Picture a Californian storyteller who brings ancient biblical tales to life with heart and soul—meet Carole Towriss! A master of Christian historical fiction, Towriss weaves stories that transport readers from the deserts of ancient Egypt to the bustling streets of Rome, blending faith, resilience, and a touch of romance. With a knack for spotlighting the Bible’s lesser-known figures, her novels invite readers to explore timeless truths through vibrant, relatable characters.
Now living just north of Washington, DC, Towriss balances family life—complete with taco nights and telling her four kids to pick up their shoes—with crafting tales that resonate across generations. Her journey from sunny San Diego to becoming a beloved author is as inspiring as the stories she tells, rooted in a legacy of faith and a passion for uncovering the human side of history.
The Making of Carole Towriss
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Carole Towriss grew up steeped in stories of faith, thanks to her mother and grandmother, whose resilience shaped her worldview. She majored in English Education in college, where she met her husband, John, embarking on a partnership that’s lasted over three decades. After teaching high school, Towriss stayed home to raise their four children—one born on Christmas Eve and three adopted from Kazakhstan—creating a vibrant, multicultural family. Her love for biblical fiction sparked early, inspired by Lloyd C. Douglas’s The Robe, which fueled her curiosity about the lives behind scripture’s fleeting mentions.
Carole Towriss’s Unforgettable Stories
Towriss’s novels stand out for their meticulous research and focus on the Bible’s ‘minor’ characters, transforming brief mentions into rich, emotional sagas. Her debut, In the Shadow of Sinai (2012), kicks off the Journey to Canaan trilogy, following Bezalel, a gifted Hebrew slave navigating love and faith during the Exodus. By the Waters of Kadesh and The Walls of Arad continue this saga, earning praise for their vivid depictions of ancient life and relatable characters.
The Planting Faith series, including Sold Into Freedom, dives into the New Testament, reimagining the lives of figures like the Philippian slave girl freed by Paul. Towriss’s style blends historical accuracy with heartfelt themes of freedom and forgiveness, weaving scripture seamlessly into her narratives. Her contribution to Guideposts’ Ordinary Women of the Bible series, like The Dearly Beloved, showcases her knack for giving voice to overlooked women, such as Apphia, with stories that resonate deeply.
Beyond biblical fiction, Towriss dabbles in contemporary romance with the Brandon Beach series, offering lighter tales of love and faith. Her ability to craft compelling, clean stories across genres has earned her a loyal readership and glowing reviews for bringing history to life without preaching.
Why Carole Towriss Matters
Carole Towriss’s work does more than entertain—it invites readers to see scripture through fresh eyes, highlighting the humanity of its lesser-known figures. Her novels challenge readers to reflect on faith, identity, and resilience, making ancient stories feel relevant today. By focusing on the sidelines of biblical narratives, she inspires curiosity about the untold lives that shaped history, earning accolades from readers who feel closer to God through her tales.
Her impact extends to her community, where her multicultural family and advocacy for adoption reflect the inclusive spirit of her writing. Towriss’s ability to craft stories that educate and uplift ensures her place as a cherished voice in Christian fiction.
- Birthplace: San Diego, California
- Key Works: In the Shadow of Sinai, Sold Into Freedom, Prize of War, The Dearly Beloved
- Genres: Christian historical fiction, contemporary romance
- Fun Fact: She binge-watches British crime dramas!
Ready to travel back in time with a tale of faith and heart? Grab Sold Into Freedom and dive into Carole Towriss’s captivating world of Christian historical fiction!