This is the page where I share my "shelf," my best-loved books that I would recommend to almost anyone, but in particular young girls or women looking for clean, uplifting fiction and nonfiction. There are thousands of good books out there, so be encouraged: none of us should ever run out of things to read! While I don't have that many books to recommend, I hope my list helps you a little in your search. I review books on Goodreads and, if they're new, on Amazon.
Please note that this is a work-in-progress, and there will always be more books to add, so keep checking back!
Please note that this is a work-in-progress, and there will always be more books to add, so keep checking back!
Christian Fiction
The Pilgrim's Progress
John Bunyan
Published 1678
The intricacy of this allegory and its lessons is amazing. It brought me conviction and a greater realization and appreciation of what Jesus has done for me and what my life should be like as a result. I agree with everyone who ranks this as a must-read classic! I recommend an unabridged edition ... my theory is, you'll soon grow accustomed to the unfamiliar language and then you won't miss any aspect by reading an updated story. And don't overlook the second part, this one about Christian's wife, Christiana, and their four sons. It is every bit as valuable as the first!
John Bunyan
Published 1678
The intricacy of this allegory and its lessons is amazing. It brought me conviction and a greater realization and appreciation of what Jesus has done for me and what my life should be like as a result. I agree with everyone who ranks this as a must-read classic! I recommend an unabridged edition ... my theory is, you'll soon grow accustomed to the unfamiliar language and then you won't miss any aspect by reading an updated story. And don't overlook the second part, this one about Christian's wife, Christiana, and their four sons. It is every bit as valuable as the first!
Christy
Catherine Marshall
Published 1967
I found this to be a beautiful, hugely inspiring book. Christy, 19 years old, becomes a missionary-teacher to a poor rural village, Cutter's Gap, Tennessee, in 1912. Life is harsh there, and Christy isn't entirely ready, but her faith in God, initially weak, grows immensely while she is there. Her questioning and crying out to God is very real, as is the encouraging outcome. Marshall's writing is poignant and descriptive, and the characters are all well-developed and memorable. It's just as much a spiritual adventure as it is a literary adventure. I would recommend this for older teens on up, though, because of two or three graphic scenes.
Catherine Marshall
Published 1967
I found this to be a beautiful, hugely inspiring book. Christy, 19 years old, becomes a missionary-teacher to a poor rural village, Cutter's Gap, Tennessee, in 1912. Life is harsh there, and Christy isn't entirely ready, but her faith in God, initially weak, grows immensely while she is there. Her questioning and crying out to God is very real, as is the encouraging outcome. Marshall's writing is poignant and descriptive, and the characters are all well-developed and memorable. It's just as much a spiritual adventure as it is a literary adventure. I would recommend this for older teens on up, though, because of two or three graphic scenes.
Charity's Diary
Elisabeth Allen
Published 2010
This is a series of three--Just Like You, No Matter What, and For Life and For Eternity—all about Charity Wentworth, an English young woman in her early twenties who lives with her family as the oldest of six children. They are novels interspersed with entries from Charity's diary. There are so many good things about the story; Charity is very relatable to girls in their teenage years and older, because her struggles are their struggles. She wonders what her purpose is, and is surprised when God seems to call her to live and help out at home when what she really wants is to be a missionary in India. Her youngest sister suffers from a tough disease. Charity loves a young man she's known since childhood, but it goes unrequited. She fights being envious of her beautiful cousin. And all the while, God calls her closer and closer to Himself. I identified with many of Charity's feelings, and certain parts almost brought me to tears.
Elisabeth Allen
Published 2010
This is a series of three--Just Like You, No Matter What, and For Life and For Eternity—all about Charity Wentworth, an English young woman in her early twenties who lives with her family as the oldest of six children. They are novels interspersed with entries from Charity's diary. There are so many good things about the story; Charity is very relatable to girls in their teenage years and older, because her struggles are their struggles. She wonders what her purpose is, and is surprised when God seems to call her to live and help out at home when what she really wants is to be a missionary in India. Her youngest sister suffers from a tough disease. Charity loves a young man she's known since childhood, but it goes unrequited. She fights being envious of her beautiful cousin. And all the while, God calls her closer and closer to Himself. I identified with many of Charity's feelings, and certain parts almost brought me to tears.
Stepping Heavenward: One Woman's Journey to Godliness
Elizabeth Prentiss
Published originally 1869
This is one of those works of fiction that teaches you about godliness as much as, or more than, nonfiction books. It is Katherine's (or Katy's) "journal" that she begins on her sixteenth birthday and keeps well into adulthood. In the course of daily living, as well as in greater occasions and tragedies, God teaches her how to conform her will to His and how much fuller her life can be when she walks completely in His ways, even in regard to her moment-by-moment attitudes.
