More Than a Beach Read: 8 Christian Fiction Classics for Your Summer Holiday
Skip the throwaway bestsellers this summer. These 8 Christian fiction classics — all featured in 100 Books That Changed the Church — will feed your soul as well as your imagination.
Summer is a season for reading — long evenings, slower days, a little more space to breathe. But if your holiday reading pile tends to feel a bit hollow by the time you get home, perhaps this is the year to try something with a little more soul.
Every one of the books below appeared in Premier Christianity's landmark list of 100 Books That Changed the Church — which gathered expert voices, publisher data, and listener votes from across the UK church.
These aren't just great stories. They're books that have shaped lives, sparked conversions, and lingered with readers for decades. Here's why each one deserves a place in your bag this summer.
1. The Pilgrim's Progress By John Bunyan
Written in a Bedford jail in the 1670s, Bunyan's allegory of Christian's journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City remains one of the most-read books in the English language outside the Bible. Deceptively simple, endlessly rich — ideal for a long journey.
Loved by Eden Customers
“Pilgrim's Progress is rich with Scripture. I have used it in my devotions and Bible study. Everyone should read this. It will change your life.” Dolores, Eden Customer
“I can't believe this was written hundreds of years ago. An amazing book. I recommend it, not only to Christians but to everyone/anyone who may wish to understand a true Christian life.” Alan, Eden Customer
2. Redeeming Love By Francine Rivers
A retelling of the book of Hosea set in the California Gold Rush, this is a novel of breath-taking grace. Angel, sold into prostitution as a child, cannot fathom why anyone — let alone God — would love her unconditionally. One of the most emotionally powerful works of Christian fiction ever written by much loved Biblical fiction writer Francine Rivers. It was also made into a blockbuster film Redeeming Love DVD if you fancy watching rather than reading.
Loved by Eden Customers
“I really enjoyed this book, it was a very good read.” Mary, Eden Customer
3. The Screwtape Letters By C.S. Lewis
A senior demon writes letters of advice to his nephew about how to corrupt a newly converted Christian. C.S. Lewis's satirical masterpiece turns spiritual warfare into something darkly funny and unnervingly accurate. A book you'll be quoting for years.
Loved by Eden Customers
“C. S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters" stand to this day as one of the most vivid insights into the mindsets and machinations of demons -- and as such, it can be of immense practical importance to the life of a Christian in our times. His style, of course, is unique and inimitable, a testament to the beauty and creativity of the English language, and certainly not difficult to follow even for someone new to his work.” Pavlos, Eden Customer
4. The Shack By William P. Young
A grieving father receives an invitation to return to the remote shack where his daughter was murdered — and encounters the Trinity in unexpected, extraordinary form. Controversial in some circles, profoundly moving in many more. Few novels grapple so honestly with pain, doubt, and the nature of God.
If you loved The Shack then you’ll be very excited to know the sequel Return to the Shack is due out this October 2026!
Eden Customer Reviews
“I’ve never read a book that challenges my thoughts and beliefs like this story. First try, I couldn’t get passed the first few chapters that left me grieving and angry for what happened to one of the characters. When I picked it up again, I couldn’t put it down. It provides a new way of looking at God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit that truly makes you think. But greater than that it’s the way the writer delves into the deep, dark thoughts about justice and grace, mercy and love. One of those books you never forget. And there’s a film too.”
“A great book for broadening your view of God and His characteristics (we often put him in a box!) and for anyone that has gone through circumstances that cause you to question His presence or your salvation, then this is a good one for you!”
“I really appreciated the fact that, although I didn't agree with every theological detail, this book gave me a wonderfully expanded jumping-off point for thinking about God. It actually helped me to process how I 'understand' the Trinity and God's nature. At times I had to remind myself it is a novel. Very moving. Very powerful. Very useful.”
5. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe By C.S. Lewis (The Narnia Series)
Four children step through a wardrobe into a frozen world ruled by a White Witch. Aslan, the great lion, is among the most compelling Christ-figures in all of literature. Whether you're reading it for the first or the tenth time, Narnia still has the power to move you.
6. The Lord of the Rings By J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien himself called this "a fundamentally religious and Catholic work." Middle-earth is steeped in themes of providence, sacrifice, hope against impossible odds, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people. Block out a fortnight. It's worth it.
It was also recently voted Number 1 in The Guardian’s Reader’s Top 100 Novels of All Time list.
7. The Left Behind Series By Jerry B. Jenkins & Tim LaHaye
Beginning at the moment of the Rapture, the Left Behind series swept through the global church in the late 1990s and early 2000s, selling over 65 million copies. Whatever your theology of end times, these thrillers sparked serious conversations about faith, eternity, and urgency.
It was even turned into an action movie starring action legend Nicolas Cage - Left Behind DVD back in 2015.
8. The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass, Christian Speaker, Aged 45¾ By Adrian Plass
Nobody captures the gentle absurdity of church life quite like Adrian Plass. If you've ever sat in a pew thinking am I the only one who finds this all a bit baffling?, this diary is for you. Warm, funny, and quietly profound — a perfect poolside companion.
Why This Summer Is Different
The books above aren't airport novels you'll leave behind in a holiday apartment (although you could if you were thinking evangelistically!).
They're the kind of stories that travel home with you — in your thinking, your conversations, your prayers.
Premier Christianity and Eden recognised each one as impactful in the Church. Imagine what they might do for your own faith given a few unhurried weeks this summer.
More Than a Beach Read: 8 Christian Fiction Classics for Your Summer Holiday
Skip the throwaway bestsellers this summer. These 8 Christian fiction classics — all featured in 100 Books That Changed the Church — will feed your soul as well as your imagination.
