Fiction Books for Christian Readers

Hey everyone! Today I’m doing a unique post, gathering all the Christian books or books I’ve found appropriate for Christian audiences in accordance to Scripture. The Bible itself is literature, and it deals with different topics such as violence, sexuality, evil spirits and so on. So the following books that I have listed may deal with one or more of these topics line up with a Biblical world-view, not a humanistic one.

Oftentimes, Christians today don’t know of any good Christian books to read. They think that the only Christian books out there are inspirational, and maybe they like to read stuff in a different genre. So they pick up a secular book. Don’t get me wrong, not all secular books are bad, but nine times out of ten, they do not have a Biblical message but a dangerous secular humanistic one. Psalms 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” By filling ourselves with the secular humanism often hidden and embedded in the books of today, it can be hard NOT to be affected and influenced by them, often subconsciously. 

Not only that, but unfortunately in today’s society, many books are filled with things a Christian should not be filling themselves with, according to Philippians 4:8 and MANY other verses. Something a preacher once said really stuck out to me. When you read, for example, a sex scene in literature, it is basically written pornography. Another thing I heard a preacher say about both books and movies, is what you permit (through reading or watching) you participate in. You are allowing those spirits, those words and images to fill your mind and influence you. Jesus even said, whoever looks at a woman to lust after her commits adultery in his heart (Matt 5:27-28). How about when someone takes the Lord’s name in vain? Wouldn’t it make sense then that what we look at (whether they be words or images on a screen) we are basically participating in? 

I said all that to say, there are plenty of good Christian or moral books out there in every genre that a Christian can fill themselves with. It’s not that they aren’t out there, it’s just they’re not spoken of because of the world in which we live. You have to really search them out. I’ve discovered Goodreads is a great place to do this, so if you’re looking for a highly specific genre, I would suggest going there to see what they have there. I’ve found many good books that way. 

But, I am going to leave a list of books below under each genre that I know or have heard from credible sources that are good reads for Christians. 

The standards for this list are as follows: 

• These books have no explicit sex or detailed sexual activity outside of hugs/kisses. If a book deals with or mentions a certain topic in a Biblical way (such as rape), I will notate that beside the book. 
• No extreme violence, meaning pages of detailed blood and guts, glorifying the violence. 
• Light-to-no cussing. If a book has light cussing, I will notate that, but most of these books will be free of it. 
• No witchcraft. This doesn’t mean the witch in “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” for example, is considered witchcraft. Or that things dealing with demons and demonic power in a Biblical way are witchcraft. This means that no book with a witch, wizard, magical ability, spell casting, chanting, etc that is shown in a positive light, (or a magical ability that is not given/originated from God, but from another spiritual or unknown entity) will be listed. 
• And finally, these books must have a Biblical or at least moral message that lines up with Scripture. 

I hope you enjoy this list and can find a book on it you would like to try! 

Inspirational/Drama

• Anne of Green Gables series by L.M Montgomery 

An adorable series about an orphaned red-haired girl and her adventures and that of her children. The last book in the series is predominantly historical fiction. There is also a good manga of it by Manga Classics

Secondary genres: Romance, Historical Fiction.

• Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

An awesome allegory about a man named Christian and his journey to the Celestial City. Every Christian should read this at least once. 

Secondary Genres: Allegorical, Fantasy, Action Adventure. 

• Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

Another really good allegory about a girl named Much Afraid and her journey into the High Places of the Shepherd. 

Secondary genres: Allegorical, Fantasy, Action-Adventure. 

• Sir Knight of the Splendid Way by W. E. Cule

The best way to describe this book is a Pilgrim’s Progress with knights! It’s very good, though slightly confusing in some areas. You can read my review on it here for more information! The audio drama is also great!

Secondary genres: Allegorical, Fantasy, Action Adventure.

• The Giant Killer by A.L.O.E

Part allegorical, part fairy-taleish, and part adventure this story actually has two stories, the story of a group of kids who each struggle with a sin, and the story of the giant killer, a story the mother tells the group of kids. 

Secondary Genres: Allegorical, Fantasy, Action Adventure. 

• True to the Last by Evelyn Everett-Green

The saddest book I’ve ever read, so if you’re in for a tear jerker, this is the one you want to read. It’s very impactful, and the emotional suspense in it is A+. 

• Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John 

This is a really good story about a bunch of children who learn how important forgiving is. 

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

This is a good children’s story about a spoiled girl who learns to care for others through discovering and caring for a locked garden. 

• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

This is a really good and popular Christmas story most people have probably heard of it. It teaches the importance of people over money. 

