September 2019 Christian Book Picks

These are my September 2019 Christian book picks in my favorite reading genre. They are great picks for 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.

Beholding and Becoming

I’ve been a fan of Ruth Chou Simons’ work for years. Her books Gracelaced and Garden of Truth have helped me focus on the beauty of God’s creation and meditate on his Word. I jumped at the chance to review Beholding and Becoming, because I know Ruth writes and paints with grace, loveliness and beauty.

I enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoy my prayer walks in my rural area. Pausing to muse on God’s glory through Ruth’s artwork and lyrical writing breathed peace into my soul. The chapters are at a nice length for busy women like me, and they are interspersed with gorgeous nature-based art.

I especially enjoyed Ruth’s throwback to William Morris, one of my favorite artists that I studied when I was in college. This was a special treat for me, and if you love the arts, it will delight you as well.

Ruth’s art prints fill my home. If you have not yet checked out her shoppe, please do so today. Every time I see her prints in my hallway or on my shelf, I pause to meditate on God’s Word. You’ll love her designs, and if you sign up for her emails, you’ll get special offers and discounts.

I received a preview copy of Beholding and Becoming from Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley.

Purchase on Amazon or ChristianBook.com

The Complicated Heart

I have followed Sarah Mae for years and enjoyed her books, but didn’t know the details of her tough story until I read The Complicated Heart.

Memoir is one of my favorite reading genres, and this one did not disappoint. I could relate to it in so many ways as a teen from the 1990s, plus a family member of those suffering from dysfunction, abuse, and addiction.

What inspires me most from Sarah Mae’s story is the grace and compassion she showed her mother after so much of her own suffering. It is helping me see my relatives in a new light. I want to show them grace just like Sarah Mae did.

Sarah Mae also offers helpful advice at the back of the book. She gives guidance on how to forgive and how to address the core lies you believe based on the suffering you endured. I truly appreciated these takeaways after her powerful story.

I received a preview copy of The Complicated Heart from B&H Publishers and Netgalley.

Purchase on Amazon or ChristianBook.com

Always We Begin Again

I came to know Leeana Tankersley through her book Begin Again which was poignantly written. This new book is comprised of 100 short, power-packed meditations to help you start over. It’s not truly a devotional, because some of the meditation focuses are on quotes instead of Bible verses. But it is a spiritual book that will gently guide you through a time of difficult transition.

I am normally a fast reader at over 70 pages per hour. Yet these meditations are so powerful, I can only read one at a time. Leeana has a gift of putting you in touch with your pain points and talking with both frankness and love. If you are suffering, this book can help you see the light ahead.

I’ve been using this book in my afternoon quiet time. She provides a thought-provoking question at the end of each one, and I use it as the basis for prayer. This book is making the shortlist of my favorite books of 2019. It’s different and memorable, and very helpful for exploring your issues with deeper faith.

I received a preview copy of Always We Begin Again from Revell.

Purchase on Amazon or ChristianBook.com

Confident Moms, Confident Daughters

I had the pleasure of meeting Maria Furlough at She Speaks 2018. Her book Breaking the Fear Cycle easily made my list of the best books of 2018. She is a talented writer who exudes godly confidence and shows passion for God’s people. Since I have a tween-aged daughter, I was thrilled to dig into this copy meant just for moms like me.

Her opening story hooked me right away, about a mom she observed with major confidence. Maria makes the point that if we are going to raise confident daughters in this challenging culture, we moms must put on Christ-centered confidence for ourselves. She writes with clarity and vulnerability, backing up chapters with current research. Maria will guide you in talking lovingly and directly with your daughter about body image, sex, character development, social media use, and more.

I plan to use this book as a springboard for discussions with my 11-year-old daughter. She’s showing signs of being teachable and open to my advice, and with Maria’s help, I will know how to direct our conversation in a positive, God-pleasing manner. If you have a tween or teen daughter, grab a copy of this book today!

I received a preview copy of Confident Moms, Confident Daughters from Revell.

Purchase on Amazon or ChristianBook.com

Back Roads to Belonging

I enjoyed Kristen Strong’s first book, Girl Meets Change, and was excited to read her second book. Kristen has dealt with many changes in her life as a military wife. Since I’ve lived in the same area for all but two years of my life, I find her stories fascinated. Interestingly enough, we both struggle to feel like we fit in, though she’s moved around and I’ve stayed put.

