You ask, I'll answer set 17

Allow me to give a disclaimer... I NEVER thought that I would be a Christian fiction book lover. If you had to define the stereotypical "Christian fiction book lover" I don't think I would fall into that category. But that is why you can not judge a book by its cover because I LOVE ME SOME CHRISTIAN NOVELS.  I have spent many hours thinking about why I love reading CFNs.  Here are a few reasons why,
1. It is so much easier for me to grasp something when I am able to see it played out in someones life.
2. I am a multi-tasker and nothing can make me stop like a good book. I can not fold laundry and read a book,  I can not help the kids do anything while I am reading a book, I can not clean, make lists or talk while I am reading. It is the first thing I have found that forces me to stop. Which is a good thing.  I need Me time!
3. I have set a goal to read one book per month for the rest of my life. I read every night as I fall asleep. Its my nightly bed time story. :)
And that are the reasons, I confess I love Christian Novels!

Ok here are my answers to your questions...
*Other than the Bible, what one book has made the most impact on your thinking?
Posted by: pam
That is hard, I would say that Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is my favorite book, it was the book that started me on the journey of Christan Fiction. However I am not sure if it has he most impact on my thinking. I try to write down what each book taught me after I read one and although I love this love story and how it humbles me, I am not sure if I could claim it as having the most impact. I am going to say that the Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers has the most impact on me. The reason I say that is because I was able to understand the Bible so much more after reading these books. I was able to understand what words like slave, and master mean. My eyes were opened to what life was like back in the days of Jesus. Powerful stuff! It made the Bible come to life.

*Are you a book lover? What is the best book you have read? Or Top five...
Posted by: debraparker
Top five books and why
1. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers- Best Love story out there, I love books that keep me up till 4 in the morning because I can't stop reading!
2. Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers- Books one and two are my favorite, three was ok but a little preachy at the end. 
3. I love the Series Abrams Daughters by Beverly Lewis- this is a book series on the Amish. I have admitted here before that I am fascinated by their lifestyle. I have wondered -Ok so I can admit to Christian Fiction but Amish Christian Fiction, now that sounds Grandma to me! But I've said it, I admit I love them. My reasoning? Because they teach me how to simplify my life. Slow down. Disconnect. Focus on Family. All the things I struggle doing, they do so well. That is what attracts me to these books. Don't make fun untill you have tried them.
4. I Love the Wedding which is the sequel to the Notebook. Now the book the Notebook, in my opinion was not as good as the movie. It had some amazing love notes in it but besides those I enjoyed the movie more. However the Wedding was so great.
5. I am gonna say that my final book is called the Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers- I like this book because it taught me that there are always two sides to a story. It takes two to tango and it takes two to stop tangoing. :)

Ok my friends I have 20 pages left in the book I am reading right now. I need a new book. I enjoy easy mindless reading. I can't do those books where you have to read the same sentence 4 times just to understand it. Right now in my season of  life I like simple, feel good stories. So tell. What is your all time favorite book or give me your top 5.  H

And yes ladies, that is Carlos reading Redeeming Love on a plane!

Comments

[Amy S.]

The Shack. I'm just finishing it up and
L-O-V-E it!!!

[Kelly]

I just finished reading two FANTASTIC books. The best one was called, "the Book Thief." You will laugh and cry. It is so vivid and charming you'll want to read the whole thing in one day. The other is called "Shantaram." Read them, you wont regret it!

[shelley]

The poisonwood bible by barbara kingsolver. set in the congo during a revolution. not written by a christian writer, but a fictional christian family is set their, four daughters. It is fabulous, I have read it 3-4 times and the husband read it and loved it!

[Rachel]

I L-O-V-E everything that Francine Rivers has ever written...read them all.
I also love Karen Kingsbury, if you haven't started those you'll be hooked quick.

[Billie]

I completely agree about the Mark of the Lion series. I just re-read them a second time.

As for new books...Pick up anything Karen Kingsbury, but start with the Redemption Series. You will become one of the Baxter Family. There are 5 in that series which spawns 5 in the Firstborn Series and she is now finishing up the Sunries Series. But seriously...anything Karen Kingsbury.

[emily]

Have you read Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss? It was written in the 1800s or something like that but is AMAZING. It's written as a series of journal entries... which I must admit I was hesitant about at first, but goes from age 16 through her whole life. I totally identified with aspects from each stage of life that I have been through as well. I highly recommend!