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett 

This is another classic aimed at younger children, and girls in particular! It’s a very cute story for young readers or those who like stories about young children. 

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

This is a good book for anyone who loves horses or reading books narrated by animals. I personally didn’t care for it very much, but then again, it’s not my style so you may like it!

• Heidi by Johanna Spyri 

Another cute story for children or those who love to read about kids. 

• Hans Brinker by Mary Maples Dodge

This story is set in the Netherlands and is about two children who love ice skating and their life at home with an injured father. 

• The Life of Faith Series by Martha Finley

Many people may have heard about the old Elsie Dinsmore books and been turned off because of things they heard about it. While definitely not my favorite series, this book series is an updated version of Martha Finley’s books (with controversial scenes taken out) and with some new and added books by other authors based off her books. The Mildred Keith books are my personal favorites, as they’re totally unlike the Elsie ones in that Millie is a relatable character. These are good books for young girls, someone who likes classics, or someone who enjoys books about children.

Secondary genres: Romance, Historical Fiction.

• Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens 

A classic, Oliver Twist is a fun and adorable story for people of all ages to read! 

• Pollyanna by Eleanor Porter

Pollyanna is an adorable book about a little girl who is orphaned and goes to live with her strict aunt. Her joy and positivity affect everyone around her, but when an accident happens, her joyful attitude is threatened. 

• Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggins 

This book is similar to the original Anne of Green Gables book and Pollyanna. It’s about a girl who is sent away to live with her stern aunt, and who endears herself to everyone through her scrapes. 

• David Copperfield by Charles Dickens 

Charles Dickens’ favorite character he ever wrote was David Copperfield, the main and titular character. This story tells of his life, the ups and downs, and how it developed him into the person he becomes at the end of the story. 

Secondary genres: Romance 

• Little Daisy and the Swearing Class by Grace and Truth Books

This is a cute book about a little girl that teaches the importance of words and what people speak. 

• Theobold the Ironhearted by E. Thompson Baird

This is another short children’s book, but I just recently read it and enjoyed it! Here’s the review I wrote of it!

• Whiter Than Snow and Little Dot by Mrs. O. F. Walton

In grade school, these two stories were some of my favorites. I don’t know why I was fascinated with them, but I was. Both are similar in style, about two little girls who both wonder about death and what the words “whiter than snow” mean. Both are cute — and sad — stories with some good messages. 

Historical Fiction

• The House of Winslow series by Gilbert Morris

This is currently my all time favorite series as of now! It focuses on American history from the time of the Pilgrims all the way to World War Two. I highly recommend it! 

Secondary genres: Romance, Action Adventure, Inspirational.

• The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Most people have heard of this book series, telling of the true story of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her childhood during the pioneer days. 

Secondary genres: Romance, Inspirational/Drama 

• A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Another really awesome classic is this book set during the French Revolution. I’ve never read the unabridged version, but I’d like to! 

Secondary genres: Action adventure, Inspirational/Drama, Romance. 

• The Wakefield Dynasty series by Gilbert Morris 

Here’s another good series by Gilbert Morris! This series seems to be focusing on modern church history, from what I’ve read of it so far. I’ve currently only read the fourth book in the series (because like all the Morris books I’ve read before, they can be stand alones too) but it’s been really good! Look for my review of it next week! 

Secondary genres: Romance, Inspirational/Drama

• The Cheney Duvall M.D series by Gilbert and Lynn Morris

I’ve never read this series, but a friend who has and loves them says they are historical, set post civil war era, about a girl who becomes a doctor. 

Secondary genres: Romance 

• In Search of Honor by Donnalynn Hess

This is a book I want to read again, as it’s been awhile since my dad read it to us as kids. It focuses on the French Revolution, and the main character is one of the rebels, wanting revenge for his family and class, but also seeks justice and truth.

Secondary genre: Action-Adventure, Inspirational/Drama

• The Liberty Bell series by Gilbert Morris

This series focuses on the American Revolution, and even ties in slightly to Gilbert Morris’ House of Winslow series with a character appearing from the series in one of the books. 

Secondary genre: Romance 

• The Remnant Trilogy by Tim Chaffey and K. Marie Adams

I’ve never read these books, but I want to! We bought them when we visited the Ark Encounter one year, and they tell the story of Noah, only in fiction format. It’s basically a book on what the authors imagined Noah’s life to be like. 

• The Appomattox Saga by Gilbert Morris 

This series follows one family as they are embroiled in the American Civil War.

Secondary genre: Romance 

• Alone Yet Not Alone by Tracy Michele Leininger 

This book is a really good book about two girls in early America who are captured by Indians. I believe the book is based off a true story, and they even made a movie of it. 

