Sick of Christian fiction that's starting to all sound the same? Sick of weak plots and reused characters? Unfortunately, all Christian fiction is not created equally. After reading extensive amount of Christian literature, I became frusterated with several aspects of the genre.

Below, I explain several criteria I use to judge Christian fiction, and then several titles that I feel score high, and stand above the norm in this genre.

#1. Author's ability to create a unique reading experience, with unique characters.

I have been long frusterated over the mass producing of Christian fiction. Where authors chug out 1-2 books a year, with characters and plots that are highly re-used. Sometimes I wonder if some authors don't use the same outline, and simply change the names a bit. Voila! They have another book in the series!

#2. Authentically Christian.

Ever wonder what makes a book fall into the Christian fiction category? With my perusal, it should take more then lack of profanity and mention of God to make it. Unfortunately, this is all many authors do to support their faith-attributed story. Many Christian fiction books read as though God were an after thought, merely to qualify their book for the genre. I am more interested in authors who use their faith as the entire basis of their novel. Books where if you take God out, the entire story unravels.  

#3 Entertaining yet Thought Provoking

I enjoy a book to have some meat to it. Thought I read mostly for pleasure and entertainment, I like a book to make me think, and especially wonder if the author doesn't have some underlying meaning going on.

Below are ten books that pass the test, and will give you an enjoyable read that's worth your time.

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and the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers

and the Shodar Blew is an excellent story about a rising preacher and his wife. Dealing with many issues that are relevant today, and set in today's time period, this makes an excellent read.

Gods & Kings by Lynn Austin

Gods & Kings is the first in a series of five dealing with king Hezekiah of the Old Testament. Dripping with events straight from the Bible, Austin makes the stories of old come alive with this phenomenal series.

The Circle Trilogy by Ted Dekker

OF all the authors I've ever read, I think that Ted Dekker is the least likely to be accused of an un-unique plot. The Circly Trilogy is full of twists and surprises, memorable characters, and underlying meaning. Sure to keep you up late nights reading!

House by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker

House is a phenomenal book that may keep you up at night from more then just wanting to read the next chapter! Full of twists and turns, the ending will surprise you! This novel is full of allegorical meaning, and underlying tones. A great suspenseful read.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

A retelling of the Gomer and Hosea story from the Bible, this book will make you laugh, and make you sob. It is a story of love and redemption. A read that you will think about weeks after the final page.

While Mortals Sleep by Jack Cavanaugh

While Mortals Sleep is the first of a rivoting trilogy from Jack Cavanaugh. Set during World War II, Cavanaugh deals with issues, and a side of the war not many portray. An extremely well written trilogy!

Only the River Runs Free by Bodie and Brock Thoene

This is the first book in a series of four by the Thoenes. Taking place in Ireland during the early-mid 1800s, these historical novels deal with the rising economical turbulation during that time period. You will wish you could read them all in a day!

Treasures of the North by Tracie Peterson

The first of the Yukon Quest Trilogy by Peterson, you will not be dissapointed with Treasures of the North! A rivoting tail of love, adventure, betrayal, and forgiveness. Be forwarned, you may want to buy all three as you will be hooked after this first one!

The Shunning by Beverly Lewis

The Shunning is the first in a trilogy based on life of an Amish woman who finds out about her secret past. A poignant tale of loss and forgiveness, secrets and love. This first novel of the trilogy has an ending that will floor you.

Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke

The Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke is a sweet story of one family's struggles in the prairie. The series followys Marty, her children and grandchildren as they find hardship and love. A great series that will leave you feeling like they are real people, wrather then just characters in a book.