Elizabeth Prentiss
Published originally 1869
This is one of those works of fiction that teaches you about godliness as much as, or more than, nonfiction books. It is Katherine's (or Katy's) "journal" that she begins on her sixteenth birthday and keeps well into adulthood. In the course of daily living, as well as in greater occasions and tragedies, God teaches her how to conform her will to His and how much fuller her life can be when she walks completely in His ways, even in regard to her moment-by-moment attitudes.
Elsie Dinsmore
Martha Finley
Published 1999
The original 28 books were published between 1867 and 1905, but Zondervan/Mission City Press published an eight-book adapted version in 1999. This series was labeled A Life of Faith. Reshaping them for a new generation was a really good idea! Not only does it give young girls a look at the pre–Civil War south, it instills godly values and asks them to study their own lives to see how they line up with the Bible's teachings. Although some people find the heroine, Elsie, hard to relate to, I thought she was an encouragement. These books helped me in my walk with God. They're also gently and beautifully written! And just look at the lovely hardback covers. I look forward to reading the related books about Millie Keith and Violet Travilla, as well as Martha Finley's originals.
Martha Finley
Published 1999
The original 28 books were published between 1867 and 1905, but Zondervan/Mission City Press published an eight-book adapted version in 1999. This series was labeled A Life of Faith. Reshaping them for a new generation was a really good idea! Not only does it give young girls a look at the pre–Civil War south, it instills godly values and asks them to study their own lives to see how they line up with the Bible's teachings. Although some people find the heroine, Elsie, hard to relate to, I thought she was an encouragement. These books helped me in my walk with God. They're also gently and beautifully written! And just look at the lovely hardback covers. I look forward to reading the related books about Millie Keith and Violet Travilla, as well as Martha Finley's originals.
Classic Fiction
Anne of Green Gables
L. M. Montgomery
Published 1908
This delightful story—including most, if not all, of the next seven books—is full of charm, beauty, fun, emotion, and breath-filled characters. For people looking for stories about relationships, these are some of the best. Although being godly is not the stated aim of the characters, those we are meant to admire have good values and learn to be better people. Montgomery's descriptions are, to me, as beautiful as the scenery they are meant to describe. Letting myself sink into the images is a true refreshment!
L. M. Montgomery
Published 1908
This delightful story—including most, if not all, of the next seven books—is full of charm, beauty, fun, emotion, and breath-filled characters. For people looking for stories about relationships, these are some of the best. Although being godly is not the stated aim of the characters, those we are meant to admire have good values and learn to be better people. Montgomery's descriptions are, to me, as beautiful as the scenery they are meant to describe. Letting myself sink into the images is a true refreshment!
Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen
Published 1811
This is a touching story about two impoverished sisters in their late teens and the ups and downs of their fortunes. Elinor epitomizes "sense" and Marianne "sensibility," but they are extremely close. In my humble opinion, Elinor Dashwood is one of the most admirable heroines in literature. She is strong and loving in the face of unkind relatives, her sister's broken heart, a malicious "friend," and her own romantic heartache. Austen meant her to be a model of good character and true dignity. The three men that feature, Edward Ferrars, Colonel Brandon, and John Willoughby, generate lots of opinions from readers, too.
Jane Austen
Published 1811
This is a touching story about two impoverished sisters in their late teens and the ups and downs of their fortunes. Elinor epitomizes "sense" and Marianne "sensibility," but they are extremely close. In my humble opinion, Elinor Dashwood is one of the most admirable heroines in literature. She is strong and loving in the face of unkind relatives, her sister's broken heart, a malicious "friend," and her own romantic heartache. Austen meant her to be a model of good character and true dignity. The three men that feature, Edward Ferrars, Colonel Brandon, and John Willoughby, generate lots of opinions from readers, too.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Published 1813
Austen's most popular novel, this book feels almost contemporary with its witty and vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet. Both she and Mr. Darcy must overcome pride and prejudice in order for there to be a happy ending. Each of the other characters receive due treatment as well. As in all her novels, Austen makes her characters entertainingly distinct, weaves a tight story line, extols upright morals, and degrades the silly and mean.
Jane Austen
Published 1813
Austen's most popular novel, this book feels almost contemporary with its witty and vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet. Both she and Mr. Darcy must overcome pride and prejudice in order for there to be a happy ending. Each of the other characters receive due treatment as well. As in all her novels, Austen makes her characters entertainingly distinct, weaves a tight story line, extols upright morals, and degrades the silly and mean.
Mansfield Park
Jane Austen
Published 1814
This appears to me to be Austen's most overtly Christian novel. Fanny Price is a meek and long-suffering heroine, greatly concerned with choosing the right course and wishing the same for all whom she knows. She loves her cousin Edmund Bertram, who is to be a clergyman, but he is attracted to a worldly woman, and Fanny fears for the purity of his calling. Meanwhile, Fanny is pursued by the woman's brother and wonders if Edmund will ever return her love. Besides entertaining, I think this book will make you ponder religious sincerity and the effects of compromising with the world.