Secondary genres: Action-Adventure, Romance, Inspirational/Drama

• The Price of Liberty series by Gilbert Morris and Bobby Funderburk 

This series focuses on World War Two. One book focuses on the navy, one on the infantry, one at the home front in politics, and so on. They look like a good series and I want to read one soon! 

Secondary genre: Romance 

• Faithful but Not Famous by Emma Leslie

Currently, this is my favorite book of Emma Leslie’s. It combines church history with some mystery and intrigue. Set in France during the French Reformation, the main character is forced by his mother to become a priest in the currently corrupt church. He meets the famous Dr. Lefévre and asks a question of the man which the doctor doesn’t know. It makes the doctor decide to search for the answer, but when he finds it, he discovers the main character has disappeared. It’s a really fun story!

Secondary genres: Inspirational/Drama, Mystery.

• The Lone Star Legacy series by Gilbert Morris 

This series focuses on Texas, and the first book focuses on the Alamo when it is just a fledging mission. 

Secondary genres: Romance, Western.

• Rescue at the Eleventh Hour by W. H. G. Kingston

Another book I haven’t read since I was a kid is this one, but it’s really good from what I can recall. It’s a story of the Protestant persecution under Queen Mary I of England. 

• Wagon Wheels series by Gilbert Morris

This looks to be a series focusing on different wagon trains and the trips west. 

Secondary genres: Romance, Action Adventure, Western 

• Dearer Than Life by Emma Leslie

Another Emma Leslie book I’ve read, set in the medieval period around the time of Wycliffe. I have a review of it here for more information!  

Secondary genre: Inspirational/Drama

• The American Odyssey series (or the American Century series) by Gilbert Morris 

Though I never have read these books, they are set during the turn of the century, from 1900 onward. 

Secondary genre: Romance

• Before the Dawn by Emma Leslie

Another Emma Leslie book set around the time of Wycliffe, it focuses on a lame boy who desires to combat Wycliffe’s teachings, and discover his own past. My family read this a long time ago, so I can’t remember the particulars, but if I can recall it was pretty good! 

Secondary genre: Inspirational/Drama

• Hilda the Briton by Emma Leslie

This is another Emma Leslie book I read a long time ago. It is set during the the time of Paul in the Roman Empire, and focuses on the titular character, Hilda, a slave girl. 

Secondary genre: Inspirational/Drama

• The Little Dauphin by Franz Hoffman

This is the true story account of the son of Louis XVI and Marie Antonette, the ill-fated king and queen of France during the French Revolution. Obviously this story will deal with some dark matters surrounding that time, but I read it quite young and it didn’t bother me, though the sadness of what happened to the poor dauphin did.

Secondary genres: Inspirational/Drama

Romance

• Snow White With the Red Hair Volume One by Sorata Akiduki.

When Shirayuki is called to become the prince of Tanbarun’s concubine because of her red hair, she runs away and encounters the prince of the neighboring kingdom, who helps her fulfill her dream. This is a manga, and there is two light curse words. Also there is mentions of someone being a concubine. Here is my in-depth review on it.

Secondary genre: Fantasy

• Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke

This book is what the Hallmark movie of the same name is based off of. Marty Claridge moves out west with her husband, only to have him die in a sudden accident and she is forced to marry a stranger to survive. 

Secondary genres: Historical Fiction, Inspirational/Drama. 

• The Princess Adelina by Julie Sutter

This is a nice book for any medieval or fairy tale lover. It’s about a Christian girl who a pagan prince falls in love with, and how she lives out her faith even in the pagan castle.

Secondary genres: Historical Fiction, Inspirational/Drama

• Manga Classics Romeo and Juliet by Crystal S. Chan

This is another manga, and a couple of the drawn outfits are revealing, but not too much. Also, one character makes a very crude gesture, but it’s blurred out. 

• The Treasure of the Secret Cove by Amy Le Feuvre

This is a really fun book focusing on life at a sea port, and has some good romance, well developed characters, and a fun mystery side plot! 

Secondary genre: Mystery, Inspirational/Drama

• Christy by Catherine Marshall

This is another good book focusing on a young missionary teacher in the Smoky Mountains. There is mention of a rape in the book. 

Secondary genres: Historical Fiction, Inspirational/Drama

• When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke

This series is interesting as it’s set in Canada, and follows a family in their journeys through the Canadian frontier. 

• The Secret Bridge by Amy Le Feuvre

This story is an interesting story about a young lady who marries secretly, and then finds herself in the middle of a family feud between her secret husband’s family and another family, and her attempts to reconcile them to one another. 

