There are seasons that just seem to be made for curling up with a good book. Maybe for you it is winter time (like it is for me as I write this) and you’re curled up by a fire; or maybe it’s summer time and you’re enjoying time in the sunshine; or maybe it’s a season of your life when you need to take some time out. So, I’ve compiled a list of my best Christian books for women to help you fill your bookshelf or bedside table.
Some I have read, some I am in the middle of, and some are on my To Read list. I’ve divided them into four categories, and at the end of each category you can click on the image of the book to take you to the Amazon page. (And while we’re on the subject of Amazon, sign up now for Prime free for 30 days just in time for the special Prime Day deals starting on Monday!)
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Best Christian Books for Women
Books for Personal and Spiritual Development
I have to start with ‘Cultivate’ by Lara Casey as it played an integral part in starting this website. I came across the book last year after choosing Cultivate as my word for the year. Lara encourages her readers to embrace the ‘messy-ness’ of life instead of being overwhelmed by trying to do everything perfectly. Throughout the book she uses an analogy of gardening and I particularly like her descriptions of the seasons; how we should live in each season and what might be preventing us from moving to the next season. This inspired me to choose the word ‘Bloom’ for this year as I felt I was stuck in the planning stage of winter and needed to move into spring. I’m not sure how well I am doing with that, but this website is part of my desire/challenge to bloom!
Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend is a book I’ve been meaning to read for some time, and since it’s been sitting on my husband’s bookshelf for as long as I’ve known him I had no excuse! I’m about half way through it now and find it quite challenging (in a good way). Learn how to set boundaries in order to take responsibility and ownership of your life. Chapters include boundaries with your friends, family and yourself, and if you are needing more there are separate books dedicated to Boundaries with children, boundaries with teens, boundaries in marriage, and Boundaries for leaders.
Once I’ve got my boundaries sorted (!) next on my list is Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst. Lysa uses her personal experiences to deal with the issues of insecurity, loneliness and rejection from a Biblical perspective. I’m really looking forward to what she has to say about these issues.
I first heard Lisa Bevere speak at the SISTAS conference a few years ago and read her book, Without Rival, last year. Lisa addresses a problem common to many women – comparison. She empowers and inspires women to reject comparison and unhealthy competition by recognising their unique purpose and identity and that they are uniquely loved by God.
Inspiring Christian Fiction for Women
Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown is the first in a four part series – I’m currently reading book two. The series is based on four women who attend a spiritual retreat, and how their experiences at the retreat change their lives. Throughout the book the spiritual exercises they take part in are described in the book, so you can participate in them too, as well as reflecting on questions in the study guide.
Even if, like me, you’ve seen the movie, War Room and taken part in the Bible Study, I still recommend the book by Chris Fabre as there is more time to reflect on what is happening in the lives of the characters and the lessons they are learning about God and life.
My next recommendation is the Secret of the Rose series by Michael Phillips. There are four books in this series (book one in the series is pictured) about a German woman and American man who meet in Germany during the Second World War. I love Christian novels set in World War II Europe and have just found a lot more of Good Reads to add to my ‘to read’ list.
The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts is one on my ‘to read’ list. I was won over by the phrase ‘I’ll be talking about this book for years to come,’ in the Amazon review as that’s always a quality I look for in a book. The story of family loss and secrets centres around a black women and her Amish neighbour in small town Pennsylvania in the 1950’s.
Fiction based on Bible Characters
Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers is actually a compilation of five books in a series on biblical women – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bethsheba and Mary. Francine tells their extraordinary stories and how they played their parts in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Redeeming Love is also by Francine Rivers. This novel is not about Biblical characters (it is set in 1850’s California) but is based on the Biblical account of Hosea and is a great analogy of God’s love for us.
I loved the A.D. Chronicles series by Brock and Bodie Thoene, which is just as well because there are 12 books in the series! The books are set in first century Jerusalem and tell the stories of the people effected by the life and ministry of Jesus. I particularly enjoyed the fictional stories given to the characters who only appear briefly in Scripture (like Simon the leper), they made me think more about how we our lives are influenced by encounters with Jesus.
Next on my list is The Advocate by Randy Singer. Randy Singer is known as a writer of legal thrillers (I’ve read a few and I love them!) but in this novel he goes back to the time of Christ. The author takes us on a journey with a fictional Theophilus (the advocate). A journey that starts with his dismay at not being able to save Jesus at his trial and ends with him being charged with defending Paul at his. This book is packed with so much drama that I had to remind myself it was only one book and not a series.
If you are after more biblical fiction then check out this Ultimate Biblical Fiction Booklist with over 222 novels listed! I think I’ll be adding a few more to my wish list!
Biographies of Great Christian Women
Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom is the inspiring account of one family’s sacrifice as they defy their Nazi invaders and help Jews and underground workers to escape. Corrie’s love for others and devotion to God will inspire and challenge you.
Joni: An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eareckson Tada was one of the first Christian books I read. At age 17 Joni’s life changed forever when she was paralysed from the neck down in a diving accident. In her autobiography she tells of her struggles and ultimate triumphs with accepting her situation.
Through the Shadowlands by Brian Sibley is the non-fiction account of the lives of author C S Lewis and his wife Joy Davidman. The story tells of their coming together despite their very different backgrounds, and the testing of their faith in times of struggle and death.
Let me be a Women by Elisabeth Elliot is another book on my ‘to read’ list. I’m not sure that it really falls in the ‘biography’ category, but I was interested in reading more about, and by, Elisabeth Elliot and this book caught my attention. Here’s what Amazon has to say: ‘Working from Scripture, well-known speaker and author Elisabeth Elliot shares her observations and experiences in a number of essays on what it means to be a Christian woman, whether single, married, or widowed.’
I hope you find something to add to your reading list from this selection. Do you have any favourite Christian books for women you would like to recommend? Let me know in the comments.
