Page-Turners That Transform: My Go-To Christian Books for Women Seeking Growth

A curated collection of faith-filled reads that have shaped my journey as a woman, mom, and ministry leader

As the founder of GatherHood and a mom of four energetic boys, I'm always on the hunt for books that can speak truth into the beautiful chaos of real life. Between soccer practices and ministry planning, I need authors who understand that spiritual growth happens in the midst of mundane moments, not just during perfect quiet times.

Over the years, certain books have become treasured companions on my faith journey—dog-eared pages marking the passages that made me pause, think, and sometimes completely shift my perspective. Today, I'm sharing my favorites with you, the books that have shaped how I see God, friendship, motherhood, and the calling on my life.

For the Woman Seeking Authentic Faith

Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

This book found me at exactly the right moment—when I was drowning in the pressure to be the perfect mom, wife, and ministry leader all at once. Shauna's honest exploration of choosing presence over performance gave me permission to slow down and actually enjoy the life God had given me. Her writing feels like coffee with your most honest friend, the one who sees through your polished exterior and loves you anyway.

Why I love it: It's practical without being preachy, and it acknowledges that spiritual growth often looks like saying no to good things so we can say yes to the best things.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

While not traditionally categorized as "Christian," Glennon's raw honesty about faith, motherhood, and finding your authentic self resonates deeply with women navigating their own spiritual journeys. Her perspective on listening to the still, small voice within rather than the loud expectations of the world has challenged me to examine where I've been living for others' approval instead of God's calling.

Why it matters: Sometimes we need someone to give us permission to question the boxes we've put ourselves in, even the spiritual ones.

For the Mom in the Trenches

The Life-Giving Home by Sally Clarkson

Sally understands that creating a Christ-centered home isn't about Pinterest-perfect aesthetics—it's about cultivating an atmosphere where love, grace, and growth can flourish. As someone who's spent years trying to figure out how to balance ministry work with raising four boys, this book gave me a vision for how our homes can be launching pads for kingdom impact.

Favorite insight: "Your home is not just where you live; it's where you love, and where love lives through you to others."

Desperate by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson

This book is a lifeline for any mom who's ever felt like she's failing at this whole motherhood thing. The honest dialogue between Sarah (a young mom struggling) and Sally (a seasoned mom mentoring) creates space for real talk about the challenges of raising children while maintaining your faith and sanity.

Why it's essential: It normalizes the struggle and points us toward grace when we're drowning in guilt and comparison.

For the Leader and Dreamer

The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman

Decision-making as a woman in ministry (and life!) can feel overwhelming. Emily's gentle wisdom about taking the next right step instead of mapping out the entire journey has been instrumental in how I've approached building GatherHood. This isn't a book about having all the answers—it's about trusting God in the uncertainty.

What I've learned: Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is make the next small, faithful decision in front of you.

Fierce by Alli Worthington

Alli's practical approach to overcoming fear and stepping into your God-given calling is exactly what ambitious Christian women need. She doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of pursuing dreams while maintaining faith and family, but she provides a roadmap for doing it with integrity and grace.

Why it's powerful: It bridges the gap between spiritual calling and practical action in a way that feels both inspiring and achievable.

For the Woman Navigating Relationships

Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst

If you've ever felt left out, overlooked, or rejected, Lysa's vulnerable exploration of belonging will meet you exactly where you are. Her insights into finding security in God's love rather than human approval have shaped how I approach friendships and community building in profound ways.

Key takeaway: "We don't have to be invited to every party to know we belong."

Loving My Actual Life by Alexandra Kuykendall

Alexandra's honest look at contentment in the midst of ordinary days has been a game-changer for me. As someone who's always dreaming about the next project or season, this book taught me to find God in the grocery store aisles and carpool lines, not just in the mountaintop moments.

Why it resonates: It acknowledges that most of life happens in the mundane, and that's exactly where God wants to meet us.

For the Bible Study Enthusiast

The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer

Priscilla's teaching style is both accessible and deeply rooted in Scripture. This study transformed how I understand spiritual warfare—not as something dramatic and distant, but as the daily choice to stand firm in God's truth when life tries to knock me down.

Impact: It gave me practical tools for recognizing and resisting the enemy's tactics in everyday situations.

Breaking Free by Beth Moore

This classic study on overcoming strongholds is intensive but transformative. Beth's passion for God's Word is contagious, and her ability to help women identify the lies that hold them captive has freed countless women to walk in their true identity as daughters of the King.

Why it's essential: Sometimes we need to do the hard work of examining what's keeping us stuck before we can step into freedom.

For the Woman Seeking Purpose

You Are Free by Rebekah Lyons

Rebekah's exploration of anxiety and finding freedom in God's design for our lives speaks directly to the heart of every woman who's ever felt trapped by fear or comparison. Her practical approach to anxiety management, rooted in biblical truth, has been invaluable for both my personal life and ministry.

What I appreciate: She doesn't promise that faith eliminates struggle, but shows how God uses our struggles for His glory and our growth.

Grace, Not Perfection by Emily Ley

Emily's approach to creating a life of grace rather than perfection aligns beautifully with the heart of GatherHood. Her practical tips for simplifying life while deepening faith have helped me focus on what truly matters in both my home and ministry.

Core message: "Progress, not perfection" isn't just a cute saying—it's a way of life that honors both our humanity and God's grace.

Making Time for Transformation

Here's the truth I've learned about reading as a busy woman: you don't need perfect conditions or hours of uninterrupted time. Some of my most profound reading moments have happened in school pickup lines, during stolen moments while dinner simmers, or through audiobooks during my morning walks.

Practical tips for busy women:

• Keep a book in your car for unexpected waiting moments

• Try audiobooks during commutes or while doing household tasks

• Join a book club (like our SisterHood studies!) for accountability and discussion

• Don't feel guilty about not finishing every book—sometimes one chapter is exactly what you need

Your Next Good Read

The books on this list have been faithful companions through different seasons of my life—some offering comfort during difficult times, others challenging me to grow in new directions. But here's what I love most about reading: God can use any book, any author, any moment to speak truth into our lives.

Whether you're looking for encouragement in motherhood, direction in ministry, or simply wanting to grow deeper in your relationship with God, there's a book here that can meet you exactly where you are.

What's next? I'd love to hear about the books that have shaped your faith journey! Share your favorites in the comments or tag us @gather_hood on Instagram. And if you're looking for a community to discuss these life-changing reads, join us in SisterHood where we regularly dive deep into books that transform hearts and minds.

Because sometimes the best conversations happen over a good book and a shared cup of grace.

Hannah Chiaramonte is the founder of GatherHood and author of Grace in the Gray. When she's not wrangling four boys or building faith-based communities, you can find her with a book in hand and a coffee in the other. Connect with her at gather-hood.com or join the SisterHood for monthly book discussions and deeper fellowship.