Secondary genre: Mystery, Inspirational/Drama

• Seasons of the Heart series by Janette Oke

This series tells the story of a young boy, Josh Jones, and his coming of age years.

• Ishmael and Self Raised by E.D.E.N Southworth

Ishmael, and it’s sequel, Self Raised, are books that focus on a boy named Ishmael, his backstory, coming of age, and romantic failures and successes. The second book focuses mostly on one of his friends who made a rotten choice and who needs his help to get out of it. 

Action Adventure

• The Legacy of the King’s Pirates series by MaryLu Tyndall. 

A really awesome series for pirate lovers! There are mentions of rape throughout the books, but nothing critical is ever shown.

Secondary Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction

• Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope.

This is a really fun story for lovers of both historical fiction and fantasy set in medieval/early modern era times. Two light curse words are in it, but that’s all I can remember. 

Secondary genres: Fantasy, Romance

• Legends of King Arthur and His Knights ebook by Paul Vincent. 

I listened to the podcast of this, and it is AWESOME! I will say there is more description of violence in this than some people may be comfortable with, especially at the beginning, and there is talk of adulterous affairs, but it’s all no worse than what’s described in the Bible. 

Secondary Genre: Fantasy.

• Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott

Good luck reading the unabridged version of this book, as it was very difficult for me to read. An abridged version might be better. There are some light curses, but most of them are used in their historical terms and not meant to be curses. You can read my review on this book here for more details. 

Secondary genre: Historical fiction.

• The Comrades of Honor series by Alicia Willis. 

As a lover of medieval fiction, this series is awesome (though spoiler alert, I haven’t read the second book, just the first and third) and the third book, Rising to the Challenge, is one of my favorites thanks to the trope she uses! It’s more of a character-based book though. Here is my review on the first book, if you’d like to see more of what it is about!

Secondary genres: Drama/Inspirational, Historical Fiction.

• A Lost Pearle by Mrs. Georgie Sheldon

This book is one of my favorites, as it’s adventurous and fun, but also has a very strong romance story that directly affects the entire plot. A young lady is blackmailed into marrying her fiancé’s best man, but runs away right after the ceremony.  It’s a really awesome story!

Secondary genres: Romance, Inspirational/Drama

• Hand on the Bridle by Kathleen Macleod

A super fun book about a bunch of teen boys and the dangers of peer pressure. 

Secondary genre: Inspirational/Drama

• Star of Light by Patricia St. John

It’s been a LONG time since I read this one, so I can’t remember everything about it or what other sub genres it may be, but I do remember it’s about a boy who runs away with his blind sister in order to save her from being sold by their stepfather. 

Secondary genre: Inspirational/Drama

• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas

Grant it, I have never read the actual unabridged version of this story. However, I have read the abridged and Manga Classics version of it, and found it to be VERY good. Though a revenge story, it actually teaches that it’s better to let God take vengeance, rather than taking it into your own hands. 

Secondary genre: Historical Fiction

• Captain Bailey’s Heir by G.A Henty

This is a fun story about a kid who runs away after being falsely accused and goes to America in search of gold. 

Secondary genre: Historical Fiction.

• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

This book, and it’s fellow book, Tom Sawyer, are both good adventures for boys. However they can portray an unrealistic and romanticized way of life, and Mark Twain wasn’t really Christian, so bear that in mind.

• Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson 

I never read the book, but I did see the movie and my brother has read the book. It’s about a young Scottish man who is tricked out of his inheritance and kidnapped, and must make his way to safety again. 

Secondary genres: Historical Fiction, Romance

• The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain

Set during the reign of Henry VIII, his only son, Edward, and a pauper look-alike, switch clothes for fun. But that fun turns into an emergency when the prince is mistaken for the pauper and vice versa. 

Secondary genre: Historical Fiction

• The Goldtown Adventures series by Susan K. Marlow 

I read two of these when I was in middle school, and they were super fun! Set in the west during the gold rush days, it tells the adventures of the main character in that setting. A really fun book for kids and adults alike! 

Secondary genres: Historical Fiction, Western

• Falsely Accused by Frederick Fisher 

This book tells the story of a young man who turns from his wild ways, but then is accused of murder after a tragic accident. 

Secondary genres: Romance, Inspirational/Drama

• Charlie’s Choice by M. L. Nesbitt

This story is about a boy who chooses riches over his family, and what the consequences are. It’s been awhile since I’ve read it, but it was an adventurous story.

Secondary genre: Inspirational/Drama

Thriller

• The Left Behind series by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye

This focuses on those who are left behind after the rapture of the church, and how they survive (or don’t survive) the tribulation period. 

