I enjoy all types of genres in fiction but I really gravitate to historical novels. I’ve found myself gobbling up a lot of biblical fiction over the last few years. That term sounds kind of funny, doesn’t it? Biblical fiction. It’s a growing genre in the Christian market which I’m pleased to see.
There are three main approaches that authors can take when writing in this genre:
- They can set their story with actual people, places, or events from the Bible
- They can set their novel in a different time period but base the characters or events from scripture
- They can choose an era of history from the Bible to set their story in although the characters might not have been actual Bible people.
I personally love all three. Here are some titles that fall under these three areas.
Novels set with people, places or events in the Bible
Love in a Broken Vessel by Mesu Andrews – Explores the story of Hosea and Gomer. This is one of my favorite books of 2013 to date. Check out my review of it from a few weeks ago. Mesu has also written Love Amid the Ashes which is the story of Job and Love’s Sacred Song that focuses on a young King Solomon. I can highly recommend all of them to you.
Iscariot by Tosca Lee – A unique look into the life of Judas Iscariot. Tosca imagines what Judas’ life might have been like leading up to his time with Jesus. What were his thoughts as he considered betraying his Savior? Judas is one of the most complex and confusing characters in the Bible for me. I love that Tosca has taken his life and fleshed it out with some of the “what if’s” that many of us have thought about.
When Jesus Wept by Brock and Bodie Thoene – This brand new novel dives into the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. It’s a relationship that I’ve often wondered about. I can only imagine the special bond these friends must have had after Lazarus was raised from the dead. The Thoenes will be exploring other relationships and events that were part of Jesus’ last weeks on earth in their new series, The Jerusalem Chronicles.
The Wives of King David Series by Jill Eileen Smith – This series comprises of three novels, Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba. Jill takes a look at three of the more noted wives of King David. It’s a strong series that will give you a more complete look and understanding to the customs and practices of Old Testament times.
Novels inspired by Biblical people or events
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers – This is probably the most popular book in this category. Francine tells the story of Hosea and Gomer through an 1800′s prairie romance. This is the book that got me into reading Christian fiction many years ago. It’s still the one I recommend to anyone who says there’s not much value in Christian fiction. I’ve also managed to get some guys to read it. And wouldn’t you know, they loved it!
Here Burns My Candle and Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs – This is one of my favorite series. The story of Ruth and Esther is set in 18th century Scotland. Love. Love this series! I’m desperately waiting for Liz’s next fiction series. Put me out of my misery soon, Liz!
Novels set in biblical times but not necessarily with people from Scripture
The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers – This trilogy consists of A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, and As Sure as the Dawn. It gives a very accurate look at what life was like for the early Christians. Persecution, imprisonment, and death were very real. In my humble opinion, these are the best novels ever written in the Christian market. Check out my thoughts on it from a recent post.
Do you enjoy biblical fiction? If so, what books have you read? I’d love to hear from you!