Best Religious Historical Fiction Books of 2026

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is a historical Christian romance book set in the gold country of California in 1850. The story follows Angel, a woman who was sold into prostitution as a child and expects nothing but betrayal from men. However, she meets Michael Hosea, a man who seeks God's heart in everything and loves Angel unconditionally. Despite her resistance, Michael's pursuit of her begins to thaw her frozen heart. This retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea is a powerful reminder of God's unconditional, redemptive love. The book is a literary masterpiece that will stay with the reader long after finishing it.

The Midwife of Auschwitz is a heart-wrenching historical novel inspired by a true story. It follows Ana Kaminski, a midwife who fights for love, life, and hope during the darkest period of World War II. Ana and her friend Ester secretly tattoo babies with their mother's numbers, hoping to reunite them one day. The book is a page-turner, and readers who enjoyed The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network, and The Nightingale will be gripped. The novel is a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable darkness.

The Pilgrim's Progress is a modern, easy-to-read version of John Bunyan's classic Christian allegory. The book chronicles the epic journey of a man named Christian as he embarks on a quest to the Celestial City. This revised version translates the original archaic language into simple conversational English, allowing readers of all ages to easily navigate the story. The book includes the original Bible references and a Bible study guide is available separately for individual and small group use. Overall, this book is a faithful adaptation of the original text that retains the essence of Bunyan's message while making it accessible to a wider audience.

Mitch Albom's "The Stranger in the Lifeboat" is a thought-provoking novel that explores what would happen if God appeared to those in desperate need of help. Ten passengers, struggling for survival after a ship explosion, pull a strange man from the sea who claims to be "the Lord." Albom keeps readers guessing until the end, making them ponder their deepest beliefs. Narrated by one of the passengers, the story is discovered a year later in a notebook that washes up on an island, adding to the mystery. This fast-paced, compelling novel is a unique addition to Christian historical fiction books.

The Mark of the Lion Series Gift Collection is a set of three Christian historical fiction novels by the New York Times best-selling author Francine Rivers. Set in first-century Rome, the series follows the stories of Hadassah, a young Jewish girl sold into slavery, Marcus, a wealthy Roman aristocrat searching for faith and meaning, and Atretes, a former gladiator fighting to return home with his infant son. The boxed set includes discussion questions and a preface from the author. The series is a powerful exploration of faith, love, and redemption in a tumultuous time.

A Lineage of Grace is a biblical historical fiction book that tells the stories of five women in the lineage of Jesus Christ. The book explores the extraordinary and scandalous challenges faced by Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. The author, a New York Times bestselling author, weaves in-depth Bible studies into each novella, making it perfect for personal reflection or group discussions. The book is a compelling read that inspires readers to have courage, live daring lives, and trust in God's infinite mercy. It is a must-read for those interested in Christian historical fiction.

Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold is a retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche from the perspective of Psyche’s sister, Orual. This book examines themes of envy, betrayal, loss, blame, grief, guilt, and conversion, reminding readers of their own fallibility and the role of a higher power in their lives. C.S. Lewis brilliantly reimagines the story and provides new meaning, new depths, and new terrors. Overall, Till We Have Faces is a must-read for fans of Christian classics and allegories, and a unique take on a popular myth.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant is a modern classic interpretation of the biblical story of Dinah, imagining the traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood. The novel starts with the story of Dinah's mothers and creates an intimate connection with the past. Diamant vividly conjures up the ancient world of caravans, shepherds, farmers, midwives, slaves, and artisans, making it a compelling read. The book combines rich storytelling and presents a new view of biblical women's lives. Overall, The Red Tent is a full-bodied novel that is deeply affecting and has timeless resonance.

The Book of Longings is an extraordinary novel that takes an audacious approach to history. Sue Monk Kidd brings her acclaimed narrative gifts to imagine the story of Ana, a young woman who finds her voice and destiny. Set in the first century, Ana's rebellious and ambitious character, coupled with her brilliant mind and daring spirit, makes her an unforgettable protagonist. The book is a triumph of storytelling, both timely and timeless, grounded in meticulous research, and written with a reverential approach to Jesus's life that focuses on his humanity. This book is a true masterpiece that readers won't forget.

The novel "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal" by Christopher Moore is a hilarious and bold take on the life of Jesus as seen by his best friend, Biff. The book shares the story of the missing years of Jesus, from his birth to the Sermon on the Mount, and is filled with magic, healings, demons, and hot babes. Moore's writing style is reminiscent of Vonnegut and Douglas Adams, making it a great read for fans of humorous American literature. This book is a must-read for those who want to see a different perspective on the life of Jesus, and it is sure to make readers laugh out loud.