Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

This summer Chris Wells of CCM Magazine asked me to refer him to great writing by Christian African-American authors. Well, I've done more than that here and at CFB. I'm penning a new literary term- Gospel Fiction.

Oftentimes, I'm asked what's the difference between Gospel Fiction and Christian Fiction. There isn't a difference. All authors write from where they stand, regardless of color. The uniqueness of work written by African-Americans from what I've read so far--and remember this genre is only five-years-old--is its ability to include dominational settings without alienating other Christian views; its clever inclusion of sermons and psalms, and an unashamed, authentic voice that doesn't concern itself with political correctness, homogenized faith, intimate physicality, and stream of conscience prayer in asides. Simply- gospel fiction is about praising God through the story and making him the third element of the triangle to complete every relationship involved. Now onto the list...

Dee's Best 10 African-American Gospel Fiction of 2005.

This compilation is based on rankings by Dee's Books Reviewed-reviewer service, Christian Fiction Blog mailing list nominations, Dee's Books Reviewed bookstore owner compiled books sold stats, Amazon.com readers ratings, and Romantic Times BookClub Reviews by Dee Y. Stewart.

10.  Ain't No Valley by Sharon Ewell Foster

Foster pulls her Ain't No series together for a wedding finale must read.

 

 

9. What's A Sistah to Do by Tiffany Warren

Great writing from a debut author who knows how to pull three stories together in parallel and in an African-American Christian worldview.

 

 

8. How Sweet the Sound

This analogy shows us why Thomas, Mason and Ray are legends of this genre.

 

 

 

7. Made of Honor by Marilynn Griffith
Came across this jewel of a novel this month. A full review is posted this month as well.

 

6. Amen Sisters by Angela Benson

Angela Benson isn't afraid to tackle church politics, scandal and how they affect the congregation in this novel about two twins, who are destined to help each other.

 

5. Crossing Jhordan's River by Kendra Norman-Bellamy

 

 

Kendra is one of the hardest working writers out there right now. She had at least four books on shelves this year and another one on the way in March. But this book unlike her Grace Series is in my opinion her soul-searching romantic best.

4. A Heart of Devotion by Tia McCollors

Can't be anything but biased when it comes to Tia McCollors. We crit this book in our writer's group-The Atlanta Black Christian Writer's Group. We prayed over this book, so I have loads to say about the process of this book. But what I like about it from a readers standpoint is that its not syrupy sweet and Tia has a gift of creating these characters that seek God as if he were air, as if it should be. Be prepared for Zora's Cry this spring.

 

3. Good to Me
Denise Stinson and the Walk Worthy crew have cranked out some gems this year. Plan to discuss this year's line in detail this week. But Good to Me was a good read to me. Great writing, pacing, plot. Good to Me.

 

 

2. What Ana Mae Left Behind by Felicia Mason

I'm not a fan of stories where the reader has to learn about the main character threw flashbacks, letters found in the attic or any of those Bridges of Madison County type devices. But Ana Mae did leave something behind that was larger than her small fortune, that needed to be told, and found, in order to enrich your soul.

 

1. Dark Things by David M. Humphrey, Sr.
Best book written by an African American Christian writer ever! Fast paced, medical thriller. Universality. Great prose. Moody Press needs a tap on the hand for not publicizing this book better. And why didn't I find this book in Lifeway?

 

 

Comeback toChristian Fiction Blog to see the Complete Top 25 of 2005 this week and my discussion about a novel that deserved to be on the list-Athol Dickson's River Rising

 

 

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