Fans pick 85 books like Marriage

By Christopher Ash,

Here are 85 books that Marriage fans have personally recommended if you like Marriage. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret

Harry Schaumburg Author Of Undefiled: Redemption from Sexual Sin, Restoration for Broken Relationships

From my list on to survive and recover from marital unfaithfulness.

Why am I passionate about this?

When writing about sexuality it is important to me to write about true intimacy. Especially for those who have broken their wedding vows and for those who have been betrayed, who still long for real intimacy with spiritual and sexual maturity. My book, False Intimacy: Understanding the Struggle of Sexual Addiction (1992), was the first Christian book published on the subject of sexual addiction. I have for over thirty years counseled 1000s of sexually broken people from all across the U.S. who came to see me for a week of intensive counseling. I have taught on the subject of sexuality in all fifty states as well as over twenty foreign countries. No subject is more important to our spiritual maturity and sexual maturity.

Harry's book list on to survive and recover from marital unfaithfulness

Harry Schaumburg Why did Harry love this book?

After the death of our daughter, shortly after birth, I felt abandoned by God and lost all desire to serve in any form of ministry. This book, above all others that I have read, helped me personally and spiritually to not only move on with my life, face new and challenging adversities, but to return to ministry; a ministry that has drawn in thousands from across the U.S. and from twenty-five foreign countries for a week of intensive counseling.

By Howard Taylor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This is the classic biography of Hudson Taylor, the missionary to China and the founder of the China Inland Mission. This is a must read for anyone considering missions or already engaged in it and encouragement to any Christian.


Book cover of Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel

Harry Schaumburg Author Of Undefiled: Redemption from Sexual Sin, Restoration for Broken Relationships

From my list on to survive and recover from marital unfaithfulness.

Why am I passionate about this?

When writing about sexuality it is important to me to write about true intimacy. Especially for those who have broken their wedding vows and for those who have been betrayed, who still long for real intimacy with spiritual and sexual maturity. My book, False Intimacy: Understanding the Struggle of Sexual Addiction (1992), was the first Christian book published on the subject of sexual addiction. I have for over thirty years counseled 1000s of sexually broken people from all across the U.S. who came to see me for a week of intensive counseling. I have taught on the subject of sexuality in all fifty states as well as over twenty foreign countries. No subject is more important to our spiritual maturity and sexual maturity.

Harry's book list on to survive and recover from marital unfaithfulness

Harry Schaumburg Why did Harry love this book?

After 30 years of counseling and 1000s of people in bondage to various sexual behaviors, I take a minority view, and do not believe that addiction, and sexual addiction in particular, is a disease; it is a bondage to sin. This book, I believe helps supports that view. I find in counseling, that when you deal with the sin problem as sin, not just a behavior problem, which is a symptom of sin, lives are radically changed. I could give hundreds of examples, but one that stands out was a sexual predator who seduced 100s of women, but after a radical heart change, his marriage survived and he went on to minister and help others, rather than to continue to use others.

By Edward T. Welch,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Addictions as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Addiction, according to Welch, is when we worship ourselves and our desires instead of the true God.


Book cover of Above All Earthly Pow'rs: Christ in a Postmodern World

Harry Schaumburg Author Of Undefiled: Redemption from Sexual Sin, Restoration for Broken Relationships

From my list on to survive and recover from marital unfaithfulness.

Why am I passionate about this?

When writing about sexuality it is important to me to write about true intimacy. Especially for those who have broken their wedding vows and for those who have been betrayed, who still long for real intimacy with spiritual and sexual maturity. My book, False Intimacy: Understanding the Struggle of Sexual Addiction (1992), was the first Christian book published on the subject of sexual addiction. I have for over thirty years counseled 1000s of sexually broken people from all across the U.S. who came to see me for a week of intensive counseling. I have taught on the subject of sexuality in all fifty states as well as over twenty foreign countries. No subject is more important to our spiritual maturity and sexual maturity.

Harry's book list on to survive and recover from marital unfaithfulness

Harry Schaumburg Why did Harry love this book?

