Ten Must Read Christian Books for Women

Besides the Bible, what ONE Christian book do you think every Christian woman should read?

I asked this question on my Facebook page recently and was floored by the responses. You can read other’s responses here for the best Christian books for women but today I’d like to share my 10 “must read” books for Christian women, the books EVERY Christian woman should read.

Books have changed my life. Truly. There are a few best Christian books that I consider essential reading. They have all changed me in some profound way.

Although I would like to be able to list them in order of “profoundness,” I, of course, cannot. So here they are pretty much in random order.

P.S. I welcome you to share your top Christian books for women recommendations in the comments! Lots of good Christian book suggestions in the comments section below! You can also read about my favorite books on prayer or ten of the best summer reads.

 

 

10 Best Christian Books for Women:

Has there been a particular book that has changed your life? These are 10 books that I feel are essential for every Christian woman to read. Click through to read ten must read Christian books for women.

 

1. The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun

My husband and I met Bro. Yun in passing one day in a parking lot. Imagine that. At the time, we had no idea who he was. Jackson turned to me afterwards and said, “I felt the presence of God in that man like I’ve never felt before. Did you feel the same thing?!”

About a year later, we saw this man’s face on his book and knew.

I would describe Bro. Yun as one “poor in spirit.” We know what scripture says about those. And reading through this book? Can I just say that reading through it is amazing, convicting, profound, faith building, and life changing. You will not regret reading this book. That’s a guarantee.

 

2. Redeeming Love

Admission: I’m not much of a fiction fan. I can’t remember the last time I read a fictional book but Francine Rivers? And this particular title? Oh my goodness, it truly is a must read, fiction or not. Francine tells the story of Angel, a young girl sold into prostitution and hardened by years of abuse.

But then an upright and kind farmer marries her and redeems her from the life of a prostitute. He gives her a chance for a new life.

Nice ending, right? Not so fast. She stays for awhile, then leaves him to return to prostitution. Repeatedly.  Until finally, she runs so far that Michael Hosea can’t possibly find her.

But God does.

My guarantee with this book? It will open your heart and show you God’s love for you… and unless you’re a brick wall will move you to tears in doing so.

 

3. One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

Is there any one who hasn’t read this book? Just in case that person exists, I’ll give a quick summary: Childhood of grief. Doubted God. Wooed back.  Marked by Grace. Challenged to give thanks. Invitation accepted. Life changed. Told in a riveting, poetical way.

I believe Ann delivers a God-given message in this book. I know I’m enriched for reading it.

 

4. Transforming Grace: Living Confidently in God’s Unfailing Love

Have you ever had mediocre expectations starting a new book only to be absolutely blown away by how God shows up and moves you through it? That’s what happened to me while reading this book. Particularly when I read Bridges description of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20) and the skill he used to describe the grace based system God operates on. It isn’t often that I cry reading a non-fiction book, LOL! But I did on this one. It’s that moving.

 

5. Lies Women Believe: And the Truth that Sets Them Free

Two things stand out about this book. First, the simple truth that we women are susceptible to believe lies while thinking they are truth.

Not only are we susceptible to being deceived,  it is probable if we aren’t carefully examining the messages we are hearing. Until reading this book, I had never really questioned any of my internal dialogue. Never questioned what I’d been taught in church. Never questioned what others said about me. Never questioned my internal chatter. I never realized that I was probably, in some way, listening to lies.

This book changed all that.

The second thing about this book is Nancy’s ability to pin point and state common lies we believe as women. She has done so much legwork in helping us identify common darts of the enemy (who is out to deceive us.) He’s been doing it a long time~ it started with Eve in the garden. This is a book you’ll appreciate more with time and will mark, underline, and dog-ear.

Books have a unique way to alter the trajectory of a life. I've compiled this list of essential reading for every Christian woman. Click through to read ten must read Christian books for women

 

6. Shame Interrupted: How God Lifts the Pain of Worthlessness and Rejection

Speaking of lies, many of the lies I’m prone to believe are in some way related to/ produce shame.  I am very susceptible to false shame and think many women are. When shame has it’s nasty tentacles deep in your spirit, you don’t need some humanistic “You’re good enough!” message piped into your ears day in and day out. I know our current Christian culture loves to give these empty accolades and tells us to just believe these pithy little statements about ourselves and we’ll be okay.

But as one who really struggles with the sinful temptation to listen to shame and let it silence me, I can say that many of the messages we hear are fluff. They are empty. They are devoid of any power to truly slay the spiritual force of darkness behind ungodly shame… and there is a godly shame, by the way, the sort that leads to repentance and cleansing.

This book by Ed Welch gave me solid biblical truth to deal with shame, both the godly kind and the ungodly kind. It gave me truth to know how to differentiate between the two. It is not a quick gloss-over message to just love yourself because you are great (Whee, smiles, hooplah!!!) Rather, it is solid truth rooted in the work and words of Jesus. 

Now that’s a weapon we can do some business with.

 

7. Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

I know what you’re thinking and yes, really. Sometimes we can get so bogged down by life and by our own issues (like shame, lol) that we forget to enjoy simple things … like kid’s books and Dr. Seuss and snuggles on the couch with our favorite people.

And sometimes a kid’s book can be therapeutic. This particular one is a favorite because of it’s message. It reminds me that there WILL be hard things in life. There WILL be times of great loneliness and times of facing my deepest fears. There will be hangups and mess ups and dark alleys and long stretches. There WILL be times of waiting…and waiting.

