There are so many non-fiction books available these days in the inspirational category. Some are excellent, some are more on the mediocre side. It’s hard to know which ones are worth your time to read. Which of these reading choices will give you the most benefit for your time invested?

I love reading inspirational non-fiction books almost as much as I enjoy novels. It can be so valuable to spend time considering new ideas, reevaluating priorities, or hearing from the lives of others who gone through difficulties and grown in wisdom because of them. Christian inspirational books are my favorite of what can also be described as “self-help.” I try to read at least one book a month that challenges me in this way.

As someone who is always on the lookout for the best in Christian non-fiction, I thought maybe you could relate. So, I gathered 10 titles I consider excellent reads for the Christian woman looking for encouragement in her daily walk.

**Please remember to use discernment in choosing any of these (or any other) book. It’s always wise to “chew the meat and spit out the bones”—meaning you may not agree with everything included in each of these books. Be sure to look to the Bible as the final authority and remember that each of these books was written by a human. None of us is perfect, but each of us has something to share with others that can be of benefit.**

10 Books to Encourage the Heart of the Christian Woman

1. The Best Yes by Lysa Terkheurst
   It seems like so many of us are running ourselves ragged trying to keep up with all of our commitments these days. This book addresses our tendency to agree to things that may not be the best choices for our current circumstances. Learning to say “yes” to the right things at the right time and “no” to the things that don’t serve us or our families well can be extremely freeing.
2. What Women Fear by Angie Smith
   The message of this book was one I desperately needed to hear. I believe we all need to hear it. Personally, I have struggled with different forms of fear my entire life. Because of that, this book really resonated with me. If you have every struggled with being afraid to try something new, to take the next step, or that you aren’t who you believe people think you are and you are afraid of being found out, this book is for you.
3. The Set Apart Woman by Leslie Ludy
   This book is so needed in today’s culture. The message the Ludy’s share is one of dedication to serving God no matter the cost. In this book, Leslie discusses the importance of prioritizing knowing God and following after Him. She talks about the importance of a life wholly devoted to the Lord, whatever the cost may be.
4. Longing for Paris by Sarah Mae
   I believe the author of this book will hit a nerve for many young moms in today’s culture. Motherhood is hard and sometimes it can be tempting to wish you could escape the mundane routines of your everyday life for exotic places filled with adventure. In her typical self-deprecatingly entertaining way, Sarah Mae encourages her readers to see the beauty and adventure all around us. She shares her own journey toward finding joy and meaning in ordinary, everyday things.
5. Choose Joy by Sarah Frankl and Mary Carver
   This is the moving story of a woman who lived for over 20 years with, and eventually died from, a debilitating autoimmune disease. It is the story of how she found joy and hope in the midst of incredibly challenging circumstances. This book will touch and inspire you to choose joy in your own life, no matter the difficulties you may be facing. This is a truly life-changing book.
6. Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
   As women, we all seem to feel the pressure to perform, to keep up appearances, and to meet so many expectations we place on ourselves. So many women are running around trying to be everything to everyone, and often feeling like they are falling short. This book addresses that issue by presenting another way, a way of authenticity and grace. It is a great reminder of how to be fully present in your own life.
7. Rest Assured by Vicki Courtney
   Another book on how to free yourself from an over-committed, busy, hectic life, this offers practical solutions on recovering from the resulting exhaustion and overwhelm.
8. Hoodwinked by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk
   Because of culture, family, friends, or lack of biblical teaching, many moms miss how valuable and powerful their calling really is. Some have bought into the pressure to be “Supermom.” Others have believed the myth that they can “do it all” and do it perfectly. This book will encourage and inspire women to embrace their roles as mothers wholeheartedly yet realistically, whether they work outside the home, have a home business, or are stay-at-home moms.
9. Anchored by Kayla Aimee
   Both poignant and humorous, this book recounts the story of the author’s journey through the premature birth of her long-hoped-for daughter. With vulnerability and plenty of wit, she shares her struggle to redefine her faith, her marriage, and herself within the midst of challenging circumstances. As someone who has experienced the loss of a child, this was not an easy read for me. But the message of hope resonated with me, as it will with anyone who has walked through an unimaginable trial like this one.
10. The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp
    In her signature style, Ann Voskamp speaks from her own place of brokenness and asks: What do you do if you really want to know abundant wholeness? This book is filled with profound insight on how to fully live a life of faith, even in the midst of brokenness.

Has this list given you some ideas for what to read next? Do you have any favorite Christian inspiration non-fiction books you could add to these? Have you read any of the books on this list? If so, what did you think? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

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