The essential guide to Christian books for women (your ultimate reading list)
Searching for the best Christian books for women can feel overwhelming. With thousands of devotionals, biographies, fiction, and study guides available, where do you begin?
The Faith Storytellers team has curated the ultimate reading guide designed specifically for the needs and seasons of women. This comprehensive hub breaks down the most impactful and highly recommended Christian books for women into eight essential categories.
Whether you need an encouraging daily devotional, practical advice on marriage and parenting, or deep resources for spiritual disciplines and overcoming anxiety, we have the perfect starting point for you.
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Find the perfect read among our recommendations for the best Christian books for women on a range of topics, from daily devotionals to books covering identity and spiritual growth, to faith-based novels.
Table of Contents ▲
1. Daily devotionals and quiet time
These foundational books are perfect for cultivating a daily habit of connecting with God through Scripture and reflection.
‘Jesus Calling’ by Sarah Young
“Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young is a timeless, 365-day devotional is written from Jesus' perspective, offering short, personal, and scripturally-rooted messages of comfort, hope, and peace.
“Jesus Calling” is one of the best-selling Christian books in history and is beloved by women looking for a moment of quiet, focused connection with the Savior.
➡️ Discover a devotional for moms: The 10 best for 2026
Unlike many devotionals focused on self-improvement, “New Morning Mercies” by Paul David Tripp is rigorously Gospel-centered. Each daily reading is a prayer and a reflection designed to wake you up to the grace of God and the mercy you need to face the day, regardless of your circumstances.
A visually stunning devotional, “GraceLaced” by Ruth Chou Simons ties the changing seasons of life—both literal and figurative—to God’s unchanging truth. Simons uses her beautiful artwork and compelling writing to challenge women to abandon striving and find true rest in Christ.
Lisa TerKeurst shares her struggles with rejection in “Uninvited,” transparently showing women through her own story how to stop being defined by what others have done to them and start standing in the biblical truth of their belonging. This is essential reading for anyone battling insecurity or feeling overlooked.
A highly practical and encouraging book, “Get Out of Your Head” by Jennie Allen tackles the mental warfare many women experience. Allen uses biblical truth and neuroscience to give readers concrete strategies for breaking free from negative thought patterns, anxiety, and the continuous spiral of self-doubt.
In “None Like Him,” by Jen Wilkin argues that many women struggle because they try to assume God’s attributes (like omniscience or omnipresence).
By celebrating God's incomprehensible nature, this book offers tremendous relief, freeing women from the pressure to be everything and do everything perfectly.
3. Spiritual disciplines and growth
Christian books that share the “how to” of growing closer to God, providing methods for effective prayer, worship, Bible study, and the discipline of reflecting on and sharing your story.
‘Women of the Word’ by Jen Wilkin
Considered a modern classic for serious Bible students, “Women of the Word” by Jen Wilkin moves beyond simple devotionals to teach a repeatable, five-part method for studying Scripture contextually and systematically. It empowers women to deepen their personal study time and become confident interpreters of God's Word.
In “Fervent,” Priscilla Shirer provides a motivational, powerful guide to intentional prayer, structuring the book as a "battle plan." Each chapter focuses on a specific area of life—from identity and relationships to emotions and integrity—and provides a specific prayer strategy to combat spiritual attack.
➡️ Discover the 15 best books on prayer for Christians
In “Faith Storytellers,” award-winning journalist Mackenzie Ryan Walters blends practical instruction with encouraging short testimonies. It provides step-by-step guidance on how to craft, structure, and share your personal testimony effectively. Featuring 40 short, true stories from women, it offers inspiration and practical examples for finding the redemptive thread in your own life.
➡️ The best gift for Christian loved ones: Write a personal note (we’ve included sample notes here!) that encourages your friend or family member to write down their testimony and “God moment” stories.
In a world that prizes busyness, John Mark Comer makes a compelling biblical case in “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” that rushing through life is incompatible with love and spiritual health. This book is a practical guide to adopting the ancient spiritual disciplines—like silence, solitude, and slowing down—to cultivate a truly Christ-like life.
4. Marriage and relationships
Christian books on fostering God-honoring connections, whether you are married, single, dating, or focusing on friendship and community.
‘The 5 Love Languages’ by Gary Chapman
“The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman has become a foundational book for quality relationships and understanding how you and your spouse (or family/friends) primarily give and receive love. It simplifies the complex dynamics of communication into five clear categories: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.
‘Sacred Marriage’ by Gary Thomas is a challenging and rewarding perspective on marriage that shifts the focus from personal fulfillment to spiritual transformation. Thomas encourages readers to view the struggles and everyday stresses of marriage as opportunities for God to shape their character and deepen their faith.
I read “Scary Close” by Donald Miller while dating my now husband (he read it with his small group first before recommending it), and I found it instrumental in allowing myself to be vulnerable with an emotionally safe person. If you’ve ever struggled with relationships or found yourself hiding yourself, you’ll benefit from reading this book.
Miller emphasizes authenticity and taking appropriate risks. Written as a memoir as he grew deeper in intimacy with his now wife, Miller’s approach was transformational. At the age of 40, Miller chose to be himself — taking off the performance-oriented mask he wore for so long — and that decision paved the way to marriage.
In “How to Get a Date Worth Keeping,” Henry Cloud offers a spiritual framework for navigating the modern dating world. He focuses on internal readiness, emotional health, and practical steps to move past passive waiting toward forming a mature, successful relationship that is built to last.
5. Christian books for moms
“Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments” by Emily A. Jensen and Laura Wifler
“Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments” by Emily A. Jensen and Laura Wifler is an often-recommended Christian parenting guide. The authors show how Scripture provides a framework for everyday decisions — from what to make for breakfast to school choices and how to handle tantrums — through God’s wisdom. It’s a refreshing take on how the Gospel impacts far more than salvation.