But Truth still stands and truth is, Jesus has Overcome. As Dr. Seuss says, “Kid, you’ll move mountains.” And not because Dr. Seuss says so, either. Because Jesus says so and He’s bigger. And just in case that isn’t enough for you, check out this scripture from Isaiah 41:15.

So this little book reminds me of great spiritual truth and does it in a delightful, colorful way. Yes, I recommend reading it and letting it remind you of Truth… especially with a little one in your lap.

 

8. Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart (The Knights of Arrethtrae)

So Chuck Black writes for young adults but a little secret? His writing is riveting for all ages. My younger kids enjoy his books and my husband and I do too.

We first listened to this book on dramatized audio while taking a road trip. No one wanted to stop for bathroom or lunch breaks!! Now that’s an idea for saving money while trekking across the US!

Chuck has a way of using story to communicate deep spiritual truths. What I found so profound about this particular book is the topic of self-doubt. We all struggle with it to varying degrees and Chuck does an incredible job of showing how we are trained to battle it through the Word of God. I highly recommend this book… and if you can’t tolerate the idea of reading through a YA fiction book, get the audio version. Drama at it’s best!

 

9.What’s So Amazing About Grace?

I was undoubtedly late to the party on this one. I wasn’t interested in reading this book until God began to transform my rigid, moral, legalistic version of Christianity with taste after taste of His grace. And no, I had no idea I was rigid and legalistic! Then this book ran free on Kindle. Yep, you guessed it. I grabbed it, started to read it and ended up devouring it.

This book gives glimpse after beautiful glimpse of God’s Amazing Grace. If your soul needs healing from religion, this book is balm for your soul.

 

10. Daily Light on the Daily Path

Maybe this one sort of doesn’t count? I don’t know, I’ll let you decide. This book has a morning and evening scripture compilation reading. Each one is only a couple paragraphs long and the content is pulled from all over the Bible. This one little book has perhaps ministered to me most out of all books other than the Bible itself. I guess that is to be expected since it is the Word of God, just in a different format.

See the full list of these ten must read Christian books for women.

Okay, that’s it for now (although there are many more I love!) Tell us what Christian books for women you would recommend every woman read?

 

 

 

 

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213 Comments

  1. OH!!!! I had forgotten about The Heavenly Man and Redeeming Love!! Am getting up from here now to go pull those two off the shelf to reread, right after I write the rest of these down on my wish list! :)

  2. Redeeming Love and One Thousand Gifts are both my favorite books. I don’t read much fiction these days but Francine Rivers has a way of writing that always, always speaks so much into my heart and soul. The same one with One Thousand Gifts, I cried while reading it and it definitely changed my life. Ann Voskamp has a way with words that always holds such beauty and grace, though.

    I read Nancy Leigh DeMoss’s books Surrender and Holiness a while back and those two bumped up on my list of favorite books easily. They speak of such important topics in a way that not only made me want more of these two, but also gave the ways how to pursue these.

  3. I’m probably the only person who has NOT read 1000 Gifts. Just not a fan of the author. I do love Oh the Places You’ll go, though. Perhaps that says something about my mental aptitude??? Redeeming Love was A-MAZING!! I need to check out some of the others. Thanks for the list. Popped in from Grace & Truth!

    1. Leah, I love you! I haven’t read One-Thousand Gifts either, but I was starting to quote the Dr. Seuss book! Thanks for the smile! Arabah, I have heard so many good things about the majority of this list. I really need to start reading books more often and not just commentaries and encyclopedias! Nerd alert!

  4. Wow, Arabah, this list is awesome. I thought I was an avid reader but I’ve only read #3 on your list. Gotta check out the others. Thanks for sharing on Grace & Truth linkup.

  5. Great list! I haven’t read many of these. Oh, the Places You’ll Go is one of my favorites though. :D
    I’d have to say Unmending the Veil by Lisa Heaton is a must-read for any woman, Christian or not. It’s simply incredible. You have to read it, Arabah. It’s fiction, but you can overlook it!

    1. I agree with you, Jenn about Unmending the Veil. I read it this spring. It is very moving and gets you thinking.

  6. I’m glad to see a children’s book on the list! I’m looking forward to getting through a couple of these this year – thanks for sharing with us at Grace & Truth!

  7. I love your choices, my friend. You mention a few that I’ve not yet read! #5 would make my own “Top 10” list…maybe even top 5. :) I’m glad you linked this up at G&T this week.

    1. This book was very life changing for me. Not just in over coming an anxious heart ( still working on that one, but now I have the tools) but also setting life/eternal goals.

    2. Was this a good book? I have really bad anxiety. I have attacks a lot. I need to read books that help with getting my anxiety under control.

  8. The Shack by William P. Young is so awesome. It truly ministered to me about how I think and relate to God and was an amazing read.

    1. Yes! I was wondering if anyone would mention this one! I give my life to Jesus over and over again after I read this book! It always gives my spirit a refreshing!

  9. I am so with you on “Redeeming Love.” Can’t remember how many times I’ve read it. “Hinds Feet on High Places” by Hannah Hurnard is a must-read for me every couple of years. Its a wonderful picture of how sorrow and suffering are taken by the Lord and used to transform us into the women He created us to be. Also I love “Trusting God Even When Life Hurts” by Jerry Bridges. He is not afraid to deal with the very, very difficult issues. Thank you for your list; I have some reading to do!