[April]

Second that for Redeeming Love, The Shack was truly perception altering for me, and I loved the O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson.

[Jennifer]

I would highly recommend the O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson as well! They are 6 or 7 books in the series and they were all so fantastic!

[Lindsay]

i love historical fiction, and though this book is not christian, and some might shy away from the violence and other "stuff", River God by wilbur smith, is a fantastic story on ancient egypt. i highly enjoyed it, as well as the 3 other books in the series.

[whittakerwoman]

I am not opposed to books that are not Christian. I read many all the time. I just happen to laugh that I like Christian Fiction so much. H

[Heidi]

Redeeming Love is one of my all time favs. Mark of the Lion series also. Then I have to go to Ted Dekker's Blink. The Shack. And I too liked the O'Malley series. But there are so many, it is hard to pick just a few.

[ashley]

You may have already read it, but "And The Shofar Blew" by Francine Rivers is really great. I read it in three days. It deals with the life of a pastor and church workers. After working in a church and seeing some of this stuff happen and then reading it played out in a book was gut-wrenching, but so great. I cried so much!

[Chris]

Peace Like a River by Leif Engler!

Trust me on this one.

[Tracie]

I agree with the comments the recommended the O'Malley series by Dee Henderson and the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury. Also, there are some other books by Francine Rivers where she highlights people of the Bible. There is a series on some of the men and some of the women. They are very short and I love them b/c it helps me see these people as real people. I'm currently reading the one about Ruth.

[Leah]

Ok, I have been a lurker, but you struck a chord when you started talking about Christian fiction.

For a little more "Redeeming Love" style, definitely read "Mark of the Lion." So good!! Really anything by Francine is so good.

But for a good ole' tug at your heart strings, mindless and amazing Christan fiction, start with Redemption series by Karen Kingbury. I ready 17 of her books in 30 days last summer...and that was working 30 hour weeks!

[Christina]

I'm right there with you on Francine Rivers! I absolutely LOVE her! When my husband gave me the Mark of the Lion series for Christmas I was THRILLED!!!! I also love Redeeming Love and all of her others that I've read...have you read The Last Sin Eater--verrry good! I also love the Mitford Series by Jan karon, it's about a small town priest and his normal life and journey with God and the people around him. I'm a BIG re-reader and I've read the Mitford books at least 10 times (there are 8 of them). ALso, my all-time favorite book besides the Bible is The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. If you haven't read it, you are missing soooo much! It's AMAZING!!!!!!!!

[care-in]

Have you tried Karen Kingsbury books? I got started on those and have been hooked. I wasn't a big reader before that. Also the Yadda Yadda Prayer Group books are great...so real, you can picture yourself doing/saying those things.

[Renee Garcia]

Karen Kingsbury is GREAT! I've read several of her books!

"The Christmas Kite" by Gail Martin is good... has a little boy with Down syndrome in it :).

These ones below are not Christian, but still easy reading and GREAT!

"Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult (actually pretty much ANY Jodi Picoult book is fabulous!)

"Plain Truth" also by Picoult takes place in the Amish community. SO good! Seriously, I'm not going to list all her books here... You'll like those two I think...

my VERY favorite of hers will always be "My Sister's Keeper". Seriously. GREAT reading!

"The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd is WONDERFUL! AND They're bringing it out in the movie theaters soon... I don't know if it will live up to the book though... we'll see!

I just finished "Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks. That was SO good, too!!!

Oh, "The Memory Keeper's Daughter" of course! Even if you've seen the movie, the book is SO much better! That one is by Kim Edwards.

OK I'll stop now! LOL I love to read, can you tell?! LOL I would be happy to loan you any of these books, just say the word and I'll drop them in the mail!

[Christy B]

You hit some of my favs. Francine Rivers is tops in my book and I list my favorite top two the same as you do.

You might try stuff by Brock and Bodie Thoene. They have an excellent writing style and tend to write in series. I've never been disappointed with their books and I'm pretty critical of Christian fiction. :o)

Some of my favorites from them are:

The Zion Covenant Series
The Zion Chronicles Series
The Zion Legacy Series
The Galway Chronicles

And I'll be starting the A.D. Chronicles soon.

You can find out more here: http://www.thoenebooks.com/

[Kelly S]

I have to agree - I love Christian fiction... I love the Bodie Thoene stuff but have read it all... next on my list is "The Shack" I read the 1st ten pages on Amazon and was HOOKED!!

