For an amazing Christian historical fiction author, I LOVE Lauraine Snelling. She writes alot of Oregon Trail & pioneer stories where I'm truly growing in my faith by reading her stories. The way she shows these people praying, trusting God in hard times & choosing to live God's beautiful way has helped me do the same. ❤🎉 I also have just started reading Tracie Peterson. I am loving her books but you're right...there's a little more suspense in them than sometimes what I want to be reading before I fall asleep. I, too, am pretty sensitive about that stuff. Lastly, I sooo want to thank you Diana (& Dawn) for first telling us how reading for 6 min a night lower stress levels by like 60%! I never "allowed" myself the "luxury" of reading fiction as I was such a busy mom & felt if I took the time to read at all, it should be a self-help book on parenting, marriage, etc. After listening to you 2, I thought, "I can read a fiction for 6 minutes a night." I started & became quickly hooked! Then I started finishing the chapter! 😀 Then I shared this stress-reducing idea with my teenage daughter so now we're both reading a chapter or two a night on our own. It's created a new way for us to bond & provides new things for us to talk about. We love it! True story! I used to spend about $150 a month on healthy sleep supplements! 😮 I needed help falling asleep & staying asleep. Since starting to read at night (& I DID also start the Carnivore Diet, so I think they're both working together), I literally do not need ANY sleep supplements! I fall asleep quickly & stay asleep all night long! Often times I'm the same position I fell asleep in! This has changed my life! Now I'm telling others about it! Thank you!! I love your content & your heart! God bless you! ❤
I am probably the odd man out. I started watching your channel from suggestions from UA-cam. I watch also your sister’s channel. I find your videos on spirituality very encouraging. I feel like I opened a door to a room and stepped in to find out I was in the middle of a woman’s group. But I thank you for the practical and encouraging part of your videos to my spiritual life.
Lynn Austin the restoration Chronicles series. Connilyn Cossette out of Egypt series every single Francine rivers book, including the mark of the lion series, lineage of Grace series, sons of encouragement series. Tessa Afshar books on Lydia, Priscilla, Joanna, Ruth. Also Ordinary Women of the Bible Series starting with the one about Martha. So thankful Diana for your encouragement on this topic. It’s been a life-enriching blessing for me to end every day reading Biblical historical fiction!!!! Thankful for these amazing authors and their skill & dedication to this craft.
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is the best fiction book I’ve read. It has some really heavy parts but such an amazing story. It’s one that truly did help my spiritual life. Thank you for your great videos. You and Dawn are a blessing.
The Amazon reading link isn’t working for me😢 I love this video and all the suggestions for wholesome reads!! Please keep these videos & suggestion coming!! And thank you to the commenters for their suggestions!! ❤
I'm so sorry. It appears my list has disappeared from Amazon... I'm working to rebuild it 😅 I'll send an email out when it's back up! (Click on the link in the description to get the free Bible reading habit guide to ensure you're on my list!)
Robin Jones Gunn Sisterchicks is awesome. It looks like she is publishing a new series about women’s friendships. I preordered the first one I think it’s called Tea with Elephants.
@@johnandkitty All of her series are wonderful and she tends to bring people from older series into the newer series. I love the idea of “catching up” with old friends.
Thank you for talking about this. I have noticed this in my own life. ❤️Lori Wick's Sophie's Heart and The Princess challenged me with sacrificial love. I love Lynn Austin and Lisa Wingate's books. Another author I like will show my age, Eugenia Price. Her historical fiction is excellent. Not a light read, but so worth it! I visited the cemetery at Saint Simons Island, where she is buried and saw many graves of the characters that are in her books. She would do her research and find out who the doctor was at that time and put him in the book.
One of my most favorite collections when I was a little girl was Alice in Bible land. I wish I still had those books! There beautiful and biblical based. As I learned to read my Bible daily I started with one chapter at a time. Yes, I miss a day here and there and few in-between. I always pick it back up. Now I read three chapters most days in one book of the Bible at a time.
I have read all of Joanne Fluke books! I am an avid reader, and read a lot of light easy to read murder mysteries. I have Read the whole Mitford series years ago and I have forgotten about them, may have to read them again!