    1. Hinds Feet on High places is amazing and ministered to me so much. I got it for my friend for her birthday and she loved it too. One book that really challenged me was The Way of Agape by Nancy Missler. A must read. It challenges your entire concept of love and really helps you see how God’s love is so far and beyond ours and challenges us to love with God’s love. Its also quite practical, and full of the Scriptures which I like. :)

      1. Hinds feet in high places is probably my all time favourite book. I haven’t come across anyone else who has read it!! Thank you!! Corrie Ten Boom is another wonderful author.

      2. Hinds Feet was life changing for me at the age of 18. If I can remember back that far. I have a stash of Hannah Hurnard books, given to me by my grandmother, I should dust them off and get reading.

      3. The Way of Agape is wonderful. I’d forgotten how much it had helped me, and is a wonderful guide for marriage.

      4. Hinds feet on high places is lovely – do you know the sequel Mountains of spices? It’s thought provoking. Some books I love reading ( out of the many) ‘Raining in the mountains’, biography of J.O. Fraser, ‘Holy War’ , John Bunyan, and ‘Land of the Blue Burqas’ (forgot the writer’s name). And I like reading Roald Dahl ; )

    2. Hinds Feet on High Places opened my eyes to the never-ending need to lay down those things that entangle me and block my desire to be with the Shepherd in the place He wants us to be.

  10. I am adding new books to my reading list now. Thanks! :)

    Daily Light was a family favorite all my growing up years. After dinner, my Dad pulled it out and read aloud verses, just like my Grandpa did before him. There’s something about the way they are arranged that tugs my heart every time.

    “The Hiding Place” is one of my absolute favorites.

  11. Glad to have some books to add to me reading list!

    I would say my must read is Captivating by John and Staci Eldridge.

    1. yes, Captivating changed my life–that is not hyperbole! I cried during the introduction; God used it to transform me at a very tender and crucial time of life.

      1. I agree… May need to re read. In fact, for a virtual non reader craving to read again, I’m surprised to see that I currently own 2 of these, am reading one, and have heard of most others! Encouraged that I’m not that far out of the loop.

    2. Captivating is terrific. Especially helpful to correct our interpretation of how the Lord sees us as women …

  12. I have not read any of these books, but I am going to add them to my list of ‘must reads’.
    My addition would be Max Lucado’s book, ‘You Are Special’. It is geared towards children, but I certainly think it could be applied to anyone, especially women. I grew up, like so many other women, thinking I had to be like everyone else, in order to be liked. We women compare ourselves to other women and think they are better than us. Well, this book showed me that God loves me as who I am and that I don’t have to be like anyone else. It makes me cry EVERY time I read it to my children. I enjoy all of Max Lucado’s children’s books, they all speak volumes! His adult books are wonderful too!!

  13. Your list is awesome, a few of my favorites are on there. Redeeming Love was hard to read but I am so encouraged by the story of Hosea that I pushed through.
    We are huge Chuck Black fans. If you can, get the audios, they are AMAZING.
    In His Steps is top on my list and Rees Howells: Intercessor is a close 2nd, with Stepping Heavenward close to that. I can read them over and over, which is not something I do often.
    I also live Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling Devotional.

    Great list!
    :)Dawn

    1. Stepping Heavenward! YES! I bought multiple copies and started handing them out to my mom-friends. It literally changed how I view motherhood and life. It would definitely be in my top 10 books as well as my top five. (And it would be the first one I share on both lists.)

      If I could suggest everyone read just one more book it would be “Intimacy With the Almighty” by Chuck Swindoll. If you ever want a personal encounter with the life giving God we serve – savor and chew on every word-morsel of this book. It’s one I return to again and again.

  14. The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller. It’s a short, but powerful read.

  15. If you enjoyed Chuck Black, you would love the Dragon Keeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul. She uses a well-crafted fantasy story to tell a wonderful Christian analogy….more or less an analogy. I read these as an adult and learned loads about my Christian faith. The dialog and actions of the characters clarified things I didn’t even know I was unclear on. These books have touched my life immeasurably. I highly recommend this series.

  16. I have read a few of the above mentioned…absolutely love reading Francine Rivers especially Her Mothers Hope and Her Daughters Dream spanning over about 4 generations. After that I read the trilogy on the Mark of the Lion. This past year I finished a devotional called HOPE by Nancy Guthrie and I would recommend it highly. This will be a devotional that you will buy for others, especially friend who need hope and comfort in life. Thanks everyone for sharing…I’ve made a future book list and I just ordered two on Amazon:) Happy Reading!

    1. Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers are my favorite books. My husband read them too. Wonderful fiction!

      Bodie and Brock Thoene – The Galway series are good books too.

    2. Francine River has some older nonfiction works that are worth investigating. My favorite is The Cloister Walk.

  17. I loved seeing what you put on your list- especially since so many of the books you listed are also books that have ministered to me in special ways (so jealous that you met Brother Yun!). I was thrilled to see some that I hadn’t heard of before (I have no problem reading young adult literature and will be looking up Sir Dalton on my Kindle when I finish here). There is no way to put down here just one book that I would recommend to other Christian women (I wouldn’t even be able to narrow the list to 10!) as there are just so many. However, Chronicles of Narnia (I know, I know, that’s more than one book) would be up there towards the top.

