30+ Best Christian Books for Moms

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There are so many incredible Christian books for moms out there – it’s a growing market, and even though I regularly read and review books for this blog, I struggle to keep up!

But there’s a big problem: Mamas don’t generally have a lot of time to read.

I mean – try and remember the last time you sat down. It’s hard, right? And I bet that when you did sit down, it was to feed your baby, or sew a swimming badge, or write party invitations. Making time for ourselves is not easy.

That’s why I’ve compiled the 30+ best Christian books for moms – so that you can flip through and select the best book for YOU right now. You don’t want to be wasting your time on something which doesn’t hit the spot. I read and review loads of books so that you don’t have to. I give honest, impartial opinions of what I read, hoping that it’ll help you find the right book for the season you’re in.

If the thought of reading a whole book scares you, why not:

• listen to an audiobook version while you do household jobs, get dressed or travel to work?
• suggest to your church small group that you read a book together? A chapter a week is usually very manageable, and before you know it, you’ll have finished the whole thing!
• read a book with a friend – the accountability will help you keep going

The beauty of a good Christian book is that it feels like an investment. An investment in our kids, in our marriages and in our identities as women. So don’t miss out!

And if you hop onto my Hope Tribe mailing list, you’ll get weekly emails crammed full of book reviews and other resources, PLUS a monthly chance to win an amazing book bundle for you and your family, worth around £50!

But this post is an accumulation of all the best Christian books for moms that I’ve read – or had strongly recommended by more than one other person. I’ve categorised them as follows: General Parenting, Faith-Based Parenting, Identity in Parenting, Devotionals and Miscellaneous.

I hope this post helps you find the right book to guide you through your current season of parenthood.

General Parenting

The following books are by Christian authors but with varying amounts of faith content, as they speak of general parenting issues rather than specifically nurturing your kids’ faith.

A mind of their own (Katharine Hill)

If you’re looking for an excellent, practical, realistic but optimistic book about child and adolescent mental health, this is it. Don’t be put off by its size – with regular cartoons, relevant anecdotes and a warm writing style, you’ll absolutely whizz through this gem by Care for the Family director Katharine Hill. There’s very little direct faith content, so it’d make a suitable read even if you aren’t a Christian.

Cold cups of tea and hiding in the loo (Annie Willmot)

This is a brilliantly readable book from Honest Conversation blogger Annie Willmot. Short chapters full of down-to-earth parenting realism from a strong faith perspective as well as thoughts to challenge you, this is particularly appropriate for anyone in the first few years of parenthood – but as a mini-veteran of 10+ years, I still found plenty to chew over. I particularly love how this book is adoption-friendly, realising that people become parents in different ways. All in all, fabulous!

Home for Good (Krish & Miriam Kandiah)

If you’re sensing God calling you to adopt or foster, or are supporting an adoptive/fostering friend, I highly recommend this brilliantly readable book which so clearly communicates the theology of adoption, as well as practically challenging us to live lives of radical hospitality. I read it on holiday the summer before our twins came home, and couldn’t put it down!

If you forget everything else, remember this…parenting in the primary years (Katharine Hill)

This hardback Care for the Family book is filled with wonderfully encouraging short chapters. Based on Katharine Hill’s own experience as a mum, with plenty of amusing (or not so amusing) anecdotes, and sprinkled liberally with relatable cartoons of family life, the book is not so much a guide covering each ‘predictable’ parenting issue, but a series of bite-size pieces of advice, experience and wisdom. And actually, when you’ve finished the book, you’ll have covered all those predictable parenting issues anyway, just in a much easier-to-digest fashion.

Left to their own devices (Katharine Hill)

This timely book looks at the impact of technology on our children, with pertinent statistics and facts from the world of screens, as well as practical ways we can help our children navigate the online world safely. Any book on technology runs the risk of becoming outdated very quickly, but the timeless wisdom in this book will be applicable for a long time, even if the application of it has to adapt. An excellent, easy-to-read guide, with little direct Christian content – so a suitable gift for those of all faiths and none.