You turned me on to Tracy Peterson a couple of years ago and I was hooked! Francine Rivers is another author I have come to love who has an amazing story of changing her style of writing after she came to Jesus and now writes Christian fiction, my favorite of hers is Redeeming Love. Happy reading! 💞
I asked for a kindle last Christmas & it has been a game-changer!! I got the 1yr bible on it + other books, & for the first time ever, I’ve stayed on track with my bible reading plan & have finished 2 other books. Removing distractions has changed everything 👍😁
I’ve been reading Joanne Fluke decades. I completely agree with your assessment of her novels. I would encourage people to read them in order though because she progresses through her life and the kids grow up
Love this advice! I have found that after reading fiction has helped me find myself again. And your laugh is so cute. Love that you and Dawn have similar laughs!!
The Miss Julia series by Ann B. Ross is so fun and engaging. Be sure to read them in order. You'll find yourself laughing out loud at certain situations this well-meaning lady get herself into. My sisters and I loved them!
Karen Kingsbury is an amazing author! I HIGHLY recommend the Baxter family series by her (plenty of books to keep you reading!). Her 9/11 books are great too, but be prepared to cry. :(
Diana, I can’t wait to check out your recommendations and the recommendations of your subscribers! I love Tracie Peterson! I have been surprised how much I like cozy mysteries because I hate being scared at all, but they are not scary for me. They are very cute and fun some favorites in the cozy mystery category are series by Amanda Flower, Tonya Kappes and Nancy Coco (I’m from Michigan and her Mackinac Island series mystery is so fun!). Another light reading series is The Elm Creek Quilts series by Jennifer Chiaverini. She also has a ton of very interesting historical fiction books from the perspective of people associated with famous people. Gabrielle Meyer also has some great books, I’m currently working on her series of time travel book through history. They are like nothing I have ever read before. I never thought I would switch from paper books to my Kindle, I still do both, but I read so much more with my Kindle because I can read when the lights are out and my husband is trying to sleep lol! Happy reading everyone!
The Acts of Faith series by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn is an excellent biblical fiction trilogy. It shows what life was like for Christians in the early Church, and what was going on around them. Great for fans of Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion trilogy. I love Lynn Austin and Tracie Peterson, they bring history to life. I’ve also been working my way through Joanne Fluke’s series, on book 11 now. Great recommendations!
I forgot about Michael Phillips! The Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall! Have all 4 books. Just looked on Amazon - I am behind on reading more recent books.
Hope Callaghan… great author and has several cozy mystery series that are faith based. I have read them all several times. Fluke’s books are so good and I have used lots of her recipes too. Well written mysteries without the gore.
I started reading a Gideon Bible recently, and I noticed that it was easier for me to read because the print is better for my eyes! (I'm pushing 40, haha.) Fiction idea: Mrs. Pollifax books, about a nice old lady-turned-spy.
Lori Wick is a great author, I agree with Lynn Austin as a great writer also. And I loved the Yada Yada Book Club series. Woman coming together, with many differences, after meeting at a Christian conference, forming a book club and becoming a wonderful support to one another.
Thank you as always for encouraging/teaching us! I quit reading fiction 19 years ago when I made a huge health turn & my focus turned to non-fiction that helped me get healthier. I would like to change that. A Biblical fiction book I enjoyed in the past was “David & Bathsheba” by Roberta Dorr. She was a missionary in Yemen. I have 2 copies of James Herriot dog stories to read together with a young girl I am a “penpal” with. She wants to improve her reading skills.
😂😂 I truly believe my brain left me after 4 kids and as my husband said to me once- you’ve been thinking for 6 people for years! 😂maybe he has a point!! At 63, I feel like my memory is awful! Will give reading a try again. I’ve been consuming audio books lately. Thanks for all your advice and tidbits!! 😊
Very good topic! I am sometimes amazed at the incidental knowledge I've gleaned from fiction. I am interested in more faith-focused reading at this point in my life.
One more book series I recommend is the Moonlight Harbor series by Sheila Roberts. These are set in a beach community where a lot of the characters move to start new lives. I am reading these in order and just finished "Sand Dollar Lane." Can't wait to read the rest of this series!
You should try Grace Livingston Hill books. She is an older Christian author writing in the early 1900s. Her books are lightweight fiction, while still being good writing. Often a romance, they are always fun to read, and never heavy. Thanks for the reminder that fiction is important in our lives!
