As long as I can remember, I have loved to read. I read lots of different genres and have enjoyed different types of books. As an adult and a mom, I have started enjoying nonfiction, specifically books about the gospel, womanhood, and motherhood. There are so many wonderful female authors in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These women share their testimonies of the gospel and the sacred role of motherhood. Here are ten faith promoting book recommendations about womanhood and motherhood written by amazing women.
You are the Mother Your Children Need
Very uplifting and encouraging, You are the Mother Your Children need by Christie Gardiner is a must read for mothers in any stage of motherhood. Using personal experience and the teachings of church leaders, Gardiner expounds on the principle of motherhood being a divine calling. While we can be really hard on ourselves, God prepared us to be the mothers of our kids. He gave us the talents, skills, and interests that we need to be the best mothers our children need. No matter how discouraged we may feel, we can find confidence in knowing that our babies weren’t born to us by accident; but by a divine plan. Your children don’t need just anyone, they need you!
Women of the Book of Mormon
Most primary kids can proudly tell you about Nephi, Alma, and Captain Moroni from the Book of Mormon. When it comes to the women in the Book of Mormon, we seem to have much less to say. In her beautiful and well researched book, Women of The Book of Mormon, Heather B. Moore discusses the women of the Book of Mormon. Going in order of when their story is told, Moore lists every named and unnamed woman in the Book of Mormon. She expounds on what we know about the woman from the scriptures, and what we can assume from what we know about the culture in which these women lived. After reading this book, I was amazed by how many women really are mentioned and what I learned about womanhood from reading their stories.
Women and The Priesthood: What One Mormon Woman Believes
The Priesthood, God’s power on the Earth, has often been associated with men. While men are ordained to hold the Priesthood, it is not their power. In her beautiful book, Women and The Priesthood: What One Latter-day Saint Woman Believes, Sheri Dew explains how women access the Priesthood. It’s important for all women, including mothers, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to understand the rights and privileges they have through God’s power. As the current generation of mothers, we have a responsibility to help our daughters understand how they can use and be blessed by the Priesthood.
Live Up to Our Privileges: Women, Power, and Priesthood
Another wonderful book about women and the Priesthood is Live Up to Our Privileges: Women, Power, and Priesthood by Wendy Ulrich. This book explores how we are empowered by Priesthood power by making and keeping covenants with God. Ulrich dives into the scriptures and into the words of church leaders to define power and authority. Ulrich teaches righteous women how they use Priesthood Power in their daily lives.
Joy in The Covenant
Sharing stories from her personal life and from the lives of her parents and ancestors, Julie B. Beck shares doctrinal truths in her book, Joy in The Covenant. This book discusses what it means to keep our covenants, knowing our identity as children of God, and moving forward in faith. While I read this book, I found it very spiritually nourishing while being a new mom with a baby.
A Place to Belong: Stories from Modern Latter-day Saint Women
A little different than the other books listed so far, A Place to Belong: Stories from Modern Latter-day Saint Women is an anthology written by authors from a variety of backgrounds. Including 33 stories, this book shows there are more than one way to be a faithful woman in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many members feel pressured to fit the mold. These distinct perspectives show that there is a place for everyone in the Lord’s church.
Mother’s Milk: Poems in Search of Heavenly Mother
If poetry is your thing, you need to read Mother’s Milk: Poems in Search of Heavenly Mother. Paired with simple and beautiful artwork, Rachel Hunt Steinbeck shares her poetic journey in search of Heavenly Mother. Raw, inspiring, and heartbreaking, these emotional poems share a desire for connection with the Feminine Divine. Written simply, they bridge an intimate relationship between Heavenly Mother and Her children. I found these poems very touching and comforting in my own search for Heavenly Mother.
Heaven is Here: An Incredible Story of Hope, Triumph and Everyday Joy
The Memoir, Heaven is Here: An Incredible Story of Hope, Triumph and Everyday Joy is the story of Stephanie Nielsen. Not only does Nielsen share the heart-wrenching story of the plane crash that changed her life, but many gospel principles. She humbly shares her faith in God and the hope that she would have her life back. Nielsen is an example of having face in the fire of adversity.
Eve and the Choice Made in Eden
Focusing on the leading lady in the creation story, Eve and the Choice Made in Eden by Beverly Campbell, discusses Eve and the criticism she has received from other Christians. Backed up by scriptures and scholarly research, Campbell explains why Eve needed to partake of the forbidden fruit. I think it’s important for women and men to have a stronger relationship with and a greater understanding of the mother of all living.
If Life Were Easy it Wouldn’t be Hard and Other Reassuring Truths
Another phenomenal book by Sherri Dew is, If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn’t Be Hard and Other Reassuring Truths. Dew shares personal experiences with her usual touch of humor. This uplifting book is a testament of embracing our burdens and leaning on the Lord. The eternal principles taught in this book are very applicable to motherhood, which has been one of the hardest, yet most wonderful times in my life.
I hope you enjoy these inspiring books as much as I have! I have many similar books I still have to read, so let me know if you’re interested in a part 2. What are your favorite books written by and for LDS women?
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