I read tons of inspirational and faith driven (Christian) fiction. While my picks normally tend to be outside the box in CF popularity I think this list of books can appeal to any reader. These are my favorite because of the power of the books messages and all around great stories, it doesn't take a sermon or page after page of scripture to write a book about faith. The books I chose are bold, violent, disturbing, heartbreaking, inspiring and full of that thing we call.....hope.
Tina's Favorite Inspy Reads
The Circle Series (Black, Red, White, Green) by Ted Dekker
~A revisionary account of the Bible, including creation, the fall, Christ, the crucifixion and the age of grace told through Thomas, a young man trapped in a parallel universe and awakens in one when he sleeps in another. In one (our world) Thomas deals with biological warfare where only his blood is the cure and in the other he is a commander over elite warriors that deal with a disease that turn humans into scab like creatures.Nightmare by Robin Parrish
~A famous ghost hunter is hired by a college student on the prowl for a spooky story. In the midst of sightings, a demon haunting and ghosts in asylums, one girl loses her life and another is left to figure things out.40 by Travis Thrasher
~When Tyler begins having terrible hallucinations, he brushes it off as stress. However when a man tells he him he will die on his 40th birthday things begin spiraling out of control. Scared and lost Tyler reaches out to make amends for his past while racing against the clock to his final day.Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
~A prostitute in the 1800's is given a chance at love, redemption and a new life when a farmer heeds Gods word and marries her.Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes
~A woman dying of cancer decides to come home and introduce her daughter to the family she left behind, including the father she's never met.Havah by Tosca Lee
~A bold retelling of Eve from the Biblical account in Genesis.
Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West~A journalist struggling to find a story in war torn Vietnam and keep an eye on her brother falls in love with another journalist who's been affected by the troubling culture.
The Rhythm of Secrets by Patti Lacy
~After the death of her parents, Livia grows up in the seedy sultry streets of New Orleans. When a baby she gave up years before comes looking for answers, it will change everything in her life, including the husband who knows nothing of her past.There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
~A teenage girl suffering from the loss of her brother travels to Ireland to retrace his steps. In the process she meets a Hollywood it boy and deals with Anorexia.
Thirsty by Tracey Bateman~A woman struggling with alcoholism gets the wake up call of a lifetime when she discovers her next door neighbor is a vampire.
Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins
~Three women from Amaryllis, Texas know about the serial killer lurking in their town. Each woman thinks she knows who the killer is and each woman is struggling to keep it a secret.......what they don't know is each of them think a different man is responsible.
My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
~A woman helping her grandma restore an old family house meets Matt, the towns local sports celebrity. He's elusive, quiet and sometimes a downright jerk, but his past haunts him and his heart cant seem to get past the death of his wife.When Kate attempts to break through those walls she gets much more than she ever expected.
Non-Fiction
A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans
~A progressive Christian woman takes on the Proverbs 31 woman and lives out a year of biblical womanhood. Funny, touching and thought provoking.
Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis by Lauren F. Winner~A woman reflects on her experience of what she calls the "middle" of the spiritual life. Anxiety, loneliness, and deep questions about who and where God is form a touching story about everyday life.
~Three women from Amaryllis, Texas know about the serial killer lurking in their town. Each woman thinks she knows who the killer is and each woman is struggling to keep it a secret.......what they don't know is each of them think a different man is responsible.My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
~A woman helping her grandma restore an old family house meets Matt, the towns local sports celebrity. He's elusive, quiet and sometimes a downright jerk, but his past haunts him and his heart cant seem to get past the death of his wife.When Kate attempts to break through those walls she gets much more than she ever expected.Non-Fiction
A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans
~A progressive Christian woman takes on the Proverbs 31 woman and lives out a year of biblical womanhood. Funny, touching and thought provoking.
Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis by Lauren F. Winner~A woman reflects on her experience of what she calls the "middle" of the spiritual life. Anxiety, loneliness, and deep questions about who and where God is form a touching story about everyday life.
Even if your not into Inspy, or have been afraid to give CF a try, I would recommended any of these books, especially Thrasher's thriller 40 and Bateman's vampire mystery Thirsty.
I keep meaning to read Thirsty.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea Nightmare was an Inspy.
Another awesome list doll!
I fail completely at this list. You know I tend to stay away from the inspirational reads (that sounds really bad, like I'm against things that inspire ;-)), however, I do love all things vampire so I'm thinking Thirsty might be a great read for me. Plus, you haven't led me astray yet with a recommendation, so I know it will be good!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm...I don't really read much Christian Lit but The Circle Series sounds good!
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