I'm so sorry. It appears my list has disappeared from Amazon... I'm working to rebuild it 😅 I'll send an email out when it's back up! (Click on the link in the description to get the free Bible reading habit guide to ensure you're on my list!)
I'm so sorry. It appears my list has disappeared from Amazon... I'm working to rebuild it 😅 I'll send an email out when it's back up! (Click on the link in the description to get the free Bible reading habit guide to ensure you're on my list!)
I’m a Christian author writing clean cozy mysteries and Viking historicals, and reading is such an integral part of my world! I grew up reading Agatha Christie, Phyllis Whitney, and classics. I know so many wonderful Christian authors trying to shine their lights in the world by using their talents for God. Charles Martin, Karin Kaufman, and Becky Doughty are a few of my fave Christian authors. 📚☕️📚
The comments have been full of such wonderful suggestions! A couple of them are among my most favorite authors too (Lynn Austin, Dee Henderson). Others that I would like to add are: Elizabeth Musser (Christian author writing inspirational fiction…”entertainment with a soul”) Susan Meissner (historical fiction) Ellen Marie Wiseman (historical fiction) Robert Whitlow (Christian author writing legal/courtroom drama fiction) Sarah Sundin (Christian author writing WWII era historical fiction) I agree 100% with all that Diana discussed regarding the benefits of reading! I wish everyone a time of happy reading and improved mental health, memory, and focus. ❤
I've collected Grace Livingston Hill books for years, now I'm getting them in audio versions. They're a little old fashioned for younger readers. I like Lynn Austin, Ann Tatlock, mostly historical fiction, as well as some historical non fiction. I enjoyed this video.
Diana, I too am a huge fan of cozy mysteries! The Holly Hart Cozy Mystery series, Victorian Mansion Flower Shop Mysteries, and the Tearoom mystery series are all wonderful! The Victorian Mansion and Tearoom ones are faithfilled, while the Holly Hart ones are just clean and wholesome. It's also fun that the Victorian mansion ones have a built in ribbon for marking your spot.
I tell everyone about reducing stress by reading fiction at night since you shared this earlier . I recently enjoyed Stealing The Preacher by Karen Witenmeyer. I finished the series it was part of this summer. I also really like Elizabeth Maddrey's books.
Jill Eileen Smith, Angela Hunt, Mesu Andrews are three amazing women authors who write fiction based on Bible characters. They offer a real concept of life in Bible times. Remember that it's a fictional account, but with context in that era. I'm saying this for the people who might have a problem with Biblical fiction, such as the Chosen.
Hazel Prior is a harpist and writer. She’s written four enjoyable books, the first being Ellie and The Harp Maker. She’s also written Away with the Penguins which is a really enjoyable read. She’s an English writer, and although not a Christian to my knowledge, there’s nothing nasty in her books. If you look her up, you’ll see some little videos of her playing the harp too! I got mine from the library. A really helpful video Dianne - thankyou. X
A Ladies Guide to Fortune Hunting was fantastic!!!! Not Christian but clean. Pretense by Lori Wick remains one of my all time favorites. During the last semester of my senior year in college my roommate read it and couldn’t put it down. I read it when she finished and ended up pulling an “all nighter” to finish it. Twenty five years later I still love it!!!!
I love this idea. I have got so many books out the library at the moment and hadn't thought about the connection. My kids are much older than yours so I have no excuse about reading instead of scrolling!
My first Christian fiction. I have read these 3 times and I don’t do that with books. Lori Wick. And of course I love Francine Rivers!! And my friend Amanda Dykes is a new author and is amazing.
Wonderful video, Diana! I'm so grateful for your ministry here on UA-cam. A couple of Christian fiction writers that I enjoy are Karen Witemeyer and Jen Turano. Blessings to you and your family. 😊
I just went thru the comments so far to get some new authors and tagged them on my library app ❤… I’m an avid reader and finish most books in a few days! My absolute ALL TIME FAVOURITE book is Sophie’s Heart by Lori Wick… I read it every year. Another awesome Biblical series is the Lion of Judah by Gilbert Morris. There are sooo many great authors out there but I also go for Amish fiction too as a lighter read (Cindy Woodsmall, Leslie Gould and Beth Wiseman are favourites. Beverly Lewis’ books tend to be a bit heavy and I find Wands Brunstetter’s books hard to read as the rhythm is choppy) A tip for looking for new Christians authors is to read the reviews at the front of the book… I have found some great new authors by seeking who reviewed the book I’m currently reading. 😂
Diana, you constantly are an encouragement to me. I have started reading more and it keeps me from just scrolling in my phone. Thank you for your ministry.
