@godlessmom I recommend "Eifelheim" by Michael F. Flynn. It is primarily a story of alien first contact during the Black Plague in medieval Germany. It is fascinating and tragic and a great read. Religion is involved, due to the time period, but I didn't mind because it makes sense in the story. In some parts of the book you identify with (and understand) the aliens than with the humans! There is a small framing around the story, though, that takes place in the modern day which isn't as good.
brainfreeze