book opened my eyes to the world of Christian fiction! As I read the synopsis in the middle of my library’s aisles, I decided to take it home. And I’m so glad I did! The story is set in 1850 New Hampshire, when it was common for women to work at textile mills. To help support her family, not only did Mellie work during the day, but she also cut paper silhouettes for customers of a local shop in the evenings. One customer in particular grows a fond interest in her, and a romantic relationship blossoms. The imagery, plot, character development, and biblical themes of this book had me hooked the entire time. Reading this made me love historical AND Christian fiction!
2. Butterfly Palace by Colleen Coble
https://images.app.goo.gl/BiepcY5PpfRtH8zQ7
Remaining in the history and romance space, this book is set in 1899 Austin. Lilly works for a highly distinguished family but soon recognizes one of their party guests as the former love of her life. The book takes a thrilling turn when she is attacked and news spreads of a killer roaming free. I could not stop flipping the pages of this book, and was amazed that a book this clean could also be this good! My reaction was, “Why don’t more people talk about this author?”
3. The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox
https://images.app.goo.gl/4LW9Q9EmqG1tags48
I now follow Amanda Cox on Instagram because of how attached I became to the uniqueness of this story. It is a more recent setting and contains a dual-time storytelling format. Ivy discovers clues to her adoption that her grandmother left behind during the efforts of her estate sale. Twenty-four years ago, Harvey found an orphaned baby and took her in as his own despite being homeless. When he is welcomed by a pastor’s family, he tries to hide his secret but will do anything to keep the baby safe. We watch personal battles, Christ-like love, and deep connections form in one of my all-time favorite books.
4. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
https://images.app.goo.gl/UoiBdjwY6gPXk7t26
This book has been recommended to me for a while, and for good reason! Amid of California’s gold rush, Angel is working in the only way she’s ever known- prostitution. Meanwhile, strong, God-fearing, Michael Hosea feels God’s call to marry her. Certainly, that can’t be right! We read his defiance of God’s plan, and Angel’s defiance of God’s love throughout this heart-breaking, yet incredible story. Not only does God save a broken prostitute who has never known real love, but he saves Michael again through the power of community, submission, and love.
Christian Non-Fiction
As for non-fiction, I read little to none in the past. Maybe a Sadie Robertson book here or there, but that was it. They didn’t intrigue me and I could not stay invested no matter how hard I tried. With that being said, the Lord transformed my life when he put interesting, wise “non-fic picks” in my path. For all of my fiction readers out there, don’t give up hope until you try reading some of the options below! However, I would like to say that non-fiction reading does NOT replace the bible (even if it’s about the bible, and may even make more sense). I have fallen into that trap one too many times to not make that disclaimer!
1. Radical by David Platt
https://images.app.goo.gl/7TL7mwjyZtDmeQpYA
This is the book that pulled me out of my non-fiction reading slump! It made me realize that there are books out there filled with knowledge and goodness, I just had to be recommended to them (shout-out to my youth pastor). David Platt is a well-known preacher and author, and you can find his entire Radical sermon series online. The book touches on a lot of the same points and dives into how to live radically for the Lord. He discusses how to radically surrender the idea of the American Dream, and it’s completely altered my way of thinking!
2. Forgotten God by Francis Chan
https://images.app.goo.gl/SPte3ZFsPciAtstZ8
There is a fun little God story about finding this book. So, I was searching on GoodReads for another book after Radical, when I came across Forgotten God. The idea of the Holy Spirit being… well, forgotten, enticed me. So I added it to my “To Be Read” and nearly purchased it from Amazon, refraining because I thought I might wait just in case. The next day, my mom and I visited an adorable coffee shop & bookstore hybrid. As we’re browsing the “Used” shelves, I won’t lie, I was not very impressed. Right before I walk away, I notice the cover of a book that looks extremely familiar. How do I know that design? Forgotten God! I immediately pick it up because has God ever shouted in my face more than that moment?
The synopsis describes the modern view of the Holy Spirit perfectly by saying, “Unfortunately, today’s church has admired the gift but neglected to open it.” Francis Chan reveals the results of this abandonment and the reasons why we are given the Spirit. If you need a wake-up call, this is it.
3. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
https://images.app.goo.gl/zr8upeDxLhVGM12u8
I buddy-read this book with my dad and we both found so much wisdom in it! John Mark Comer did an amazing job explaining the detrimental effects that hurry has had on our lives as a society. Effects we don’t realize are happening until we sit back and look at it from his perspective. Think about how we are always zooming through the fast lane, choosing the quickest line at the grocery store, and reaching for the grab-and-go option for breakfast. We never allow ourselves time to admire the place where God has put us. I don’t know a single person that would not benefit from reading this book.
4. Not Yet Married by Marshall Segal
https://images.app.goo.gl/vd9JWb9RdW98Uzww8
Last but not least, I actually just started this book. It is so fantastic already that I knew it would make this list. Marshall Segal challenges the idea that marriage is what will make us happy, and brings to light the fact that we were made for more than walking down the aisle. When he brought up his belief that dating has become “me” centered, I was stunned. I had never thought about it that way! I think this book would be great no matter what stage of life you are in, and I cannot wait to read the rest.
Christian or not, reader or not, all of the titles here are phenomenal, and I encourage you to dive into the habit of bible-focused reading. Enjoy!