Top Ten Christian Marriage Books
A question went out to our Facebook group the other day, asking the women what their favorite Christian marriage books were. 277 comments later we had a long list of books to choose from. I went through the list today, pulling out the top ten, and ranking them in order of popularity. These are the books that got suggested the most, with Love and Respect topping the list:
1. Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs
by Emerson Eggerichs
2. The Power of a Praying Wife
by Stormie Omartian
3. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts
by Gary D Chapman
4. Women Living Well: Find Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids, and Your Home
by Courtney Joseph
5. The Love Dare
by Alex Kendrick
6. Created to be His Help Meet: Discover How God Can Make Your Marriage Glorious
by Debi Pearl
7. The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God
by Timothy Keller and Kathy Keller
8. This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence
by John Piper
9. The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective
by Martha Peace
10. Sheet Music: Uncovering the Secrets of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage
by Kevin Leman
How about you? Which ones are your favorites!
Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife
41 Comments
Sundee
Susie Larson- alone in marriage … Hands down a book everyone should read…
Will Davis jr. – pray big for your marriage
Catherine Westman
Check out the book “How We Love” it is one of the best marriage boooks …we did it as a couples study…intense…but worth it!
Catherine Westman
***books 🙂
Laura
While I understand that readers suggested these books, I am quite concerned to see anything by Debi Pearl included. Theologically and psychologically, the books authored by her and her husband are concerning. I would NEVER recommend them for anything but kindling material.
Darlene Schacht
A lot of people in the group were talking about that. Seems like people either love it or hate it.
Samantha Rayburn
I believe that it has a lot to do with the fact that she is so very blunt. I have to say her book was very enlightening for me and gave me a drastically different idea to making my marriage work. Although, I threw her book across the room many times before she finally got through to me. However, if it weren’t for her bold way of saying things, it never would’ve gotten through to me and I would’ve continued in my marriage the way I had before. God definitely used her book to get through to me. I have also read “The Power of a Praying Wife” by Stormie Omartian and loved it. I love your blogs and articles too. I have yet to read one of your books though. Thank you Darlene for your ministry and Bless you!!!!
Jeri
I agree Laura, I read that book and Lets just say I was not a fan.
Tina
The best two I know of not on your list are Love Is a Decision and Sacred Marriage.
Lisa Matheny
Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti.
Grace O
When I was doing marriage counseling my pastor had us read The Marriage Builder by Larry Crabb. It is deeply intense, and challenges us to rely on God to meet our deepest needs so that we are equipped to minister to our spouses.
Bill Coffin
A Lasting Promise: The Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage, New and Revised Edition
Scott M. Stanley
http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118672925.html
monica
I tend to agree with one of the other women about the book by Debi Pearl….the first chapter is really good but after thatit pretty much tramples women and takes the verse regarding submission way out of context….
Justin Joseph
I’m obviously not a wife, but I can’t recommend Dave Harvey’s “When Sinners Say ‘I Do'” enough. It wonderfully applies the gospel to each side of the marriage, focusing on sin tendencies. I haven’t finished it yet, but it’s already helped me think a lot differently about the interactions I’ve had with my wife.
Rae
Creative counterpart by Linda Dillow – truth and speaks to your heart.
Lori Alexander
Thanks for the list, Darlene! I haven’t read all of the books but am always looking for new ones to read. I love learning from a lot of different writers. i loved Courtney’s book, Debi Pearl’s book, and Martha Peace’s book…all fabulous marriage books. I will have to get the others. i especially like John Piper.
Carla
Thank you for including “Created to be his helpmeet” by Debi Pearl
As a happy wife of 12 years and mom of three. That book has been a real blessing to me.
Catherine Thomas
I have read most of these and gotten valuable things from all of them. But my favorite one is Lasting Promise. It is SO practical, going beyond recognizing issues and giving strategies to solve them.
Stephanie
Sacred Marriage – must read!
B. Hoffine
I’ve read all of these and they are so good, but I LOVE Sacred Marriage, it’s a must!
Sandie
A Sacred Foundation by Michael Farris & L. Reed Elam.
I gave a copy to each of my children upon their engagement.
Veronica
The book “Created to be his help meet ” by Debbie Pearl has been a blessing to many, many marriages that I personally know. I recommend you begin by reading chapter 8 first. Then go to the beginning of the book and read it in order as it builds on the previous chapter. It is an eye-opening book that if you let the Holy Spirit speak to you it will transform you as a wife. And as a by product your husband responds to you. It is heavenly!
As for the other books written by the Pearls, all I can say is ,”By their fruits, ye shall know them.” Look at their children and grandchildren 🙂 The flavor of joy is woven throughout their writings 🙂 Read them for yourself and see:)
Shelley
I would add “The Most Important Year in a Man’s Life / The Most Important Year in a Woman’s Life” by Robert Wolgemuth & Mark DeVries / Susan DeVries & Bobbie Wolgemuth. It has a book for both the husband and wife (though it encourages you to sneak peeks at the other’s side of the book) and it has been wonderful in my first year of marriage. I would recommend it for anyone in any stage of marriage, not just the first year.
