Among the 20 best, 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien can be considered. Although not explicitly Christian, Tolkien was a devout Catholic and his work is filled with themes such as sacrifice, good vs. evil, and the idea of a higher power at work, which resonate with Christian beliefs. Also, books like 'The Silver Chair' from 'The Chronicles of Narnia' series are excellent examples. It shows the characters' journey of faith and their struggle against the forces of evil in a magical land.
If you're a beginner, 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' from 'The Chronicles of Narnia' is a good start. It's easy to read and the Christian symbolism is clear. Aslan's sacrifice is a powerful representation of Jesus' sacrifice. Another beginner - friendly option is 'The Green Ember' series. It has elements of Christian values like courage and hope in a fictional animal kingdom setting.
One great Christian fantasy fiction book is 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis. It weaves Christian themes into a magical world of talking animals and epic adventures. Another is 'The Lord of the Rings' which, while not overtly Christian, has many elements that can be seen in a Christian context, like the battle between good and evil. 'Perelandra' by C.S. Lewis is also excellent. It's set on another planet and explores themes of temptation and redemption in a very imaginative way.
'The Shack' by William P. Young is also considered a top Christian fiction book. It tells the story of a man who has a life - changing encounter with God in a very unexpected place, a shack. It delves deep into the nature of God's love, forgiveness, and the relationship between man and the divine.
One of the best is 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis. It weaves Christian themes into a fantastical world full of talking animals and magic. Another great one is 'Left Behind' by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, which is about the end times. And 'The Shack' by William P. Young is also highly regarded as it explores the nature of God through a unique story.
I'm not sure specifically which books were in the '2019 best christian fiction'. It could include a variety of works that focus on Christian themes such as faith, redemption, and the relationship with God. You might want to check some Christian book review websites or libraries for a more accurate list.
A possible choice is 'Behold the Lamb of God' by Russ Ramsey. This book offers a fresh perspective on the story of Jesus. It's written in a way that makes the familiar story feel new and profound, with beautiful prose and a deep exploration of the significance of Jesus' life, which is very much in line with the nature of Christian fiction.
One of the great ones could be 'A Light on the Hill' by Connilyn Cossette. It combines historical settings with Christian themes in a really engaging way.
I'm not entirely sure which specific books were the top 2017 best Christian fiction books. However, many Christian fiction books from that year probably explored themes like God's love, forgiveness, and the journey of faith. Some might have been set in different historical periods to show how faith has endured throughout time. They could also have contemporary settings, dealing with modern - day issues from a Christian perspective.
Some top Christian fiction books include 'The Shack' by William P. Young. It explores themes of faith, suffering, and the nature of God in a very unique way. 'Hinds' Feet on High Places' by Hannah Hurnard is also highly regarded. It's an allegory that tells the story of a 'Much - Afraid' character's journey to spiritual growth. And don't forget 'This Present Darkness' by Frank E. Peretti which delves into spiritual warfare in a fictional town.
One of the best is 'The Robe' by Lloyd C. Douglas. It vividly depicts the time of Jesus and the impact of His crucifixion on those around. Another great one is 'Ben - Hur: A Tale of the Christ' which tells a thrilling story set against the backdrop of early Christian times. Also, 'Quo Vadis' is highly regarded. It shows the conflict between the Roman Empire and the emerging Christian faith.