As the leaves begin to change and the days grow shorter, there’s something cozy about settling down with a good book. Fall is the perfect time to dive into some soul-nourishing reads that will challenge, inspire, and comfort you as you sip on your pumpkin spice latte or hot tea (or whatever your fall drink of choice is—no judgment here!).
Here’s my curated fall reading list for Christian women in 2024. Whether you’re looking for a deep dive into Scripture, a heart-wrenching love story, or practical advice on living out your faith, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Chronicles of the Kings Series by Lynn Austin
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, this series is an absolute must-read. Lynn Austin takes the often-overlooked stories of the Kings of Judah and brings them to life in a way that’s both historically accurate and incredibly engaging.
The series follows the lives of various kings, including Hezekiah and Manasseh, and shows the complexities of their reigns—full of triumphs, failures, and God’s relentless pursuit of His people. The characters are so well-developed that you’ll find yourself completely immersed in their world, feeling their joys, sorrows, and struggles as if they were your own.
One of the things I love most about this series is how it illuminates the Old Testament. These stories aren’t just dry, ancient history; they’re filled with drama, intrigue, and spiritual lessons that are still relevant today. Plus, if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how the series makes it a bit easier to remember who’s who in the Old Testament. Spoiler: It’s way more exciting than that dry textbook feel you might remember from Sunday school.
2. A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken
Get your tissues ready because this book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. A Severe Mercy is one of the most poignant love stories I’ve ever read, and it’s all true. The story centers around Sheldon Vanauken and his wife, Davy, as they navigate life, love, and faith.
What makes this book so compelling is the couple’s deep love for each other, which eventually leads them to a deeper love for Christ. They end up at Oxford, where they become close friends with none other than C.S. Lewis (I mean, how cool is that?). Lewis plays a crucial role in their spiritual journey, and his letters to Sheldon are interwoven throughout the book.
But be warned—this book isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. It delves into the raw and painful realities of life, including grief and the cost of discipleship. Yet, it’s in these deep valleys that the concept of “a severe mercy” comes to life. This book will challenge you to think about love, loss, and the way God’s mercy works in our lives in ways we can’t always understand.
3. Jesus-Centered Life by Rick Lawrence
If your relationship with Jesus feels more like a distant acquaintance than a close friendship, this book is for you. Rick Lawrence dives into what it means to live a life that’s truly centered on Jesus, not just in theory but in practice.
This isn’t your typical “how-to” Christian living book. Lawrence challenges readers to move beyond the Sunday school version of Jesus—the one who’s safe and predictable—and instead invites us to see Jesus as He really is: wild, unpredictable, and absolutely essential to every aspect of our lives.
What I love about this book is how it encourages a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus. It’s about shifting from a life that studies Jesus from afar to one that walks with Him daily. If you’re ready to take your faith from academic to intimate, this is the book for you. Plus, it’s packed with practical exercises to help you put what you’re learning into action.
4. Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa TerKeurst
Forgiveness—it’s a tough subject, isn’t it? If you’re carrying around hurt and bitterness from a past wound, this book might just be the healing balm your soul needs. Lysa TerKeurst, with her usual honesty and vulnerability, tackles the hard questions about forgiveness: What does it really mean? How do you do it when you don’t want to? And what if the person who hurt you doesn’t deserve forgiveness?
TerKeurst doesn’t sugarcoat the process. She acknowledges that forgiveness is hard, messy, and often feels impossible. But she also reminds us that forgiveness is necessary if we want to live in the freedom that Jesus offers. The book is filled with Scripture, personal stories, and practical advice that will help you take those first steps toward forgiving what you can’t forget.
One of the things I appreciate most about this book is that it’s not just about forgiving others; it’s also about forgiving yourself. TerKeurst gently guides readers through the process of letting go of the guilt and shame that so often accompany our own mistakes.
5. Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton
Let’s be honest—life can be exhausting. Between work, family, and all the other demands on our time, it’s easy to feel like we’re just going through the motions. Sacred Rhythms is a book that invites you to slow down and create space in your life for spiritual practices that will nourish your soul.
Ruth Haley Barton offers a refreshing perspective on spiritual disciplines, presenting them not as a list of things to check off but as rhythms that bring us into deeper communion with God. Whether it’s solitude, silence, or the practice of Sabbath, Barton helps you integrate these rhythms into your daily life in a way that’s sustainable and life-giving.
This book is perfect for anyone who’s feeling spiritually dry and needs a reset. It’s a gentle reminder that our spiritual lives aren’t meant to be frantic or forced but should flow naturally from a place of deep connection with God.
Cozy Up with a Good Book
This fall, I challenge you to trade a few of those Netflix binges for some quality time with a good book. Whether you’re looking to deepen your faith, find healing, or simply escape into a well-told story, these books are sure to inspire and encourage you.
So grab a blanket, light a pumpkin-scented candle, and get ready to cozy up with one (or all) of these reads. Happy reading!
