30 Christian Fiction Authors For Your Summer Reading List

Are you looking for uplifting and inspiring books to add to your summer reading list? Check out these top Christian fiction authors and their must-read novels!

30 Top Christian Fiction Authors To Add To Your Summer Reading List

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What is a good summer book? The definition is pretty loose. Some consider it to be any book that you read in summer. Others think it is a book that is lighter to read, such as short novels that cover light-hearted topics.

In this article I will cover light reads for those who have kiddos old enough to swim, but still need an eye out for them. I will also throw in titles with lots of twists and turns in their plots for those who indulge in extra reading time during their summers without needing to keep an eye on anyone.

I list authors instead of new releases or classics because I wanted to give you a list that will stand the test of time. One you can return to summer after summer and discover a new good read every time.

Under each author, I have listed a book or a series of books I have read and liked or my friends have, but feel free to visit their author pages on Amazon to dig deep into all the different books they have written and start with the one that calls out to you the most.

I also listed many series because, in my opinion, the lazy crazy days of summer are the best time to binge on a series of books.

I end with a few narrative nonfiction choices, tips on finding more time to read this summer, and advice on acquiring books without breaking the budget.

Authors You Will Find In My Beach Bag

1. Suzanne Woods Fisher

Summertime makes me want a good story about living the plain life, and Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers just that story.

I read and enjoyed her Lancaster Country Secrets series.

If you have kids, her Lilly Lap series would be great to read aloud to children 6 to 12 or to enjoy yourself as a summer beach read that you can finish in the afternoon.

2. Susan May Warren

I discovered Susan May Warren’s books through My Reader Rewards Club years ago. Although they are not currently offering any of her books, many are part of the Kindle Unlimited library on Amazon (at least when writing this post; that could change).

My favorite series of hers that I have read is the seven book long Christiansen series.

I would consider this series a light read, but you might want to save the last few chapters for a time you can read uninterrupted.

3. Lisa Wingate

I fell in love with Lisa Wingate’s writing when I read The Prayer Box. She always knows how to bring me to tears and get me thinking.

Her book Before We Were Yours is an emotional roller coaster inspired by a true story. It is perfect for a day with few interruptions, followed by a morning when you can sleep in it because you cannot put it down once you open it.

As I write this, her latest title is Shelterwood, and it looks like quite the page-turner.

4. Karen Kingsbury

If you are unfamiliar with the Baxter family, you need to get to know them. Kingsbury’s books about the Baxter family are so relatable that whenever I pass through Bloomington, Indiana, I wonder what the Baxters are up to. Then, I kindly remind myself that they are not real people, but characters from a series of Christian fiction books.

Karen has many other books that are not about the Baxter family, but my favorites are those that do and thankfully, she has yet to stop giving her readers glimpses of their lives.

If you want a summer-watching suggestion, I recently binge-watched the first three seasons of The Baxters on Amazon Prime Video and enjoyed them. Like any other book or TV series, the shows do not follow the book’s storyline perfectly, but I honestly thought taht for the most part the changes they made were still in line with the overall plot.

5. Becky Wade

A Sunday afternoon on the swing chair on the front porch and one of Becky Wade’s novels go together like sugar in iced tea–delightful. Her books are filled with romance, laughs, and a great message of faith.

Two I have read and liked are My Stubborn Heart and Undeniably Yours.

Her latest series is Sons Of Scandal, which currently has two books: Memory Lane and Rocky Road. This series combines romance with humor and mystery.

6. Gina Holmes

I have read all of Holmes’s books that are currently published. Although I liked them all, my favorite is Crossing Oceans. I read it years ago, yet I still get emotional just thinking about the story within its pages.

Her book Driftwood Tides is available for 150 points on My Reader Rewards. My Reader Rewards is a book club offered by Tyndale House Publishers that rewards book lovers with books when they answer short surveys and leave reviews. The books they offer their members are Christian. You can redeem your points for both nonfiction and fiction books.

Use my referral link to sign up and you will get 25 points toward any book of your choice (book selection and offer can change at any time).

7. Courtney Walsh

If you have a Kindle Unlimited membership, many of Courtney Walsh’s books, including The Sweethaven Circle Series, The Harbor Pointe Series, and the Nantucket Love Story Series, are available. All these stories contain romance, making for a great Christian beach read in my books.

The second book of her Harbor Point Series, “Just Let Go,” is available for 150 points over at My Reader Rewards (that could change at any time).

If asked to pick a favorite of the three Walsh series I have read, I would pick the Sweethaven Circle Series.

