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Best Religious Biblical Fiction

Noah Primeval (Chronicles of the Nephilim Book 1)
Noah, a tribal leader, is a good family man who just wants to be left alone to make a living off the land with his loyal wife, Emzara, and their three rambunctious sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth. Noah Primeval and Chronicles of the Nephilim Biblical Fiction Series tells the original story from the ancient past that all began with Genesis 6. Noah Primeval has appendices that provide an explanation of Biblical concepts in the novel such as the Sons of God, Watchers, Nephilim, Giants, Leviathan, and fallen angels. The cinema-like action and suspense will keep you turning pages until you are finished, while the themes and concepts will remain long after you’re done.”. – Bill Myers - Bestselling Author, The God Hater. Noah Primeval is what Tolkien called “sanctifying myth” that we need in our own place and time.”. – Michael S. Heiser, PhD, Hebrew and Semitic Languages. Academic Editor, Logos Bible Software. Noah Primeval has an additional 100 pages of special appendixes that provide an explanation of Biblical concepts in the novel such as the Divine Council, the Nephilim, Leviathan, and the ancient Mesopotamian Cosmography in the Bible. Noah Primeval is written in the spirit of the book of Enoch, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Lord of the Rings, blending fantasy and mythopoeia with history to retell the Biblical narrative with a fresh perspective, while staying true to the original spirit of the story.
Reviews
"This is an excellent book to engage young readers or adults that love fantastical adventures with a biblical perspective."
"Whether or not you liked the recent "Noah" movie, this fictional, story re-telling of primeval history based on seemingly exhaustive research into virtually all ANE (Ancient, Near-Eastern) mythology -- based on a biblical perspective -- will definitely provide a sense of awareness regarding biblical characters in a world that was becoming increasingly and inevitably corrupt."
"I was quickly pulled into this, what I'll call, historical-fiction in which the author provides a well conceived and energetically written version of the Biblical account of Noah, his family, his life and his roll in The Flood. 2] While I am a firm believer in God's intervention, with or without the vehicle of Angelic vessels, the 'supernatural' -as the author terms it- deus ex machina got dry and all too predictable well before the midway through the book."
"Noah Primeval is Christian/Hebrew/Religious Fiction...A richly imaginative retelling of Noah and The Ark. Noah is leader of a nomadic tribe; most people choose to live stationery lives in worship and servitude to false gods, but Noah and his village remain faithful to the one true God... And the false gods are hunting Noah and his, for their failure to assimilate. So when I say I enjoy this book, I enjoy it as a well-written work of fiction, a beautifully imaginative retelling of the classic religious narrative of Noah's Ark."
"There is sex in the story, however, I see it in keeping with what scripture teaches about that time in Earth's history."
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Joshua Valiant (Chronicles of the Nephilim Book 5)
Joshua Valiant is the fifth book of the Biblical Fantasy Series Chronicles of the Nephilim, an epic story that begins with Enoch and Noah and tells the Biblical storyline of the Genesis 6 Nephilim giants, hybrid offspring of the angelic Watchers mating with human women. • The story of Og of Bashan, the mighty Rephaim giant mentioned in the Bible that fought Israel. Author Godawa shares the scholarly research that undergirds the fictional action adventure with an appendix that explores the Biblical background of satrys and centaurs in the Bible, winged fiery serpents, Og of Bashan last of the Rephaim giants, the giant Anakim sons of Anak, and other Biblical oddities. Just think, “Renaissance Man.” Brian Godawa is the screenwriter for the award-winning feature film, To End All Wars, starring Kiefer Sutherland, and Alleged, starring Brian Dennehy as Clarence Darrow and Fred Thompson and William Jennings Bryan. He previously adapted to film the best-selling supernatural thriller novel The Visitation by author Frank Peretti for Ralph Winter (X-Men, Planet of the Apes), and wrote and directed several documentaries, including Wall of Separation for PBS.
Reviews
"Extremely unique perspective in telling a story. The WAR of THE SEED OF THE SERPENT AGAINST THE SEED OF EVE...is coming close to a REAL ENDING....before then READ THIS SERIES...."
"This is a book that delivers!!!"