This is one of the best critiques of our postmodern culture that you can find from a writer who can make an analysis from both a theological and historical perspective. He also gives an analysis of the evangelical church and how it has been captured by that culture. David Wells points out that there is a conflict within the church today between the plague of postmodernism and the Christian gospel. We must get this sorted out, and this book not only helped me do that, but helped me guide others in accomplishing that goal. So relevant and valuable was the information in this book, I simply could not put it down until I had read it cover to cover.

By David F. Wells,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Above All Earthly Pow'rs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A critique of Western culture and contemporary evangelicalism.


Book cover of The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life

Gary Harpst Author Of Built to Beat Chaos: Biblical Wisdom for Leading Yourself and Others

From my list on applying Christian principles to business and leadership.

Why am I passionate about this?

Following several years of working for the Ohio State University and Marathon Oil, I co-founded and became CEO of Solomon Software, originally named TLB, Inc. (The Lord’s Business) headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. We grew to more than 400 employees and $60 million in revenue, servicing over 40,000 clients worldwide, and then sold our company to Great Plains Software and that combined business was sold to Microsoft six months later. I later established Solomon Cloud Solutions, a technology consulting service firm for Microsoft Independent Software Vendors and Microsoft Business Solutions Channel Partners. Now, I assist businesses and organizations with implementing leadership development systems that will help them grow with a company called LeadFirst.ai.

Gary's book list on applying Christian principles to business and leadership

Gary Harpst Why did Gary love this book?

Os Guiness is my favorite author when it comes to thinking about the call of God and our most fundamental purpose in life.

He tears down the false dichotomy of the sacred versus the secular with regard to living in fullness. Whether baking bread, plowing the soil, or preaching a sermon, a life lived in and for Christ is holy.

We are all on a lifelong adventure to grow in the knowledge and relationship with our Creator. With this perspective, we can live through the difficult and the good times with equal joy.

By Os Guinness,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Call as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Call continues to stand as a classic, reflective work on life's purpose. Best-selling author Os Guinness goes beyond our surface understanding of God's call and addresses the fact that God has a specific calling for our individual lives.

Why am I here? What is God's call in my life? How do I fit God's call with my own individuality? How should God's calling affect my career, my plans for the future, my concepts of success? Guinness now helps the reader discover answers to these questions, and more, through a corresponding workbook - perfect for individual or group study.

According…


Book cover of Redemption

Cheri Swalwell Author Of Adventure's Invitation

From my list on small towns where God turns messes into miracles.

Why am I passionate about this?

I tell people when I meet them that when I married my husband, I got roots. I moved a lot as a child, living in small country towns to suburbs of big cities, and my favorite place by far is in the country, surrounded by nature, feeling that sense of belonging. My husband and I live in his great-grandparent's house in the country, next door to his mother, who still lives in the house where she grew up and raised my husband. There is nothing I love more than sharing my love for Jesus with readers through fictional situations that could really happen. 

Cheri's book list on small towns where God turns messes into miracles

Cheri Swalwell Why did Cheri love this book?

Karen Kingsbury was the second author who made me fall in love with Christian fiction. I read the redemption series all at once and fell in love with how this author drew me into each book and into the lives of the characters. Ashley quickly became my favorite of the Baxter children, and (only God) would she and I experience some of the same events in life at the same time. I was able to grieve and heal and feel the emotions that I needed to release from my own life and the pain I was experiencing through the pages of the books. I still, to this day, read anything that Karen Kingsbury writes because her writing feels so divinely inspired.

By Karen Kingsbury, Gary Smalley,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Redemption as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Book 1 in the bestselling 5-book Christian fiction series that has sold nearly 2 million copies!

A story of redemption and love at all costs, from Karen Kingsbury, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “heart-tugging and emotional” (Romantic Times) life-changing fiction, co-authored with Gary Smalley.

Redemption is the first book in the original Baxter Family Series, which has gone on to captivate tens of millions of readers and is currently being made into an original television series, produced by Roma Downey and Will Packer.