Dan Walsh has written some great Christian suspense series. Joe Boyd and Jack Turner series. Robert Whitlow has some really good Christian legal fiction too.
I have a series of books by a British author, Dora Saint, under the pen name of "Miss Read."😅 There are a couple of series and a few single books. All take place in small English villages and are mostly about ordinary life. In the Fairacre series, Miss Read is also the narrator and main character. I love these books and have read them many times over. They make my heart happy.
I love this! I love to read. Right now I’m into biographies and non fiction stuff for some reason. Hoping that is as good as reading fiction. I’ve started a one year chronological reading of the Bible thru You Version Bible app - and I’m in on year 3 or 4 and still in Kings and Chronicles! Ha ha. But I’m reading. So I’m pleased with that and it’s the first time I’ve read thru the OT. I’m age 69!! Determined to make this work. Learning so much more about God and Jesus as in using the Jesus Bible.
Really interesting and helpful! My two favourite Christian fiction books are “Israel my Beloved” by Kay Arthur. (An amazing biblically based romance-the history of God’s relationship with Israel) And Hadassah, One night with the King” by Tommy Tenney, based on the book of Esther
As a fiction writer this reminded me that what I do can have eternal purposes. Thank you
For sure! Thank you!!! ❤
Me too as another writer and reader.
For an amazing Christian historical fiction author, I LOVE Lauraine Snelling. She writes alot of Oregon Trail & pioneer stories where I'm truly growing in my faith by reading her stories. The way she shows these people praying, trusting God in hard times & choosing to live God's beautiful way has helped me do the same. ❤🎉
I also have just started reading Tracie Peterson. I am loving her books but you're right...there's a little more suspense in them than sometimes what I want to be reading before I fall asleep. I, too, am pretty sensitive about that stuff.
Lastly, I sooo want to thank you Diana (& Dawn) for first telling us how reading for 6 min a night lower stress levels by like 60%! I never "allowed" myself the "luxury" of reading fiction as I was such a busy mom & felt if I took the time to read at all, it should be a self-help book on parenting, marriage, etc. After listening to you 2, I thought, "I can read a fiction for 6 minutes a night." I started & became quickly hooked! Then I started finishing the chapter! 😀 Then I shared this stress-reducing idea with my teenage daughter so now we're both reading a chapter or two a night on our own. It's created a new way for us to bond & provides new things for us to talk about. We love it!
True story! I used to spend about $150 a month on healthy sleep supplements! 😮 I needed help falling asleep & staying asleep. Since starting to read at night (& I DID also start the Carnivore Diet, so I think they're both working together), I literally do not need ANY sleep supplements! I fall asleep quickly & stay asleep all night long! Often times I'm the same position I fell asleep in! This has changed my life! Now I'm telling others about it! Thank you!! I love your content & your heart! God bless you! ❤
I agree, she is amazing! Love her books!
I have been loving the Thursday murder club series... brilliant, funny and wholesome while still engaging in some big topics
I am probably the odd man out. I started watching your channel from suggestions from UA-cam. I watch also your sister’s channel. I find your videos on spirituality very encouraging. I feel like I opened a door to a room and stepped in to find out I was in the middle of a woman’s group. But I thank you for the practical and encouraging part of your videos to my spiritual life.
Lynn Austin the restoration Chronicles series. Connilyn Cossette out of Egypt series every single Francine rivers book, including the mark of the lion series, lineage of Grace series, sons of encouragement series. Tessa Afshar books on Lydia, Priscilla, Joanna, Ruth. Also Ordinary Women of the Bible Series starting with the one about Martha. So thankful Diana for your encouragement on this topic. It’s been a life-enriching blessing for me to end every day reading Biblical historical fiction!!!! Thankful for these amazing authors and their skill & dedication to this craft.
The Yada Yada Prayer Group, anything by Robert Whitlow, Terri Blackstock and of course you mentioned my very favorite, At Home in Mitford.
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is the best fiction book I’ve read. It has some really heavy parts but such an amazing story. It’s one that truly did help my spiritual life. Thank you for your great videos. You and Dawn are a blessing.
