As we wrap up Christian book month, I wanted to share some of my favorites* with you. I have divided my list into fiction and nonfiction. While this list is comprised of Christian authors, I do not limit my reading to Christian books. You can see more recommendations on my Amazon storefront.
Fiction Books
Julie Klassen’s The Secret of Pembrooke Park
This is one of my favorites of Klassen’s books, but I have read and enjoyed all of them. This one is a standalone, but she has several series that are also excellent. She picks up where Jane Austen leaves off without the language barrier.
Roseanna M. White’s Ring of Secrets
I have not read everything White has written, but everything I’ve read of hers has been excellent. This is the first in a Culper spies trilogy (with 2 added novellas). I’ve also enjoyed the book she wrote for the codebreaker series.
Dee Henderson’s Traces of Guilt
If you enjoy suspense, Henderson is your girl! This is the first of two books that I really hope Henderson will add to in the future. She has written several excellent series, including the O’Malley series.
Susan Sleeman’s Cold Terror
While some of the romance can be a bit over the top, the plot of Sleeman’s suspense/mystery books is always excellent. This is the first book in the Cold Harbor series which leads into multiple other series.
Hope Callaghan’s Divine Mystery Series
These cozy mysteries are well written, fairly short, and a pleasure to read. Callaghan has multiple series in the works, so if you catch up on one, there is always another one you can start.
Brock and Bodie Thoene’s Zion Covenant series
Historical fiction that takes place in Europe during World War II. This series will keep you hooked, and you can follow it with the Zion Chronicles and the Zion Legacy. You might want to keep the tissues handy.
Shannon McNear’s The Blue Cloak
Historical fiction meets true crime! This novel paints a picture of the frontier as it was being settled and some of the challenges the pioneers faced including serial killers! While McNear describes true and disturbing events, the images she paints are not overly graphic.
M.J. Padgett’s The Wild
I’m not much for fantasy, but Padgett does an excellent job in this first of two books. She nailed the allegory and left me anxiously waiting for the sequel!
Terri Blackstock’s Cape Refuge
The first in a series that kept me riveted. There’s mystery, suspense, and romance all rolled into one great series.
Kimberley Woodhouse’s The Mayflower Bride
This series is written by different authors and follows one family tree through the history of our country. Woodhouse contributed more than this one book to the series. She painted an incredible picture of what it must have been like to travel to the New World.
Michael Phillips and Judith Pella’s The Russians series
I read this series when I was in college, yet I find myself thinking about it decades later. It is historical fiction set in the time of the Russian revolution and even includes a book focused on Rasputin. I had the privilege of traveling to Russia after finishing this series and felt I was better prepared than I would have been otherwise.
Nonfiction Books
Pete Hegseth’s Battle for the American Mind
Hegseth does a great job of covering the history of public education in America. This is a great place to start if you are interested in learning more about its roots, its intentions, and its logical outcome.
Hillary Morgan Ferrer’s Mama Bear Apologetics
Whether you are a mom or not, you should read this book! Ferrer has compiled articles written by several authors on many of the topics that plague our society today. The book includes tips for discussing these issues with your children. There is a workbook available and a sequel focused on the gender conversation.
Nancy R. Pearcey’s Love Thy Body
As our society crawls deeper and deeper into gender confusion, Pearcey sheds light on the reasons and the solutions. She followed this book up with another great read, The Toxic War on Masculinity.
Gregory Koukl’s Tactics
This book gives you the tips and information you need to have conversations about your faith with those who do not agree with you. Koukl gives examples and illustrations that make it easy to understand and implement. The sequel to this book, Street Smarts, takes the information presented and goes deeper.
J. Warner Wallace’s Cold-Case Christianity
In keeping with the apologetics theme, this book was written by a former detective who set out to disprove the Bible, only to discover that all of the evidence pointed to the truth of Scripture.
Allie Beth Stuckey’s You’re Not Enough (And That’s Okay)
Every woman, young and old, should read Stuckey’s book to gain a biblical perspective of the self-love, self-care, “treat yoself” trend in our culture today. Stuckey explains why this trend is not only unbiblical, but also illogical.
Rebekah Merkle’s Eve in Exile
This is another book that every woman should read! Merkle explains the history and drive of the feminist movement and the damage it has done while also giving us great hope for the future and practical steps to start rebuilding our society.
Nancy Wilson’s The Fruit of Her Hands
Wilson helps Christian women gain perspective on their daily duties, relationships, and pursuit of godliness. It is a very convicting book, so be prepared!
Joe Rigney’s Strangely Bright
Have you ever felt guilty for enjoying an activity, savoring a meal, or searching for happiness? Rigney explains in this short book that God created this world for His and our enjoyment. This is a shorter version of his longer book The Things of Earth.
Eric Metaxas’s Bonhoeffer
I wanted to end the list with a biography that changed my thinking about so many things. Metaxas spells out the rise and fall of Hitler’s Germany through the eyes of Bonhoeffer using his writings, the writings of others, and the testimonies of those who knew him. It is a long book, but so worth the read.
If you would like more recommendations, I have a longer list (constantly growing) on my Amazon storefront. And I would love to hear your suggestions as I’m always looking for my next great read!
*I am sharing books I have read and enjoyed that present Christian themes. I have not researched every piece of writing or every facet of the lives of these authors.
Dear Kelli,
Thank you so much for this promising book list. I have three daughters and two daughters-in-law and they all love to read, so I will forward this list to them. I know a few of the titles, so I look forward to expanding my own reading as well!