Do you have a Top Five (or Top Ten) List of Christian reads for 2021?
I didn’t, but I’ve put one together 🙂
I track my reading on Goodreads. As I was scanning the books I read during 2021, I noticed a disturbing number where I couldn’t remember anything about them. Most of them were books I hadn’t reviewed, so maybe the act of writing a review helps me remember.
Given the number of books I can barely remember (or remember for the wrong reasons), this list was both difficult and easy to compile. Difficult, because I couldn’t remember so many books (too many).
But easy, because any book I can’t remember surely didn’t impact me enough to make a Top Ten list.
Here, in no particular order, are the best Christian novels I read in 2021:
(Click the titles to see my review.)
1. When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin
A fascinating look at Germany in the period before World War II, when international opinion was still divided on whether Hitler’s regime was good or evil.
2. Is it Any Wonder by Courtney Walsh
A strong story of love and forgiveness.
3. Healing Skye by Janet L Ferguson
A fabulous novel of faith and healing.
4. Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy
Recommended both for the excellent Christian message, and for the fascinating setting—Victorian India.
5. Organized Backup by Meredith Resce
The only one on this list I haven’t reviewed, this is a strong rom-com with some serious elements from one of my favourite Australian authors.
6. Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong
This contemporary romance had a unique premise, and the writing was brilliant. I often find rom-coms a bit cringe-inducing, but had no such problems with Meri and Kai.
7. Provenance by Carla Laureano
A one-word title that links the main character’s internal and external character journeys.
8. Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin
Lynn Austin never disappoints, and Chasing Shadows was a winner because of the unique setting and premise – the German invasion of the neutral Netherlands in World War II.
9. The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden
The antics of the Poison Squad, and the importance of proper research trials and food safety regulations.
10. Let it Be Me by Becky Wade
The ooops moment when you find out your parents aren’t actually your parents … and it’s not that they lied to you. It’s that they were given the wrong baby in hospital.
I have written a ‘top 10’ for the past 4 years but I don’t think I have 10 worthy ones for this year. It will include at least one non-fiction to make up the number.