Christian Fiction: Christmastime Stories

Here are some funny, inspiring or thought-provoking books to read for a quick break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations.

Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon

Having pursued scholarly matters all of his life, Father Tim Kavanagh discovers the joys of working with his hands when he discovers a worn-out nativity scene and begins to restore it. This is number eight in the popular Mitford year’s series.

The Memory Quilt by T.D. Jakes

Life doesn't always unfold in a perfect way, even for God-loving, churchgoing people like Lela. It is winter in Chicago, and as the days of the season progress, Lela participates in a Bible study group that focuses on the Virgin Mary, and receives messages and guidance.

Christmas in Harmony by Philip Gulley
Quaker minister Sam Gardner copes with the eccentrics of his congregation while attempting to counter church elder Dale Hinshaw's plans for a "progressive" nativity scene on Christmas Eve.

A Plain and Fancy Christmas by Cynthia Keller
Raised in a close knit Amish community, Rachel returns to her parent’s home to raise her young daughter Katie after the death of her husband. Ellie has a high powered public relations job in New York City and has no time for her friends, family or her boyfriend. These two very different women receive shocking news that will change their lives forever; thirty years ago they were accidentally switched in the hospital. With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, it takes the love of both families for Rachel and Ellie to discover their own paths to fulfillment and happiness.

Dearest Dorothy, Merry Everything by Charlene Ann Baumbich
Through four Dearest Dorothy novels, Charlene Ann Baumbich has beguiled a growing legion of readers with the humorous and endearing denizens of Partonville, Illinois. Her latest heartwarming addition opens with everyone pitching in to help a local family rocked by tragedy. Meanwhile, Katie Durbin worries that her ambitious plan to revitalize Partonville's shopping district will crumble under the bullheaded doubts of a few townies-unless a Christmas miracle (and a few of Dearest Dorothy's prayers) can help her to win those stubborn folks over.

Hannah’s Hope by Karen Kingsbury
Because her father is the U.S. ambassador to Sweden, 15-year-old Hannah has been left in the care of her grandmother while she attends a Washington, DC, prep school. Hannah wants nothing more than to have her parents’ home for Christmas, but her world turns upside down when she uncovers that her father is not her biological father. Hannah's search for her father leads her to air force pilot Mike Conner, who has just accepted a dangerous mission in Iraq.