8. Chris Fabry

I have read many of Chris Fabry’s books and there isn’t one that I wouldn’t recommend. Most have an element of mystery, love, and devotion. Narrowing it down to one favorite was hard, but I am going with June Bug because it drew me in from the first chapter and kept me guessing until the last.

Warning: if you decide to read June Bug outside on a sunny day, set a timer for sunscreen breaks because it is incredibly captivating.

9. Beth K Vogt

I enjoyed Vogt’s The Thatcher Sisters series, in which three sisters are led to Christ, each with a unique story of redemption.

As I write this post, the series is free to Kindle Unlimited members. Book three is available for 160 points at My Reader Rewards.

10. Robin W. Person

Person’s book Til’ I Want No More, set in North Carolina, is a story full of Southern charm, food, and secrets.

11. Lindsay Harrel

With the setting of a bookshop in summer, Harrel’s The Secrets Of Paper And Ink couldn’t scream summer read any louder. The three main characters go on a treasure-hunting adventure that bonds them for life.

12. Lisa Samson

Samson’s A Thing Of Beauty is not an overt Christian romance read. The message of Christ is not prominent in words, but in the character’s actions and how the book’s plot unwinds.

My friend, who has read more of Samson’s books, recommends Club Sandwich and Quaker Summer.

13. Valerie Howard

Last summer, I binged on Howard’s New England’s Inspiration Series. The series includes six books.

Only with one book was I able to guess the ending, which is a sign of an incredible book series and a fantastic author, at least to me.

She recently added another book to this series, Carrying Hope. It is number 2.5 in the series and continues the storyline of book two, Carry Me Home.

14. Kathryn Cushman

Tomorrow’s Promise Collection is eight books long–one book for each week of summer break.

15. Kimberly Stuart

Grab one of Stuart’s books if you love a funny story with a happy ending. I haven’t read them all yet, but my favorite is Operation Bonnet.

16. Kim Cash Tate

I have read two of Tate’s books set in the small town of Hope Springs: Hope Springs and The Color Of Hope. Both are great, but The Color of Hope is my favorite.

17. T. I. Lowe

What could be more fitting than a summer-read series of books set in an oceanside town? Lowe’s The Carolina Coast Series is set in the town of Sunset Cove and follows the lives of three long-time friends.

The three books in the series are:

18. Robin Jones Gunn

While researching this post, I stumbled upon Gunn’s Sisterchicks series and am now partway through book one, Sisterchicks On The Loose. I have laughed so hard in parts that I feel comfortable recommending it even though I haven’t finished it.

This series of books would be great to load up on your Kindle before tossing it in your suitcase as you head out on your summer vacation. Many titles in the series are part of the Kindle Unlimited library. They are heartfelt stories full of friendship and adventure.

The series is eight books long, which makes it an excellent summer-long binge series.

19. Neta Jackson

Neta Jackson is known for her Yadda Yadda prayer group, but I haven’t read that yet. I have read and loved her Yadda Yadda House Of Hope Series. I found it to be believable, relatable, and hope-filled.

Beach Reads Recommended By My Friends

I thought you might appreciate more recommendations so I contacted my book-loving friends to ask them for help making this list even longer.

I have read some of these authors, but didn’t find them to be authors I want to rave about. However, I know that each reader is unique. What I like you might not, what my friends like you might love.

20. Connilyn Cossette

The King’s Men two-book series.

This is a historical romance, biblical fiction series.

21. Cynthia Rucci

Afraid Of The Light
Facing The Dawn

These two book suggestions are contemporary fiction, which is my favorite genre. After reading their book introductions, I added both to my “read” list.

22. Charles Martin

Chasing Fireflies
Send Down The Rain

After seeing Charles Martin on numerous book lists, I grabbed Chasing Fireflies when I saw it was available for Kindle Unlimited members. Sadly, Send Down The Rain is not included, but other titles by Martin are.

23. Sean Dietrich

The Incredible Winston Browne

This is a historical novel set in the 1950s. When this post was written, this novel was in the Kindle Unlimited library, but remember that could change.

24. Francine Rivers

This is one of my best friend’s favorite authors so hopefully she doesn’t take offense if she reads this article and sees my following confession. I have liked the Francine Rivers books I have read, but I haven’t LOVED them. I think it is because I have only read one or two of her books and both were historical fiction, while I prefer contemporary.

That said, Rivers’ was on the list of all the friends I consulted for book recommendations, so many of her book titles are below.

Mark Of The Lion–A trilogy
And The Shofar Blew (contemporary fiction–so perhaps I will have to read it)
The Last Sin Eater
The Masterpiece (contemporary)

25. Colleen Coble

I binged on numerous Colleen Coble romantic suspense novels one summer to the point that I started to be able to figure out the ending a few pages in. After that, I haven’t touched them again. To me, a good book should keep you guessing until the end, so Collen Coble’s books are not something I rave about.

