As a Christian writer, I’m privileged to be included in a vast group of wonderful Christian authors. As a reader, I enjoy clean, encouraging, faith-based books. What makes inspirational fiction fun is that every writer has a unique voice and a special way of creating a story that shines a light on right and wrong and the goodness of our savior.

Is all Christian fiction alike? 
Yes and no. It’s true that every Christian novel includes characters rely on their beliefs and faith to carry them toward a happy ending. They also lack profanity and graphic violence. However, the form a Christian novel takes can be meek or overt. There are two distinct ways of writing Christian fiction: some novels include a mellow Christian theme throughout while others offer an obvious, clear moral message.

A quiet religious nature.
In some Christian fiction, the characters move through the novel with a trusting peacefulness as they face challenging situations. The main character responds by making religious decisions that carry the plot forward with faith. The book may or may not overtly discuss those beliefs, but the characters’ actions adhere to mainline Christianity without being moralistic. The Christian element in this type of novel is underlying and entwines with the personality of the protagonist. Books like this promise a gentle approach to religion and draw readers who enjoy quietly Christian fiction without strong religious elements.
 

A bolder approach.
This type of Christian fiction is a bit braver. These books, though open-minded, offer a character’s distinctive belief. The main characters move the plot forward by openly sharing their faith, which often enables another protagonist to grow stronger in his/her Biblical principles. Readers who aren’t put off by a sturdy religious element will enjoy this type of book and won’t find the plot “preachy.”

How can you tell the difference? 
The blurb or back cover copy should give the reader an indication of the tone of the book. The summary isn’t always a steadfast way of telling how strong the Christian message will be, but often a reader can tell by the last line in the blurb. If it mentions the importance of the characters relying on the Lord, then usually the novel will share a significant message weaved throughout the plot.

No matter who they are or which type of novel they write, authors of Christian fiction will get positive and negative reviews. If a book-lover enjoys a gentle message and reads a bolder novel, they may not appreciate the plot and consider it to be overbearing. With any book, it’s all about the reader’s preference. All an author can do is stay true to her/his unique style of bringing a story to life.

It doesn’t matter if you enjoy reading a gentle inspirational fiction or one with a bolder belief, Christian fiction is a great way to brighten the day and offer a positive outlook that any reader can appreciate.

Barbary Willis, one of Los Alamos, New Mexico’s elite, enjoys life on her own terms until she takes a trip to Asheville ,North Carolina. What she discovers challenges everything she believes.

Trace Youngbird accepts that not everyone appreciates his native roots. He’s learned that having a relationship with Jesus is the key to happiness, but high-spirited Barbary disrupts his plans.

Barbary and Trace are worlds apart. Still, their hearts collide. Can they overcome their preconceived notions and follow God’s plan? Find out in Asheville Hearts!

Mary L. Ball is a multi-published Christian author. She resides in the heart of North Carolina. When she isn’t working on her latest story, she enjoys fishing, reading, and ministering in song with her husband. Her books are about small-town romance, suspense, and mystery, influenced by the grace of Jesus Christ.    

Readers can visit her Amazon page and connect on:

http://www.marylball.com
https://facebook.com/gracefulbooks
https://twitter.com/inspires4mary