Books for Your Friends {a gift guide for bibliophiles}

Books are my favorite thing to give and to receive.

But sometimes I have a hard time figuring out the perfect book to give. Maybe you do too?

Here are twenty-five book recommendations along with the friend who might find each most encouraging and useful.

And, you never know, you might find a book or two you’d like to add to your own wish list as well.

Okay, y’all, ready for this??

This is going to be super easy to follow. A short description of a friend and a book that I think might be perfect for her. And, I’ve gathered all these recommendations up in one easy to shop spot — my Amazon store. From there you can read full descriptions and reviews, order books for your friends and add them to your own wish list.

So, here we go …

Books for Your Friends … a gift guide for bibliophiles

I tried to put these in categories … but they didn’t all fit perfectly hence the “hodge podge” at the end. 🙂

Encouragement for Real Life

For the friend whose life hasn’t turned out quite like she planned — A Redesigned Life by Tracy Steel {I was honored that Tracy invited me to share a bit of my story in her book.}

For the friend who isn’t sure where she belongs — Back Roads to Belonging by Kristen Strong

For your “Martha” friend — Made Like Martha by Katie M. Reid

For your friend who’s feeling overwhelmed or hurt — It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst

For your friend who isn’t sure she’s doing anything that matters — The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker

For your friend who struggles with anxiety — Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons {We’ll be reading this early in 2020 in my Lopsided Living group — want to join us?}

Spiritual Growth

For your friend who wants to get serious about spiritual growth — Sick of Me by Whitney Capps

For your friend who keeps saying she’s going to read the Bible in a year — Day-by-Day Chronological Bible by George Guthrie {This is what I plan to use in 2020.}

For your friend who loves Bible study — Entrusted by Beth Moore {This is hands down my favorite Bible study I’ve done in the past five or six years.}

For your friend who wants to study the Bible but isn’t sure how — Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin {Hands down my top resource for Bible study.}

For your creative spiritual friend — The Art of Prayer by Catherine Bird

Marriage & Parenting

For your friend wants to focus on her marriage — Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

For your mom friend who needs a good pep talk — Brave Moms, Brave Kids by Lee Nienhuis {Read her guest post here.}

For your friend who has a special needs child — Unexpected Blessings by Sandra Peoples

For your friend who wants more peace in her home — The Grumble-Free Year by Tricia Goyer {I endorsed this one and love it! Listen to my conversation with Tricia about this book here.}

For your friend who wants to pray Scripture for her daughter — Praying for Girls by Teri Lynne Underwood {Hey! I know her!!}

For your friend who wants to pray Scripture for her son — Praying for Boys by Brooke McGlothlin

For your friend who wants to raise her little ones with a focus first on Christ — First Ask Why by Shelly Wildman {Read a little Q&A we had here.}

Ministry to Women

For your friend who likes to mentor younger women — Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

For your friend who serves or leads ministry to women — Word-Filled Women’s Ministry by Gloria Furman and Kathleen Nielson, et al.

Hodge Podge

For your friend who loves devotionals — A Moment to Breathe from (in)courage {I contributed a few devotions to this book!}

For your highly sensitive friend — Sensitive & Strong by Cheri Gregory & Denise J. Hughes {If you’ve ever felt like a highly sensitive person or known one, this book is for you.}

For your friend who loves to cook — A Place at the Table by Kelly Minter {Listen to this conversation between Annie F. Downs & Kelly Minter and I’ll guarantee you want this book for yourself too!}

For your personality test loving friend — The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile {I am a huge enneagram fan. It has helped me in ministry and life in more ways than I can count.}

For your friend with the gift of hospitality — The Turquoise Table by my dear, dear friend Kristin Schell. {Everyone needs this book. Ev. Ev. Y. One.}

So, there you go … 25 books that would make great gifts for almost any of your friends. Remember, you can shop for these books easily in my Amazon shop!