Summer is a season for reading — long evenings, slower days, a little more space to breathe. But if your holiday reading pile tends to feel a bit hollow by the time you get home, perhaps this is the year to try something with a little more soul.
Every one of the books below appeared in Premier Christianity's landmark list of 100 Books That Changed the Church — which gathered expert voices, publisher data, and listener votes from across the UK church.
These aren't just great stories. They're books that have shaped lives, sparked conversions, and lingered with readers for decades. Here's why each one deserves a place in your bag this summer.
1. The Pilgrim's Progress By John Bunyan
Written in a Bedford jail in the 1670s, Bunyan's allegory of Christian's journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City remains one of the most-read books in the English language outside the Bible. Deceptively simple, endlessly rich — ideal for a long journey.
Loved by Eden Customers
“Pilgrim's Progress is rich with Scripture. I have used it in my devotions and Bible study. Everyone should read this. It will change your life.” Dolores, Eden Customer
“I can't believe this was written hundreds of years ago. An amazing book. I recommend it, not only to Christians but to everyone/anyone who may wish to understand a true Christian life.” Alan, Eden Customer
2. Redeeming Love By Francine Rivers
A retelling of the book of Hosea set in the California Gold Rush, this is a novel of breath-taking grace. Angel, sold into prostitution as a child, cannot fathom why anyone — let alone God — would love her unconditionally. One of the most emotionally powerful works of Christian fiction ever written by much loved Biblical fiction writer Francine Rivers. It was also made into a blockbuster film Redeeming Love DVD if you fancy watching rather than reading.
Loved by Eden Customers
“I really enjoyed this book, it was a very good read.” Mary, Eden Customer
3. The Screwtape Letters By C.S. Lewis
A senior demon writes letters of advice to his nephew about how to corrupt a newly converted Christian. C.S. Lewis's satirical masterpiece turns spiritual warfare into something darkly funny and unnervingly accurate. A book you'll be quoting for years.
Loved by Eden Customers
“C. S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters" stand to this day as one of the most vivid insights into the mindsets and machinations of demons -- and as such, it can be of immense practical importance to the life of a Christian in our times. His style, of course, is unique and inimitable, a testament to the beauty and creativity of the English language, and certainly not difficult to follow even for someone new to his work.” Pavlos, Eden Customer
4. The Shack By William P. Young
A grieving father receives an invitation to return to the remote shack where his daughter was murdered — and encounters the Trinity in unexpected, extraordinary form. Controversial in some circles, profoundly moving in many more. Few novels grapple so honestly with pain, doubt, and the nature of God.
If you loved The Shack then you’ll be very excited to know the sequel Return to the Shack is due out this October 2026!
Eden Customer Reviews
“I’ve never read a book that challenges my thoughts and beliefs like this story. First try, I couldn’t get passed the first few chapters that left me grieving and angry for what happened to one of the characters. When I picked it up again, I couldn’t put it down. It provides a new way of looking at God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit that truly makes you think. But greater than that it’s the way the writer delves into the deep, dark thoughts about justice and grace, mercy and love. One of those books you never forget. And there’s a film too.”
“A great book for broadening your view of God and His characteristics (we often put him in a box!) and for anyone that has gone through circumstances that cause you to question His presence or your salvation, then this is a good one for you!”
“I really appreciated the fact that, although I didn't agree with every theological detail, this book gave me a wonderfully expanded jumping-off point for thinking about God. It actually helped me to process how I 'understand' the Trinity and God's nature. At times I had to remind myself it is a novel. Very moving. Very powerful. Very useful.”
5. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe By C.S. Lewis (The Narnia Series)
Four children step through a wardrobe into a frozen world ruled by a White Witch. Aslan, the great lion, is among the most compelling Christ-figures in all of literature. Whether you're reading it for the first or the tenth time, Narnia still has the power to move you.
6. The Lord of the Rings By J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien himself called this "a fundamentally religious and Catholic work." Middle-earth is steeped in themes of providence, sacrifice, hope against impossible odds, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people. Block out a fortnight. It's worth it.
It was also recently voted Number 1 in The Guardian’s Reader’s Top 100 Novels of All Time list.
7. The Left Behind Series By Jerry B. Jenkins & Tim LaHaye
Beginning at the moment of the Rapture, the Left Behind series swept through the global church in the late 1990s and early 2000s, selling over 65 million copies. Whatever your theology of end times, these thrillers sparked serious conversations about faith, eternity, and urgency.
It was even turned into an action movie starring action legend Nicolas Cage - Left Behind DVD back in 2015.
8. The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass, Christian Speaker, Aged 45¾ By Adrian Plass
Nobody captures the gentle absurdity of church life quite like Adrian Plass. If you've ever sat in a pew thinking am I the only one who finds this all a bit baffling?, this diary is for you. Warm, funny, and quietly profound — a perfect poolside companion.
Why This Summer Is Different
The books above aren't airport novels you'll leave behind in a holiday apartment (although you could if you were thinking evangelistically!).
They're the kind of stories that travel home with you — in your thinking, your conversations, your prayers.
Premier Christianity and Eden recognised each one as impactful in the Church. Imagine what they might do for your own faith given a few unhurried weeks this summer.
The Bible contains 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Here is the complete list in order, with every book grouped by section, plus guidance on where to start reading.
Wondering what 9-point or 12-point font actually looks like? Use our visual Bible font size comparison chart to find the perfect Large, Giant, or Super Giant print.
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The Bible contains 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Here is the complete list in order, with every book grouped by section, plus guidance on where to start reading.
Wondering what 9-point or 12-point font actually looks like? Use our visual Bible font size comparison chart to find the perfect Large, Giant, or Super Giant print.
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