I’ve read over 100 books this year, and these are the best Christian books of 2021. Many of them were published this year, and I’m glad to share them with you!
The Best Christian Books of 2021
These are my favorite books I read this year, grouped by genre.
Best Thought-Changing Books
Another Gospel?
I read this book from cover to cover, devouring the truth inside as if I was desperate for it. I didn’t know how to describe progressive Christianity and its creeping, negative effects on me until I read this powerful book. How I wish I had read it prior to the summer of 2020, when critical race theory became headline news. This book grounded my faith again, like my doctrine classes at my Christian college. Alisa writes with a rare mix of boldness and humility. I was drawn in by her stories and fascinated by her research. A respectful book that is a must-read for every American Christian.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
Christians in the Age of Outrage
An enlightening, thought-stirring book I only wish I had read earlier. It gave me helpful insight into the cultural shifts of 2020 and before, and gave me ideas on how to engage with the culture rather than withdraw. I enjoyed the many layers of research and all the helpful quotes and book recommendations. One of my favorite reads in 2021 that I’ll be rereading next year.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
Two thought-changing Christian books that were excellent reads in 2021. #goodreads #christianbook #bookstoread Click To TweetBest Books for Personal Development
Emotionally Healthy Discipleship
The podcast I return to most often is Pete Scazzero’s Emotionally Healthy Leadership podcast. I’ve learned so many valuable, life-changing truths from this podcast and his original book, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. This book is a deep, thought-provoking look at discipleship in the 21st century church, and how we can all benefit from this plan. So much goodness in this book. Check out my blog post that features this book HERE.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
The Powerful Purpose of Introverts
I read this book in preparation for going to an in-person conference after many months in quarantine. What a gift of affirmation and encouragement! I took the lessons with me into the sessions and felt so much better about my natural wirings as an introvert. Very empowering and uplifting, with lots of scientific facts and practical tips.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
Try Softer
An important book that has helped me heal from past trauma. So thoughtful, warm and empathetic. Much information about how the brain processes trauma and the practical steps we can take to heal. I created two podcast episodes based on the book, and you can listen to Part 1 HERE and Part 2 HERE.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
Hope Anyway
Easily one of my favorite books of 2021. Funny, witty, wise and pensive. I love the personal details of her story, so deftly woven in to truths we all need to hear. I made two podcast episodes based on this book because I loved it so much. Watch the first one HERE and the second one HERE.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
How to Solve Your People Problems
Looking for help in your most frustrating relationships? This book is loaded with wisdom and takeaways that will truly make a difference in your peace level. The principles are biblically based and backed up by years of research. Excellent advice for those who are seeking help in difficult situations with all types of people.
Get your own copy at Amazon
Redeeming Heartache
This book changed me more than any other I read this year. One quote got to the very bottom of all of my struggles as a child of divorce: “The orphan spirit is at war with care and rest.” I have been pondering it ever since, and I’m learning to accept God’s care and rest each day in new ways. This book talks about six selves in us – three of them broken, three of them redemptive. It also explains how God can heal and uplift us in each one, and how we can help others heal as well. An important book for therapists and those in therapy. I share my insights from this book in depth on this podcast episode HERE.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
10 Choices for a Better Marriage
Excellent advice, even for someone married 20+ years. The biggest takeaway for me was to not have a heated discussion at night. It has made a huge difference! Just one of the many helpful things I’ve learned in this book.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
Seven Christian personal development books that were excellent reads in 2021. #goodreads #christianbook #personaldevelopment Click To Tweet
Best Books on Prayer
A Diary of Private Prayer
An excellent book for daily prayer. One of my favorites that I read in 2021. It’s now in my daily rotation of devotionals due to its depth and wisdom. Highly recommended.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
60 Days of Prayer
A helpful guide to deepen your prayer life. It is made up of short devotions that go deep quickly, and the reading length is perfect for busy people. Most chapters include a guided prayer with fill-in blanks for your personal needs or requests. Other chapters include a challenge to pray in a new ways. There are so many ideas covered in this book, I guarantee you’ll learn something new. Instructional and helpful to anyone who wants to learn more about the full gamut of praying.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
Two best books on prayer that were excellent reads in 2021. #goodreads #christianbook #prayer #bookrecommendations Click To TweetBest Memoir
Sweet Like Jasmine
This is a lovely and unique memoir that invites the reader to examine her own past, take her hurts to God, and walk a new path of healing. I enjoyed the unusual structure of this book: memoir, letter to past self, a peek into the Chinese culture with a creative spiritual metaphor, then probing reflection questions. It’s not only the author telling her story of redemption; it’s an invitation to examine your own story with greater depth and insight. Check out my podcast episode on this book HERE.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
Check out my favorite Christian memoir of 2021, from over 100 reads. #christianmemoir #bestbooksof2021 #christianbook Click To TweetBest Devotionals
Restoration Year
What a treat to enjoy this rich, hopeful devotional each day. John Eldredge’s wisdom often stops me in my tracks and gives me something new to ponder for hours. I need more hope in my life, and this book is helping me find it. It’s showing me many hidden areas which need reformation and restoration. I’m so grateful for it. It’s also a beautiful book with a nice finish on the cover.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
Finding His Story in History
Matt Somerlot and I connected on Twitter. When I visited his profile for the first time, I was intrigued by his 365-day devotional that incorporates fun trivia and stories. He was gracious enough to send me two copies, one to keep and one to give away (see below for giveaway). I love the quirky, creative vibe of these devotions, which keep me paging ahead to read more. A perfect Father’s Day gift or gift for that person who has everything.