Raising kids in a screen-saturated world (Eliza Huie)

This helpful ‘Raising Kids’ series by 10ofThose and the Biblical Counselling Coalition features small books (usually readable in an hour or so) on different niche topics within the world of Bible-based parenting. This one is a particularly useful guide to screens with our kids. If you don’t have time to read ‘Left to their own devices’, this is a worthy alternative. Common-sense tips are given surrounding how we model screen time, the boundaries we set for our children, how we can enjoy screens together, and how to ensure our lives are shaped primarily by Jesus. A handy book for parents from tots to teens.

Raising kids in a ‘You can do it’ world (Paul Tautges)

Here’s another little book in the ‘Raising Kids’ series – this one addresses the issue of self-sufficiency/self-dependence in our 21st century Western culture, and how we can nurture our kids to fear God as the One above all creation, yet also know the security of being God’s dearly beloved, intimately-known, intricately-created children. Like the others in the series, you could read this in an hour or two, so it only really scratches the surface of the issue, but still there were helpful thoughts that stayed with me and made an impact on my parenting.

The life you never expected (Andrew and Rachel Wilson)

For those of you raising kids with additional needs, here is a book to encourage and equip you to thrive in this season. It’s one I haven’t read myself, but it’s come with such high accolades from others that I felt I absolutely had to include it here! “Helpful, practical and relatable,” one reader told me, whilst another said that it gave a great insight into life for parents who’d had a child born to them with additional needs. Others said that it’s a great book for *any* parent to read, because it speaks into a situation common to many of us: that of life having not turned out as we might have dreamed, whether that’s because of having a children with additional needs or not. Finding God’s purposes for us in these unexpected situations is the theme of this book.

The really really busy person’s book on parenting (Rob Parsons and Katharine Hill)

This quirky little hardback is a wonderful gift for any parent because it does what it says on the tin! It compacts the best of Care for the Family’s teaching on parenting into small soundbites, quotes and tips: perfect for dipping into with a cuppa, before bed, or even on the loo! You won’t get deep explorations of any one aspect of parenting, but I was pleasantly surprised by just how much wisdom and good sense was packed into this gem of a book. Largely suitable for all faiths and none.

The Sixty Minute Family (Rob Parsons)

If you have time for a slightly longer read than the above book, this one is what to go for! It still won’t take you long (the author claims an hour, although I think it would take a few!), but covers all the important basics of a thriving family life: time, communication, discipline and so on. You may think it sounds obvious, but it’s surprising how quickly we forget some of these common-sense ideas, or how hard they are to implement, even though we know they’re for the best. In a warm and humorous style, Rob Parsons will re-invigorate your family life through these chapters.

The Sixty-Minute Mother (Rob Parsons)

Rob Parsons is not a mother. But in this readable classic parenting book, he calls on the wisdom of many mothers. The book features quotes, letters, checklists and tips from mothers, knitted together by Rob’s own experience of parenting and family life as a dad and husband, as well as the countless conversations he’s had with mothers at Care for the Family events over the years. The topics, as you would expect, are particularly relevant to mums: loneliness, what happens when you’re sick, guilt, whether or not to work and so on. A warm and wise read for any mums.

Survival Tips for Mums (Elizabeth El Mostain)

This is a short and easy read, from a Christian mum of 6. In it, Elizabeth shares her wisdom on all things parenting – from nappies to playdates to sleep to church. It’s like having a cuppa with a mum who’s “been there, done that”, a few years further down the line, and the short chapters plus A-Z section make it an easy “dip-in” book for even the most harangued parent.

Surviving and Thriving on the Single parent journey (Kat Seney-Williams)

There are several ways you could find yourself parenting on your own, and this book has many helpful things to say to you whether you’re coming out of a separation or divorce, are grieving the death of a spouse, or have chosen to adopt/foster as a single person. However, the author’s own situation (divorce) means that some sections of the book would be difficult or best skipped if your journey was different. My friend Xanthe wrote an incredibly helpful review of this book if you’d like further information: Surviving and Thriving on the Single Parent Journey – a review.

Faith-based Parenting

The books in this section are specifically geared towards helping us raise kids who know and love Jesus.

