Fiction with Strong Female Characters & Christian Themes

by Julia María Schiavone Camacho

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5 books

In a bit of genre-crossing, this list brings together historical romance, historical fiction, and women’s fiction novels and an anthology. In distinct ways, each book features feisty women and includes Christian themes. Great writing and characters and worlds that pull you in also mark these books.

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Rome's Last Noble Palace

Kimberly Sullivan, 2023

Set in the 1890s and the 2000s, this novel captivated me with the strong, brave, complex characters and haunting storyline and pacing. Early on it’s clear that very intense things are coming, and I found myself bracing for them and quickly turning the pages. I loved being immersed in the Rome of the late nineteenth century as well as the contemporary era. The timelines are woven together in a unique way. With social class elements and health dilemmas as a powerful backdrop, the book shows aching bonds of romance and friendship. Some favorite lines: “The gurgle of the fountain resounded in the cocooned silence of the gardens, punctuated only by the sound of cicadas” (p. 149); “At the highest point, the Brancaccio castle dominated the town, its crenellated rooftops stark against the cerulean blue sky” (p. 251); and since religious elements come into the story, especially later, I’d be remiss not to include the use of a beautiful, fitting passage from 1 Corinthians when the two timelines meet (p. 380). A moving, evocative novel.

A Noble Cunning

The Countess and the Tower

Patricia Bernstein, 2023

Set in the 1710s, this novel centers on a fierce, determined, creative heroine who navigates great danger. The author gives a vivid sense of the context, well woven into the voice, characters, and action. Based on an extraordinary story, the novel moves at a fast pace. This is an engaging read about Catholic-Protestant history. Some favorite lines: “His long, greasy, gray-brown hair crept back from his forehead as if it were running away from his face, embarrassed by his actions” (p. 3); “I resolved to treasure every blessed moment I had been granted to awaken to no sound more threatening than the warbling of chiffchaffs, throstles, and blackcaps. And so equally to savor eating breakfast porridge across the table from my husband and watching our children grow in health and heartiness” (p. 47); “…as if we were fashioning with our prayers a starry veil to be spread over him by the very hands of the Madonna...” (p. 72). A compelling read.

The Rose and the Thistle

Laura Frantz, 2023

Set in 1715, this historical romance’s well-drawn characters and quick pace made me devour the book. It’s filled with prayer, Scripture, tradition, and the language of the place and time. Although the two main characters don’t meet for a bit, I loved getting to know each one, with their intense struggles, and becoming lost in the context. When they do land together, it’s explosive, and the action remains thrilling. Small spoiler: The main female character becomes Protestant, and the novel goes well with Book 2 on this list in Catholic-Protestant history. Some favorite lines: “Lush fields rolled away from the castle walls for miles in all directions, the sunrise spreading pale light upon a patchwork of greens” (p. 101); “No one had ever spoken to her so, nor given her such searing glances. Those eyes of his—blue as the fierce, lace-frothed waves that battered their boat when crossing the channel from France, leaving her reeling and ill” (p. 108); In the light of her presence, every burden he’d brough to Edinburgh fell away. From the open doorway, a song thrush broke the stillness with its achingly sweet notes that somehow reflected his fullness of soul“ (p. 281). A poignant novel.

The Last Twelve Miles

Erika Robuck, 2024

Set in the 1920s, this novel shifts between two very different feisty, tenacious women, one on each side of the law during Prohibition. It’s a fast-paced read in which we delve deeply into each character’s voice and world, and while it isn’t always pleasant, it’s certainly riveting. Some favorite lines: [She] “is too busy to examine the reasons why her stomach constantly rumbles, why her sleep is so fitful, and why she often finds herself holding her breath. The perpetual shadow…is only quelled when she’s codebreaking. At work…her mind takes an elevator that lifts her above her daily cares” (p. 3); “What Marie lacks in height, however, she knows how to make up for with feistiness (p. 22); and since religion figures in the story, as characters are concerned with faith or the role of attending church for social standing, I must include this line on the importance of tithing among rumrunners : “…I’m pretty sure God can’t be bribed” (p. 60). Indeed, “But offer no bribes, these he does not accept!” (Sirach 35:14 NABRE). A fantastic novel, and a great way learn about the contours and less-known episodes of the era.

Feisty Deeds

Historical Fictions of Daring Women

Kimberly Sullivan, 2024

Full disclosure: I have a story in this anthology of short fiction. Feisty Deeds features twenty-three stories about strong women who defy norms in various settings across time and place, and the anthology has won awards from the Independent Author Network (IAN), American Writing Awards (AWA), Coffee Pot, and Feathered Quill. All stories showcase strong women, and several stories include Christian themes: A faithful woman is committed to an insane asylum by her Calvinist husband because she disagrees with his theology; she believes in God’s plan and models Christian ideals despite long suffering and severe pain. In another story, an Irish Catholic who married a Protestant has hidden her past; after meeting an aunt, a religious nun, in a church, she decides to face her past despite the risks. Another story features a young woman who arrives in America with John Winthrop; believing she won’t be chosen by God after a sinful act, she makes a striking decision. In a story that includes vivid religious imagery, symbols, and prayers, a young woman defies her father who wants her to give up her child. Finally, another favorite story of mine follows a young woman who reads St. Thomas Aquinas to help her argue in favor of a mixed-race relationship. Many other themes shine through these stories that highlight women in unique circumstances, and I’m delighted to be among the authors.