For many Christian readers in Alabama, fiction’s a favorite

What are Christians in Alabama reading?

At LifeWay Christian Stores in Alabama, Christian fiction is an enduring favorite.

In fact, at the Montgomery store, fiction sales have been steadily increasing. Now fiction comes in just behind Christian living, a category in which best sellers from authors like Max Lucado and Rick Warren inflate the sales, said store manager David Lawrence.

Customer favorites include books by Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury.

Kingsbury, who writes mostly contemporary adult romances, is a favorite in Tuscaloosa, too, along with Beverly Lewis, who focuses on historical fiction. Kingsbury’s romances include a focus on family relationships and current events. Lately Lewis’ books have focused on the Amish people.

“She is personal friends with several Amish people, so she’s had the chance to visit Amish people and see what their life is day to day,” said Tuscaloosa Assistant Manager Amber Nevin.

Deeanne Gist is a newer author who’s well liked by Tuscaloosa readers, Nevin noted. Her stories often are historical, with romantic and comedic elements as well.

While most fiction readers in both Tuscaloosa and Montgomery tend to be women, Tuscaloosa men have some favorite authors, too. Ted Dekker writes popular mystery and suspense novels. Joel Rosenberg, who’s an author of both fiction and Christian living books, writes novels about current events in the Middle East. (TAB)