Babies and toddlers: nurturing your child’s spiritual life (Rachel Turner)

I read this book in less than an hour: it’s that short! I love this, because how many parents of babies and toddlers have great swathes of time in which to read?? However, don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s lightweight or shallow. I don’t know what kind of magic Rachel Turner has, but she’s managed to condense her deepest wisdom into short, accessible chapters which even the busiest parent will be able to dip into and take something from. Great for seasoned Christians, but also highly accessible for those new to church or the Christian faith. Give it to your baptism families!

(Check out my other baptism gift ideas here!)

Big Picture Parents (Harriet Connor)

Harriet Connor, overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenting her three young boys, turned to the Bible for help, and found ancient wisdom to navigate modern parenting. This is a book to chew over – I loved every moment! Harriet is a great Bible teacher, and her insights are extremely helpful. I love her ability to dissect the Bible and apply it to 21st century family life, and found the whole thing a fascinating read.

Bumps, Babies and the Gospel (Sarah Dargue)

This smart little book goes through the entire book of Colossians, drawing out Paul’s wisdom and applying it to parenthood. Despite the title, it’s relevant for adoptive parents too, and I was delighted to include it in goody bags for my New Parent and Expectant Parent events earlier this year. It’s warm and encouraging, with a good amount of gentle ‘kick-up-the-backside’ challenge too.

Family-Driven Faith (Voddie Baucham Jr)

Not for the faint-hearted, this is a fairly outspoken and potentially controversial book on the subject of raising our kids to walk with God. There will be things on which you disagree with Voddie Baucham, whether it’s his attitude towards family planning, his opinions on gender roles in marriage, or his fervent enthusiasm for home-schooling. But if you can stomach all that, this book – at its core – is an absorbing and important klaxon call to all Christian parents, urging us to reprioritise our duties as parents, putting first the commands of Deuteronomy 6 to make the worship of God absolutely central in our families, above all other ambitions for our children. An essential kick-up-the-backside for many of us.

Give them Grace (Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson)

How do we discipline our children in a way that leads them to the grace of Jesus, rather than the obedience of the law? This insightful and practical book is your guide. Although the suggested language you might use with your children sounds a little jargon-y and clichéed, I was grateful for such practical guidance. Even having to adapt a little, it’s so much more helpful to have real-life, practical examples of how we might approach our children’s behaviour in Christ-centric ways than an abstract theology with very vague ideas of how to put it into practice. This book is neither abstract nor vague: it is highly Biblical, highly engaging and highly useful.

Parenting as a church leader (Rachel Turner)

As the wife of a pastor, I found this book spot-on. It is suitable for ALL those who work in church leadership – regardless of denomination or role – and their spouses. It’s empowering and encouraging, from an author who – after a lifetime in Christian work – understands the unique challenges faced by families who have an upfront ministry. The book contains practical tips, as well as advice for liaising graciously with your church children’s/youth teams, and the whole thing remains optimistic about the benefits our children gain from this life, rather than focusing on the negatives of the ‘goldfish bowl’ experience.

Parenting children for a life of faith (Rachel Turner)

This is THE handbook of nurturing your children’s faith. (For my full review of it, check out Parenting Children for a Life of Faith.) Every parent should read it! However…it’s quite long. The new version is an omnibus, featuring three books in one, so you don’t need to read all three, but even one might be a challenge for many of us. So – promise me that if you don’t have time for the book, you’ll watch the Parenting for Faith videos (free), listen to the awesome podcast, tune in for Rachel’s regular Facebook Lives or read their blog? At the very least, the Parenting for Faith Instagram account gives lots of quick pointers, ideas and starter questions.

Parenting with words of grace (William P. Smith)

If, like me, you’re on the impatient, snappy side of parenting, this book is a real game-changer. Read my full review here: Talking to Kids with Words of Grace. The book is in four parts, and whilst the hubs and I found the first two parts fairly repetitive, parts three and four are absolutely brilliant. I raced through – but not without feeling suitably challenged (in a good way!) with insights into how the grace we enjoy as Christians should filter through to our kids through how we speak to them. If communication is a struggle right now with your kids, or you feel like you’re constantly nagging, this is the book to read.

