If you ever look into Christian fiction books and authors, there are key names that likely pop up: C. S. Lewis, Francine Rivers, and Frank Peretti, are just a few of the successful names you’ll find.
But you also may ask questions such as: Is there any good Christian fiction? Who is the best Christian suspense author? What is the most sold Christian book of all time?
In this article, you learn the answers to each of these questions. In addition, I provide information about Christian fiction books and authors and their most prominent works.
Christian Fiction Books And Authors: What You’ll Learn
Learn From Prominent Authors
One of the key reasons to learn about Christian fiction books and authors is so you can familiarize yourself with what sells well to this particular market. Christian fiction authors cover a wide range of book genres. Because of this, I discuss an extensive list of the best Christian fiction books and authors .
List Of 22 Christian Fiction Books And Authors
While it’s impossible to cover all the Christian fiction books and authors in one article, below are 22 compelling writers, past and present, to inspire you.
1. C. S. Lewis
C. S. Lewis (1898–1963) is perhaps best known for his The Chronicles of Narnia series, largely inspired by the bestselling book of all time, the Bible. In addition to writing children’s books, he was a professor at Oxford and Cambridge as well as a theologian.
2. Francine Rivers
Francine Rivers’ bestseller, and now major motion picture, Redeeming Love, put her on the map as a Christian fiction book writer and author. Based on the Biblical story of Hosea and set in a gold mining town, this story is one of redemption and love.
3. Frank Peretti
New York Times bestselling author, Frank Peretti, made a name for himself with This Present Darkness. A horror/fantasy novel published in 1986, Peretti follows the story of a Christian preacher unearthing a dangerous, New Age plot.
4. Priscilla Shirer
Priscilla Shirer entered into children’s books in 2016 with a four-books series titled, The Prince Warriors. A speaker and graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, she pours her knowledge into her writing as well as her speaking. Use her series along with other spiritual books for the young ones in your life.
5. Dee Henderson
Another New York Times bestselling author, Dee Henderson goes to show that yes, there are good Christian fiction books and authors. Known for her inspirational romantic suspense, her books captivate readers and win awards. You may have read Traces of Guilt or Full Disclosure on a cozy weekend.
6. Terri Blackstock
A suspense novelist through and through, Terri Blackstock’s expert writing earned her a place on the New York Times list. She is known for her gripping If I Run series, along with many other engaging titles.
7. Jerry B. Jenkins
Best known for the hit series Left Behind, Jerry B. Jenkins is a 21-time, New York Times bestselling author. In addition, he has sold over 73 million copies of his books, both fiction and nonfiction. One of the most successful writers today, Left Behind was his 125th book. Writers, don’t give up trying to work with Christian publishers!
8. Tim LaHaye
Tim LaHaye (1926-2016) worked closely with Jerry B. Jenkins on the Left Behind series, but he reportedly wrote over 85 books throughout his lifetime.
9. John Bunyan
John Bunyan (1628-1688), a Puritan preacher, authored the beloved The Pilgrim’s Progress. Still read today, this fiction brings the journey of the Christian walk to life, starring a protagonist named, you guessed it, Christian. Christian fiction books and authors would not be the same without John Bunyan.
10. Michele Andrea Bowen
Michele Andrea Bowen is a groundbreaking author in contemporary African American Christian Fiction. Her debut novel, Church Folk, put her on the map of Christian fiction books and authors. With a background in social work, public health, and education, she has an extensive knowledge base to draw from.
11. Vanessa Davis Griggs
A motivational speaker and fiction writer, Vanessa Davis Griggs has authored more than a dozen novels, including a series, The Blessed Trinity.
12. Steven James
Author Steven James is known as one of the bestselling suspense authors in the Christian market. His most recent novel, Broker of Lies, covers government secrets and nuclear threats. Writers also know James for sharing his knowledge on writing the different parts of a book well.
13. Tessa Afshar
Tessa Afshar won a Christy Award for her novel, Harvest of Gold. She brings the Bible to life through her historical fiction.
14. Lisa T. Bergren
Lisa T. Bergren’s books have sold over 3 million copies. Her YA series Remnants, will keep you turning pages.
15. DiAnn Mills
Known for her romantic thrillers, DiAnn Mills belongs in the list of Christian fiction books and authors. However, she also writes historical fiction, middle-grade fantasy, and nonfiction.
16. Karen Kingsbury
An inspirational writer, Karen Kingsbury’s books have sold over 25 million copies. Known for her Baxter Family series, now being developed into a TV series, she is also an adjunct professor at Liberty University.
17. Gilbert Morris
Gilbert Morris (1929-2016) was an award-winning writer known for his historical fiction. He authored many series, including the Ozark Adventure series, Liberty Bell series, and Appomattox Saga series.
18. Max Lucado
Well-known for his children’s book, You Are Special, Max Lucado has authored numerous stories and is a prolific writer and speaker.
19. Ted Dekker
This list of Christian fiction books and authors wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Ted Dekker. He writes mystery, thriller, and fantasy. He is known for the Circle Series and Thr3e.
20. Beverly Lewis
Beverly Lewis’s name stands among Christian fiction books and authors for her novels centered on the Old Order Amish. She also writes youth fiction and picture books.
21. Toni Collier
A dynamic speaker, Toni Collier has branched out into children’s fiction with a protagonist named Avery. This story deals with emotions, including anxiety, and can be a helpful resource for children today.
22. Janette Oke
A Canadian author of inspirational fiction, Janette Oke is best known for her Love Comes Softly series. She is considered the pioneer of this genre and many of her novels were adapted for the screen.
Your Next Step
Now that you studied up on 22 of the Christian fiction books and authors, it’s time to get back to your own writing career. If you are a person of faith writing in the Christian fiction market, consider reading the best-known works from the above authors.
Whether you want to know how to write a book about your faith, write thriller, romance, children’s books, or something else, you’re bound to learn from these quality writers.
You may want to start your reading journey with the classics, such as C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia and John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. Once you cover these, switch it up and try a DiAnn Mills or Steven James novel.
To round out your research, read through the famous series, such Jerry B. Jenkins’ Left Behind and Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly. Series writing can be difficult due to the many details involved, but learning from those who went before can help immeasurably.
Don’t forget to access the free resource below to get started today. Happy writing!
