November 2019 Christian Book Picks

These are my November 2019 Christian book picks in my favorite reading genre. They are great picks for men and women who want to grow in faith. I’d love for you to tell me which ones sound best to you in the comments below.

The Characters of Christmas

I love Christmas books, especially ones that help me understand the familiar story of the first Christmas better. This one is a great pick that focuses on each person in that original story. You may be surprised by some of these characters, such as Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Though I am very familiar with the Bible, I learned new things about each person in the story.

These are the characters about whom you will gain wonderful insights:

• Joseph
• Zechariah and Elizabeth
• Mary
• The Christmas Angels
• The Innkeeper
• The Shepherds
• The Wise Men
• Herod
• Simeon and Anna
• Jesus’ Family Members

I’m enjoying this book as part of my Sabbath rest on Sundays this Advent season. One thing I like best is how the author makes the characters’ stories relevant to our experience today. You can put yourself in their shoes thanks to his wise and thoughtful writing.

I encourage you to get a copy of this book to enhance your Advent study, and pick up a copy for your family and friends too.

I received a preview copy of The Characters of Christmas from Moody Publishers.

Purchase on Amazon or ChristianBook.com

Advent: The Weary World Rejoices

Since my small group takes a break from meeting in busy December, I was excited to find this 5-session Bible study that I can do on my own. But it is also created for group study, if your group continues to meet during Advent.

This Bible study is beautifully laid out, with photos that invite you to slow down and savor the beautiful season. Each week includes an intro essay plus 5 days of brief homework lessons. What makes this study unique is a section of creative ideas for each week. You’ll find a craft or recipe, a portion to help you engage with teens, and another to help you engage with children. This is perfect for busy moms like me, who are looking for easy ways to enjoy the season with intention.

The best part of this study is being able to participate in the online videos in December 2019. You can sign up for the free online study hosted by Lifeway HERE. I’m looking forward to watching the videos to enhance my personal study, though the book is excellent on its own. The online study begins Nov. 29, 2019 and will be up on the website until Dec. 31, 2019.

I purchased my own copy of Advent: The Weary World Rejoices from Lifeway.

Purchase on Amazon or ChristianBook.com

Adorning the Dark

This book is the perfect inspiration for Christian artists, writers, musicians and other creative types. Though I had never heard of him, the author is famous as a songwriter and musician. His writing is so compelling and beautiful that I’m eager to check out his music next.

Every creative person has unique struggles, and I know this well as a Christian author and artist myself. We struggle with wondering if our work matters, if anyone even cares, if we are doing too much or not enough. We worry that we have waited too long to get started, then we procrastinate because the work seems too difficult. Andrew Peterson not only affirms all of these conflicting feelings, but tells us how to overcome them with his down-to-earth wisdom.

Some of the passages in this book are so beautiful that they are transcendent. I lingered on some of the images he painted with words, just like I do in front of a masterful painting at an art museum. I’m savoring this book one chapter at a time, not speed-reading at my normal pace. It’s a treasure which I will keep digging into year after year. Sure to make my Best Christian Books of 2019 list of over 100 reads.

I received a preview copy of Adorning the Dark from B&H Publishers.

Purchase on Amazon or ChristianBook.com

Women of Courage: A Forty-Day Devotional

Many of us look for a new devotional every year, and this is an especially good pick. It’s 40 stories from women throughout the Bible. Some you know well, like Sarah, Esther, and Mary Magdalene. But you will gain fresh insight into their stories through this book. Others may be less familiar, such as the Widow of Nain, Priscilla, and Dorcas. Their stories will inspire your courage in new ways.

What makes this book unique is that the women aren’t ordered according to the chronological order of the books of the Bible. I found that refreshing, and it kept my attention. Another beautiful feature of this book is the heartfelt, intimate prayers that help you apply the story to your spiritual journey. I enjoyed the honest, thought-provoking questions that hit me right where I need to be challenged in every chapter.

This book has beautiful black-and-white photos to accompany each story, and the highlighting color is a bright, courageous shade of orange. This devotional would make a great addition to your personal library or an encouraging gift for a friend or family member.

I received a preview copy of Women of Courage from B&H Publishers.

Purchase on Amazon or ChristianBook.com

November 2019 Christian Book Picks

So, which book looks best to you? Please let me know in the comments below, and thanks for reading!

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!

This post may be linked up at these linkups.

If you make a purchase through the provided links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for supporting my writing ministry!

My weekly newsletter Tea on Tuesdays is delivered at 3:00 p.m. Central time every Tuesday.  I write an exclusive devotion for you each week that I share with you first.

To receive the newsletter, please subscribe below. I can’t wait to share personally with you each week!