Over the past year I have read so many GOOD books in this category of Biblical historical fiction that I decided I needed to write a post about these titles! Honestly, I haven’t read a ton of books in this category in years past, but when a friend recommended one of these for a book club we are in, I had to read it. And well, when I couldn’t put it down, I knew I needed to give this category another chance.

Favorite Biblical Historical Fiction

A.D. 30 This first book is brand new. {It releases October 28th, put it on your wish list!} Many friends have raved over Ted Dekker books, but this is the first I have read. And now, I’m going to have to go back and read more! I could not put this book down. The story is fascinating and gripping. The story takes place in Ancient Palestine and I love getting a glimpse into the way people lived during Bible times. I feel like it makes the Bible come even more alive for me! The story starts with an outcast daughter of a powerful Bedouin ruler, who escapes attacks on her family and begins a journey to protect her people. She sets out on this journey with 2 of her father’s right hand men, one of which is a Jew. I love learning more about the Jewish people and their traditions! On this journey, the weary travelers meet a man that changes everything for them, his name is Yeshua.

A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion Series Book 1) This is the first book in a 3-book series by Francine Rivers. I should probably lump them all together, but I will break them up for the purpose of this list. I will note, however, that once you get to the end of the first one, you WILL want to have the second book ready to go. This is another series that I could not put down. The main character int his series is a young girl named Hadassah. I spent about the first half of book 1 trying to figure out how she was Esther, since Hadassah was Esther’s given name. But, I finally had to ask and someone told me it was NOT a book about Esther. Apparently Hadassah is a pretty common name from this time period, so I learned something new in that! She is a young slave girl who ends up in Ancient Rome.

An Echo in the Darkness (Mark of the Lion #2) This second book in the series continues the story. At this point you are already drawn into the story of Hadassah and love all the characters in the book. So many fascinating story lines that give you so much insight into the life of the Roman empire in AD 1. Rome and Ephesus come alive for you. This book takes a focus on the life of Marcus, and once again, you will get to the end and HAVE to pick up book 3.

As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion #3) – This third book in the series finally gives you some closure to several story lines happening throughout the all 3 books. Whew. I could never have stopped at just 1 or 2. LOL! This story line will focus  on the life of Atretes, a German warrior and gladiator. He won his freedom from fighting in the arenas, but then his life changed forever. I will admit to being very fascinated by the glimpses into life during this time period. I can’t imagine LIVING it, but reading about it was very eye opening!

Esther Queen of Persia: A Courageous Woman for a Dangerous Time – I read this book to my kids, but I would have enjoyed it on my own as well. In fact, there are parts of it that probably aren’t appropriate for kids younger than middle school, just FYI. This book takes the story of Esther from the Bible and expands upon it. It was so fascinating, I really couldn’t put it down. We have all read between the lines while reading about Esther, but this story takes you in deep…the beauty treatments, the life of a wife to a king who has many wives, you get glimpses of it all and the life that Esther could have lived. I love her courage and love this book that really brought her story to life for my kids and I.

Do you enjoy reading books in this category of Biblical & Christian Historical Fiction?? If so, I would love to hear the titles of books you’ve loved! I am ready to pick up another!