If You Like ...

My reader email indicates that a surprising number of general market readers are discovering Christian fiction and seeking out the genres that reflect their tastes and interests. To help out in their search, I've put together one of those "If you like _____, try _____." I may add on to this later, but for now, here are a some samples:

If you like Philippa Gregory, Diana Gabaldon, and Sara Donati, try Liz Curtis Higgs, Jane Kirkpatrick, and Lynn Austin.

If you like Sophie Kinsella and Marian Keyes, try Kristin Billerbeck and Trish Perry.

If you like John Grisham, Harlan Coben, and Robert Parker, try James Scott Bell, Alton Gansky, and Brandt Dodson.

If you like Luanne Rice, Richard Paul Evans, Nicholas Sparks, and Anita Shreve, try Deborah Raney, Karen Kingsbury, Karen Ball, and Robin Lee Hatcher.

If you like Jodi Picoult, try Angela Hunt.

If you like John Jakes, try Jack Cavanaugh.

If you like Harper Lee and Dorothea Benton Frank, try Jamie Langston Turner and Ann Tatlock.

If you like Anne Tyler and Alice Hoffman, try Lisa Samson and Patty Hickman.

If you like Pat Conroy and Leif Enger, try Athol Dickson and W. Dale Cramer.

If you like Julie Garwood and Debbie Macomber, try Lori Copeland and Diann Mills.

If you like Mary Higgins Clark, Sue Grafton, Tami Hoag, and Kathy Reichs, try Colleen Coble, Terri Blackstock, Brandilyn Collins, and Dee Henderson.

If you like L.B. Graham and C.S. Lewis, try Karen Hancock and Kathy Tyers.

Oh--and if anyone likes to read about Irish immigrants, there's always Herself.   

BJ

Comments

[Sandi Thompson]

BJ,
His "American Dream" and "Secret of the Rose" series are somewhat like Sharon Penman in depth and scope. Of course he writes a lot like George MacDonald because some of his earlier works were updating George MacDonald's books for today's readers. Sorry that's not much help.
Sandi

[BJ]

Sandi--I confess that I'm not all that familiar with M. Phillips' work to make a comparison. Want to try your hand at it?

BJ

[Sandi Thompson]

BJ, you forgot my other favorite - Michael Phillips!! Who does he compare to?

[BJ]

Karen--

I think you're just about the only person I know who's aware of Patrick Ball! We must be kin. And, yes, il Divo--they have a special place on my iPod.

BJ

[Karen Ball]

BJ, what a great idea. Thanks for the mention! I really like what you've done here. Great help to all of us. And I love your listing of music. Patrick Ball and the Talbott/Card CD are two of my all time favorites. Have you discovered Il Divo yet? Amazing harmonies and voices. I think you'd enjoy them!

Peace to you today.

Karen

[BJ]

Thanks for the heads-up on Polivka, Nick. Regarding Barbara Pym: I'm not sure, because I've read only one of her books (No Fond Return of Love), so I'm not all that familiar with her yet--but I'm going to guess that perhaps Lawana Blackwell might be a suggestion.

BJ

[Nick]

In addition to Karen Hancock and Kathy Tyers, if you like fantasy, try George Bryan Polivka.

Hey, B.J. who does one read if they like Barbara Pym?

[KATHERINE MARY]

HI B.J.
WILL BE SENDING THIS LIST TO ALL MY FRIENDS, AS WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR GOOD AUTHORS. THANKS, IT'S GREAT!!! AND, WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO ""HERSELF"" NEW BOOK.
MY LOVE AND PRAYERS, KATHERINE MARY

[lisa]

Wow! I'm thrilled to be matched up with Anne Tyler and Alice Hoffman. And I love the Herself bit! You just crack me up, BJ!

[Richard Mabry]

BJ,
Thanks for the list. Now I wonder--if you've read all those authors' work, when do you have time to write yourself?
(Just kidding. You know how I feel about "you have to read in order to write.")

[Rachelle]

BJ -- Brilliant list. I have to agree with you on all your "matches." What a neat thing to provide for people!