“M Is for Mama: A Rebellion Against Mediocre Motherhood” by Abbie Halberstadt has a counter-cultural approach to mothering — one that leaves guilt, the desire for perfection, and the need to be “Super Mom,” as my husband calls it, behind. Halberstadt challenges myths and mediocrity with humor, Scripture, and practical wisdom. A homeschooling mother of ten, she encourages us to switch our perspective: That “hard” is not the same as ‘bad,' and that we can embrace God's grace and discover how to delight in our children.
“Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full: Gospel Meditations for Busy Moms” by Gloria Furman is a collection of short meditations to help you refocus on Jesus, despite whatever chaotic season of motherhood you find yourself currently in. The author, a pastor's wife and mother of four, wants moms to treasure Christ above all, a perspective that can change. It’s a helpful book when the routine of changing diapers, school runs, or endless loads of laundry becomes discouraging — and you need an uplifting and encouraging read.
➡️ More books for mothers: Discover 10 great Christian books for moms
6. Christian testimony and memoir books
These are powerful, true stories from women and men whose lives have been transformed by God, offering profound inspiration and proof of God's active presence.
‘The Hiding Place’ by Corrie ten Boom
“The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom (with John and Elizabeth Sherrillan), an often-recommended memoir, is a testament to unwavering faith and forgiveness in the face of unimaginable evil. Corrie ten Boom recounts how her family hid Jews from the Nazis in Holland during World War II, leading to their arrest and her harrowing time in Ravensbrück concentration camp.
“Hiding in the Light” by Rifqa Bary is a dramatic memoir that recounts the personal and controversial journey of a young woman raised in a devout Muslim home who chose to leave Islam for Christianity, risking everything to follow Jesus and ultimately facing a highly publicized court case.
It's an intimate look at the sacrifices required to embrace true faith and a powerful inspiration to follow Christ regardless of the overwhelming personal cost.
“Extraordinary Women of Christian History” by Ruth A. Tucker is a candid, engaging read that recounts the struggles and triumphs of faithful women across two thousand years, including martyrs, mystics, reformers, and missionaries like Perpetua, Harriet Tubman, and Corrie ten Boom. It challenges the perception of Christianity as purely patriarchal, sparking discussion and inspiring today's Christians to lives of faithful witness, perseverance, and fortitude.
➡️ Deeper dive: Find the full list of 15 essential Christian testimony books and memoirs.
7. Apologetics and defending the faith
Books that equip women to articulate why they believe what they believe, addressing intellectual and philosophical objections to the Christian faith with clarity and confidence.
‘Mere Christianity’ by C.S. Lewis
“Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis is considered the gold standard of modern apologetics. Based on Lewis's wartime radio broadcasts, he presents a logical, rational, and comprehensive case for Christian belief, starting from common human morality and progressing to the divinity of Christ.
“The Reason for God” by Timothy Keller is a compassionate and brilliant modern resource that addresses the top objections and doubts modern people have about Christianity (e.g., evil, suffering, exclusivity). Keller uses philosophy, literature, and culture to defend a rational belief in God.
“Cold-Case Christianity” by J. Warner Wallace shares how the author, a former atheist and homicide detective, applies the rules of evidence and forensic analysis to the claims of the New Testament. This book provides a clear, logical framework for evaluating the Gospels as historical and eyewitness testimony.
➡️ Deeper dive: Explore the full list of 27 top Christian apologetics books.
8. Christian fiction and inspirational novels
‘Redeeming Love’ by Francine Rivers
“Reedeming Love” by Francine Rivers is a timeless classic novel set in 1850s California, this story is a vivid retelling of the biblical book of Hosea. It follows Angel, a woman caught in prostitution, and Michael Hosea, the man God calls to love her unconditionally.
“The Wedding Dress” by Rachel Hauck follows modern-day bridal boutique owner Charlotte Malone, who embarks on a journey to uncover the history of a beautiful, century-old wedding dress by tracing the lives and love stories of the women from different eras who wore it. It delivers an uplifting message of finding true love, the power of faith, and personal redemption.
“The Prayer Box” by Lisa Wingate follows a young mother running from a dangerous past, who is tasked with cleaning out an old woman’s Victorian house, and she discovers eighty-one carefully decorated prayer boxes spanning a lifetime. Hidden inside is the story of an extraordinary, unsung life filled with journeys of faith and one final lesson that could change everything for Tandi
9. Women's Bible Study Books
These books are designed for in-depth, inductive study, either individually or in a group setting, focusing on biblical books, themes, or historical figures.
‘The Bible Recap’ by Tara-Leigh Cobble
“The Bible Recap” by Tara-Leigh Cobble makes the daunting task of reading the entire Bible accessible and engaging. Following a chronological plan, the book provides daily recaps that explain, connect, and clarify. It consistently highlights how God's character is revealed throughout Scripture, helping women not just read the Bible, but understand and fall in love with God's Word.
“The Armor of God’ by Priscilla Shirer” is a Bible study that teaches women how to clothe themselves in the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6. It is highly practical and provides a clear strategy for engaging in spiritual warfare through prayer and focused reliance on Christ.
“Seamless’” by Angie Smith is designed for women who struggle to see how the Old and New Testaments connect. Smith creates a guided journey through the entire sweep of Scripture. It connects the central people, places, and promises of the Bible, showing how they all point to Jesus.
Discover more Christian books and gift ideas
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➡️ 10 best devotionals for married couples
➡️ Devotional for moms: The 10 best for 2026
Great Christian books to buy or gift
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➡️ The best apologetics books for beginners
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Discover more book recommendations in our central hub for Christian books.
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