Ulrica
Becoming the Woman of his Dreams – Sharon Jaynes
A superly awesome read for the wives!!!! Hard-to-put-down and full of extremely great insights, here’s a book, I’ve read myself, gifted left, right, and centre and recommend every place I go.
Tried and tested by me – IT WORKS!!!!!! 😉
RobinJeanne
Men, Women and the Mystery of Love by Dr. Edward Sri
and
Love and Resposibility by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II)
Sarah
I love, love, love Hedges by Jerry Jenkins. If we’re going to put all that time and energy into working on our marriages, then we also need to put a great deal of effort into protecting our marriages. His book describes such a simple concept, but it’s one that has a profound effect on a marriage. It’s one of the best marriage books that I’ve ever read!
Marsha
Two that stand out for me are “Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make is Holy More Than to Make Us Happy” by Gary Thomas. The other is by Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus – “What’s It Like to Be Married to Me?”
Priscila Castense
Absolutely agree with number one! I have the book love and respect and I went to their marriage conference and what they teach about respect and love it’s so revolutionary and different from what we hear around us and also the church! Another one that has blessed me a lot is Fierce Woman by Kimberly Wagner. Her testimony is a must read to all those marriages who are about to give up. Unfadingbeauty7.blogspot.com
Elena
I heartily agree with the inclusion of “The Excellent Wife” by Martha Peace. It’s honestly one of the best books I’ve ever read. In fact, my husband and I read it along with the companion book, “The Exemplary Husband” by Stuart Scott. Together, they took us about four months to complete (including workbooks) but they were well worth it!
marg blickenderfer
The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace has been an invaluable resource for me over our 29 year marriage. I’m still learning to lean on Jesus and not expect perfection from my mortal husband.
Cindi
I’m working through Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend and have been amazed by how much it has opened my eyes. My husband and I are trying to recover after he abused drugs and alcohol, slept with another woman, and stole from people he knew. I’m trying to find forgivness and not anger while healing from the hurt and betrayal. He is now in jail, soon to attend a court-ordered rehab, and I’m struggling to not feel resentful at how he feels his life is so difficult for him right now. I’ve been spending time in my Bible, prayer books and journals by Beth Moore, and the Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie.
Shelley
Discovering the Mind of A Woman by Ken Nair. Based on I Peter 3:7. Changed our marriage. I have never loved my husband more…
Savannah
“Real Marriage” by Mark & Grace Driscoll. Loved!!!
Emily
“Or Be Reconciled” by Ruth Z. W. Johnson is a fantastic story of marriage and commitment. Even though it is fiction, it is overflowing with Biblical truths and insight. Beautifully written love story that will grip and challenge you – I would recommend it to anyone who is engaged, married, separated or struggling within their marriage.
http://youtu.be/sccqwQZSmDc
Melinda
I second “Real Marriage” by Mark and Grace Driscoll. Best and most impactful marriage book. And I’ve read A LOT of them!
Jennifer
I would recommend “The Life-Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World” by Shaunti Feldhahn & Robert Lewis! It is an all-encompassing, purpose-clarifying book that underscored and built upon what I learned at the “Weekend to Remember” conference with my husband this spring. I found the beginning chapter or two a bit slow, but after that…didn’t want to put it down! It helped so much with understanding where God is currently leading me, and it would be applicable to a woman in any stage of her life from teen years onward.
Jan
I have to agree with those comments about Debi Pearl’s book. I would never recommend the book, too many bones among the meat!
I do want to recommend the books: Opposites Attract by Tim Lahaye
The Relationship Toolbox by Robert Abel along with the books by Dr. Laura Schlessinger. My list would be quite long if I were to add all of them. I also enjoy Creative Counterpart…. that was given to me when I got married 34 + years ago along with Act of Marriage by Tim & Beverly Lahaye.
I make it a practise to read books on marriage when my husband travels ( he travels often) and look forward to check out the one’s mentioned I have not read. God Bless
Patricia
Not married yet but I’ve read The Meaning of Marriage by the Kellers. Great read. We’re also gonna dive into Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts by Les & Leslie Parrott as we prepare for our marriage. It was recommended to us by my love’s pastor/mentor. We’re gonna go through the workbooks too and we’re quite excited about it 🙂
Sandie D
We read Marriage On The Rock by Jimmy Evans in our Pre-marriage class. I highly recommend everyone at any stage of their relationship to read this book!
Melanie
I have some of the other books on the list and haven’t finished them yet but I can speak for The Love Dare. The Love Dare is truly an amazing book. After my husband came back from a deployment, he suffered from PTSD. Our relationship suffered tremendously. We were in a very deep and dark place during this time. A fellow army wife recommended The Love Dare. We actually did the Love Dare together. It turned out relationship around. And it also turned us back to the Lord. It is truly an amazing book.
Nash
The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger is by far the best book I have read to date.
Aileen
15.ANILA RESULI-insomma costante/presente. hai visto, anch’io mi sono presa un po’ tempo. eppoi con te, cara, non si ha mai l&81i#7;impress2one di essere lasciati soli. hai la grande dote di fare sentire la tua attenzione sugli altri, anche quando manchi per i tuoi impegni. questo è quello che sento di te, e qui lo volevo dire.grazie di tutto, ma tutto