@@deannaroe3778 such a good book.
I read that recently I couldn’t put the book down.
Have you read “The Red Tent”? It’s about Dinah from the Bible. So good.
The movie is really good too.
Loved this book!
@@karendunn866 I haven’t seen the movie. I will have to watch it.
Such a good book
Oh, and I’ve read a Christmas book from the Mitford series & enjoyed it.
The Janette Oke Love Comes Softly series is also good!
My new favorite author is Lauraine Snelling. I especially loved her historical fiction series about immigrants in the North Dakota Red River valley.
I write christian mysteries. Light hearted and encouraging. Not as great as Jan Karon but fun
I love Janette Oke books. Christian Fiction. Have read her stories over and over.
The Amazon reading link isn’t working for me😢
I love this video and all the suggestions for wholesome reads!! Please keep these videos & suggestion coming!! And thank you to the commenters for their suggestions!! ❤
I'm so sorry. It appears my list has disappeared from Amazon... I'm working to rebuild it 😅 I'll send an email out when it's back up! (Click on the link in the description to get the free Bible reading habit guide to ensure you're on my list!)
Robin Jones Gunn Sisterchicks is awesome. It looks like she is publishing a new series about women’s friendships. I preordered the first one I think it’s called Tea with Elephants.
I love that series.
@@johnandkitty All of her series are wonderful and she tends to bring people from older series into the newer series. I love the idea of “catching up” with old friends.
Thank you for talking about this. I have noticed this in my own life. ❤️Lori Wick's Sophie's Heart and The Princess challenged me with sacrificial love. I love Lynn Austin and Lisa Wingate's books. Another author I like will show my age, Eugenia Price. Her historical fiction is excellent. Not a light read, but so worth it! I visited the cemetery at Saint Simons Island, where she is buried and saw many graves of the characters that are in her books. She would do her research and find out who the doctor was at that time and put him in the book.
Focus is definitely something I fight with when reading the Bible! I'm so glad you gave these tips!
One of my most favorite collections when I was a little girl was Alice in Bible land. I wish I still had those books! There beautiful and biblical based.
As I learned to read my Bible daily I started with one chapter at a time. Yes, I miss a day here and there and few in-between. I always pick it back up. Now I read three chapters most days in one book of the Bible at a time.
I have read all of Joanne Fluke books! I am an avid reader, and read a lot of light easy to read murder mysteries. I have Read the whole Mitford series years ago and I have forgotten about them, may have to read them again!
You turned me on to Tracy Peterson a couple of years ago and I was hooked! Francine Rivers is another author I have come to love who has an amazing story of changing her style of writing after she came to Jesus and now writes Christian fiction, my favorite of hers is Redeeming Love. Happy reading! 💞
The best fiction book I have ever read!
Redeeming Love.
I love any book by Richard Paul Evans. I’ve read all of his books at least twice. Sometimes 3-5 times.
I asked for a kindle last Christmas & it has been a game-changer!! I got the 1yr bible on it + other books, & for the first time ever, I’ve stayed on track with my bible reading plan & have finished 2 other books. Removing distractions has changed everything 👍😁
The Yada Yada Prayer Group series by Neta Jackson is very good.
I love that series and although I never read books twice, I did that one.
I’ve been reading Joanne Fluke decades. I completely agree with your assessment of her novels. I would encourage people to read them in order though because she progresses through her life and the kids grow up
Are these Christian murder mysteries?
@@looking.on.the.brightsideno but they are pretty clean.
I love Dee Henderson, her books have a little of everything in them.
Love this advice! I have found that after reading fiction has helped me find myself again.
And your laugh is so cute. Love that you and Dawn have similar laughs!!
The Miss Julia series by Ann B. Ross is so fun and engaging. Be sure to read them in order. You'll find yourself laughing out loud at certain situations this well-meaning lady get herself into. My sisters and I loved them!
An easy read mystery series I found this summer:
Secrets of Wayfarers Inn
Karen Kingsbury is an amazing author! I HIGHLY recommend the Baxter family series by her (plenty of books to keep you reading!). Her 9/11 books are great too, but be prepared to cry. :(
The Mitford series was my introduction to Christian fiction….I highly recommend it. I was also able to visit the Mitford Museum in North Carolina 😊
You are such an encouragement! My favorite fiction mystery read is the Mrs Jeffries series by Emily Brightwell. They're so much fun!
