I started consuming fiction in 2025, and I’ve not looked back for a couple of reasons:
- I have time to read—it’s easy; swap screen time for reading time.
- Fiction, like any other medium, is an opportunity to hear God and learn wisdom from complex characters.
Their story mirrors the decisions people make every day.
Reading novels lets you learn from these experiences and gain the wisdom they offer.
Hence, the long-ish list of novels I’ve read in the first Quarter of 2026.
A little disclaimer…
Before we get to the books, here are some disclaimers:
- All novels are Christian fiction because it is the safest genre to read.
- The shortest book in this list is around 150 pages (Hint: Book 5). Buckle up if you don’t enjoy long reads.
- Every book is an opportunity to discover God’s will. Ask God to speak to you through what you read.
- I try not to spoil any of the books. But you’ll get a glimpse and my post-read thoughts.
Finally,
5. Some books normalizing an action do not make that action right. Stick to your convictions.
Let’s get into the books!
1. Invitation Harbingers
Harbingers is a Christian Mystery Thriller that follows the story of four characters:
- Brenda, the Tattoo Artist,
- Professor James McKinney, a former priest-turned-logical atheist,
- Andi, the Professor’s assistant,
- and Tank, a former football player.
They meet by chance and form a detective-like group, solving supernatural mysteries.
Harbingers was a refreshing spin.
It was a similar vibe to This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti. Though I felt some ideas were out of taste. But as the first novel of the year, it earned its mark.
Authors: Bill Myers, Frank Perretti, Angela Hunt, Alton Gansky
2. Heirs of Cahira O’Connor series (Books 1-4)
The four-part series follows Kathleen O’ Connor, a university student who explores her descent from Cahira.
Cahira is an Irish king’s daughter who, before she died, prayed women after her would rise and fight for truth and justice.
Her prayer carried through generations.
Women across history, connected by that lineage, found themselves in moments that required challenging social norms.
When I stumbled on The Silver Sword, the first book in the series, I didn’t know it was a tetralogy.
However, the first book blew me away so much that I had to finish the subsequent books.
I would read these books again; they brought tears to my eyes more times than I’d like to admit.
Author: Angela Hunt
3. Roanoke: The Lost Colony
Roanoke was another historical fiction that left a deep impression about faith in God, even when the outcome is not your desire.
The story follows Jocelyn Colman, her husband, and their voyage to Roanoke with the first group of permanent settlers.
It is rooted in the true history of Roanoke Island, which was explored and settled in the late 1580s.
Although some characters were fictionalized, the core historical events remain true.
Author: Angela Hunt
4. The Note
The novel follows the story of a 40-something-year-old journalist, Peyton MacGruder, desperate to keep her writing column.
A plane crash occurs, a note is left behind, and Peyton’s life changes as she investigates it.
I loved this book. The characters were compelling, the plotting and ending were unexpected.
This was one of those books you didn’t want to end.
Author: Angela Hunt
5. Then Comes Marriage
Talk about humour, and this novel shines.
Heather and Kurt Stone are a young couple with their first wedding anniversary on the horizon.
When the day comes, they find themselves in a major fight, realizing that marriage is more challenging than they expected
10 out of 10.
The humour was outstanding, the conflict was interesting, and the characters were relatable.
If you’re looking for a “yes!- what??- no, don’t do that- just call him!” kind of reaction when you’re reading, with lots of sitting tensely as you watch the drama unfold, then pick this up.
Authors: Angela Hunt, Bill Myers
6. The Island of Heavenly Daze
Heavenly Daze is a tiny island guided by angels at the request of its founding father.
The plot tracks Dana Graham, a Pastor struggling with his ministry, and the rich but cold town woman, Vernie Bidderman, who navigates her complex relationships.
Lighthearted read, the story digs into human nuances and the decisions that make or break societal relationships.
Because of the supernatural theme, I thought the narrative was going to be another This Present Darkness type of book, but it wasn’t.
Though both books share some similarities.
Authors: Angela Hunt, Lori Copeland
7. Just Friends
Just Friends is a second-chance romance about childhood best friends, Blair and Declan.
It is the first novel I have read that does not have God or Christianity explicitly stated. But it passes the smell test; someone with Christian beliefs wrote it.
The book exposed me to grief, misunderstanding, and the choices people make because they believe it is best.
Weird though, because life would be a lot better if everyone consulted God before making that ‘wise decision’.
Author: Haley Pham
8. Waves of Mercy & Legacy of Mercy
Waves of Mercy explores the lives of two women:
Geesje de Jonge, who immigrates to the Michigan Wilderness after a great loss, and Anna Nicholson, who struggles with her privileged life and a marriage proposal in Chicago.
Legacy of Mercy continues the saga, weaving together the lives of Anna, Geesje, and their families as they seek God’s purpose among difficult decisions.
These books touched me in ways I can’t put into words.
They spoke wisdom and encouragement and affirmed biblical principles. It was funny, well-written, had real stakes, and immersed you in each character.
A must-read for anyone.
Author: Lynn Austin
9. A Proper Pursuit
A Proper Pursuit tells the story of Violet, a young woman determined to find her mother and a life beyond societal expectations.
Her journey leads her to cross paths with different men, forcing her to confront what a ‘proper pursuit’ means in life and love.
The novel had a slow beginning, but the ending made up for it.
Seeing Violet find what she was looking for in the Lord, and how God then blessed her, brought a good wrap to the story.
I had reservations about some of the ideas permitted, but I’d leave you to judge that for yourself.
Overall, an insightful read that teaches calling, life, and love.
Author: Lynn Austin
10. Chasing Shadows
This novel takes you to the Netherlands and unfolds the lives of three women whose paths are affected after the Nazis invade.
Lena, a mom, risks her life and starts hiding Jewish refugees on her farm. Her daughter, Ans, joins the Resistance, which tests her faith.
And Miriam, a Jewish violinist, tries to survive the nightmare.
The plot showed how people suffered, yet held onto hope. How they were beaten down, but stood courageous and fought back in their own ways, even when the Nazis occupied their land.
The lessons reminded me to be grateful for what God has given.
And to be conscious of the spiritual war happening now.
Author: Lynn Austin
11. The Witness
Love a suspenseful Christian mystery? This is your book.
The novel starts with Tracy, a witness to a murder. Then unfold her interactions with the investigation team, and past secrets that stake the lives of her only family.
I would place this book on the same shelf as my other favorite writers when it comes to writing quality.
I loved the perspective of showing what it feels like to work through a real job and real career, where a miracle looks less like turning water to wine, and more like trusting God to let the sun shine today.
My main reservation was the ending, which I won’t spoil. It left me with a big “what?”
Beyond that, the story is worth a read.
Author: Dee Henderson
In conclusion…
Every book had more raw post-read thoughts and lessons. You can catch them here.
Hope you enjoy the books. Let me know your favorite pick, and share this with someone who needs godly novels.
See you in Q2 round-up (if there’s one).
