The Best Christian Books of 2023

I am meeting my goal of reading 100 books in 2023, most of them in the Christian genre. Here are my top picks from all the books I read.

Strong Like Water

Since I’m recovering from complex PTSD and multilayered betrayal trauma, this book has been a godsend for me. It tells us how our bodies, minds, and spirits can work in conjunction with God’s love and care for renewal. Two takeaways – I’m repeating the book’s phrase “Live from love, not for love” to overcome my anxious-preoccupied attachment style. Secondly, I’m putting my hand over my heart to feel safer and more secure while I say, “I am only responsible for myself, and it’s okay if others are uncomfortable” to slowly change my over-functioning tendency as the past chief enabler in an alcoholic marriage. These are just two examples that are rerouting my damaged neural pathways, and I’m so grateful. The book also gives me new insight into those I know with either avoidant attachment styles or fearful-disorganized attachment styles. I can’t think of a better book to recommend for trauma recovery from a compassionate Christian perspective.

Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD

Trust

Dr. Henry Cloud is a spiritual father to me, and his book Boundaries has changed my life more than any other I’ve ever read, other than the Bible. Because I’m one of his super fans, I was eager to read his newest book, Trust. It exceeded all my expectations. In the past two years, my trust in others has been completely shattered due to various forms of trauma. However, in this book Dr. Cloud lays out a clear, five-point plan for what you must have to trust others again, whether in personal or professional relationships. It will be a great reference book for me for years to come, and I’m thankful for a fresh well of wisdom from Dr. Cloud. Learn more on this podcast episode I made about Trust.

Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD

The Offering

Rarely do you find a book that speaks to the very heart of your issues at the exact right time. Though I received this book from Nan Jones months earlier, I just read it through this past week. It lifted me up from the floor of a dark place, and I’m grateful beyond words. Nan writes this book for women of strong faith who have gone through terrible life circumstances, and are now struggling to maintain their faith because they feel abandoned and betrayed by God. Through a beautiful metaphor based on the lampstand in the Old Testament ark of the covenant and temple, Nan explains how our legitimate pain can be an offering that transforms us and restores our faith. She writes compassionately and wisely from her severe struggles and also paints lyrical pictures with her beautiful writing. I will always remember how this book helped me in a critical moment, and how it was a loving gift from God proving his fidelity to me.

Get your own copy at Amazon

The Hem of His Garment

I am blessed to count Dr. Michelle Bengtson as a dear personal friend. I have had glimpses into her own struggles, which she beautifully transforms into encouragement in The Hem of His Garment. She draws upon her deep knowledge as a clinical psychologist while writing compassionately from her times of suffering. If you know someone who has chronic physical or emotional pain, this is an excellent book to give them perspective, strength, and encouragement. A sensitive book to point a suffering person to Jesus.

Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD

When a Friendship Falls Apart

I was honored to serve my friend Elizabeth Laing Thompson in several ways with this book: as an endorser, a story provider, and a book launch manager. This is one of my favorite books of the year because it addresses problems no one talks about yet problems many of us suffer from in silence. You may have tried to write off the pain you’ve experienced from a broken or difficult friendship, but Elizabeth tenderly validates it and gives you practical encouragement too. She describes many different types of broken friendships, and you may uncover hurts you didn’t even realize you were experiencing in this book. A deftly nuanced read with lots of stories to help you think through your own situations and heal from them with God’s grace.

Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD

You’re Going to Make It

I read this book when my hope was running low, and it lifted me up. I’ve read many books by Lysa TerKeurst, and this one is probably my favorite. She gets real and gritty with the pain she’s suffered and affirms our similar pain. Yet she always pulls us forward with new hope, never rushing us past reality, but gently nudging us forward. A wonderful devotional to help you overcome a trial you didn’t want or didn’t see coming. Beautiful photography too – see my favorite quote from this book HERE.

Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD

Good Baggage

Ike Miller has written a meaty, fascinating book that will turn your ideas about childhood trauma on their head. I was blessed to serve as the book launch manager for this book too, and it was great to get to know Ike’s compassionate and caring personality through this book and the launch. He is a child of an alcoholic home, and the trauma he experienced threatened to curtail success in his relationships and professional life as a pastor. However, Ike teaches us how our childhood baggage can be a huge blessing in personal and professional settings. He uses research to back up his ideas, and I learned so much from his book. It gave me whole new ways to see my childhood trauma as a potential for good. A must-read for every adult child of divorce – I’ll soon be producing a podcast episode on this book.

Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD

Our Hearts’ Desire

I enjoyed this debut book from Bob Wheatley because it is creative, inspirational, and insightful. Using many stories from pop culture, Bob shows us how a story arc correlates to the work God is doing to meet the ultimate desires of our hearts. This book helped me understand a critical part of my own story, what Bob terms as false victories. Learn more about my takeaways from Our Hearts’ Desire in this podcast episode.

Get your own copy at Amazon

Forgive

I was saddened to hear of Tim Keller’s passing this year, and I knew his final book was meant for me. When I read it this summer, God spoke powerfully to my heart, teaching me why the Bible’s command to forgive is so necessary to follow. I won’t reveal any spoilers, but I can say that some of Tim’s teachings in this book are permanently etched in my mind. These teachings will hold me accountable in future situations where I need to forgive. His book truly helped me forgive my vicious offenders, and I can now say that I have set them free in my heart. I will always be grateful for this gift, and Tim gets the credit for leading me there. A must-read if you feel stuck and stubborn on this issue.

Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD

The Hidden Prince

I don’t read much fiction, but when I do, I know Tessa Afshar’s books will be certain to educate and entertain me. I loved this wonderfully creative look at a young woman’s journey of faith and adventure. It doesn’t follow a typical storyline, so it stays engaging throughout the whole book. It’s a fascinating interpretation of events recorded in the book of Daniel. A truly enjoyable read for historical fiction lovers.

Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD

Restoration Year

This has been my devotional every day of 2023. I have lost count of how many times John Eldredge’s wise and insightful words jumped off the page for me on days when I needed guidance and renewed hope. It’s an amazing book of encouragement when your hope has been shattered and you don’t know how to look forward anymore. Restoration Year is beautifully based on my favorite book of 2017, All Things New, which I also highly recommend.

Get your own copy at Amazon or CBD

My 2023 Book

Have you checked out my book I published in 2023? Learn more about Hope for the Hard Days HERE.

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