Michael R. Phillips is considered to be one of the most prolific Christian authors out there. He is well known as the author of the Shenandoah Sister book series and The Russians series of books.

Phillips considers himself to be a “spiritual offspring” of C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald. He was a big fan of the works of Victorian Scotsman George MacDonald. When he found out that they could be lost to history, he worked hard to get MacDonald’s novels, sermons, and poems republished. His work allowed MacDonald’s books to find a new generation of readers.

• Tracie Peterson
• Lynn Austin
• Tamera Alexander

The Crown and the Crucible is the first book in The Russians series that Phillips wrote with Judith Pella. The story takes place amid the turbulence of Russia in the pre-revolutionary times. The story follows two families whose lives becoming entwined. Anna Burenin leaves her village to work in the bigger city of St. Petersburg. While there she is thrust into the life of the spoiled princess, Katrina Fedorcenko. Anna’s life is changed by the young princess while Katrina finds herself influenced by the faith of Anna. As revolution brews, these two women face the prospect of their beloved country being torn apart.

Angels Watching Over Me is the first book in the Shenandoah Sisters series. The book follows two southern girls, the daughter of a slave and the daughter of a plantation owner. The two lose both of their families in the Civil War and find themselves brought together as they each try to make a life for themselves. They will need to learn to value each other’s strengths and how they can help one another, while also fight to keep body and soul together in the aftermath of war.