[beccy]

I am also a fan of the Mitford books by Jan Karon!
My favorite Christian fiction books because of how they impacted me and how I thought are by George MacDonald. He actually invented the genre of Christian Fiction and was an inspiration to C.S. Lewis. Now they read as historical fiction. The Baron's Apprenticeship is one of my favorites. He also wrote some fantasy and childrens' books (The Lost Princess - a Double Story would be a great one for you girls). Oh, and Tales of the Kingdom trilogy by David and Karen Mains (kid's books, too, but I LOVE them.)
I am a mystery junkie - if you like those you should read Dorothy Sayers (protagonist Lord Peter Whimsey). Very fun.

[~abi~]

have you ever read any lori wick books? if not, start with "the hawk and the jewel"!

[Kir]

I could write a novel on all the books I love and why, and why I agree with the books you love. I'll try to be "brief"... First of all, I love all the F. Rivers books you covered. Redeeming Love - the intro to her amazing writing style. Mark of the Lion - I agree, POWERFUL. 3rd was weird, but what can you do. Scarlet thread - loved the end she chose for it. LOVED that. So yes, I love those F. Rivers books, among my top faves. I also love the Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen series (2 separate ones) by Robin Jones Gunn, who is cheesy but wonderful when you are in high school - also the Glenbrooke series written by her, more cheese but I love them.

However, to get right down to it.. my all time favorite book series is Harry Potter. I can't get enough of them. J.K. Rowling is a genius. I've read the first 4 about 20 times each, the 5th around the same, the 6th 4 to 5 times, and the 7th twice. So... that's my confession. I love books, discussions on books... and will probably write a blog on that later (I'm inspired) during the tropical storm hitting our area that everyone is panicking about. :) Sorry for a long comment.

[Soliloquy]

The Mark of the Lion series was my favorite UNTIL:

The Gods and Kings series by Lynn K. Austin.

Five in all - it's the story of King Hezekiah - and his lineage. Such a beautiful description of how God either protects his people or lifts His hand dependent on the heart of the king.

I have yet to find anything I've enjoyed as much as those two series - but if I had to choose one, Gods and Kings would be my top pick. Hands down.

(The series was renamed and Cobb County Library has all of the old titles with cheesy covers version and a few of the new title, but you could read them for free. They're the same books.)

OLD TITLES
#1 The Lord is My Strength
#2 The Lord is My Song
#3 The Lord is My Salvation
#4 My Father's God
#5 Among the Gods

NEW TITLES (same books as above)
#1 Gods and Kings
#2 Song of Redemption
#3 Strength of His Hand
#4 Faith of My Fathers
#5 Among the Gods

ENJOY!

[Ali Farmer]

I LOVE all the Francine River's books so we are on the same page there.

I am just now finishing The Shack and I like it. Some people don't that I talk to but it has really impacted the way I view the Lord kind of in the same way the C.S. Lewis can.

Like you, I am all about Godly lessons being lived out in people's lives. Jesus must have been that way too since he always told stories.

[Jessica]

I totally got sucked into the Twilight book series recently. The books are so addicting, I went through all four of them in a week and a half! Although I did feel lame when I told people I was reading a vampire love story.

[steven.russell]

The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher

Awesome story.

And I just finished it. So if you want it, let me know. I will mail it to you. Because I believe good books are worth sharing.

Yeah...I have GOT to read The Shack.

[Lori]

I have read your blog for a long time. First time to comment. I love books. One of the all time greats that every Christian should read is The Debt by Angela Hunt. Try it you will love it. Also, by Angela Hunt The Awakening. Two other must reads by Lisa Samson are The Living End and Straight Up. Those four books are life changing. Another book I love is Three Roads Home by Travis Thrasher.

There is some Christian fiction that is no good. I wonder how did they even get published. The three authors I mentioned are some of the best writers today. You will enjoy these books.

[Simone]

I love reading. I read anything and everything. Well, not sci-fi stuff. I've let the reading go since becoming a parent. I miss it and need to get strict about reading for me daily.

I love reading novels and believe they were instrumental on forming my world view and way of thinking - I read a LOT as child. In fact, I stopped reading kids books in grade 5 or 6 when I had to get the librarian to help me find a book I hadn't read.