  18. Can I add to your list Working From A Place Of Rest by Tony Horsfall. I think it has changed my life as a christian woman a d my perspective on how I live and how actually its not Gods plan for us to be manicly busy! That we need to have margins and work from a place of rest.

    1. I haven’t read any of the books on the list but they all sound very interesting. I will be adding them to my books-to-read list. I am married and have been married for almost 5 years now. The books I would like to recommend is Understanding the Purpose and Power of Woman by Dr. Myles Munroe. It has helped me greatly in understanding myself as a woman, as a wife and learning about my purpose. The other book is Total Forgiveness by R. T. Kendall. As I was dealing with many hurts from many different people in my life this book has opened my eyes to a freedom and peace I longed for for such a long time. Thank you Arabah for the list!!

  19. Hannah Hurnard- Hind’s Feet on High Places is absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend it. I pull out my well loved copy to read again every few years.

  20. I remember when we didn’t have any Christian bookstores, just a couple of Christian shelves in secular bookstores, but life was more Christian then and is more secular now–just an observation. My aunt frequented the Christian shelf in the local bookstore and introduced me to Elisabeth Elliot, Catherine Marshall, and Corrie ten Boom when their works were first published. For Elisabeth, I would begin with Through Gates of Splendour. Catherine’s most popular book was Beyond Ourselves, but I was more deeply moved by Something More: In Search of a Deeper Faith. If you’re not going to read these women, you should at least know about them. They were pioneers! As for Corrie, read anything and everything by Corrie ten Boom.

  21. One of my favorite novels is The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers. This novel tells of how God uses us in unimaginable ways. Reading this novel helped open my eyes that when we listen and open our hearts to Gods truth and Gods will, unexplainable things happen for the better. This novel has helped me realize that when we truly listen to God and his instruction he blesses us beyond comprehension in our lives, earthly and spiritually. I could go on and on about this novel, it truly is a great read and I’d recommend it for any age group.

  22. Progressive and Religous: How Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Buhhdist Leaders are Moving Beyond Partisan Politics and Transforming American Public Life byRobert P. Jones

    1. Thank you for sharing this. Have you read “You don’t have to be wrong for me to be right”. A very thoughtful book.

  23. A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George and The Power of A Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian

  24. I think everyone…I really do mean every.one. should own and read “The Jesus Storybook Bible” by Sallye Lloyd-Jones.

    Ok…this is more than one, but I love Kelly Minter’s — The Fitting Room and her memoir “Wherever the River Runs”.

  25. As a child, “Heidi,”made a big impression on me with its strong message of faith. As a teen, “The Seven Storey Mountain,” was the next book along my faith journey. My final choice would be, “The Life of the Beloved,” by Nouwen.

    1. I just read Nouwen’s book about discernment. I love his bold willingness to Expose his own weaknesses and the work involved in moving towards that dependence and trust in God as the source of guidance in life.

  26. Great list. Several have spoken into my life and I’ll have to check out the others. Thanks for the list and descriptions.

    I recommend “Beside Still Waters” by Charles Spurgeon as a must read. Even just one page could take you through weeks of thought. Excerpts from his sermons that challenge the mind and have led my mind and soul to the Lord, especially in physically challenging seasons.

  27. One book that I think all Christian women should read is Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge! I absolutely loved it and I found so many times that I would be reading and thinking, “Ohhh, I understand myself a little better now” or “That’s why as a woman I do/think the things that I do!”. Very insightful.

  28. I would highly recommend Costly Grace by Jon Walker. It is a life-changing book, and really challenges you to live out your faith as God intends us to do. It was a difficult read because I felt so convicted with each chapter!

  29. Thanks for the list of books to read. There are a few books I would like to read. My choice would be ‘I Dared To Call Him Father’ by Begum Bilquis Shiekh. I couldn’t put the book down!

    1. Exactly what I wanted to recommend! Very good book to accept that Jesus got you out of the dirt and made you a royal child of God!

    1. Yes, I agree. And, his book “Heaven” is the result of his many years reading and researching on the topic. It had me in tears many times…

    2. Randy Alcorn has written profoundly good books on the issue of abortion that every Christian should read.

  30. Four books that transformed my life are:
    1) Quaker Summer by Lisa Sampson
    2) Crazy Love by Francis Chan
    3) Radical by David Platt
    4) Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret
    We downsized to an RV and have lived a much simpler life!

    1. Lisa Sampson has so many great books – Quaker Summer and Embrace Me being two of the most powerful and thought provoking fiction books I’ve ever read.

    2. Loved Quaker Summer! Big fan of Lisa Sampson. Also, really loved Reclaiming Your Heart by Denise Hildreth Jones. Reading Awe by Paul David Tripp right now…so good!

  31. I would most definitely suggest every woman read “Created to be His Helpmeet” at least one time. This book helped me in so much. I also love, love love ” Redeeming Love”. Thank you for asking.

