Recommended Books for Nurturing the Christian Woman's Heart and Faith

I dunno about you, but I love reading, especially reading books that will nurture my faith and my heart. Yet no matter how much I read, my to-read list always seems to be getting longer and longer. There's just so many good books out there, and in case you're looking for a good book (or several!) to encourage your heart here's a few of my recent favorites in no particular order. (Last updated February 2022)

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Top Ten Christian Non-fiction Books and Bible Studies

1. A Confident Heart by Renee Swope. Man oh man, did this book help me deal with some insecurity issues I didn't even know how to tackle. It was an encouraging read that I actually read several years ago, but reread recently and gleaned so much from it both times I've read it!
2. Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. Every chapter was a beautiful reminder of how great is God’s love, compassion, and His thoughts toward us that I read it slowly, savoring the truths in this book and God's love toward us.
3. Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home by Richard Foster. I've read a lot of books about prayer, but this one is my absolute favorite. I underlined about half the book, soaking in the beauty and the power of prayer and its many forms and purposes.
4. Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow. This book is awesome for anyone dealing with a lack of peace in their heart, their mind, or their circumstances. This book will challenge you and encourage you in ways you didn't even know you needed to be challenged and encouraged!
5. The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. If you're looking for a Bible study to do with your small group or by yourself, add this to your list! It is so encouraging! I thought I already knew quite a bit about the armor of God when going through spiritual battles, but there's always more to learn and you learn a lot from Priscilla!
6. Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. Another fantastic Bible study by Priscilla Shirer. I think I highlighted more in this book than I didn't. So so so very good. This Bible study did wonders for helping me grow closer to God and let go of some fears and doubts I had that were keeping me from being obedient to God's will. If your Bible study group is trying to figure out which Bible study to do next, this one is it!
7. Whispers of Rest: 40 Days of God's Love to Revitalize Your Soul by Bonnie Gray. This was such a treasure to read and savor this beautifully written book. Packed with prayers, quotes, stories, scriptures, journaling prompts for reflection, soul care tips and so much more, you and your soul need this book and to hear God's whispers of love and rest.
8. The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice to Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman. I love everything Emily P. Freeman writes, and love hearing her voice (her podcast rocks!) so getting this book on audio was definitely my next right thing. 😉 I adored how simple she makes overcoming the stress and pressures of decision fatigue and overwhelm and how beautiful she made it to simply do your own next right thing instead of getting overwhelmed with all the many things you could be doing.
9. Nice: Why We Love To Be Liked and Why God Calls Us To More by Sharon Hodde Miller. This was a very eye-opening book for me as a recovering people pleaser. The premise is that we think being a nice Christian is what we are called to be, but Jesus wasn't always nice. Sometimes being a Christian means speaking truth and honoring God rather than pleasing people. A challenging but important read.
10. Chasing Vines: Finding Your Way To An Immensely Fruitful Life by Beth Moore. I have loved every single one of Beth Moore's Bible studies, but this book is one of my favorites. Based on John 15 we learn what it really means to abide in the Vine, about vineyards throughout Scripture, about our purpose and how we can grow in fruitfulness in our lives. I savored (and underlined!) things on every single page.

Top 5 Christian Fiction Books

1. Embrace Me by Lisa Samson. I find this book haunting and amazing and fabulous and so many adjectives I cannot describe it adequately. I could not put it down. The two main characters have their own wounds that lead to them hiding in shame in their own unique ways. The chapters alternate between their perspectives until finally we see their lives intersect and see a beautiful picture of how redemption is possible. I was captivated by the unique circus setting and the characters who are so well developed I did not want their story to end.
2. Alaskan Courage series by Dani Pettrey. If you like romance and you like suspense, then you need to get your hands on each and every book in this series. Each book takes you on a journey with one of the McKenna siblings who has a mystery to solve, someone to fall in love with, and a flaw they must learn how to overcome by trusting in God.
3. Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. I've read this series twice, and loved it just as much the second time as the first. I learned so much about ancient Roman culture (mostly the bad and the ugly) which helped me further understand the culture Paul grew up in and preached to about God's grace. Hadassah will grow to be one of your favorite book characters of all time, her faith is simply amazing and encouraging to remain true to your faith, regardless of personal fears about sharing your faith.
4. A Lineage of Grace: Five Stories of Unlikely Women Who Changed Eternity by Francine Rivers. I have enjoyed all of Francine River's books, but this series was amazing. There are five books in this series, one for each of the women mentioned in the lineage of Jesus. We experience the scandal, the struggles, and the faith of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary.
5. Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar. I've read and loved every single one of Tessa Afshar's biblical historical fiction, but this one is my absolute favorite. This is the story of the woman with the issue of blood who touched the hem of Jesus' garment. We have no idea what this woman was like, what her backstory was, but Afshar creates a compelling story starting from the woman's childhood and continuing on after her encounter with Jesus that demonstrates the power of healing and redemption not just for the body, but for the heart as well.

There's so many books I could have chosen, but I'm gonna end there. What books do you think I should have added? And which ones are you now planning to read?