Not sure what my top 5 fav books would be. Top 5 authors are Sidney Sheldon and Patricia Cornwell in 1 and 2 spots, rounding out by Robert Ludlum, John Grisham, and Nicholas Sparks, in no particular order.

I do love the self-help, psychology books too. Read many of those when I was single. Oh, and in terms of Christian wife books, I love 'The bathtub is overflowing but I feel drained' by Lysa TerKeurst.

[Ashley]

I have to 2nd someone's suggestion of "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd. It is wonderful!!

[Jamie]

I haven't read all the responses..but I just read 'The Shack' and highly recommend it! I also love anything by Francine Rivers..but my all time favorite Christian fiction writer has to be Ted DekKer His 'Red, Black, & White' series got me hooked in a serious way and the way he ties books and stories together is unlike any other author!

[Blake Thompson]

Have you ever read any of Ted Dekker? He writes Christian Fiction, but not aimed specifically at a female audience. I'd suggest The Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, and White). Also Blink and THR3E are good by him.

Of course read Piercing the Darkness and This Present Darkness by Peretti (read those in high school).

On The Edge by F. Parker Hudson was one of the best books that taught me about the power of prayer.

[brandi]

i really enjoyed the "Redemption" series by Karen Kingsbury. The books in the series are:

"Redemption", "Remember", "Return", "Rejoice", & "Reunion"

Definitely worth it if you're like me & love a good series :)

[Amy]

the A.D. Chronicles by the Thoene's are AMAZING - Books 2 and 8 are my favorite so far.
Brandilyn Collins - crime novels with a Christian twist - Kanner Lake series esp.
Coleen Coble is great too

[Alison]

I just confessed on my blog that I have been absent due to reading the Twilight Series. The plot sounds insane, but when I started talking about the books at my kids MDO program, all these mom's came out of the woodwork. We couldn't put the books down!

[Melody Milbrandt]

Well hello to you Heather. I, too have been frequenting your lovely blog for a good while now. I've noticed this post has "brought out" several of us first-time commentors.
Other than the Bible (of course), I was going to list anything by Charles F. Stanley (Andy's pops - as you know). You simply cannot go wrong there. Everytime I read or hear Dr. Stanley, I feel like a little girl sitting on Jesus knee. He pats me and helps me and whispers my name. Wonderful!
If I HAD to pick one, my all-time fav (compliment to my quiet time) is Oswald Chambers. Imparticular - "My Utmost For His Highest." Wow - punch ya in the gut good! Lol
Then, however I saw that this was asking about Christian fiction. Which those are not. Apart from the classics (ya know, like C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, Pilgrim's Progress), I have not been reading near as much Christian Fiction as I have Non-Fiction. However, the one I have read of late, knocked the wind right out of me. When I was able to breathe again, my lungs inhaled the fresh air of the Spirit in a new way. Intense, shocking, overwhelming, consuming, incredible, perspective shattering, life altering... "The Shack." This - I did not expect! A note of forewarning though, this does not really fall tidily into the "simple, feel good story" line. It is an "easy read" in regards to writing style, grammar/composition, flow, etc. But, emotionally easy, um, not so much. Yet still worth it. So very worth it.

~Sheesh. This comment is loooooooooong. Ha. Sorry 'bout that. One last wittle thing (I promise).~

You and your hubby's blogs are phenomenal. More than that, you are phenomenal people. Awesome children of Almighty God. I am inspired, joyed, lifted up, and blessed with every read. Thank you for sharing your children, your ministries, your lives, your journey with us. The Lord has His hand on you all and it is quite a thing to behold.

I love how you all open up your insides to the world. I am the better for it.

Praying for you in Missouri - Melody Milbrandt

[Natali]

I too have read the Notebook and the Wedding, and would highly recommend ANY of the other Nicholas Sparks books, especially The Guardian, Bend in the Road and the Rescue. The only one to avoid (and of course, this is just my opinion) is At First Sight (if you thought the Notebook was heartbreaking....whew...) Also, Nights in Rodanthe is about to come out as a movie, so you might like to read that one and then watch it :-)

[Jamie Ivey]

Top 5 books for me today (I think it changes often!!!)
1. Girl meets God by Lauren Winner
2. The Kite Runner & A Thousand Splendid Suns by the same author ..... can't remember his name
3. Left to Tell - AMAZING! A woman and her survival story through the Rwanda genocide
4. Night by Ellie Wiesel

Enjoy!