"Somewhat interesting from a limited Biblical narrative."
"Non-stop super hero-like action with biblical setting!"
"Very interesting to see the beginnings of the might valiant Joshua."
"He uses the available historical details concerning these biblical characters and using his imagination, beautifully creates the amazing story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho."
"The book series follows the idea there is a spiritual war on the earth between the Seed of the serpent and the Seed of the woman - Messiah."
"And I highly recommend this series to anyone...You do not have to be a Christian to read this book!"
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Tyrant: Rise of the Beast (Chronicles of the Apocalypse Book 1)
As a personal physician to Roman Prefect Severus, he is ushered into the circle of the evil emperor Nero Caesar, a tyrannical beast with diabolical plans of Christian genocide. Nero blames the Great Fire of Rome on the Christians, which leads to the horrific persecution of the early church including the martyrdom of the apostles Peter and Paul. But Severus’s servant, a bold Christian woman named Cassandra, holds a dark secret that opens the door to a world of spiritual warfare they’re not ready to face. Godawa's fictional portrayal of the actual history behind Revelation deserves to enjoy the same level of success. From Nero's first imperial persecution of the early church to John's writing of Revelation about the destruction of Jerusalem shortly thereafter, Tyrant weaves a fascinating tale of the last days of the Old Covenant in the first century with compelling, gritty, biblical reality." The story of the tyrannical reign of Nero Caesar is told against the background of people who would have been impacted by the bloody decrees and excesses of this madman. That's why I was so thrilled to see Brian's Tyrant: Rise of the Beast, which continues his historical fiction thrill-ride begun in the Nephilim Chronicles, now focusing on the end of the New Testament era and the prophecies Christ makes about return in judgment upon that generation. Though he and I both confess Christ is still going to return bodily in our own future, I can only wish I had this series of books to give to people years ago." He is an accomplished movie critic, author (both nonfiction and fiction), and astute student of the Bible and theology. Tyrant: Rise of the Beast is a page-turner set in the first century A.D. when Satan and his minions were actively assaulting the fledgling church. "Godawa has managed to weave imagination, scholarship and theology into an enjoyable and fast moving tale that delights, challenges, and informs." "Godawa's first century is rooted in the depravity of Rome, the steadfastness of the Christians trying to survive, and the unseen demonic forces orchestrating the demise of God's Children." "As a Bible scholar I highly recommend this as a source for understanding Revelation; written in the genre of historical fiction."
Reviews
"Nero's tyranny, his persecution of Christians after the Great Fire, and political unrest in Palestine fuel the search for dispersed fragments of an enigmatic prophecy with implications for the entire empire. He brilliantly brings to life the supernatural worldview inherent in both the Scriptures and the culture, which is something our modern minds have difficulty grasping. There are some shocking violent and graphic depictions illustrating the true brutality of the time and the immorality of evil, but Godawa’s judicious treatment drives home their relevance to our present day in a manner that will evoke reflection in readers."
"This most current entry into his library of titles will likely be controversial as he wades into the waters of preterism (to overly generalize, the idea that much of what mainstream Christianity has ascribed to "end times prophecy" actually was already fulfilled in the generation immediately following Christ's death/resurrection.). Whether one should adopt this eschatological view is beyond the scope of his work and - I believe - should be submitted to prayer, and continued study of the Word of God itself, the Bible."
"The book is based on a preterist belief that the book of Revelation was not written for the future church, but was written for the church present at that time, with the Roman Emperor Nero being the Beast. This series is related to his other series, The Chronicles of the Nephilim, and we do see the Watchers in this story, particularly Apollyon (which is actually the deity Satan was choosing to represent at that time in the story), as well as the angelic and what was taking place in the spirit behind the scenes."
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Best Biblical Fiction

