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Why read Christian fiction? There are millions of books out there…..just because you are a Christian doesn't mean you have to be limited to Christian fiction…right? I totally agree…you don't have to be limited to just Christian books…but you should definitely give them a try!
I love to read and have since I was a child. I really started reading avidly when I was in middle school. A girl my age moved in a couple of doors down and we became close friends. She loved to read and I remember we spent one summer at our small public library reading one book after another! From then on I had my nose in a book….I spent many a Saturday curled up with a book and wouldn't stop until it was finished!
I have read lots of different kinds of books over the years. I had never read any Christian fiction until I was in college and I got hooked on a series of books by Bodie and Brock Thoene called the Zion Chronicles that is historical fiction dealing with Jews during World War 2. At that point I realized how great Christian fiction could be!
Why Read Christian Fiction
1. Christian authors can be just as good as any other author!
I think people may perceive that Christian authors are somehow lacking in their ability to spin a story, but my experience says otherwise! I have read some amazing books by Christian authors! Like anything else…there is good and bad in everything!
2. Christian fiction can be entertaining and still help keep your focus on the Lord.
I will admit that I like a good romance novel….I have read many over the years. I like being able to read a Christian romance novel and it not be just a smut novel….I don't have to feel bad about reading it. It is nice to see characters in the book looking to God in times of trouble. It reminds me of how we should all turn to the Lord in our day-to-day lives.
3. I feel good supporting the work of other Christians.
I like knowing that the book I am purchasing is helping put food on the table for another believer! I know that many Christian authors are heavily involved in missions work and I like being a part of that!
4. There are more types of Christian fiction then you may realize!
Please don't think that the only Christian fiction available are romances….that is just not true! I have read some great Christian thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction, westerns, etc. I think that you could find authors you would love no matter what kind of fiction you like!
5. It is a great leisure time activity!
I think reading is such a great activity to do in your spare time. It is just fun to slip into another world for a while. Imagining you are someone else, working to solve a mystery or a problem. If you have ignored Christian fiction I think you are missing out on a lot of wonderful books to enjoy in your leisure time!
Review of book “The Inn at Ocean's Edge”
Now that I have convinced you to read some Christian fiction…let me tell you about the book that I just finished! The Inn at Ocean's Edge by Colleen Coble was a GREAT read! I was hooked within a few pages and by page 19 I wished I had a whole day to do nothing so I could finish it faster! Of course that didn't happen so it took me 4 days to finish it! 🙂
I have not read any of Colleen's books prior to this and was pleasantly surprised by how well she writes! This book falls into the romantic suspense category which I can honestly say is one of my favorites! The mystery in the book was well written and had me guessing until the end. She had lots of twists and turns…but not too many…if you know what I mean! There were just the right amount of Christian references….nothing overwhelming. This is a book that ANYONE would enjoy if they like romantic suspense novels!
This is the first book in her new series, Sunset Cove. It is set in Maine….and I admit…I just love books that are set along the East coast! The only drawback is that I have to wait until December for the next book to be released!! Colleen has over 28 books published and is a USA Today bestselling author. She is definitely not writing just “fluff”…her book had a lot of meat!!
I hope I have answered the question, Why Read Christian Fiction. If you haven't before..you should give it a try! What are your favorite Christian fiction books?
You can find The Inn at Ocean's Edge and other books by Colleen Coble by visiting Family Christian online or at your local store. You can also check out Colleen's website HERE.
A Giveaway
As a bonus, Family Christian offered to give one of my readers a $25 Gift Certificate! You can enter below! The winner will be emailed and will have 24 hour to respond or another winner will be picked. This giveaway is only going on for 1 week so enter today!
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I love Colleen Coble’s books. Haven’t read this one yet but want to. Right now I’m going through her Journey of the Heart serials. And I’m a fan of Christian fiction myself. I’d say 90% of the books I read are from Christian authors. They have gotten so much better over the years and would do well in mainstream markets.
On a totally unrelated topic. I love your site. So cheerful and summer-y 🙂
Thanks Suzie! I am really excited to read more of her books! I was impressed….I am hoping my local church library has them!
Before giving my life to Jesus, I was a harlequin romance novel junkie. Now those books would make me cringe! Finding not only Christian romance novels but action, mystery, and suspense novels has really made me love reading again. Like any entertainment medium, books have the potential to find scenarios and language that makes them less than entertaining and more cringe worthy than you want. Sticking with authors who are like minded can put your mind at ease and make reading as entertaining as its supposed to be!
So well said Angie! I totally agree!!! I read too many “cringe-worthy” books back in the day! 🙂
sorry wrote the wrong instagram name down amytolley73 is what it should be thanks
Ok, thanks Amy!
One of my fave Christian authors is Ted Dekker. His books are full of suspense and spirituality. And a great alternative to Hunger Games type series.
That is a great suggestion! I know I have seen his books…but don’t think I have read any yet! Will have to put him on my list! Thanks for stopping by Mary!
Christian fiction, especially mystery have been my choice of reading for a few years and it is the best choice I have ever made. I’m adding this to my list of next books; I have read some of her others.
I think you will like it Carolyn!!
I am so glad to have read this post! In the past I have not been much of a reader at all, but someone recommended a Christian Fiction book “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers and I actually really enjoyed it (once I got a few chapters in that is, as the start is quite sad but it Got better). It is based on the book of Hosea in the bible but set in colonial times. I am now gradually making my way through all her books and love getting lost in one during the holidays (I have to limit myself as I would have too many late nights otherwise because I enjoy it so much!). I have been wondering what I will read next as I have almost read through all of the Francine Rivers ones so I am noting your suggestions, thank you!
I am the same way on having to limit myself with reading or I would never get laundry done, LOL! Glad you are finding some good Christian authors! Thanks for coming by and commenting!