Francine Rivers has won for herself the worldwide reputation of an author of Christian fiction unafraid to ask and answer the hard questions of real life.
From her sensitive retelling of biblical stories to her honest reappraisal of relationships within her own family, Francine Rivers finds that essence of hope and love that can survive any crisis.
Writing as a statement of faith
Francine Rivers is one of the Christian Booksellers Association’s top-selling authors of romantic fiction with worldwide reader admiration. Raised in a Christian home, Francine was already a successful writer when she encountered Christ for herself in 1986.
The book that followed, 'Redeeming Love', is her statement of faith. Now considered a classic work of Christian fiction, 'Redeeming Love' retells the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea set during the time of the California Gold Rush.
The Christian message in novels and film
Now with more than 20 novels with Christian themes to her name, Francine Rivers continues to win reader loyalty around the world. In 2007, her novel 'The Last Sin Eater' was released as a full length film.
In 2010 Francine Rivers made it into the New York Times bestseller list for 'Her Mother’s Hope' with the book’s companion novel, 'Daughter’s Dream', published the same year. Francine Rivers and her husband Rick live in Northern California. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.
Fiction that answers the big questions
Novels by Francine Rivers, and their big Christian themes, include -
- A Voice in the Wind: How do I share my faith with those who have no desire to hear me?
- An Echo in the Darkness: How many times are we to forgive people who hurt us?
- As Sure As the Dawn: How do you deal with anger when there is good cause?
- The Scarlet Thread: What is sovereignty in man’s relationship with God?
- The Atonement Child: Is there restoration for a woman who has aborted her child?
- The Last Sin Eater: What is the difference between guilt and conviction?
- Leota’s Garden: Is euthanasia merciful or an act of murder?
- And the Shofar Blew: What is a church and how do you build it?
- Her Mother’s Hope & Her Daughter’s Dream: The rift between her grandmother and mother?
The author speaks speaks her mind
What Christians writers write about:
‘I want to see Christian fiction speak to the hard and real issues that tear people’s lives apart. We need writers who are willing to ask the hard questions and go through the soul-searching and agonizing to find answers – and present these stories with skill that surpasses the general market.’
Advice to a new writer:
‘Write what you need to read. Write from your heart and. Write truth. Sometimes it hurts to peel away the layers of self-deception and see ourselves in the mirror, but it will also draw us closer to Jesus. ‘
About the the three women in A lineage of Grace:
‘There are five women mentioned in the lineage of Jesus Christ... I wanted to know why these five women were mentioned. Three were from pagan cultures (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth), one may have been a Hittite (the wife of Urriah the Hittite, Bathsheba), and one of Jewish descent (Mary).’
About the five men in The Sons of Encouragement:
‘I looked for men who worked with great leaders and represented different “careers”The Priest -- Aaron, The Warrior --Caleb, The Prince – Jonathan, The Prophet – Amos, and The Scribe – Silas.’
Advice on finding a church:
‘Look for a church that focuses on Christ. Is the Bible central? Are the leaders focused on pleasing God or man? Who is the cornerstone? Run if all you hear about is a building program!’
Quick Guide to Francine Rivers' novels
What are they?
- Engaging fiction that explores big themes through character and imagination.
- Enriched Bible retelling, true-life, historical and original romantic fiction.
- Created by an award winning, best selling writer of Christian romantic fiction.
What will they give me?
- Romantic fiction that takes on the big issues other writers might avoid.
- An understanding of God-human relationships through Christian fiction.
- A gift to introduce another reader to Bible based and Christian fiction.
March 7th, 2012 - Posted & Written by Les Ellison
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