An Angel's Story
In this classic Christmas novella, best-selling author Max Lucado imagines the spiritual conflict that surrounded the coming of Christ. Journey back in time to the very throne of God ... and witness firsthand the glory, the wonder, and the battle that took place on the very first Christmas.
Reviews
"I like the way he brings scripture into the parts that are Biblical, and he explains that the rest is just what could have happened."
"I've always loved Christmas and reading the Bible story of Jesus' birth from the different gospels, but this gives you the story from the angels perspective."
"This is now one of my favorite Max Lucado books."
"I read this story to a bunch of high school students and they all loved it."
"What a wonderful thing that God did for us."
"I give this book as a gift to anyone I can for Christmas."
"I loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone."
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Best Women's Religious Fiction

Nora Roberts's Bride Quartet
VISION IN WHITE Wedding photographer Mackensie “Mac” Elliot is most at home behind the camera for Vows, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into Carter Maguire—the bride-to-be's brother—in an encounter that has them both seeing stars. “Funny sparks fly...[Roberts’] gentle humor and likable cast will immediately endear this series to readers.”— Publishers Weekly.
Reviews
"I read this series in paperback and love them though my favorite all time set was time was and time and again."
"I bought the boxed set of Nora Robert’s Bride Quartet and I am so happy I did!"
"After planning my wedding and helping a friend plan hers, this quartet about a wedding business built up with four friends was a nice read to be back in the moment of planning - for others and for myself."
"I have just finished these four wonderful books the only thing that could make them better would be having the other weddings."
"The books are probably the best books I have read in a really long time."
"A story for every friend, so well-written and so intertwined."
"It's beautiful and silly and sad and messy and just like you imagine it would be."
"This is such a fun book and it really moves."
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Best Inspirational Religious Fiction

The First Phone Call From Heaven: A Novel
Readers of The Five People You Meet in Heaven will recognize the warmth and emotion so redolent of Albom's writing, and those who haven't yet enjoyed the power of his storytelling, will thrill at the discovery of one of the best-loved writers of our time. Nicholas Sparks is the best-selling author of several beloved novels, with over 80 million copies in print worldwide. Nicholas Sparks: We first met years ago, when Tuesdays with Morrie and The Notebook were just out. Tuesdays was the first nonsports thing I had done, and it was written only to pay Morrie’s medical bills. I never imagined novels or the audience I’ve been blessed to find. MA: Five People mostly takes place in heaven, to teach Eddie, the protagonist, to appreciate his life on earth. NS: You wove the story of Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone into this novel. MA: It felt quite natural to weave a mystery—perhaps from all those years’ writing sports that count down and reach a climax. And yes, I definitely think if a town today claimed to be talking to heaven, it would be on twenty-four hours a day on cable news and the Internet. NS: Small towns—like Coldwater in First Phone Call —often paint the backdrop of your novels. MA: I was raised in a small town—local high school, one great pizza place, everyone knowing everyone. But storywise, Five People means a great deal, because everyone told me I was crazy—don’t write a novel.
Reviews
"A small town in Michigan witnesses the miracle of a few residents receiving phone calls from heaven."
"This is a thought provoking story."
"I love how his books weave in interesting and unexpected ways."
"No problems and item was delivered on time and as described."
"While imagining how wonderful such an experience would be, the truth is the calls, although at first welcome and eagerly awaited, eventually disrupt the receivers lives, depress them, and make living their day-to-day real lives virtually impossible."
"I would recommend it for a vacation reading, it is entertaining and it does have a lot of valuable lessons that can be applied on your daily life."
"So uplifting!"
"This was a disappointment from Albom."
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Best Religious Science Fiction & Fantasy

