Women in the Bible: 12 Powerful Books Worth Reading

One of my favorite topics to read about is women whose stories are told in Scripture. Their lives reach a deep place in my soul as a modern woman of faith. Each story chosen by God to teach, encourage, and uplift hurting hearts. 

What a gift we have in the stories of women in the Bible.

A group of women reading books together. Women in the Bible, 12 Powerful Books Worth Reading.

These women, although separated from us by the spans of time, have so much in common with what we experience today. As I read about their journeys—the hardships, the victories, and the everyday challenges they face—I’m drawn into the messages they share. Their words, actions, and testimonies are timeless. And when we choose to read them with hearts eager to learn, we will discover more inspiration than we thought possible.

Why Read About Women of the Bible?

In my journey as reader, researcher, and writer about women of the Bible, I’ve read countless books on the topic. Some of these biblical women, many of us have heard of. Others are lesser-known. But one thing they all represent—the love our Almighty God has for his precious daughters. 

There’s been much discussion (and even controversy) lately about women in ministry. But there’s one thing on which we can all agree: God cherishes women. He sees them, loves them, protects them, and uses them for his glory.

Recommended Reads from a Variety of Authors

Of all the books I’ve read on this important topic, there are a few I recommend as must-reads.

Some look at the lives of several women, covering one per chapter. Others focus on one specific woman with a unique story, or maybe a few whose stories point us to one truth to hold on to. I’ve included a variety in this list, to give you options depending on what style you like.

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A few of these are from newer authors, while some have been on bookstore shelves for years. One thing they all have in common is that I’ve found them to be scripturally safe and unique in their approach.

I love a book that gives a fresh take on a timeless truth.

Below you’ll find 12 books about women in the Bible on my must-read list. For each one, I’ve given a snapshot that includes who I recommend the book for, its best qualities, and extra features. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have no doubt adding any of these books to your reading list will be a blessing.

The Girl’s Still Got It: Take a Walk with Ruth and the God Who Rocked Her World

By Liz Curtis Higgs

Recommended for: Women who enjoy a biographical story that reads like a novel.

Best qualities: Vivid writing, relates well to women today, timeless.

Extra features: Quotes from women at the end of the chapters, sharing how they can relate to Ruth’s story, discussion questions and study guide included in the back.

The Most Overlooked Women of the Bible: What Their Stories Teach Us About Being Seen and Heard

By Mary DeMuth

Recommended for: Readers who want a well-researched, biblically sound, and relatable take on the stories of women in Scripture.

Best qualities: Presented in an easily digestible format with memorable quotes and takeaways that stick with you.

Extra features: Questions for discussion at the end of each chapter, along with bulleted thoughts to remember.

It's Good to Be Queen: Becoming as Bold, Gracious, and Wise as the Queen of Sheba

By Liz Curtis Higgs

Recommended for: Women who enjoy reading stories of lesser-known women in the Bible.

Best qualities: The author’s signature bold and vibrant writing style.

Extra features: Discussion guide and study questions included in the back.

Cinched: Living with Unwavering Trust in an Unfailing God

By Kristine Brown

Recommended for: Women of faith who want to deepen their trust in God while learning more about an inspiring woman in Scripture.

Best qualities: Over 100 verses throughout, author includes personal relatable experiences, prayers at the end of each chapter.

Extra features: glossary of God’s promises, companion workbook available.

Why Her?: 6 Truths We Need to Hear When Measuring Up Leaves Us Falling Behind

By Nicki Koziarz

Recommended for: Women who struggle with comparison and appreciate practical, real life solutions.

Best qualities: The author's down-to-earth writing style and ability to relate women in the Bible to our lives today.

Extra features: though questions, memorable takeaways.

The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today

By Shannon Bream

Recommended for: Readers who appreciate a book that stays true to the biblical accounts of the lives of women in Scripture.

Best qualities: Organized in a way that invites the reader to make connections and deepen understanding.

Extra features: Hardback copy available, easy to use as a reference book or Bible study but pretty enough to be a coffee table display book.

The Women of Christmas: Experience the Season Afresh with Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna

By Liz Curtis Higgs

Recommended for: Women who long to experience the wonder of the holiday season through the eyes of the women in Jesus’ lineage.

Best qualities: A beautiful book with a seasonal message of hope.

Extra features: Available as a hardcover, would make a great gift book.

Refilled: Finding Fullness in God When Life Leaves You Empty

By Kristine Brown

Recommended for: Women of faith who’ve experienced unfathomable loss and are looking for biblically sound hope in the midst of real life struggle.

Best qualities: Thoughtfully researched, descriptive storytelling, a familiar story told from a unique perspective.

Extra features: A complete set of reflection pages for each chapter included in the appendix, suggested reading plan.

(Free to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription here.)

Little Women, Big God

By Debbie Wilson

Recommended for: Readers who want to discover the fascinating stories of the women in Jesus’ family tree.

Best qualities: Thoroughly researched and a message from which women of all ages can benefit.

Extra features: Bible study format, each week containing daily lessons, thought provoking questions.

He Knows Your Name: How 7 Nameless Women of the Bible Reveal Christ’s Love for You

By Paige Allen

Recommended for: Women who love to learn about women in the Bible and are looking for something fresh and new.

Best qualities: A unique perspective on the foundational truth of God’s love.

Extra features: Available in all formats, including audiobook.