In this tender, vulnerable book, you can find affirmation for your hurts over botched friendships and social struggles. It seems that people are losing their ability to relate, yet still longing for relationships. Sometimes others aren’t very welcoming, even in Christian settings. I find this on a regular basis in my own smallish town, and it’s so frustrating. But I found hope and help in Kristen’s book. She offers wise perspectives on building up your own sense of belonging in Christ first, then reaching out to others with balanced expectations.

If you are struggling to find friendships, feeling lonely because you have moved around a lot, or simply needing encouragement from someone who gets you, read Back Roads to Belonging. You’ll enjoy the way Kristen includes a Traveling Companion story in each chapter from other women who have walked the same paths as you.

I received a preview copy of Back Roads to Belonging from Revell.

Purchase on Amazon or ChristianBook.com

Breathe Again

Niki Hardy has dealt with some serious hardships. She lost two loved ones to cancer in short timing, only to discover that she herself had rectal cancer. These back-to-back blows could have knocked her down, despite the fact she is a Christian writer and pastor’s wife. Yet she tells the tale of how she held on to her faith when death loomed close.

What I like most about this book is the brash humor. Since she’s dealing with such tough subjects, the humor feels refreshing and necessary. Niki is a Brit, and I enjoy her unique phrases and viewpoints interjected throughout the book. Her writing is honest and colorful. For example, she tells us that she uttered expletive-filled prayers to get through some of her dark valleys. I appreciate her gritty frankness because it’s what we all experience in tough times yet rarely talk about together.

If you have been sucker-punched by life, this book is custom-made for you. At the end of each chapter, Niki includes a Learning to Breathe Again section with guidance for your trials. You will drink this book in like water if suffering is weighing down on you.

I received a preview copy of Breathe Again from Revell.

Purchase on Amazon or ChristianBook.com

Jesus Day by Day

This year, I’ve been developing my relationship specifically with Jesus, really for the first time in my Christian faith. That’s why this devotional appealed to me.

The author uses a chronological reading plan. The devotionals correspond with Bible readings laid out in the order in which the Bible was written, oldest to newest. I have always wanted to study the Bible in chronological order, and recently purchased a chronological Bible. This devotional will make a great companion as I set out in this study.

Sharon Kaselonis tracks Jesus in each of the selected readings. Whether it’s in Genesis, Job, Deuteronomy, Jeremiah, or John, she shows us how Jesus is on every page of the Bible. I’m very familiar with Scripture, but I have not taken this angle of study before. It’s exciting to discover glimpses of Jesus all through the Bible with her help. Each devotional is brief and takes a maximum of 5 minutes to read. It’s a perfect resource to start using any day of the year.

I received a preview copy of Jesus Day by Day from Multnomah.

Purchase on Amazon or ChristianBook.com

Women’s Ministry With Purpose

I was privileged to meet Gena McCown at She Speaks 2018, and we became fast friends. God was gracious enough to have us both be represented by the same agent and publish with the same publisher this year. Gena and I have gotten to know each other very well through a private Facebook prayer group, and I was honored to provide this endorsement for her first book:

“Women’s ministry is a tough subject to cover, but Gena does so with intelligence and grace. Her guidance is deeply rooted in God’s Word and is eminently practical. Gena’s ministry experience with women of different ages and backgrounds richly informs her perspective. Whether you are starting a ministry for women, needing to refresh one, or looking to solve common problems, you’ll find wise encouragement in Women’s Ministry with Purpose.”

I received a preview copy of Women’s Ministry With Purpose from Leafwood Publishers, and I purchased my own copy.

Purchase on Amazon or ChristianBook.com

The Heart that Heals

I have gotten to know Patsy Burnette from InstaEncouragements through blogging. She reached out to me and asked me to endorse her first book, which I was happy to do! Here’s my endorsement:

“Is your heart broken from a devastating loss? Patsy Burnette suffered an unexpected grief as a young wife and mother. Yet God helped her heal as she drew strength from his Word. In this Bible study journal, Patsy guides you through key scriptures to help you find peace and healing.”

I received a preview copy from the author.

Purchase on Amazon

September 2019 Christian Book Picks

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

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