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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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The Green Ember (The Green Ember Series Book 1)
Heather and Picket are extraordinary rabbits with ordinary lives until calamitous events overtake them, spilling them into a cauldron of misadventures. A captivating story with sword-bearing rabbits, daring quests, and moments of poignant beauty, The Green Ember is a tale that will delight and inspire young readers to courage and creativity. --Sarah Mackenzie, Author of Teaching From Rest, Host of The Read-Aloud Revival Podcast. S. D. Smith lives with his wife and their four kids in Grandview, West Virginia.
Reviews
"I was surprised to find something that reminded me, powerfully, of Edith Nesbit, CS Lewis and George MacDonald - while being something completely different at the same time. But, this, like Lewis, somehow lets us forget that Heather and Picket are animals and instead we relate to the heroes in these interesting characters. I have waited weeks to write this review because I want so badly to communicate the profound value of this humble and tender little story. Heather and Picket are unwitting participants in an adventure that transforms them into the very best versions of themselves - in the old fashioned way. Smith is the creative force behind Story Warren - a website dedicated to being the horns of Rohan in our lives as we seek stories of truth, goodness and beauty that point our children to the Maker. Stories which inform the moral imagination and continue to speak to the reader long after the book has been returned to the shelf. I think that it is fair to say that the intensity progresses as follows: Narnia. The Green Ember/The Black Star of Kingston. The Hobbit/The Wingfeather Saga. The Lord of the Rings."
"Smith's debut novel stands in stark contrast to most contemporary middle school fiction. Their journey begins as their parents are visited by mysterious strangers, and their father hints that the family history may be tinged with intrigue, betrayal, and great pain. Within the first few pages, Smith launches the reader along with Heather and Picket on a fast-paced flight away from their home and headlong toward something momentous. Along the way they meet wonderful characters like the unexpectedly capable Smalls whose own path may be more dangerous than theirs. There is the dark and mysterious Helmer whose mastery of the arts of war draw Picket out from the prison of crippling self-indulgence and sets him on a trajectory of great danger and self-sacrifice. Despite living in a blighted world surrounded by foes and treachery, Heather, Picket, and their new friends hold firmly to that hope."
"It's full of intrigue, adventure, action, mystery, surprise and struggle, but with a good mixture of humor and playfulness. The characters (the good guys) depict personal growth, sacrifice, humility, loyalty, trust, wisdom and dedication. You'll easily recognize and identify with the characters, the strong, the weak, the frustrated and the struggling."
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Once Upon an Apocalypse: Book 3 - Gathering Home
The fabric of American society has been torn asunder by an EMP attack on the United States. Food is in short supply, transportation has come to a halt, and a short trip across the county can become deadly.
Reviews
"Just when you think the "bad guy" has run out of ways to delay Will and Lizzy's leaving his place?"
"The audible performance is great."
"Great series."
"I chose this book because I love end times stories and the Third book in the series."
"The departure ffrom the Weights took way too long and the repeated detail of the relationship between Will and Lizzy did not need to be repeated so many times."
"Absolutely great!"
"I recently came across Jeff Motes books and the series is one of the best Apocalyptic series I've ever had the pleasure of reading !"
"In the series Once Upon an Apocalypse by Jeff Motes, multiple families in southern Alabama find themselves coping with an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) event without warning. The series focuses on the interaction of members of several families; particularly the families of Jill Barnes and John Carter as they find themselves suddenly devoid of modern conveniences and transportation, sources of food or fuel, medicine or basics like tooth paste and toilet paper. Will has been able to learn where the Wrights live and has arrived to take her to reunite with the rest of her family and with Will’s family in Repose. However, Amy’s father, Jimmy Wright, becoming unbalanced by injury, shock at his family’s circumstances and his lack of knowledge and survival skills begins plotting to keep Will and Lizzie with them."
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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 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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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 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 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 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 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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