Picture an American storyteller who weaves faith, history, and heart into every page—meet Lynn Austin! This beloved author of inspirational Christian fiction has captured readers’ hearts with her vivid historical novels and powerful messages of redemption. With eight Christy Awards under her belt and a Hallmark movie adaptation of her novel Hidden Places, Austin’s stories resonate with those seeking hope amid life’s trials.
Born in 1949, Lynn Austin didn’t always dream of writing. Instead, her journey to becoming a literary star was shaped by a love for reading and a desire to craft stories that uplift. Her unique blend of historical accuracy and spiritual depth has made her a standout in Christian fiction, inspiring readers worldwide to trust in God’s unwavering love.
The Making of Lynn Austin
Lynn Austin’s early life was steeped in stories. Growing up in a village where her mother served as the town librarian, she was surrounded by books from a young age. Her grandmother’s spellbinding tales further fueled her imagination. After earning a B.A. from Hope College and Southern Connecticut State University, Austin’s path took her to Bogota, Colombia, where she taught while her husband’s work kept the family on the move. It was during quiet Canadian winters, with her children napping, that she began carving out time to write, driven by a desire to counter the hopelessness she found in many novels with stories proclaiming, “God is good!” After years of juggling part-time teaching and raising three children, she took a leap in 1992, resigning to write full-time.
Lynn Austin’s Unforgettable Stories
Austin’s novels are a masterclass in blending historical settings with timeless themes of faith and resilience. Her Chronicles of the Kings series, starting with Gods and Kings, brings biblical history to life, following King Hezekiah’s trials with gripping detail inspired by her archaeological dig in Israel. Candle in the Darkness, part of the Refiner’s Fire trilogy, explores the Civil War through the eyes of a young woman grappling with loyalty and freedom, earning critical acclaim for its lush, character-driven prose. Hidden Places, a poignant tale of redemption set during the Great Depression, touched so many hearts it was adapted into a Hallmark Channel movie starring Shirley Jones. Austin’s latest, All My Secrets (2024), dives into New York’s Gilded Age, weaving a luminous family saga.
What sets Austin apart is her research. She pores over diaries, letters, and firsthand accounts to craft authentic characters—often strong heroines—who discover their strength through faith. Her writing style is atmospheric and richly detailed, with dashes of humor and romance that make her stories accessible to both Christian and mainstream readers. “I never start with a theme,” she says, “but let the Christian message fall into place,” ensuring her novels feel organic yet profound.
Why Lynn Austin Matters
Lynn Austin’s impact on Christian fiction is undeniable. With over 2.5 million books sold worldwide, she’s not just a storyteller but a beacon of hope. Her eight Christy Awards and induction into the Christy Award Hall of Fame in 2013 reflect her excellence, while her ability to craft relatable, psychologically deep characters has broadened the genre’s appeal. From inspiring readers to trust God through life’s hardships to shedding light on lesser-known historical moments, Austin’s work encourages reflection and resilience. Her stories remind us that, as she often says, “God loves us and will never forsake us.”
- Born: 1949
- Key Works: Gods and Kings, Candle in the Darkness, Hidden Places, All My Secrets
- Awards: Eight Christy Awards, Christy Award Hall of Fame (2013)
Ready to be swept away by Lynn Austin’s inspiring tales? Snag Candle in the Darkness and dive into her world of faith-filled historical fiction!