Diana, I can’t wait to check out your recommendations and the recommendations of your subscribers! I love Tracie Peterson! I have been surprised how much I like cozy mysteries because I hate being scared at all, but they are not scary for me. They are very cute and fun some favorites in the cozy mystery category are series by Amanda Flower, Tonya Kappes and Nancy Coco (I’m from Michigan and her Mackinac Island series mystery is so fun!). Another light reading series is The Elm Creek Quilts series by Jennifer Chiaverini. She also has a ton of very interesting historical fiction books from the perspective of people associated with famous people. Gabrielle Meyer also has some great books, I’m currently working on her series of time travel book through history. They are like nothing I have ever read before. I never thought I would switch from paper books to my Kindle, I still do both, but I read so much more with my Kindle because I can read when the lights are out and my husband is trying to sleep lol! Happy reading everyone!
The Acts of Faith series by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn is an excellent biblical fiction trilogy. It shows what life was like for Christians in the early Church, and what was going on around them. Great for fans of Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion trilogy. I love Lynn Austin and Tracie Peterson, they bring history to life. I’ve also been working my way through Joanne Fluke’s series, on book 11 now. Great recommendations!
I LOVE the Miss Julia series by Ann B. Ross. They are light hearted and have a lot of humor.
I love them too!!!
Cozy mysterys are clean easy reading. 😊
Who is the author?I looked up cozy mysteries and there were 2,000! They were by many different authors. Thanks
There are many authors. It's not a book, it's like a genre.
I LOVE Lynn Austin !
I enjoy Christian historical fiction. I'm currently reading the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers... so good!
Karen Kingsbury and Robin Jones Gunn are some of my favorite Christian authors.
My favorite Christian authors are George MacDonald and Michael Phillips. I also love Janet Oke.
I forgot about Michael Phillips! The Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall! Have all 4 books. Just looked on Amazon - I am behind on reading more recent books.
Hope Callaghan… great author and has several cozy mystery series that are faith based. I have read them all several times. Fluke’s books are so good and I have used lots of her recipes too. Well written mysteries without the gore.
I started reading a Gideon Bible recently, and I noticed that it was easier for me to read because the print is better for my eyes! (I'm pushing 40, haha.)
Fiction idea: Mrs. Pollifax books, about a nice old lady-turned-spy.
I read Becoming Mrs. Lewis upon you recommendation. It was wonderful! Thanks 🙏🏻 ❤
Lori Wick is a great author, I agree with Lynn Austin as a great writer also. And I loved the Yada Yada Book Club series. Woman coming together, with many differences, after meeting at a Christian conference, forming a book club and becoming a wonderful support to one another.
Thank you as always for encouraging/teaching us! I quit reading fiction 19 years ago when I made a huge health turn & my focus turned to non-fiction that helped me get healthier. I would like to change that. A Biblical fiction book I enjoyed in the past was “David & Bathsheba” by Roberta Dorr. She was a missionary in Yemen. I have 2 copies of James Herriot dog stories to read together with a young girl I am a “penpal” with. She wants to improve her reading skills.
Love listening to you Diana you are so encouraging and a blessing ❤️
😂😂 I truly believe my brain left me after 4 kids and as my husband said to me once- you’ve been thinking for 6 people for years! 😂maybe he has a point!! At 63, I feel like my memory is awful! Will give reading a try again. I’ve been consuming audio books lately. Thanks for all your advice and tidbits!! 😊
T.K.Chapin is an absolutely amazing Christian fiction author. I've read almost every single one of his books. Highly recommend.
Diana, this was really good, and so well done. Thanks for the encouragement to read. Improved focus is something I need.
Very good topic! I am sometimes amazed at the incidental knowledge I've gleaned from fiction. I am interested in more faith-focused reading at this point in my life.
I have read Tracy Peterson and Lynn Austin books too. I really love Karen Kingsbury too.
Love the Mitford Series. The audiobooks are amazing. Great listening in the car - family friendly!
One more book series I recommend is the Moonlight Harbor series by Sheila Roberts. These are set in a beach community where a lot of the characters move to start new lives. I am reading these in order and just finished "Sand Dollar Lane." Can't wait to read the rest of this series!
