Hey mamas, sisters, and friends! I’m back with another list that I think will quite literally change your life. I know, I know; that’s a big statement to make. However, I can attest that each of these books impacted my life with Jesus in some way, shape, or form. Of course there were some that left a greater mark than others, but I do believe each of them can impact your life as well. All of these books have been a part of my book club that I started back in 2025. I’ll list a brief summary and a review of each one below. I’m listing them in the order that we read them over the last year and a half. Enjoy! And happy reading!
1. Pilgrim’s Progress (the Readable Modern-Day Version by Alan Vermilye)
If you aren’t familiar with this book–then this should be one of the top three you run and go buy today. Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegory that follows a pilgrim’s journey to Heaven. Each of the encounters and experiences the main character, named Christian, goes through are written through a biblical lens and referenced with scripture. He faces a plethora of spiritual challenges that can be cross referenced in your own walk of faith with the Lord. So although this is an allegory, the truth of the gospel reigns throughout the book. I chose the modern day version for this read, but if you prefer the 17th century English style then grab the original. There’s also a movie made from the book, but I’d encourage you to read the book first and then watch the 2019 animated version. I plan to read this book again sometime soon and purchase the children’s version for my own kids.
2. Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis Majors
This book is about a young, enthusiastic, and Jesus-loving girl named Katie who becomes a missionary in Uganda. She ends up adopting fourteen children and starting a ministry over there. This is a fairly current book as she’s in her late thirties as of today. Her story will make you laugh, cry, and all of the in-between. As the author of her own book, her writing comes alive and you can feel the heart she has for Christ on each page. This was another one of my favorites!
3. Dorie: The Girl Nobody Loved by Doris Van Stone and Erwin Lutzer
A small book that packs a big punch. Wow. This book had me in tears for the first fifty pages. Dorie’s testimony shares how deep the love of Christ can go. Her story is raw and uncomfortable at times, but that’s how life goes for some of us. Her troubled childhood turns into a beautiful testimony of what God’s love can do. The story shares the middle and later parts of her life as well and you learn how Jesus is there every step of the way. I don’t think this book is as notable as some of the others I list on here, but it is still one I highly recommend. She also has a powerful sequel to the book that’s called No Place to Cry. I did not personally read it, but it goes deeper into her sexual abuse story.
4. The Uncommon Woman: Making an Ordinary Life Extraordinary by Susie Larson
A practical and encouraging read for any woman of faith. This book will lead you with a biblical approach to rise up out of the stereotypical behavior of gossip, pettiness, insecurity, and many other topics that typically arise in today’s culture. Instead of following the world’s way, Susie Larson shares how to navigate these issues as a true Christian woman. This book is for women of all ages, younger to older, it applies to all of us females. I’d recommend this book to someone wanting to grow in their walk, or struggling with any of the issues mentioned above. My biggest take away was to truly live in fear of God over fear of man.
5. Passport to Heaven: The True Story of a Zealous Mormon Missionary Who Discovers the Jesus He Never Knew by Micah Wilder
This is the testimony of Mormon, Micah Wilder, who learns to follow the real Christ. As Christians, we need to be aware of false religions–Mormons being one of them. If you are interested in learning more about how that is played out, then this book could be for you. His story is very compelling and teaches you many ways how Mormons view Christianity differently.
6. Joni: An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eareckson Tada
This is the biography of Joni Eareckson Tada in a timeless story that can be read again and again. Her story is touching, real, and inspiring in every way. After suffering from a diving accident and becoming a lifelong quadriplegic, her testimony of hope even amongst the suffering and pain is something every Christian should read. I highly recommend!
7. Daring to Hope by Katie Davis Majors
Another book by Katie Davis Majors, this is the sequel to Kisses from Katie. In this book you read a continuation of her first story, but also with the introduction of how she met and married her husband towards the end of the book. If you enjoyed her first novel, you’ll be sure to enjoy this one! Jesus is continually seen woven throughout her story and the experiences she encounters. You’ll be left “daring to hope” what can happen in your own life.
8. Heavenly Man by Brother Yun
Wow. A story of miracles through extreme persecution. Brother Yun shares his testimony of living for Christ in communist China. This is a longer book, but it keeps you captivated wanting to know more throughout every chapter. Many of the things that Yun experiences are remarkable, and that is only by the power of God. Read this book for an encouraging testimony of a faithful servant of Christ!
9. And the Word Came with Power by Joanne Shetler
First ten pages in and I’m crying. This book grabs your attention right away with Joanne’s testimony of faithfulness as a missionary in the Philippines. She lives alongside a small tribe known as the Balangao people, where she is called to share Christ and translate the Word of God in their language. You will see the spiritual side of things from the unbelieving Balangao’s and be taken aback by their culture. Then, you will see how the love of God comes in and transforms lives. A truly inspiring story that will leave your heart changed.
10. A Promise Kept by J. McQuilkin
This short and sweet book is about a faithful Christian husband who slowly loses his beloved wife to Alzheimer’s. The book is a true story. His story is one of hope and dedication that teaches you about a godly marriage. This book wasn’t one of my top reads, but it could encourage or help someone you know who is going through the same situation with Alzheimer’s. The bonus is that the book is very short and easy to read. I have friends who read this that were quite touched and emotional about the story because they know someone personally who’s struggling with it.
11. God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew
Andrew’s story is captivating and real. I enjoyed reading about his earlier years before he gave his life to Christ, and then the majority of the book shares about his international ministry of smuggling bibles into European countries during times of communism. There were many stories he shares where you are enthralled to read what’s going to happen next, or how the body of Christ comes together for those who are in need. The power of prayer is real and God’s work is evident in his testimony.
12. Run Baby Run by Nicky Cruz
Another wow book. Like double wow. Raw, violent, life-changing. Nicky Cruz’s testimony is a wild read. The first half of the book shares his life before Christ–growing up under witchcraft in his family’s home and then being sent off to NYC and living his life under the entanglement of a vicious gang. This book will grab your attention from the start. Some of the things he shared were a bit much for my personal reading, but you have to respect it because it’s the truth of what people’s lives can look like before they encounter Jesus. I’d highly recommend this book if you’re up for the type of content it entails. Ultimately, the power of Christ is victorious!! Praise to the Lord.
Friends, I hope you’ve enjoyed getting a summary and review of the twelve books I’d recommend. These are my own words–not AI generated, so they are legit. I’m praying at least one of these books will touch your heart, mind, and spirit to grow in His love and be changed by Him. Truly, it is only by the power of Christ that leaves a person with lasting change. Many of the books referenced are clear testimonies of that! Peace be with you! Until next time…
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