Raising faith (Katharine Hill and Andy Frost)

Several books in this selection are particularly good if you’re short of time, and here’s another! Raising Faith is Care for the Family’s flagship book covering *everything* to do with nurturing the faith of your little people. It’s a fabulous read because each chapter is written magazine-style, like an article, punctuated with images, quotes and subheadings. It covers topics as diverse as love languages, parenting style, creating traditions, taking opportunities to teach and pray with our kids, dealing with doubts and questions and learning to pray – with further sections on parenting as a single parent, adopter/foster carer and distant parent, as well as the role of grandparents and church family.

Identity in Parenting

This selection of books is more inward-looking. Rather than parenting tips and ideas, these books help you to search your own heart and discover more about your God-given identity as a parent.

Baby Change (Anne Calver)

This small, easy-to-dip-into book focuses on the change that motherhood bring to us as mums, in terms of our identity, work, ministry and marriages. It’s a helpful book for those not looking for specific child-rearing advice but for the wider discussion of who they are, now that they’ve become a mum. I found it an easy read, but also a thought-provoking one.

Breaking the mould (Jules Middleton)

Specifically designed for mums who are also church leaders, this book speaks relevantly into the very real juggle of church and family life. Jules is a Church of England vicar, and mum of three teens/adults, so she understands well the juggle of clergy life and kids. For church leaders of different denominations, there may be a few points where the content is less relevant – but there are still plenty of “phew, it’s not just me” moments regardless of how you are in ‘ministry’, and of course Anglican vicar-mums will find it spot-on.

Christ in the Chaos (Kimm Crandall)

If you have an idea of what a godly mum and wife should look like, but feel like every day you bear a closer resemblance to the Cookie Monster than the picture you have in your head, this book is for you. With warmth and wit, Kimm Crandall (mum of four under 10 when she wrote this) pours grace, compassion and love onto all of us chaotic, haphazard and imperfect mamas. I love her style and depth. With reflection questions at the end of each chapter, this is a fabulous book to nurture weary souls.

Hands-Free Mama (Rachel Macy Stafford)

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of things to do as a parent, this is a brilliant book for helping to refocus and reset. It has 12 chapters and the suggestion is you read one per month, so it’s not even a burden for busy mums. I found it an easy read but also deeply challenging, encouraging me to let go of some of the busyness, and prioritise simply watching, listening and being in the moment with not only my kids, but my husband, friends and wider community too.

Ordinary Mum, Extraordinary Mission (Anna France-Williams and Joy French)

This was one of the first Christian mum books I ever read, and I found it super inspiring! You can read my full review here: Ordinary Mum, Extraordinary Mission. Anna and Joy tell stories of how mums have done incredible things in the most mundane or everyday circumstances, simply by allowing God to use them in this season. This book will increase your faith, encourage you with stories of how God’s Kingdom is growing elsewhere, and motivate you to seek God’s guidance as you pursue parenthood.

Risen motherhood (Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler)

I feel like this is the OG of Christian parenting books, because the Risen Motherhood brand is now so synonymous with gospel-centred parenting through its blog and podcast (featured in my 30 Amazing Christian Podcasts for Women post). In actual fact, the book itself was only released a couple of years ago (as I write this), but even so it certainly deserves a pedestal. Its theme is how the gospel relates to motherhood. After explaining the gospel and connecting it with motherhood, the authors take turns to share specifically how the gospel relates to a whole host of different areas relevant to mums: food, marriage, relationships, traditions and so on. We get the cultural messages first, followed by the infinitely wiser, deeper and grace-filled messages of the gospel. An essential, encouraging and equipping read for all Christian mums to be more aware of the lies our culture feeds us, and how the gospel counters them.

Sacred Chaos (Tricia McCary Rhodes)

Looking to find God in the chaotic culture that is parenthood? This book is balm for the soul, showing how you can have relevant and meaningful times with God throughout the day, throughout the mess, throughout the busyness. There is much in common with my God-Connected Parent course in fact! But Tricia’s warm style and short chapters make this an extremely compelling read for all overwhelmed, exhausted Christian mamas.

The end of me (Liz Wann)

Like many of us, Liz Wann has experienced the total breaking of her own identity in becoming a mother, and the painful suffering of various parenthood-related mental health struggles. This beautifully-written book speaks deeply into how parenthood can bring us to the end of ourselves, and how, at that point, we allow God’s strength to take over. Deep books are usually lengthy, so this is a rare find: deep and short. If you’re looking for Big Thoughts in a Short Number of Pages, this is your book.