Reference books:

All the Women of the Bible

Edith Deen

An exhaustive list of every woman in Scripture—both named and unnamed. An encyclopedia of information to keep on the shelf for quick reference or in-depth study.

Free to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription here.

Twelve Extraordinary Women: How God Shaped Women of the Bible, and What He Wants to Do with You

John MacArthur

One of the more widely read books about women in the Bible, covering 12 of the more well-known women, like Ruth, Hannah, Mary and Martha.

Free to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription here.

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4 Benefits of Letting God Lead You

“When I saw this opportunity, I thought it would be perfect for you!”


Over coffee, a friend mentioned a local ministry looking for volunteers. She’d been involved with this worthy cause for several years, and a position opened up that seemed to be just right for me. 


My excitement grew like you wouldn’t believe.

I knew about the ministry and had every intention of getting involved. Now it seemed like my prayers were being answered. Was God opening a door for me? I decided to pray about it, but I couldn’t think of a single reason God would say “no.”


So, imagine my surprise when I didn’t feel like I got the go-ahead from God.


When things stalled out, my stubbornness kicked in. I thought surely God would be pleased with my willingness. Plus, the timing seemed perfect. I wanted to let God lead me, but I just couldn’t understand why he would close the door on such a worthwhile thing. That made it hard to let go and follow His plan instead of my own.


The Root of Our Struggle to Let Go of Control


In our last devotion, I shared about our struggle to let go of control. We reminded ourselves that God is over all things. By focusing on that truth, we can practice releasing control to God each day. But as we look a little deeper, we discover what lies at the root of our struggle.


To find the answer, let’s look at the story in Exodus of a ruthless Pharaoh pursuing the fleeing Israelites.



When God Hardened Pharaoh’s Heart


God sent Moses to lead His people out of the bondage under Egyptian rule. Each time Pharaoh relented and agreed to release the Israelites, God hardened Pharoah’s heart, and Pharaoh changed his mind about letting the people go. 


After finally heeding Moses’ warnings and letting them go, God once again hardened Pharoah’s heart, and the Egyptian army went after them.

“And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the people of Israel while the people of Israel were going out defiantly.” Exodus 14:8 ESV


Scripture tells us God hardened his heart, meaning God allowed Pharaoh to be ruled by his own stubborn nature. He let Pharaoh do what he wanted to do—to be in control.


Why Do We Allow Our Hearts to Be Hardened?


I know all-too-well the desire to forge my own path, even when the path seems righteous and good. Just like wanting to serve in a ministry with my friend, I can get caught up in what I want and forget to allow God to guide me.

The word heart in the verse above originates from the Hebrew word leb, referring to the foundation of our thoughts and emotions. Pharaoh had control of the Israelites, and he did not want to let that go. A hardened heart can have the same effect on us. 


I love how this quote from an article on Christianity.com explains it,  “When God gives us over to our own charge, our own control, we always become hard of heart toward the will of God. It is the natural result of fallen humans refusing to allow God to control our lives.”


A difficult truth, but one we need to hear in order to keep taking steps forward in our spiritual walk. That’s why it’s crucial that we make time to rest at the feet of Jesus often and seek His will above our own. 


Romans 2:5 tells us, “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.”


We see the word heart again in this New Testament verse. Similar to the one used in Exodus 14:8, the Greek word kardia here refers to “the inner person, self, the seat of thought and emotion: conscience, courage, mind, and understanding.” 


Simply put, we can be stubborn. But we know in our hearts, God’s way is the best way, so it’s time to dig deep and pull out any of the hard roots that remain.

How Do We Know If We’re Letting God Lead Us?


When I get used to taking the lead, I can convince myself that something is God’s will, even when I haven’t heard clear direction from Him. I rationalize it, thinking that if it makes sense, then of course it’s what He wants. But just because it’s a good thing, doesn’t mean it’s God’s thing for me right now.


To know for sure, we need to pray and ask Him to lead us.


The Benefits of Letting God Lead You


Good things will come from yielding to God’s guiding hand. It’s challenging at first, but when we submit to His will, we will find freedom in following.

Here are 4 benefits of letting God lead us:

One: When we let God lead us, we transform to become more like Christ.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Two: Letting God lead us helps us sstay on the right path and live the abundant life God offers.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Three: Letting God lead us leads to a worry-free life because we know that even through the most difficult circumstances, God is still in control.

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

Four: Letting God lead us teaches us to hear and respond to his voice.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

If you’ve been struggling to hear God’s voice, you may find comfort and encouragement in this post, 4 Powerful Ways the Holy Spirit Will Guide You.

A Prayer for God to Soften Our Hearts


As we continue seeking the Lord’s leading in our lives, let’s remember to ask him to soften our hearts to his will, his ways, and his timing. He is a good and faithful God, and he will respond as we seek him in all that we do.

Dear Heavenly Father,


My heart has become hardened as I’ve continued fighting for control. I’ve prayed and wanted to let go, but then I make decisions based on what I want instead of waiting for your answer. Forgive me, Lord. Soften my heart toward your ways, your will, and your people.


Your Word says that it’s you who works in me to act, in order to fulfill your good purpose. You know best, and you have a plan beyond what I can see in front of me. Help me to trust that. Help me yield to your will. Where you lead me, I will follow. I confess my stubbornness, and I know good things await as I let you have complete control. Thank you for being my guiding hand. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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