  32. finding spiritual whitespace- Bonnie Gray is space to see His work– and Shaped by the WORD- Mulholland is transforming. I have my reading list on Pinterest- Connie Denninger- Soul Tending Reading. You are welcome to view my reading log there

  33. THANKYOU FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL SITE.
    I CANT SEPARATE BETWEEN THE TWO FAVOURITE BOOKS THAT HAVE TRULY IMPACTED MY LIFE.
    “WAR ON THE SAITS” BY JESSIE PENN LEWIS
    IS FIRST. THIS BOOK SHOWED ME THE WAY OUT OF
    CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME AND IN PART AN EATING DIS ORDER. YOU WILL NEED THE ORIGINAL EDITION WHICH IS THE FULL TEXT UNABRIDGED VERSION (THE ONE WITH THE IMPORTANT CHARTS)
    MY FRIEND WHO SUFFERED FROM SEVERE
    PARANOID SCHIZOPHENIA WAS SHOWN THE WAY OUT LARGELY THROUGH THIS BOOK. BEFORE SHE DIED IN 2006 SHE SAID THERE IS NO NEED FOR ME TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT HOW TO COME OUT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA BECAUSE THEY HAVE THIS BOOK
    THE OTHER BOOK IS “RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT” BY WATCHMAN NEE I COULD WRITE MUCH ABOUT THIS BOOK ALSO, BUT DONT WANT TO MAKE MY POST TOO LENGTHY.

  34. I just finished an amazing book that I recommend every woman read. It is called Restless by Jennie Allen. She helps you understand your place and calling from God and why we feel restless in our current places.

  35. Dear AJ and all you other ladies
    Thank you for all your suggestions.
    I like
    1. “Knowledge of the Holy by AW Tozer.
    Also Two pamphlets
    2. My Heart-Christ’s Home by Robert Boyd Munger
    3. Born To Reproduce (Illustrated) by Dawson E. Trotman )
    vky

  36. I wouldn’t recommend Redeaming Love. Having read the book, it is way to graphic in the sexual scenes. I felt “dirty” after reading it. This would be a good book without the sex images. DO NOT recommend! I was disappointed to see it on the list.

    1. I was so relieved to see this response here. I couldn’t finish this book for the very reasons you listed. It read like soft porn to me. I understand the metaphor, but felt the author overstated her case. The Bible gives us real people and real sin, no whitewash, and I will take my lead from there, not fiction books. Read Hosea! In light of all the false and humanistic Christianity in our culture, I am very vigilant about what i allow in my mind and heart.

      Books that have had an impact, after the Bible: anything by John Piper or David Platt, J.I. Packer’s “Knowing God,” Lysa Tuerkest (sp?) “Unglued.” I also love Stormie Omartian’s book for daily prayer over your husband. It’s very Biblical and covers pretty much every area he needs prayer for. Great book!

      1. Nola, I appreciate your perspective and definitely understand where you are coming from. This book may not be appropriate for some. However, I have found for some- those who have been sexually abused especially- this book can powerfully communicate to a jaded part of a woman’s spirit. I’m glad you are not jaded and you guard your heart and mind. Some of us had our hearts and minds brutally filled with evil against our will at a very young age. This story has helped paint a picture of redemption to many such women. Christ came to seek and to save the lost and Paul became all things to all people so that he might win some. This book enters into some of that mess and I have no doubt it is a tool that reaches certain women with the message of hope in Christ. Thanks for your comment!

  37. I agree with so many of the books mentioned in the comments above! But I’m going to recommend my recent release, One More Step: Finding Strength When You Feel Like Giving Up. Because when God works in your life and gives you a message to share, it’s impossible not to ask folks to read it! It feels miraculous to have made it through the publishing process! ;) Thanks for this list- I’m going to mark several for future reference!

  38. Great list! The biggest game changer book for me, other than the Bible, was “For Woman Only” by Shaunti Feldhahn. In fact, I’ve taught the class 3 times and each time I do I am reminded of the great importance of our marriage relationships. Great and easy read!

  39. I am going to explore several on your list. I would add C.S. Lewis “The Great Divorce” and “The Screwtape Letters”. More recently, Keller’s “The Reason for God”.

  40. The best Christian fiction book ever is “Redeeming Love.” As far as nonfiction, Watchman Nee is fabulous. I especially enjoyed “The Breaking of the Outer Man and the Release of the Spirit.”

  41. Ok….love the list….and a lot of the recommendations shared by your readers. I have been deeply touched by the wonderful “AD Chronicles” by Brock and Bodie Thoene. Yes, it is a series; that said, I’m currently working my way through them and I feel that I am steadily gaining a “being there” perspective on the life and times of our Beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. With Brock’s unmatched historical research and Bodie’s imaginative mastery of storytelling, I feel as if I’m reading the Gospels anew and falling more and more in love with our Limitless God!!! Happy Reading!!!

  42. I would like to include Lynn Austin’s 5 book series, The Chronicles of the Kings. These books helped me understand the Old Tesament and the how people lived at that time better than any other books I’ve read! Everyone I’ve recommended these books to, men and women, has loved them. I love your list, too.

  43. Secrets of the Secrrt Place by Bob Sorge. Anything by Corey Russel from IHOP KC. 7 Longungs if the Human Heart by Mike Bickle (any of his books are great). Def The Heavenly Man- Brother Yuhn. He’s come to our church truce in the past couple years. A truly Anointed, Loving, man of God. That book wrecked me for weeks!!

  44. “The Best Yes” By Lysa Terkeurst is about making wise decisions in the midst of endless demands. I believe this book is essential for every christian, male or female. It helped me so much when I was struggling with anxiety and people pleasing. I was overwhelmed and exhausted mentally, emotionally, physically and tapped out spiritually. It was a perfect timing for me. It is even a little humorous. We definitely need to laugh on this journey also.