[Jenn]

I don't read much. But I became hooked on a series by Robin Jones Gunn, called The Glenbrook Series. The first book in the series is called Secrets. I believe there is a total of 7 books in the series. I was so into the books that by the time I was done reading them I wanted to go visit Glenbrook.

[worshipfan]

I'm with many of the others....

Anything by Nicholas Sparks (although The Wedding is my favorite - So romantic)

Anything by Francine Rivers - my favorite by far though was "The Atonement Child"

And now? I Love Love Love everything Karen Kingsbury has written....every one.

[Sarah]

Have you read the Shiloh Legacy series by Brodie and Brock Thoene? If not, they are WONDERFUL! Those are definitely wrap-you-in-the-story-make-your-heart-happy pieces o' fiction.
As far as non-Christian fiction goes, Anita Diamant's "The Red Tent" is an AMAZING book about the life of Leah, Rachel and Dinah of Genesis. A wonderful book and Diamant is a gifted writer. Or Gregory Maguire rewrites popular fairy tales. Great stuff. "Wicked", "Confession of an Ugly Stepsister" or "Son of a Witch" are all great reads.
Happy Friday!

[brandiandboys]

"redeeming love" is one of my top five favorites too.

i also love "my sister's keeper" and "plain truth" by jodi picoult.

and i have to give a shout-out to the "twilight" series. i always feel crazy referring it, but everyone whose read it, loves it. it is a vampire love story, but not your typical vampire.

reading is my favorite escape too. sometimes my only escape!!

[Miranda]

Redeeming Love was the first book that I ever read for pleasure. It got me hooked and I am now and daily....or nightly reader. My vote too goes for anything by Karen Kingsbury. She has tons of series like the Redemption Series (which has 5 books) then the Firstborn Series follows that series (it has 5 books as well). Her Fovever Faithful Series is good too (3 books) and Woman of Faith Series (2 books). Happy reading!

[Tara]

Well..now that you mention christian fiction...I must come of from lurk-ville. I have to say that i heart you even more know...and I didnt think that was possible. :) All the books you mentioned were great...I scanned the comments, and I was suggested the books from Bodie Thoene but havent read any. My favorites are the love comes softly series from jannete oke. Beware though because there are like 10 books out already, but I just love them!
So now that I am de-lurking I can say that I just LOVE your blog, and your husband, and you and your kids!

[Holli]

LOVE me some Michael Hosea!
and the shoes don't come with lip gloss but do have a little doll:) What will they come up with next!

[Holly]

Eugenia Price wrote "Bright Captivity, "Where Shadows Go" and "Beauty from Ashes". This is a trilogy set in Georgia on St. Simons Island and although it is fiction, it is based on real people. It is a fabulous series!

[j]

if you haven't already read Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller you MUST!

[jennifer wrad]

ok. i have been DYING to share these books with you. i almost sent them to you for your birthday because i know you will like them as much as i did. someone already left a comment about them. they are the TWILIGHT books by stephenie meyer. they are not christian books. they are not lds books either (the author is lds, but seriously, she put zero religion into them). they are young adult books so they are quick to read and they have an awesome love story that you will EAT UP! there is a little twist, but i won't spoil it for you if you haven't heard of them yet. twilight is first then there are 3 other titles. you must read them and tell me what you think.

[Lisa]

I recommend anything by Charles Martin. "When Crickets Cry" is my absolute favorite book of all time. And I've read at least a book a week for the last 20 years.

[Ruth]

I love Redeeming Love, it is definitely in my top five or 20. ;)
Francine River's Atonement Child is also very good and I do like the Mark of the Lion series. reading those books were almost more gory than watching Gladiator. But they were good.
And I love most everything by karen Kingsbury and the Redemption series or Baxter series is probably her best, I think.
I have also really come to like Tamera Alexander because I like historical fiction. love biographies especially about Christians whose lives and faith have undergone a lot of testing. I recently finished Susan May Warren's Noble Legacy series and those books were soooo good and entertaining although I will admit I was intimidated and a bit wary by the ridiculously beautiful people on the covers. ;) I grew up reading Christian fiction and must say it has come a long way from fluff and cookie cutter characters. It actually addresses real issues with real human people who make mistakes. People aren't always christians looking for Happily Ever After. I think that is why I like karen Kingsbury so much, you can identify a lot with her characters.