The entire sensible shoes book series! Soo good
Totally relate to not being able to read or watch certain things after becoming a mum!!! I thought it was only me 😆 thank you for sharing that ❤
You should try Grace Livingston Hill books. She is an older Christian author writing in the early 1900s. Her books are lightweight fiction, while still being good writing. Often a romance, they are always fun to read, and never heavy. Thanks for the reminder that fiction is important in our lives!
Diana, I am interested in the spiritual fiction series that takes you back to living in those times! However your amazon link is not working 😢
I'm so sorry. It appears my list has disappeared from Amazon... I'm working to rebuild it 😅 I'll send an email out when it's back up! (Click on the link in the description to get the free Bible reading habit guide to ensure you're on my list!)
I'm so sorry. It appears my list has disappeared from Amazon... I'm working to rebuild it 😅 I'll send an email out when it's back up! (Click on the link in the description to get the free Bible reading habit guide to ensure you're on my list!)
I’m a Christian author writing clean cozy mysteries and Viking historicals, and reading is such an integral part of my world! I grew up reading Agatha Christie, Phyllis Whitney, and classics. I know so many wonderful Christian authors trying to shine their lights in the world by using their talents for God. Charles Martin, Karin Kaufman, and Becky Doughty are a few of my fave Christian authors. 📚☕️📚
Alight hearted author is Debbie McComber. Fun Christmas books too!
Great video! Would love a book list. The Amazon link isn’t working.
The comments have been full of such wonderful suggestions! A couple of them are among my most favorite authors too (Lynn Austin, Dee Henderson). Others that I would like to add are:
Elizabeth Musser (Christian author writing inspirational fiction…”entertainment with a soul”)
Susan Meissner (historical fiction)
Ellen Marie Wiseman (historical fiction)
Robert Whitlow (Christian author writing legal/courtroom drama fiction)
Sarah Sundin (Christian author writing WWII era historical fiction)
I agree 100% with all that Diana discussed regarding the benefits of reading! I wish everyone a time of happy reading and improved mental health, memory, and focus. ❤
I've collected Grace Livingston Hill books for years, now I'm getting them in audio versions. They're a little old fashioned for younger readers. I like Lynn Austin, Ann Tatlock, mostly historical fiction, as well as some historical non fiction. I enjoyed this video.
Diana, I too am a huge fan of cozy mysteries! The Holly Hart Cozy Mystery series, Victorian Mansion Flower Shop Mysteries, and the Tearoom mystery series are all wonderful! The Victorian Mansion and Tearoom ones are faithfilled, while the Holly Hart ones are just clean and wholesome.
It's also fun that the Victorian mansion ones have a built in ribbon for marking your spot.
I tell everyone about reducing stress by reading fiction at night since you shared this earlier . I recently enjoyed Stealing The Preacher by Karen Witenmeyer. I finished the series it was part of this summer. I also really like Elizabeth Maddrey's books.
Jill Eileen Smith, Angela Hunt, Mesu Andrews are three amazing women authors who write fiction based on Bible characters. They offer a real concept of life in Bible times. Remember that it's a fictional account, but with context in that era. I'm saying this for the people who might have a problem with Biblical fiction, such as the Chosen.
Hazel Prior is a harpist and writer. She’s written four enjoyable books, the first being Ellie and The Harp Maker. She’s also written Away with the Penguins which is a really enjoyable read. She’s an English writer, and although not a Christian to my knowledge, there’s nothing nasty in her books. If you look her up, you’ll see some little videos of her playing the harp too! I got mine from the library. A really helpful video Dianne - thankyou. X
A Ladies Guide to Fortune Hunting was fantastic!!!! Not Christian but clean.
Pretense by Lori Wick remains one of my all time favorites. During the last semester of my senior year in college my roommate read it and couldn’t put it down. I read it when she finished and ended up pulling an “all nighter” to finish it. Twenty five years later I still love it!!!!
Good authors. Mary Kay Andrew’s and Jan Moran. Great books and series.
I recommend reading the Death on Demand series by Carolyn G. Hart. Smart light reading.
Love Joanne fluke cannot wait for her new books
I love this idea. I have got so many books out the library at the moment and hadn't thought about the connection. My kids are much older than yours so I have no excuse about reading instead of scrolling!
