Books by Women to Read

I will admit there are many books I have not read from women that I would like to or need to, but of the ones I have read, here are my favorites (in no particular order)

1. The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World by Melissa B. Kruger. It is refreshing to read practical books that attack specific heart issues. The sin of coveting is one of the Ten Commandments and it shows a displeasure against a Sovereign God. Kruger’s book is biblically sound and each chapter ends with 10-15 study questions, so the book could easily be used for a small group or women’s Bible study.

2. The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective by Martha Peace. This is THE book for women on her role as a wife. It is thorough; it is biblical; it is practical. You will find a hard time locating another book that is more important for every wife to read than this one.

3. Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk by Michelle DeRusha. One of the best biographies I have ever read! Their marriage had an impact on the church’s view of marriage for the clergy. You will have a deeper appreciation for Katharina, who was called by God to be the helper to one of church history most important men. In fact, you may be more blessed to hear Katharina in her own words as she verbalizes her faith than Martin himself.

4. Lies Women Believe: And the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Many emotions are tools for Satan and this author knows what those area. With each lie, DeMoss counters them with biblical truth. You will enjoy being equipped how to handle depression, desires, your emotions, hormones, love, marriage, pride, priorities, self-worth, submission, suffering, work, and worldliness.

5. Marriage Is Hard by Susan Black. This has been one of my favorite books on marriage. When you put 2 sinners together in marriage, it is a daily battle of egos and wills. But the battle is not husband vs. wife, but husband and wife vs. the flesh. God provides what each spouse needs to live selflessly, and this book equips us to face the hard realities in marriage.

6. None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different from Us (and Why That’s a Good Thing) by Jen Wilkin. If I could have every woman read one book written by a woman, it would be this one. I am not aware of another book on the attributes of God written by a woman. This book is a gem and I would put it on the same level as Tozer or Packer for theology proper. The thesis – being not like God is great and this book explains why.

7. Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock. Hospitality is more than made beds and tasty food. It begins with a heart to serve others. This book was written by 2 professors at my alma mater – The Master’s University. You will find very practical helps on how to create an environment of hospitality in your home, and the Scripture to “back it up.”

8. Secret Things of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield. How does a former liberal, English professor who was an active lesbian become the wife of a Reformed pastor? Answer – Jesus Christ invaded her life with the Gospel. Her story is this book.

9. Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake. Common parenting issues (e.g., backtalk, sibling rivalry, rebellion) are discussed with very specific instruction for parents (not just mom’s) on how to respond in a godly way. The goal is to equip parents to not respond in sinful anger, and this book is a helpful resource for that temptation.

10. With the Master: Before the Mirror of God’s Word by Susan Heck. Yes, this is my mom. And yes, I am biased. Of all her books and Bible studies written, I enjoy this one this most. It is an exposition of John’s 1^st Epistle and comes fully equipped with study questions at the end of each chapter. No fluff, no kidding around, no emotionalism. Just straight up Scripture and straight up biblical wisdom from a spiritual mother to many.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham. I remember her story of being taken captive with her husband in a Philippine jungle in 2002, but I didn’t read this book until I moved to Wichita, KS – the area where she is from. Her story is a compelling tale of God’s faithfulness and the power of prayer.

How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur. She can get a little “weird” sometimes in hermeneutics, but her study Bible is what I used to “cut my teeth” on learning how to study the Bible. And this book will teach you be an active Bible student by learning to observe, interpret and apply what you read.

Jonathan and Sarah: An Uncommon Union by Edna Gerstner. This was the 1^st book I read with Andrea, and we began reading it as an engaged couple. It is collection of diary entries from Jonathan and Sarah Edwards that gives you a glimpse into their private life. You will be encouraged by their faith and thankful to learn they “were just like the rest of us” in life’s experiences.

Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes. This companion book to her husband’s book for men (Disciplines of a Godly Man) is a great resource for personal or small group study. Like Kent’s book, Barbara stresses the importance of a woman training herself to live in a holy manner. You will find help on subjects like the church, contentment, evangelism, giving, marriage, the mind, perseverance, prayer, service, singleness, submission and worship.