The Left Behind Collection
Mass disappearances Political crisis Economic crisis Worldwide epidemics Environmental catastrophe Military apocalypse. “This is the most successful Christian-fiction series ever.” —Publishers Weekly. “Combines Tom Clancy–like suspense with touches of romance, high-tech flash, and biblical references.” —New York Times. Contains the following titles: #1: Left Behind. #2: Tribulation Force. #3: Nicolae. #4: Soul Harvest. #5: Apollyon. #6: Assassins. #7: The Indwelling. #8: The Mark. #9: Desecration. #10: The Remnant. #11: Armageddon. #12: Glorious Appearing.
Reviews
"It is one very long book file that includes all 12 titles of the series from Left Behind through Glorious Appearing. It says the title is lendable, but it can't be broken into parts, so whoever you lend it to will have to read all 12 books in 14 days."
"Great Series!"
"The novel series was an enjoyable way to see one's interpretation of the Bible's prophetic end times."
"Can't wait to finish reading the entire series!"
"Great read, engaging, thrilling, a plot line that teaches while entertaining throughout the series."
"I enjoyed this collection but there were times when I was ready to just be finished as there were events and characters that just didn't seem to fit and were just put into place to fill pages."
"Whilst the story line is fascinating and lends a whole new perspective on eschatology, some parts of the development between the characters is too fast moving to be credible."
"I originally read the Left Behind series several years ago and haven't stopped thinking about it since."
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Best Religious Romance

The Hideaway
When an opportunistic land developer threatens to seize The Hideaway, Sara is forced to make a choice—stay in Sweet Bay and fight for the house and the people she’s grown to love or leave again and return to her successful but solitary life in New Orleans. “Two endearing heroines and their poignant storylines of love lost and found make this the perfect book for an afternoon on the back porch with a glass of sweet tea.” — Karen White , New York Times bestselling author. 'Denton’s first novel charms readers with her idyllic settings and wonderful cast of characters, making Sweet Bay and the Hideaway places readers will dream about. Her exquisitely lyrical writing and character-driven story is a must-read, especially for those who loved Beth Moore’s The Undoing of St. Sylvanus.” ( Library Journal -- Starred Review, DEBUT OF THE MONTH ). In addition to her fiction, she writes a monthly newspaper column about life, faith, and how funny (and hard) it is to be a parent.
Reviews
"I enjoyed the parallel storylines in this book, and found these narratives to hit just the right balance of depth and lightness - illuminating the needs and desires of these two women, while revealing their quirks and - yes, even their playful sides, in a beautiful ode to the human experience."
"I found this author in the Christian Author section and had an expectation that one or more characters would be believers or learn a lesson related to Bible scripture but none of that happened."
"As I began reading this book, I thought, can I read this one?"
"This is an appropriate title for this novel which brings back family and friends over a period of time to this house."
"The greatest thing about this book was hearing about life and love and that historical house through the eyes of different generations."
"But it reminded me too much of The Shell Seekers by Rosamund Pilcher (spelling of author may be incorrect), which is a far superior book."
"Ms. Denton has crafted an unforgettable tale of generations and how their lives interweave."
"Some authors have a gift of pulling you into the story and making you feel you are included with the other characters as it unfolds."
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Best Religious Mysteries

Timeless Moments
Jack Vines has the Victorian home of his dreams--or so it seems until he discovers an intriguing beauty lurking in the shadows. When her letters suddenly stop, can he unravel the mystery that threatens to alter both their lives forever? "This novel takes the reader on a voyage of emotions, making for a rich and satisfying conclusion.The final pages tie everything together in a poignant way. -Kirkus Reviews Virginia-born novelist Michelle Kidd enjoys writing about her native state and finds beauty and intrigue in the world around her.
Reviews
"I expected some sappy love story with every cliché storyline one could imagine, but what I found was a new and mysterious world for me to step into and explore. I don’t know what was better, the characters or the setting I found myself following them around in and it doesn’t matter. I found myself relating to and happy I had the opportunity to meet these fictional characters, from Jack, Jewel and the evil Hunsdon to Addie and Culpepper and all of the other wonderful characters in this story. And the main character, in my opinion, that grand old wonderful house with its wooden floors and creaky staircase and that window seat, yes, that window seat."
"Timeless Moments is a must read for anyone who likes to be drawn into a story and is saddened when it’s over. When I saw it was a time-travel story… well, let’s just say I’ve read my share of time travel and seen enough of time travel (movies, TV shows, etc.). No doubt that it will be every bit as good as Timeless Moments."
"I do not get a chance to read often, but when I do I want to make sure the book will hold my attention."
"I loved this book."
"If they punch/kick you, as well as the precious baby in your belly, they are not right for you."
"I'm not very good at giving a detailed review of the merits of the book (other reviews can do that), but I can state that if you read it, you will not regret it."
"This book was definitely a five-star read for me!"
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Best Religious Short Stories