Jane Austen
Published 1814
This appears to me to be Austen's most overtly Christian novel. Fanny Price is a meek and long-suffering heroine, greatly concerned with choosing the right course and wishing the same for all whom she knows. She loves her cousin Edmund Bertram, who is to be a clergyman, but he is attracted to a worldly woman, and Fanny fears for the purity of his calling. Meanwhile, Fanny is pursued by the woman's brother and wonders if Edmund will ever return her love. Besides entertaining, I think this book will make you ponder religious sincerity and the effects of compromising with the world.
Emma
Jane Austen
Published 1815-16
This is about the daughter of an upper-class family in a village called Highbury. Emma Woodhouse, although a hobbyist matchmaker and snobbish at times, is a relatable heroine because she has definite faults that she must learn to want to correct. She means well, and so the path of her growth is familiar and enjoyable. Not surprisingly, another great cast of characters fills out the village society. Emma's relationship with Mr. Knightley, the leading man of Highbury and an old friend, is almost as fun as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's.
Jane Austen
Published 1815-16
This is about the daughter of an upper-class family in a village called Highbury. Emma Woodhouse, although a hobbyist matchmaker and snobbish at times, is a relatable heroine because she has definite faults that she must learn to want to correct. She means well, and so the path of her growth is familiar and enjoyable. Not surprisingly, another great cast of characters fills out the village society. Emma's relationship with Mr. Knightley, the leading man of Highbury and an old friend, is almost as fun as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's.
Northanger Abbey
Jane Austen
Published 1817
Catherine Morland has much to learn about the world—especially that it's not like one of her beloved Gothic novels. But actually, the nature of real life does bear some resemblance to the world of the novel. Contradictory? You will find yourself questioning even more when you read this book—but you will be delighted by every part. Henry Tilney is Catherine's humorous, yet wise and moral love interest who helps her learn the truth.
Jane Austen
Published 1817
Catherine Morland has much to learn about the world—especially that it's not like one of her beloved Gothic novels. But actually, the nature of real life does bear some resemblance to the world of the novel. Contradictory? You will find yourself questioning even more when you read this book—but you will be delighted by every part. Henry Tilney is Catherine's humorous, yet wise and moral love interest who helps her learn the truth.
Persuasion
Jane Austen
Published 1817
This is Austen's last completed novel. It explores an old, or rather, renewed, love story instead of a new one, and its heroine, Anne Elliot, is older than any of the other heroines. As such, it's very touching. Anne is a sweet and exemplary character, and she need only grow bolder before Captain Frederick Wentworth learns to appreciate her again.
Jane Austen
Published 1817
This is Austen's last completed novel. It explores an old, or rather, renewed, love story instead of a new one, and its heroine, Anne Elliot, is older than any of the other heroines. As such, it's very touching. Anne is a sweet and exemplary character, and she need only grow bolder before Captain Frederick Wentworth learns to appreciate her again.
Jane Eyre
Charlotte Bronte
Published 1847
This follows the life of a young British governess from little girlhood to her position in a country mansion after growing up in a girls' school and becoming a teacher. She meets Mr. Rochester, her employer, and an unlikely romance develops; but it is obstructed, and Jane must soon make a difficult choice just when she thought her life might become happy. Although some people find it somewhat dark, I thought the hard times made the good times brighter, and Jane's strong character inspired me.
Charlotte Bronte
Published 1847
This follows the life of a young British governess from little girlhood to her position in a country mansion after growing up in a girls' school and becoming a teacher. She meets Mr. Rochester, her employer, and an unlikely romance develops; but it is obstructed, and Jane must soon make a difficult choice just when she thought her life might become happy. Although some people find it somewhat dark, I thought the hard times made the good times brighter, and Jane's strong character inspired me.
Wives and Daughters
Elizabeth Gaskell
Published 1864-66
While this is a very long book, it's well worth reading. Sweet, yet human, Molly Gibson is a delightful heroine, but all the characters are very well-drawn. Gaskell always comes up with insightful gems of thought, and the way she makes all her characters understood to readers might inspire you to try to understand all the different people you have to deal with in your life. It is set in 1830s England.
Elizabeth Gaskell
Published 1864-66
While this is a very long book, it's well worth reading. Sweet, yet human, Molly Gibson is a delightful heroine, but all the characters are very well-drawn. Gaskell always comes up with insightful gems of thought, and the way she makes all her characters understood to readers might inspire you to try to understand all the different people you have to deal with in your life. It is set in 1830s England.