12+ Recommended Reads for Christian Women for the New Year (+ My 2022 Reading List!)

My 12+ Recommended Reads for Christian Women for the New Year

As we’re getting close to 2022 (can you believe it?!), we normally all start making plans for the upcoming year—including what we’d like to read.

If that’s you, and you’re looking for some edifying Christian books, here are 13 that the Lord has used in different areas and stages of my journey with Him.

That’s a book per month (plus an extra for those who read more than one per month.)

Choose 1 or check them all out this new year.

NOTE: Below I’ve also included some tips on how to make your reading schedule and list.

And remember, there’s only One perfect Book—The Bible–so as you’re reading other books always…

…examine everything, hold firmly to what is good.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NASB)

Happy Reading!

#1. The Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney

[Find it here.]

A great (and short) read to remind us what the most important thing is in life! (Hint:1 Corinthians 15:1-3)

#2. Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund

[Find it here.]

Go deeper into the Biblical truths that speak to us about Christ’s heart for sinners and sufferers. I just finished reading this a few months ago, and I felt like it was an intimate time with Lord as He revealed more clearly His gentle and lowly heart.

#3. Pattern after Proverbs 31 by Sharon Rhoades.

[Find it here.]

One day, years ago, our public library was having a book sell and I picked this one up for a dime! Worth every penny and even more! A great study on the qualities of a Biblical Woman.

#4. The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges.

[Find it here.]

All, I can say is “wow”. God used this book to help me better understand the holiness He has called us to in this new life in Christ. This book had and continues to have a profound impact on my Christian walk. If you desire to grow in Christlikeness, check this one out. But, beware–if you don’t want to be convicted of your sin–leave this book on the shelf.

#5. True Beauty written by Mother + Daughter, Carolyn Mahaney & Nicole Whitacre

[Find it here.]

A fresh look at what the Bible says about beauty—outward, inner, the Beauty of God and our struggles with each. If you are battling with these (don’t we all as women?!) I encourage you to add this to your reading list for the new year.

#6. Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation by Jen Schmidt.

[Find it here.]

Grow in your understanding and practice of Biblical hospitality. And if you want to get a little taste of Just Open the Door, there’s LOTS of snippets from it in the Wise Women Living 3- Part Series: How to Prepare for Guests–the Heart of Hospitality.

#7. Feminine Appeal: 7 Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother by Carolyn Mahaney

[Find it here.]

Carolyn gives us a look into the 7 virtues presented in Titus 2:3-5. A great one to dig deeper into these qualities!

#8. Sacred Mundane: How to Find Freedom, Purpose & Joy by Kari Patterson.

Find the sacred in the middle of your mundane. Also, you can find my honest review of this book and where to buy it here.

#9. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom.

[Find it here.]

A classic, must-read Christian autobiography that recounts Corrie Ten Boom and her family’s time during the Holocaust. They successfully hid Jews from the Nazis but they themselves were arrested and taken to a concentration camp. See the sovereignty and goodness of God at work, even in the midst of a Nazi concentration camp.

#10. When Strivings Cease by Ruth Chou Simons.

[Find it here.]

Even though I’m currently still reading this one, I’ve read enough to know it’s one to recommend. If you’re tired of feeling like despite your best efforts you never measure up—slow down and cozy up with the latest release from Ruth Chou Simons.

#11. The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective by Martha Peace.

[Find it Here.]

A wonderful, Biblical and practical guide that every wife should have on her bookshelf as a handy reference. (There’s also a personal study guide that’s available to go along with it.)

#12. Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth.

[Find it here.]

Want to go deeper into the Titus 2 mandate God has given to us women? Adorned definitely is one to help you on your journey. Although it’s a bit lengthier, it’s an easy read. Her style of writing in this one almost makes you feel as though you’re sitting down with her and having a conversation. Also, at the end of each chapter are reflection questions.

#13. Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons.

[Find it here.]

Ok, this book deserves some photos because to be honest when I saw it at Hobby Lobby, it wasn’t simply the content that drew me to it, but how beautiful every single page is. (the content was biblical and refreshing as well!) Ruth is not just an author, but an artist who sells artwork and this book is full of her handiwork. A delight for both the eyes and the heart.

My 2022 Reading List!

My list may at first glance seem skimpy compared to others who challenge themselves to read 100+ books a year.

But the older I get, the more realistic my goals are becoming. I think because with each passing year, I know myself better, and have learned I need to set goals that are in-line with how God created me and my life stage at this moment.

It can be easy to look at what other women are doing and think “If she can do it, I should be able to as well.” And then, when I can’t reach some impossible standard that I had set in my mind, I feel like a failure.

So for me, 5 books (1 every 2+ months) is both a very satisfactory & realistic goal. However, since I’ve already read more than half of Adorned this past year and am currently a third of the way through When Strivings Cease, I’m guessing I’ll have time to finish more (and I already have in mind what those could be!).

But I’m not gonna pressure myself, like I have the habit of doing.

I’ve taken into consideration my time in God’s Word (morning and evening), topics I study for the blog and podcast, women’s ministry in our local church, etc. and am excited about my “slow-downed” book reading goal for 2022!

I’ll keep you updated on how it’s going!

The order I plan to read them…

#1. When Strivings Cease by Ruth Chou Simons

#2. Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

#3. A Guide to Prayer by Isaac Watts

[Find it here.]

This is a slower read because it was written in the 1800s and the content is meaty-you have to chew on it a while. But after reading the intro and part of chapter 1, the gain is definitely worth the work and time. Already, my prayer life has been impacted for the good!

#4. Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges

[Find it here.]

So often, we convince ourselves that we are mature in our walk with Christ and pride can swell up and lead to criticizing others who have “obvious sins” in their lives. But if we desire to represent Christ well, we have to recognize and repent of those so-called “respectable sins” that are way too often accepted in our lives and in Christian circles.

I first started reading this in the airport on our way to renew our vows in the Rivera Maya this past year, but felt God leading me to take a pause and read When Strivings Cease. But I’m looking forward to finishing it. [Btw, you can see pics of our time in Mx and the vow renewal in my blog post here.]

#5. Keep It Shut by Karen Ehman.

[Find it here.]

Deals with a big problem we as women battle with—keeping our mouths shut! Can’t say I don’t need help with this one. I’ll let you know what I learn!

Tips for setting Your Book Reading Goals for 2022

NOTE: Before getting into the tips below, if you don’t yet have a schedule for being in God’s Word, I encourage you to do that 1st! Nothing else will sanctify us, revive us and help us know God like His very Own words. So, if you’re looking for a Bible Reading Plan + Tips for the new year, you can find them here!

• Know Thyself
• Take into consideration your other commitments & daily Bible reading time so not to overload yourself.
• Start Small.
• Above all, Pray and Ask God what He wants you to read–He sees the very depths of us and knows where we need to grow the most!

So, what books are on your list for 2022? What are some of your recommendations?

Also, I’d love to know if you’re going to read some of the above! And don’t forget to subscribe!

Love, Lauri

As always,

Be Kind. Be Encouraging. Be a Multiplier!