Books I Read for Fun
book recommendations
Ok, I have been saving one of my favorite genres for last: Christian fiction! I had hoped to squeeze in another genre but will have to wait a bit as that post is still in progress. When I was in high school, I was an avid reader, and I loved to read biographies, classics, and fiction books. However, as I got older and was looking for more stories, I found that unfortunately, not all fiction authors write clean, wholesome books to read. But I found one genre that I could mostly trust, and that was the Christian fiction realm. There are always new authors in this genre, and I love the different eras of time that they all explore. I will say that my standards are high in terms of morals in this genre. When talking about matters of the heart, some authors, even Christian authors, tend to dwell too much on the physical aspect; the authors mentioned below do not. So if you have a teen girl that loves to read, these are safe for her to read as well.
Robin Jones Gunn
I love her books. They are set in modern times. I think that one of the first books of hers that I read was part of the Glenbrooke Series. I don't remember the story so much as I remember how it changed my heart. She was one of the first Christian authors who reached through the pages and challenged my heart to draw closer to God. After that, I was hooked. Then I read Christy & Todd: The College Years and have followed along on their story ever since. I love this particular series because she stresses purity and a constant relationship with God. Christy has now grown up and is married with a family of her own to care for. Her story continues in the new series, "The Haven Maker Series".
Robin also writes several other books that are not just stories but thoughts for moms, young ladies, and teen girls to read. When you pick up one of her books, you will not be disappointed.
Jen Turano
Did you ever need a lighthearted read? Then this is the author for you. I have laughed out loud so many times at the pickles that these characters get into. All of Ms. Turano's stories take place around the turn of the century. I also like how her characters turn to God or acknowledge that despite the hard circumstances they have come upon, God knows best and he has a plan. As America begins the dawn of the industrial age, these characters find adventure and love. I think my favorite series of hers so far is the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency.
Kristi Ann Hunter
This lady writes regency-era books. I have found it so interesting to learn about this time in history. There were so many rules that society followed then, as well as the different classes of people and how they were viewed. My favorite series is her Hawthorne House Series. It is the story of a family of siblings. Each book is full of fun anecdotes, daring escapades, and lessons for the heart to learn.
Roseanna M. White
If you love history, you will love all of her books. The first series of hers that I read were the Culper Ring Series. This series spans every major war up until, I believe, the Civil War. I love to read about espionage and how it changed through the years. I also find it fascinating to watch these characters interact with real people from their time. It makes the heart beat with patriotism to think of the many sacrifices that early Americans made so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today. Her Shadows over England Series takes place during World War One. She continues these characters stories in The Codebreaker Series. Both of these series are fascinating reads full of espionage, hard choices, and love of country at all costs. She also does a great job at painting a picture of God's love for everyone, even those who think that they are unworthy. God, in his mercy and grace, loves each of us and longs to have us choose Him.
Linda Lee Chaikin
This author no longer writes. But her books are amazing! She said that when she could think of a story that kept her up at night, she knew it was one she had to write. Each book will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Her East of Eden Series takes place in England. The characters' try to figure out the events that surrounded their birth during the Zulu War and the disappearance of a legendary black diamond. It leads the reader on a merry chase through the English countryside and abroad to Africa. Through it, the characters must decide what is most important: love, trust in God, or the lure of treasure and vast fortune. The first series of hers that I read was her Heart of India Series. This series brings India during the time of William Carey and Amy Carmichael to life. This series opened my eyes to the need for a Savior in faraway lands. Fascinating read. Would go great with a follow-up to reading a biography on either one of these two people. The Egypt Trilogy, though, is my favorite. It is the story of a World War I nurse who is thrown into the world of espionage. She must decide who to trust: her family or the tall, dark stranger. A follow-up or companion book to read with this is Thursday's Child. This book mentions some of the same characters and is set during World War II.
Some other authors that I enjoy and want to briefly mention are Janette Oke, Amanda Cabot, and Karen Witemeyer. These authors all write lovely stories about the American West. Some will have you giggling, and others will make your heart pause as you read the lessons each character learns.
And there you have it. Some of my favorite authors! Happy reading!