Her most popular series is the Annie Pederson trilogy.

26. Melody Carlson

The Happy Camper

I immediately looked up this suggestion since my husband and I are big-time campers. When I saw it was included in Kindle Unlimited, I grabbed it and read it immediately. It is a fun book in which vintage trailers and humans are given a second chance.

27. Dee Henderson

Full Disclosure

If you like crime books, Henderson looks like an author you will want to check out.

28. Nancy Rue

Rue has written 120+ books! My friend recommends her Sullivan Crisp trilogy.

29. Jenny B. Jones

There You’ll Find Me
The 2021 movie Finding You was based on this book.

30. Lynn Austin

The Restoration Series is a historical fiction series made up of three books.

BONUS: NonFiction Reads For The Family Beach House

Often, in the heat of summer, my husband and I rent an Airbnb close to the water. We will spend the cooler hours of the mornings and evenings on, in, or near the water and spend the heat of the day reading side by side.

These summer getaways always seem perfect for enjoying a nonfiction narrative book.

So, if you like me and like to read non-fiction stories and fiction, here are a few of my favorites.

Beth Guckenberg

I have read three of Beth’s The Storyweaver Series and have the other two on my to-read list. Although the series is meant for older children, these stories have moved me so much that I recommend them to my adult friends. These stories will tug at your heartstrings yet leave you in awe of the fantastic creator we serve.

This series can be read in any order

Rachel Anne Ridge

Flash is my favorite, but I could not mention it without its sequel. Be prepared to let funny stories about a donkey and his friends teach you about life, faith, and hope.

Katie Davis Majors

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption

I have yet to read Majors’ other titles, but her first left a lasting impression on my heart. This gal is significantly impacting the lives of the poorest children in Uganda.

Bob Goff

Reading Goff’s books has opened up my eyes to what loving others truly means. The stories this guy has to tell of his life will amaze you!

I suggest you read every book he has ever written, but if you are wondering which one to start with, start with Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People. It will give you a clearer picture of what grace, forgiveness, and courage should look like in our current world.

Melanie Shankle

If you haven’t read Shankle’s The Big Mamma Collection, you must! These memoirs of friendship, motherhood, and marriage will make you laugh and cry–which are the makings of a great read in my books.

How To Read More Books This Summer

Now that I have shared a generous sampling of great Christian authors with excellent reads, you might wonder how you can read as much as you want over the busy summer months.

Here are my top three suggestions:

A. Don’t Just Read

Reading isn’t the only way to enjoy a great book. You can also listen to books when you can’t read, like when you are doing chores, taking a walk, or driving. You don’t have to be a member of an expensive audio club to enjoy audiobooks. Chances are your local library offers its members free access to audiobook apps such as Hoopla or Libby.

B. You Always Carry This Around: Put A Book On It

Nowadays, smartphones go everywhere with us. Download an ebook app like Kindle or one that offers audio and ebooks like Hoopla and Libby. Keep an ebook downloaded to enjoy reading in unexpected moments, like a long wait at the doctor’s office.

C. Always Have More Than One Book On The Go

Have one physical book or e-reader on your nightstand and an ebook and audiobook downloaded on your phone. That way, no matter where or what you are doing, you are ready with a book.

Read this article for more ways to fit more reading into your day.

How To Afford All Those Books

A. Use Your Library

I know you are saying, “Yeah, duh!” But sometimes we forget all the ways our library offers to enjoy books for free.
Libraries offer paperbacks, hardcover books, and access to apps that provide audio and ebooks. As if that were not enough, they also have books on CD.

Plus, most have a yearly book sale selling older titles for super cheap prices. And don’t forget to sign up for the adult version of your library’s summer reading program–sometimes the prizes include free books

B. Join These Two Rewarding Book Clubs

I talked a lot about My Reader Rewards in this article, but there is also BookishFirst. They don’t offer a wide variety of books by Christian authors, but they occasionally offer them. Use my referral code da2f3c2fddc817b1b during sign-up to receive points towards your first book.

C. Get Them Free On Amazon

The best-known way to get free access to Christian books on Amazon is to sign up for a free Kindle Unlimited trial. But there is another way and it allows you to keep the books.
If you are a Prime member, you are sometimes offered a digital credit during checkout if you take the no-rush shipping option. I do this 95% of the time they offer it to me and then spend that credit on deeply discounted Kindle books.

Read 11 more ways to get books for free or cheap over here.

I hope this list gives you enough Christian author book ideas to keep you reading for many summers.

Did I miss a Christian fiction author you love? Add it in the comments!

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