Crown of Fire by Craig & Janet Parshall

Parshall, Craig & Janet. Crown of Fire. Harvest House, 2005.

Set in 1546 during the Scottish Reformation, Ransom Mackenzie witnesses a reformer being martyred. This causes him to search out the truth about this movement that is sweeping the land. His quest ultimately lands him at the feet of John Knox himself, but also at court where the glitter and intrigue of politics threatens to beckon him away from his calling.

Masterfully weaving historical and fictitious characters, the Parshalls have crafted a fascinating look into a chapter of church history perhaps less well-known than others. Meticulous research, credible characters and complex plot lines are the hallmarks of this team. This is the first in The Crown & the Thistle series which follows the MacKenzie clan through to colonial America.

This is an excellent book that would appeal to fans of historical fiction. The faith of the characters shines through, but in a realistic manner, not a cloying preachy one. This is, after all, a book about the Reformation. There are elements of action and romance to further the draw of this book.

Recommendations:
First Light (A. D. Chronicles, Book 1) by Bodie and Brock Thoene

The first couple of historical Christian fiction, the Thoene's are known for outstanding historical research and are respected even outside of Christian circles for their incredible accuracy. The AD Chronicles offers insight into the first centuries of the Early Church.

The Game of Kings (Lymond Chronicles, 1) by Dorothy Dunnett
Set in Scotland in 1547, this first of the historical romance series the Lymond Chronicles, depicts Francis Crawford and his quest for redeeming his reputation and fighting for his country. While this book is not of the Christian genre, fans of the Parshalls will appreciate the historical accuracy, plot twists and literary quality of this series set in the same period.

For Kirk & Covenant : The Stalwart Courage of John Knox by Douglas Wilson

Readers interested in learning more about John Knox will enjoy this biography which specifically looks at him in light of his leadership qualities and courageous stand against both the religious and political establishments of his day.

Christian History Made Easy: 13 Weeks to a Better Understanding of Church History by Timothy Paul Jones

Readers wanting to brush up on church history after having their appetites whetted will appreciate this user-friendly guide.

Riven by Jerry B. Jenkins

Jenkins, Jerry B. Riven. Tyndale House, 2008.

In this modern-day parable that reads like a movie, Thomas Carey is a frustrated and depressed prison chaplain who is clinging to his faith. Brady Wayne Darby is the trailer-park kid who finds himself in and out of trouble and prison. Their stories are told in alternating chapters until their lives intersect. The hyperbolic and sensational conclusion requires readers to suspend disbelief, but most readers will willingly do so as the riveting and moving drama grips them.

Jenkins, most famous for his Left Behind series, has said that this tome is his magnum opus. This is not the suspense drama of that series, so the pacing is much slower, the writing more literary and evocative. People who read Christian fiction will find this novel to be of the highest caliber. People who don't read Christian fiction for the seeming lack of quality available would do well to search this book out if they are interested in a very thought-provoking read. Quality Christian fiction exists. You just have to look for it. In Riven you will find it.

A patron recommended this to me and I am so glad I read it. It is lyrical, haunting, gripping and thought-provoking. The end will leave you breathless.

Recommendations:
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

One of the more literary and quality authors of the genre, Rivers is an excellent choice for anyone looking for well-written inspirational fiction. Readers interested in the redemptive themes in Riven will like Redeeming Love, a more modern retelling of the story of Hosea, the prophet of the Bible who married a prostitute. Set in the 1850s Gold Rush, Angel is a woman who as a child was sold into prostitution. Michael Hosea is the kind-hearted farmer who pities and marries her.

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin

From another literary author, this story will appeal to readers who are interested in the theme of the intersecting lives of two hurting people. The Christian message of this book subtly permeates, but is not overt.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Rob Hall & Denver Moore

(This is one of my favorite books!) Rob Hall is a white international art dealer whose wife dragged him to serve a meal at a homeless shelter. Denver is a homeless black man who Rob met there. This is a true story of two people, how they met and how they changed each other's lives -- and it's not how you think! You will never look at poverty the same way again.

Jesus Mean and Wild: The Unexpected Love of an Untameable God by Mark Galli

Think Jesus is a kind-hearted, but kind of milk-toast wimp? Galli explores several passages from the New Testament that show just the kind of sometimes stern, confrontational man the real Jesus was. If people thought Christian fiction was boring, but were gripped by Riven, they may enjoy a book about Jesus that also shakes some cobwebs loose.