Get your own copy at Amazon
Prepare Him Room
I have a collection of Advent devotionals, and this is my new favorite. Deep, rich, challenging and convicting, it’s meatier than the average book, and that’s what I like most about it. The book would be good not only for Advent but for other months too. Excellent!
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
Three of my favorite devotionals I read in 2021. #devotionals #goodreads #bookstoread Click To TweetBest Christian Fiction
Collateral Damage
I don’t read a lot of novels because they take over my life – I get sucked in so easily. But this one was worth the time to read. It took a few chapters to learn how all of the characters were connected, but I was engaged the whole time. The storyline unfolded at a quick pace, and I was intrigued by the suspense in each chapter. Very satisfying read that is clean and appropriate for faith-based readers.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
Biltmore Girl
Loved this book! Surprised by cultural similarities between 1968 and 2020. Elka is a strong female character, and I enjoyed the blooming romance. Great third book in this series. I loved each one!
Get your own copy at Amazon
Jewel of the Nile
I just finished reading this book, and it was wonderful. I loved the peek into the years of the early church, and imagining the lives of several people we meet in Acts. It opened up a whole, new, interesting world to me. Beautiful story of mixed race love, which is so needed in our current culture. A wonderful read.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
My top three Christian fiction picks I read in 2021. #christianfiction #bestbooksoftheyear #goodreads Click To TweetBest Indie Christian Books
Beauty Beyond the Thorns
Powerful mix of storytelling and biblical truth. Darci has endured many hardships. Yet she did not allow them to sink her faith. I love the balance of personal stories and Bible application in each chapter. They are so engaging that they will keep you reading. Highly recommended for encouragement in your spiritual life.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
A Year in the Woods
A lovely devotional for nature lovers. Beautiful descriptions and earthy metaphors with insightful spiritual applications. I love this book, and it’s a great first book from an indie Christian author.
Order your copy from the author.
The two best Christian indie books I read in 2021. #christianiindiepublishing #indiebooks #bestbookpicks Click To TweetBest Overall Pick
The God of the Garden
This book resonates deeply with me as a nature lover, child of the 1980’s, and creative person. It’s like having a lovely, rich, deep, wandering conversation with someone who takes great delight in the same things you love. Beautiful poetic prose and rich imagery. I’m savoring this book at the end of the year with deep joy.
Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD
My best overall pick of over 100 books I read in 2021. Check it out here. #goodreads #bookrecommendation #christianbooks Click To TweetLast Words
Did you know I published a book in 2021? Learn more about Transforming Your Thought Life for Teens HERE.
Want to learn how I read over 100 books every year? Check out THIS POST, and follow me on Goodreads, where you can set your own annual reading challenge!
My Top 10 Blog Posts of 2021
Also, check out my top 10 most-read blog posts of 2021:
10. What Is a Prophetic Word of Encouragement?
9. How to Meditate on the Names of God
8. How to Deepen Your Friendship with God
7. January 2021 Christian Book Picks
5. My 2021 Summer Reading List
3. What I’ve Learned About Grief
Thank you for reading my posts this year! I pray blessings on 2022 for you!
21 of the best Christian books I read in 2021! Check them out here. #bookreviews #christianbook #bookrecommendations Click To TweetPrayer Requests
Do you have a prayer request for me? I’d be honored to pray for you, and I hold your prayer requests in complete confidence. Send me your request HERE.
Special insider opportunity!
Did you know? I spend over $200.00 per month on all the expenses relating to my ministry. If you are willing to donate to help offset these expenses, I’ll reward you with an exclusive monthly video teaching and printable. Please donate HERE if you received value from my content today. I’ll add you to the monthly list to receive the exclusive rewards for your donation of any amount. Thank you!
Also, if you make a purchase from any of the links on this post, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
The Best Christian Books of 2021
This post may be shared on these linkups.
If you enjoyed this post, I appreciate your shares on social media!
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!
I send my weekly newsletter Tea on Tuesdays 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!