  45. The Shepherds Look at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller
    It changed the way I looked at Jesus as our shepherd. I try to read it every year.

  46. Thanks for this list! I’m gonna check out 1000 Gifts. Even some I saw in the comments sound great. Thanks everyone!
    A few of my favorites are The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers. Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy. And Safely Home by Randy Alcorn. I feel like if you enjoyed “the heavenly man” you’d like Safely Home as well.

    1. I am so blessed by this list and all the recommendations! My most life impacting books have been:
      AW Tozer’s Pursuit of God
      Dietrich Bonhoffer (sp?) Cost of Discipleship and “Bonhoffer” the biography
      Agape Love and Be ye Transformed by Nancy Missler
      On marriage : Debbie Pearl’s Help Meet and Francis and Lisa Pearl’s Sacred Marriage- You and Me Together in the light of Eternity
      I just read Nancy Pearcy’s Total Truth. It was terrific!

  47. “Evidence Not Seen” and “The Hiding Place” are tied for my top two. Both books about WWII aren’t really about the war so much as they are about how the Lord worked in the author’s lives through the war.

    Heavenly Man was an excellent read – just don’t give up if the beginning seems a bit slow. I’ve also not read 1,000 Gifts, but I really should since it comes so highly recommended.

  48. I love this post. I’ve bookmarked them and will add them to my kindle soon. :)

    The one book that I recommend for everyone is Crazy Love by Francis Chan. This book brought me back to Jesus when I was suffering from depression and chasing after ungodly relationships. I also recommend any books by David Platt (he asks the hard questions, which we need)

  49. I love “In His Steps” by Charles Monroe Sheldon, “Four Girls at Chautauqua” by Isabella Alden, The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyon, “Stepping Heavenward” by Elizabeth Prentiss and “Ester Ried” by Isabella Alden. I haven’t read any on your list but will have to!

  50. This is very helpful! Thanks so much!
    I haven’t read any of them apart from 1000 gifts …
    I highly recommend “When God writes your love story” By Eric and Leslie Ludy :) It’s worth a read!!

  51. I don’t see my favorite read and reread and highly recommends: The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith, Prayer by O. Hallesby, and the Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee. Life changers all. I also heartily endorse the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. Oh for the heart of a Hadassah.

  52. May I add to your list a couple of suggestions from my little library? One book is called “The Bait of Satan” by John Bevere. No kidding here, it changed the way I view getting offended. It has stayed with me for nearly 15 years now, and I can honestly say my walk with Christ is better because I read this book. And, along those same lines I’d recommend Kerry Kirkwood ~ the Power of Blessing. This one took me a couple of pages to get involved in, but when I did take careful stock of my words issued forth from my mouth… well, lets just say I had some confessing to do. Thank God He has gifted so many wonderful writers, and we have access to such wonderful helps.

  53. For any woman who has ever miscarried their baby, ‘Heaven is for Real’ is a very comforting book which I believe leads to healing.

  54. I suggest The autobiography of Darlene Diebler Rose, called Evidence Not Seen. Powerful real story of God’s provision and sovereignty in a world turned upside down. I love Christian fiction of all kinds, but there is just something about having real-life Christian heroes. I recommend every Christian woman read this book. It is life-changing!

  55. I have to admit I haven’t read this book yet! Which isn’t surprising if you could see my bookshelf for my books as it overflows onto the floor. But this book is the next one I am going to read and you might find (as the book says) yourself falling in love with One who changed everything.
    It’s called “52 WEEKS WITH JESUS” and yes it is a book that takes you on a year long study of Jesus and getting to know him better than you ever have before. The author is James Merritt, PhD. Andy Stanley says “A year-long journey to experience the most important person in history.” And it’s 248 pages long, not very long but there is quite a bit of study in it. If anyone has already ready it please let me know how you felt about it.

  56. Jesus Feminist! Such a great book. Makes you think and get back to the basics of why you became a Christian to begin with…Jesus!

  57. A book that I always go back to is “Come Away My Beloved” by Frances Roberts. It’s written in a way that makes you feel that the Lord Himself is speaking to you. I recommend it to everyone.

  58. My favorite books (aside from the bible of course) are; 1) The Shack (William P. Young) 2) God’s Armor Bearer (Terry J. Nance)
    [[ALL The Power of Prayer books written by Stormie Omartian]]
    3) The Power of a Praying Wife, 4) The Power of a Praying Woman 5)The Power of Praying Together 6) The power of Prayer 7) Letter to My Daughters (Maya Angelou) 8) Rules of Engagement (Dr. Cindy Trimm) 9) Chicken Soup *all of them* (multiple authors) 10) Divine Revelation (All of them written by Mary K. Baxter)

  59. Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard . An allegory… Poetical, dreamy and deeply reveals a passionate connection with how God moves in our lives. Give it a shot. I was captivated within the first 2 pages.

  60. My recommendation for women who would like to be in ministry but feel it’s a sin is Why Not Women by Loren Cunningham and David Joel Hamilton. I also agree with your selection, What’s So Amazing About Grace by Phillip Yancey.

  61. Thank you for this list! I ordered 2 of these books. I have already read a couple of them. I agree that Ann Voskamp’s 1000 Gifts is a must read! I also was blown away by her full color book “Unwrapping the Greatest Gift”.