Secondary genres: Mystery, Action Adventure. 

• The Left Behind (the Kids) series by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye

This is basically the same as the above, only the characters are teens and must learn how to survive on their own during the tribulation. 

Secondary genres: Mystery, Action Adventure. 

Mystery 

• The White Gypsy by Annette Lyster 

A really fun read about a noble boy who is kidnapped by gypsies as a child, but who soon comes into contact with his real family, unknown to all of them who believe he is dead.

Secondary genre: Inspirational/Drama

• The Haunted Room by A.L.O.E

This is a very intriguing book about three young adults who each embody a certain fault (pride, fear, and selfishness). They inherit a large old house with a room which has been blocked off, rumored to have been where the last owner died. 

Secondary genres: Allegorical, Action Adventure, Inspirational/Drama

• The Dani Ross Mystery series by Gilbert Morris

I’ve never read this series, but I’ve read enough of Gilbert Morris’ books to know they’d be good, and I hope to soon read the one I have! There’s usually always a romance in his novels too, for those who love romantic mysteries. 

Secondary genre: Romance

• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle 

How could I list mysteries and not think of these? These stories are really fun, and the movies with Basil Rathbone are the best, in my opinion. However, some stories may be scary for young children, as murder is dealt with in some of the stories. 

Secondary genre: Thriller

• The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

I honestly didn’t know what category to put this under. It could technically be fantasy or thriller, depending on how you look at the story. This story always intrigued me as it basically describes what I have heard multiple personality disorder is like. Murder is dealt with in this story as well. I have only read the abridged version, so I don’t know if the actual full version has anything else questionable in it or not either.

Secondary genres: Fantasy, Thriller

Sci-Fi

• The Truth Chronicles by Tim Chaffey.

This isn’t “sci-fi” in the space sense of the term, but it is set on earth in the future and deals with a time machine which is pretty cool! It has manga character pictures, but it’s not a manga. It’s more of a middle grade style, but still an enjoyable series that teaches about creationism! 

Secondary genres: Fantasy, Action Adventure. 

• The Dark Tower and Other Stories by C.S Lewis 

This is a series of snippets of C.S. Lewis’ work. It’s mostly sci-fi works, though a few allegories and fantasy stories are scattered in there as well. There are about a dozen curse words and a few suggestive things. I personally didn’t care for it very well, but I’m not very into sci-fi myself. You can read my review of this book for more about the content and stories here.

Secondary genres: Fantasy, Romance, Allegorical, Inspirational/Drama, Action Adventure. 

• The Space Trilogy by C.S Lewis

This series I have never read, but one of my pastor’s favorite books is Perelandra, the second book in the series. Someday soon I may try it!

Fantasy

• The Resistance (Ilyon Chronicles 1) by Jaye L. Knight

I’ve just started this book, and so far it’s been really good! I know there is another series like it called The Blades of Acktar, but I have not read it yet so I’m not sure about it but it looks very similar. 

Secondary genre: Action Adventure.

• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

These are an obvious read for both secular and Christian readers who like fantasy!

Secondary genres: Allegorical, Action Adventure. 

• The Hagenheim series by Melanie Dickerson

This is a really awesome fairy tale retelling series! Though the writing style is a little juvenile (probably aimed towards young teens), as a college student I still enjoyed them!

Secondary genre: Romance. 

• Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione by Chuck Black

This was actually a really fun book! It’s short enough for a Middle Grader to read, but also interesting enough for an adult like me to actually give it five stars! You can read the review of it here! It is a part of a series, which looks very fun! 

Secondary genres: Action Adventure, Inspirational/Drama, Allegorical. 

Authors/Series/Companies

These are some authors, book series, and publishing companies who have a lot of good books that you can look into which I did not list on this post. 

• Gilbert Morris
• G.A. Henty
• Chuck Black
• C. S. Lewis
• Melanie Dickerson
• MaryLu Tyndall
• Lamplighter Ministries  
• Jerry Jenkins
• Great Illustrated Classics Series 
• Patricia St. John
• Janette Oke
• Grace and Truth Books

This list is by no means comprehensive and is subject to change. I will try to update it as needed, so keep an eye out for that! 

Are there any books on here you’ve read? Are there any secondary genres you would add to a book you’ve read?

Are there any books you want to look into? Let me know in the comments below. 

Do you know of any books that should be added? Also let me know in the comments below with a reason why (and make sure it’s in keeping with the guidelines listed above!) 

Thank you so much for reading, and God Bless! ~ Kay Leigh