It's Christian Fiction Time of Year

This is the time of year for hope and renewal and for me, the time that I like to revisit the genre of Christian fiction. This genre is based on biblical attitudes, motives, and actions. It focuses on ordinary people who struggle to develop a relationship with God and live according to Christian beliefs. It's usually an inspirational or a gentle read. Try a sampling of the following award-winning Christian fiction of 2011 and 2010:

Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock (2011)
Carny Sullivan, suspicious about suave, handsome Logan Brisco and his charming ways, is drawn to him, despite her best intentions and her determination to expose his plans for her quiet Texas town.

Lion of Babylon by T. Davis Bunn (2011)

When a CIA operative goes missing in Iraq, kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region, Marc Royce must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy--from both the Americans and the insurgents.

Forbidden by Ted Dekker (2011)

After exposing himself to a vial of blood contained in an old leather-bound journal, Rom realizes the entire human race has been drained of all emotions except fear and embarks on a journey to bring love and passion back into existence.

Pompeii: City on Fire by T. L. Higley (2011)

An enslaved Jewish girl and a struggling aristocrat separately escape to Pompeii. They both encounter religious persecution and political corruption just before the city is destroyed by Mount Vesuvius.

Immanuel's Veins by Ted Dekker (2010)

In 1772, Catherine the Great sends trusted warrior Toma Nicolescu to protect the Cantemir family, but when their daughter, Lucine, steals his heart, he is forced to keep silent while another lad begins courting her.

Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead (2010)

When Kit Livingstone learns that Britain's "ley lines" are not legends but pathways to other worlds, he's determined to find a map tattooed on a piece of skin in order to travel to the dangerous realms.

Twelfth Imam by Joel C. Rosenberg (2010)

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and rumors that the Islamic messiah has returned, Iranian-American CIA operative David Shirazi must infiltrate and disrupt Iran's nuclear weapons program, leaving no trace of U.S. involvement.

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (2010)
Longing to reconnect with her daughter, Josephine Droberger travels to Paradise, but what she finds is more than she bargained for, as her world collides with the Amish of Lancaster County.