  62. Fervent by Priscilla Shiver. Hands down most life changing book (other than scripture) I’ve ever read. It’s about praying God’s Word. It’s extremely powerful.

  63. AJ I loved Redeeming Love so much I read it twice and would read it again! God is so amazing he can use all kinds of genres to speak to us including children’s books! I love Dr Seuss and love reading YA!
    One book I read recently was Praying the Bible by Donald S Whitney. This book was life changing especially in my prayer life where I was struggling so deeply! God has used this book to remind me of the power of praying HIS truth!

  64. “After the Locusts” by Jan Coleman. This book has helped me while walking through several years of trials. The book reinforces the scripture from Joel 2:25 that declares that God will restore the years of the locusts. It’s filled with stories of other women that walked through years of turbulent times and how God restored them and brought about good through their pain.

  65. I would recommend; Heaven by Randy Alcorn, Revelation, by Tim LaHaye, Atonement Child by Francine Rivers. Favorite children’s book, The Little House, by Virginia Burton.

  66. Passion and purity, let me be a woman & mark of a man by elisabeth Elliot
    not my will by francena arnold

  67. Stepping Heavenward is ficition which I don’t ever read bc I don’t really enjoy, but Elizabeth Prentiss writes this like a journal & you will get swept in & think it is true! Thanks for all the book recommendations. Merry Christmas to you!

  68. Loved Redeeming Love! The Prayer Box, by Lisa Wingate is right up there as another a fabulous read!! 31 Days of Praise and The Perfect Love by Ruth Myers are two must reads! You will want to reread 31 Days of Praise each month!! The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer!! There are so many books to share!! And yes, Calm My Anxious Heart is also one of my favotites!

  69. Very good list! I would add “Little Woman”, by Louisa May Alcott, and “Before you meet prince charming”, by Sarah Mally.

  70. Hello,
    I was wondering if you could recommend a book. I have a friend that I have known for about 35 years now. She isn’t a strong believer in Christ, even though I have witnessed to her over all of these years. I pray for her continuously. She has gone from one bad relationship to another and never been married. She does have two beautiful daughters about to hit the pre-teen years. She didn’t have the best home life, although she is close to her father, her mother and her don’t get along. In almost every relationship she gives herself over immediately and these boys, (I saw boys, because they don’t have much integrity), take advantage of her. She just turned 40 and I know she is ready for a lifetime partner. She just found another guy and has only been dating him for a couple of weeks. I so want her to find someone that she can share her life with and be there for her girls. Unfortunately, I live half way across the country and that makes it very hard to talk with her. I was wondering if you could recommend a book that could lead her to Salvation and help her in finding joy in Him before him? I know this is probably a lot to ask for, but if you don’t ask how will you know.

    Thank you and God bless,
    L

  71. The Patchwork Heart: After my first heartbreak, it helped me to have the courage to keep a tender heart, still capable of being vulnerable, rather than closing off the world in bitterness.

  72. its son funny you put Dr Seuss I’m reading ‘all the places to go how will you know’ and John Ortberg talks about that book. I’m loving it and highly recommend it

  73. Thank you Arabah for recommending those books.
    The book i really loved is “Faith like potatoes”by Angus Buchan. It is the story of a farmer who puts his life in the hands of God and trusts him so much. He has seen miracles happening in his life.

  74. Loved reading your list and all the comments of recommendations! Here are just a few of my favorites:
    1. Ministry in the Image of God- Stephen Seamands
    2. Instruments in the redeemers hands- Paul David Tripp
    3. Uninvited- Lysa Turkuerst
    4. When Godly people do ungodly things- Beth Moore
    5. Hope Heals- Jay and Katherine Wolf
    6. Courageous Faith- Dr. Charles Stanley
    7. A place of healing- Joni Ericksen Tada

  75. Watchman Nee’s “The Normal Christian Life” and “The Normal Christian Church Life” as well as “The Glorious Church” or even “Sit, Walk, Stand.”

  76. One essential book is by Elizabeth George “A Woman After God’s Own Heart”
    I love her practical ideas about how to be a godly wife, mother, friend, and mentor.

  77. I have not read any of these books except Oh, The Places you’ll Go. I just finished reading a Billy Graham book called,
    Answers To Life’s Problems. Another one of his books that I go to a lot is called The Journey, Living by Faith in an Uncertain World. Our family has been going through a lot of difficulty the past 8 1/2 years and these books and of course my Bible has been the arm of Christ holding me up as a wife, Mother and grandmother. I am going to look for numbers 5 and 6 on your list and read them. Thank you for this amazing list.

  78. Thanks for the terrific list and all the other suggestions sent in! The book I recommend over and over is “The Pursuit of Holiness” by Jerry Bridges. Second only to my Bible, this book, in my opinion, is life changing. I also really appreciated “Women of the Word” by Jen Wilkin.

  79. Pain through Suffering by Elisabeth Elliot
    Loving God with All your Mind by Elisabeth George
    and Yes on 1.000 gifts!

  80. All the books I’ve read on this list are in my top ten too! I’ll have to check out the others!

    I’ve loved “Rees Howell: Intercessor” – similar in nature to Heavenly Man.

    A Praying Life is one of my staple books that I recommend to everyone. So good.

