My Favorite Female Christian Authors.

If I haven't said it enough, I'll say it again: I hate winter. Most days, the only thing that distracts me from the miserable cold (yes I KNOW I'm in the south and it's only in the 40s, don't come for me!) is reading. I am a Class-A bibliophile, and I have been for my entire life.

I've set a goal for myself to read at least 5 books this month, and this inspired me to share with you my favorite female Christian authors! Hooray!

These are women whose books I've read voraciously and multiple times, and they have each encouraged and influenced me in such beautiful ways.

Let me know if you love these gals as much as I do, or if I've left anyone off the list that I shouldn't have.

1. Sarah Bessey - I have consumed every single one of SB's books at least twice, and I will not apologize for it. My two favorites of hers are "Jesus Feminist" and "Miracles and Other Reasonable Things." Besides offering gorgeously expressed insights into Scripture and the heart of Jesus, Sarah also is a brilliant voice when it comes to "living in the wilderness" of our faith. (For more on that, check out her book Out of Sorts!)

   1. Favorite Quote: “I want to be outside with the misfits, with the rebels, the dreamers, second-chance givers, the radical grace lavishers, the ones with arms wide open, the courageously vulnerable, and among even—or maybe especially—the ones rejected by the Table as not worthy enough or right enough.”

2. Rachel Held Evans - If you have ever struggled with doubts or an evolving faith, then Rachel is the woman for you. Her works are pithy, funny, and vulnerable. "Searching for Sunday" felt like I was having a conversation with a dear friend rather than reading all day in my book nook. "A Year of Biblical Womanhood" was enlightening, amusing, and revelatory as she worked through the biblical stipulations for being a woman. Rachel is personal, raw, and unafraid to voice her fears and questions, and for that I love her oh so much.

   1. Favorite Quote: "Imagine if every church became a place where everyone is safe, but no one is comfortable. Imagine if every church became a place where we told one another the truth. We might just create sanctuary."

3. Jen Hatmaker - Jen is so funny and observant and honest, and has such distinct voice. Her books are both amusing and riddled with profound observations on faith, family, and community. You can't go wrong with any of her stuff, but I'd recommend "For the Love" and "Of Mess and Moxie" for those unfamiliar with her! (*Bonus: Of Mess and Moxie is currently free on the Amazon Kindle store.)

   1. Favorite Quote: "If it isn’t also true for a poor single Christian mom in Haiti, it isn’t true."

Honorable Mentions:

1. Nadia Bolz-Weber - Accidental Saints

2. Annie F Downs - Let's all be Brave

3. Dr. Alison Cook & Kimberly Miller - Boundaries for the Soul

If you feel compelled to check any of these reads out, be sure to let me know what you think. <3