Devotionals

The books in this section are all Bible devotionals specifically geared towards mums. For a fuller selection of devotionals and Bible studies, make sure you check out my post 21 Fabulous Bible Studies for Women.

Praying through the Bible for your Kids (Nancy Guthrie)

I have no words for the enormity of how this book impacted me, and how I think it will impact you if you read it! It’s a 365-day devotional – you can do the Bible in a Year readings if you like, or just read the shorter extracts, commentary and prayer, which is what I did. Nancy Guthrie is a fabulous Bible teacher, expertly weaving the day’s passage into our lives, conversations and dreams as parents. And it’s a helpful Bible devotional whether you’re a new parent of a tiny baby, or a seasoned parent of adult kids. Brilliant.

New baby survival guide (Cassie Martin and Sarah Smart)

Here’s a wonderful devotional specifically for new parents with a baby (although I think new adoptive parents with a toddler/older child might find it helpful too). It contains 30 nice ‘n’ short readings through the Psalms, with a succinct, punchy commentary from mum authors Cassie Martin and Sarah Smart. Plus, it’s available as a spiral-bound version so it will lay flat with no help from you – perfect when your hands are busy with your new child!

Soul food for mums (Lucinda van der Hart and Anna France-Williams)

This wasn’t my cup of tea (to be fair, it was something in the foreword – not written by the authors – which put me off) but I know plenty of parents who’ve found it super-helpful, so it would be wrong not to include it. 52 weekly Bible readings for your first year of parenthood. It does feel more aimed towards birth mums with babies than adoptive mums with toddlers, but the focus is nurturing our souls as we nurture our children, so any bits irrelevant to our own situation can be mentally adapted. I do love the concept, and expect I would have enjoyed the devotions had I got onto them!

Miscellaneous

The following books are not specific to parenting, but have been hugely helpful and relevant to me since I’ve become a mum. I had to share them with you!

Having a Mary heart in a Martha world (Joanna Weaver)

Which mum doesn’t feel like a Martha much of the time? There is always so much to do – for our kids, for our home, for our marriage, for our friends, for our church, for our wider families. This book is a breath of fresh air, reminding us of the pure pleasure (and benefits) of slowing down to listen to Jesus first. It helped me get things into perspective, inspired me to put Jesus first, and encouraged a loosening of my hold onto jobs and responsibilities which don’t have an eternal impact.

Jesus Feminist (Sarah Bessey)

This is the book which inspired my Mighty Girl, Mighty God book series for small children! I actually thought I’d hate this book, but I really loved it. In an entertaining yet firmly Biblical way, Sarah Bessey sets out how the Bible sees women, how Jesus treated us, and how we should see ourselves and each other in the light of this. It inspired me that women can be strong leaders in the workplace and the church, but also in the home. A great book, full of intrigue and affirmation.

Pearls for the girls (Sarah Chaplin and Melanie Chadwick)

This beautifully-designed book makes a great gift, and a wonderful addition to any coffee table. Each page features a different ‘pearl’: a story, illustration, thought about womanhood, life, love and faith – which offers real wisdom in a relatable way. There are Bible verses scattered throughout, but nothing is preachy so it’d make a great gift for a female friend just exploring faith. It is so easy to dip into, offering nuggets of encouragement for any time-stretched mum – in fact, the book started life as a series of take-home flyers author Sarah Chaplin gave out to parents at her church’s toddler group to encourage them through the week. Fabulous!

The ministry of a messy house (Amanda Robbie)

A bit like evangelism, hospitality is both a spiritual gift for some of us and a Christian discipline that we’re all called to. But what about when you have kids? When time and tidiness are both at a premium? When you can’t move for Lego blocks or hair bobbles or dog hair or electronic devices? Amanda Robbie gives grace, wisdom and experience in this highly-readable book. If hospitality is feeling like a stretch for you right now, this is your book! Full review here: The Ministry of a Messy House.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this selection. But if you’re looking for novels, why not check out my post on Christian Fiction Books for Mums for a full selection from strongly-Christian plot to no mention of God whatsoever?

Also – which book/s would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments!

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