    And lastly, “Do What Jesus Did,” by Robby Dawkins.

    Thanks for sharing!

  81. I know you only chose 10 books but I was still shocked to not see this book on the list because every woman should read it, in my opinion. Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer by, Priscilla Shirer. This book is based on the amazing movie, “War Room” (if you haven’t seen it, you absolutely need to! I promise it’ll be your favorite movie) and it teaches you how to write prayer strategies using scripture. Each chapter goes over another important part of a woman’s life. Priscilla gives you scripture that you can use and there is room to write in the back with tear out sheets. This book is so good it was even named 2016 Christian Book of the Year! Please do yourselves a favor and not only read this ladies, but work it and live this. ?

  82. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up! By Marie Kondo. It’s AMAZING! It frees you from your stuff!! In the book Marie shows you step by step how to tidy up your home. Tidy up means going through your entire home, cloths, books, papers, miscellaneous, (nick nacks, art, hobby supplies etc) and last is mementos and only keeping what gives you joy!! Believe me… it’s amazing. After I did it two of my friends did it. Everything in my home has a place to be, and there are no storage boxes anywhere. Ladies.. my house is at peace. Truly the best book I’ve ever read.!!! Besides the Bible of course. .

  83. Lies woman believe is a good one. Am sure the others are too but I’m not familiar with the those Another one I’d recommend is Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth.

  84. IThe first book I read as A new Christian was by Elizabeth George called A Woman after God’s own Heart.
    Taught me to be a wife/mother/duaghter/friend as a Christian! It was amazing! I still tell ladies how great it was & that was almost 20 years ago.

  85. A very nice reading list, I’ve read some and some I have not. Will be looking for some of these. Did I see there is a book of the month to read together?
    To add to this list, I highly recommend Psalm 91 for Mothers by Peggy Joyce Ruth. It’s writings help to understand the promises of God for our children, written in a warm-story telling manner with lots of testimonies.

  86. Your list is probably very different from mine because of our age difference. I am 74 years old. I have read 5 of your 10, however, and certainly applaud your choices. To that list, I would add The Bait of Satan by John Bevere. It’s possible because of your life and locale, you aren’t privy to the insidious activities of Satan in the church, in particular in the American church, but this book can be a life-changer. Blessings on you! I am so encouraged by you and others in your season of life who are pouring out encouragement and truth to your generation!

  87. My #1 recommendation for women is Captivating by John and Staci Eldredge! It was a powerful book for me when I read it before getting married 10 years ago and I have since revisited the book two more times. It’s that good!

  88. I know this is an old post, but I just stumbled across it. I’ve read just two of these books and will have to check out the others. I’ve got two, nonfiction and fiction, because I know some people who refuse to read one genre or the other. Nonfiction: The Fantasy Fallacy by Sharon Ethridge. Fiction: The Princess by Lori Wick. It’s my favorite book! It has a little of everything, and some good lessons can be gleaned from it.

  89. “Praying the scriptures” by Judson Cornwall. A must read for everyone best book I’ve ever read and I read a lot. Loved Redeeming Love.

  90. I’m actually reading 2 books right now. A place called Heaven by Dr.Rovery Jeffrees. It’s very informative! I wanted learn more about where my son is. The other one is The Sacrament of Happy by Lisa Harper. Learning that God is happy with me! I definitely plan to read several of the books on the list this year!

  91. I would like to add a couple of MUST read books.
    The Shack… of course, the movie was good but the book left me exhausted in faith
    Falling in Love with Jesus by Dee Bernstein
    Comeback and Beyond by Tim Storey

    I cant wait to read those 10 suggested.

  92. I’ve read the Heavenly Man and loved it. Recently is learned that Back to Jerusalem, who published the book now has a children’s version of his story. Which is cool the pics are great and not too graphic.

    Also books for women I like is anything vy Elizabeth George.

  93. Sophie’s heart by Lori Wick was the first Christian book i read that got me addicted. Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers is AMAZING!!! Just finished reading it.
    I have to agree with Redeeming Love and 1000 gifts!
    I took pics of your suggestions and i’ll get them from the library. Thank you!

  94. Right on time! I just decided to challenge myself to read 52 books in 52 weeks. I’m scheduling my 1 hour a day to read but needed a book list. This is a great start, I can add to it as I go. I’ve read Redeeming Love, though, i think read it again, it’s so good. Thank you Sister!

  95. A book that I have read multiple times is Though None Go With Me by Jerry B. Jenkins. It follows the life of a young girl after she makes the commitment to follow Jesus NO MATTER WHAT everyone else around her does. It is inspiring to say the least.

    The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi by Kathie Lee Gifford is an excellent book for thinking about the traditional Jewish ways of Jesus’ time.

    A brilliant book about married sex is Passion Pursuit: What Kind of Love Are You Making? by Juli Slattery and Linda Dillow.

  96. I have read a couple of these and have a couple more that I am going to read. Then I’ll check out the others. Thanks Araba!

  97. My favourite book is The imitation of Chridt by Thomss a Kempis first written in the 1400,s in medieval Latin.
    Thomas was a monk who spent his life writing out the Bible for great nobles. It would take 10 yrs to write a Bible in the beautiful written calligraphy of days of old.
    So Thomas knew the Bible incredibly well, and his insights in knowing and loving God just blew my mind and changed my whole walk with the Lord. EVERY Christian needs to read this God inspired book.

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