The Red Gloves Collection
Compiled in this collector edition are Gideon's Gift, Sarah's Song, Maggie's Miracle, and Hannah's Hope. Karen Kingsbury was previously a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times.
Reviews
"Not only do I get blessed when I read them, but I get a second blessing as I give one of your books to a friend or family member, Blessings, Darlene."
"Really enjoyed the stories in this book."
"SO INSPRING AND BROUGHT ME BACK TO MY FAITH AND THE LOVE OF GOD. I HAVE ENJOYED SO MANY OF YOUR BOOKS AND THE STORIES ARE SO IMPLELLING I LOVE ALL THE CHARACTERS IN ALL THE BOOKS, AND THE STORIES ARE VERY MUCH IN OUR REAL LIVES."
"wonderful Christian series."
"Another heartwarming Christmas miracle book to inspire us during the holidays."
"I loved this book, so relevant, and touches many aspects."
"I recommend this book or any of her other books for a great read."
"This collection of books was so endearing and rewarding for the Christian woman's soul."
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Best Christian Fiction

June Bug
But when her father’s past catches up with them, forces beyond his control draw them back to Dogwood, West Virginia, down a winding path that will change their lives forever. Chris Fabry ( Dogwood )—evangelical fiction author of more than 60 titles and coauthor of Left Behind: The Kid series—offers a lovely, moving, present-day account of sacrifice linking to the famed novel Les Misérables . Johnson, little June Bug's father, is obliged to face his past in short order as a series of unexpected media events force his hand and reroute his life. Fabry's retelling of the world-renowned Victor Hugo tale is a stunning success, and readers will find themselves responding with enthusiastic inner applause. Tyndale, $13.99 paper (350p) ISBN 978-1-4143-1956-8. Chris Fabry (Dogwood)--evangelical fiction author of more than 60 titles and coauthor of Left Behind: The Kid series--offers a lovely, moving, present-day account of sacrifice linking to the famed novel Les Misérables. Johnson, little June Bug's father, is obliged to face his past in short order as a series of unexpected media events force his hand and reroute his life. Readers of Fabry's well-received novel Dogwood (2008) will recognize many of the same themes here: the search for home and family; forgiveness and faith; and the best way to navigate the repercussions of old choices and wrong turns. Familiarity with the Hugo classic, though, certainly isn't required to enjoy this involving novel, and once again, Fabry inserts enough plot twists and dramatic tension to keep readers turning the pages. Some clichéd prose may distract some, but the story of love's infinite power to shape and sustain will draw readers, particularly those seeking fiction with Christian themes.
Reviews
"I enjoyed this read...the main character pulls you in; you can't help but love her."
"This book gave the best portrayal of family, both the good and the bad, and how one bad event can turn into a good one in just a flash!"
"I think it is the BEST book I have read in a long time!!"
"I loved the story, the mystery, the love between the girl and her father, the “down home” way it’s written and everything about this book."
"I'm so glad I took the time to read this book."
"It takes a few chapters before your sure John isn't the bad guy and your curiosity tempts you to check out this last chapter before you get there."
"Everything works together in this story of a lost man and little girl."
"Fell in love with June Bug and her dad."
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