The Study Room, Christian library, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

According to Merriam-Webster.com. the definition of the word fiction is “something invented by the imagination or feigned, specifically an invented story.” Though I agree with that description, novels are oh so much more, especially when it is good fiction. I guess the question is, what is good fiction? Though this is a loaded question that would glean a variety of personal opinions, perhaps good stories have something in common. Perhaps if we review three of the twenty-six new novels that were added to our little library this past winter, we might figure out the answer to that question above and more. How does an author find ideas for their story? What has helped these authors find success in the world of Christian Fiction? What is it about 26 Below, Merlin’s Blade, and The Woman from Lydia that made it a joy to read? Do they all have something in common? Let’s find out!

Atheist: “A person who does not believe in the existence of God.” Christian Apologist: “Someone who defends the Christian Faith from criticism.”

Lee Strobel was an atheist who, through his own investigations and research, became a Christian. His books are an account of his research and evidence proving the Christian faith as real. There are many questions though that we could ask about this man and his work. How did Lee Strobel go from an atheist to a Christian apologist? What is the content of these popular books by this author? How did the life of this one person and his research effect so many people in the world? To answer these questions and to understand what Strobel wrote about, I think it’s best to first look at his life and credentials.