My first Christian fiction. I have read these 3 times and I don’t do that with books. Lori Wick. And of course I love Francine Rivers!! And my friend Amanda Dykes is a new author and is amazing.
Wonderful video, Diana! I'm so grateful for your ministry here on UA-cam. A couple of Christian fiction writers that I enjoy are Karen Witemeyer and Jen Turano. Blessings to you and your family. 😊
I really like Francine Rivers and my favorite book of all time is Redeeming Love by her.
"Two from Galilee" is a great read at Christmas time.
I just went thru the comments so far to get some new authors and tagged them on my library app ❤… I’m an avid reader and finish most books in a few days! My absolute ALL TIME FAVOURITE book is Sophie’s Heart by Lori Wick… I read it every year. Another awesome Biblical series is the Lion of Judah by Gilbert Morris. There are sooo many great authors out there but I also go for Amish fiction too as a lighter read (Cindy Woodsmall, Leslie Gould and Beth Wiseman are favourites. Beverly Lewis’ books tend to be a bit heavy and I find Wands Brunstetter’s books hard to read as the rhythm is choppy)
A tip for looking for new Christians authors is to read the reviews at the front of the book… I have found some great new authors by seeking who reviewed the book I’m currently reading. 😂
I like the baxter family series from Karen kingsbury
Kristin Hannah!!!!!! Some really great historical fiction but also many others!
This video was exactly what I needed. Thank you! 🥰
Lorena McCourtney is a great light Christian cozy mystery writer.
Thank you for this, I also have trouble focusing then retaining what I read.
Louise Penny the Inspector Gamache series I would highly recommend as a mystery series that is clean and great!
Diana, you constantly are an encouragement to me. I have started reading more and it keeps me from just scrolling in my phone. Thank you for your ministry.
Dan Walsh has written some great Christian suspense series. Joe Boyd and Jack Turner series.
Robert Whitlow has some really good Christian legal fiction too.
I love Christian author Roseanna M White, especially her codebreakers series. I love the humor and wit, and it is a light read
I have a series of books by a British author, Dora Saint, under the pen name of "Miss Read."😅 There are a couple of series and a few single books. All take place in small English villages and are mostly about ordinary life. In the Fairacre series, Miss Read is also the narrator and main character. I love these books and have read them many times over. They make my heart happy.
Sidebar - what did you mean subscribing doesn’t change my feed? It does - it puts you in it, which I like!
Mindy Starns Clark--A Penny For Your Thoughts and the following books in the set. So good…wholesome…leave me with a smile every time. ❤
Anything by Katherine Rae and Tessa As far! The Baxter series by Karen Kingsbury
My "read and read-again" fiction book is Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hunard ❤
I love this! I love to read. Right now I’m into biographies and non fiction stuff for some reason. Hoping that is as good as reading fiction. I’ve started a one year chronological reading of the Bible thru You Version Bible app - and I’m in on year 3 or 4 and still in Kings and Chronicles! Ha ha. But I’m reading. So I’m pleased with that and it’s the first time I’ve read thru the OT. I’m age 69!! Determined to make this work. Learning so much more about God and Jesus as in using the Jesus Bible.
Really interesting and helpful! My two favourite Christian fiction books are “Israel my Beloved” by Kay Arthur. (An amazing biblically based romance-the history of God’s relationship with Israel) And Hadassah, One night with the King” by Tommy Tenney, based on the book of Esther
The way I heard it by Mike Rowe is a fun read!!! And The only one left by Riley Sager is a good who dunit!
Thanks for the suggestions -especially the light-hearted ones.
I don’t do sad. 😁
One of my favorite Christian author is Francine Rivers. She is awesome!
Another light, cozy murder mystery is Steeped in Suspicion by Eryn Scott! It's the first in a series, the "Pebble Cove Teahouse" books, and very fun!
I recommend the Irish stories by BJ Hoff Also Liz Curtis Higgs' historical fiction set in Scotland. They are so good!
Love cozy mysteries. I love Donna Andrews and Hulie Mulhern
I like Melody Carlson, Wanda Brunstetter, Cindy Woodsmall, and Beverly Lewis!
I love the Hannah Swenson mysteries by Joanna Fluke! Great books and the Hallmark movies are enjoyable as well!
I love Joanne Fluke! I have read a number of the authors you recommend .
Love this video…hope you post more about Christian fiction books