A Shocking Betrayal
Kari Baxter Jacobs is furious, hurt, and confused. Her husband, Tim,…


Book cover of God Stalk

Jody Bower Author Of The Princess Powers Up: Watching the Sleeping Beauties Become Warrior Goddesses

From my list on fantasy heroines who break the mold.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have a PhD in cultural mythology and wrote my dissertation on heroine journeys, which became my book Jane Eyre’s Sisters: How Women Live and Write the Heroine Story. I've come to understand that the traditional hero quest story is usually about returning society to the way it used to be, before something threatened or changed it. In contrast, heroines (as long as they are not just gender-swapped heroes) tend to question how things have been and upset the status quo. First, the heroine must learn to discern what is good and right in the world and identify the old, rotten ways that must be discarded if all are to prosper.

Jody's book list on fantasy heroines who break the mold

Jody Bower Why did Jody love this book?

In her Kencyrath series, Hodgell gives us a new slant on the idea of the hero destined to save the world. Her heroine Jame’s propensity to break or destroy things, from crockery to the most treasured institutions and customs of her world (usually by accident), may be proof that she is, in fact, turning into That-Which-Destroys, an aspect of the Three-Faced God prophesied to return and destroy the forces of evil threatening all the worlds with annihilation.

But even as she grows in power, Jame begins to challenge everything about her own culture—not just the restrictions placed on women, but the ingrained ideas about power and privilege in general. She also comes to question the prophesy itself and seeks out other cultures for answers. Jame may have arcane powers, but her ruthless honesty with herself and everyone else may be her most powerful weapon.

By P.C. Hodgell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked God Stalk as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Jame is a Kencyr. Kencyrs are not native to the planet where they now live. For thirty centuries they have been the weapon that their Three-Faced God has used against the power of the Perimal Darkling. And though they have fought well, the Darkling has come to planet after planet, and the Kencyrs have moved on.

Jame knows this as she stumbles out of the hilly, barren Haunted Lands into the city of Tai-tastigon. But she knows little else. She does not remember where she has been or what she has done for the last ten years of her life.…


Book cover of Experiencing God Study Book

Elizabeth Bristol Author Of Mary Me: One Woman’s Incredible Adventure with God

From my list on finding your own adventure with God.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hi, I'm Elizabeth Bristol and I’m just a regular person. For a long time, I ran from God because, well, I didn’t want Him telling me what to do. Then something amazing happened. Mary Me: One Woman’s Incredible Adventure with God describes my journey into this wild new relationship with God through Jesus Christ who helped me break free from the lies I’d believed so I could be the me He created me to be. I found out God’s way cooler than I ever imagined and that He has an adventure for everyone. So, I became passionate about wanting to help others find theirs because no matter where you are with God, there's always more!

Elizabeth's book list on finding your own adventure with God

Elizabeth Bristol Why did Elizabeth love this book?

Every time I read this workbook, I notice that a lot of people ask, “You say you hear God, but how do you hear God?” 

They do that because when I apply the practical steps the workbook teaches, I end up with a lot of stories that start with, “This is what God’s been showing me...”

I don’t know about you, but practical instructions really help me! 

This book not only shares information and testimonies, but it also teaches you how to converse with God and that's exactly what I wanted to learn how to do.

If you’ve been wanting to hear God, this book is for you!

By Henry T. Blackaby, Richard Blackaby, Mike Blackaby , Claude V. King

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Experiencing God Study Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Experiencing God Bible Study Book includes revised printed content for 12 sessions, personal study between group sessions, and applicable Scripture. Also, each Book contains unique codes that enable you to access teaching videos for each session.

Over the years, God has used the truths of Experiencing God to awaken believers to a radically God-centered way of life. As a result, millions have come to know God intimately, to recognize His voice, and to understand His will for their lives. This new edition is revised, updated, and ready to help you again—or for the very first time—experience your Creator.

God is…


Book cover of Red Heir

Jane Buehler Author Of The Forest Bride

From my list on romance set in a lighthearted, cozy fantasy world.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved fantasy worlds and romantic stories, but in recent years I’ve found it harder to read stories with extreme violence or trauma. When I started writing fiction, I planned to write a fantasy romance with a kingdom and a battle, but I couldn’t do it—my characters organized a nonviolent revolution and formed a democratic system of governance instead. I reconsidered and decided to write what I call cozy fantasy romances. So many types of romance novels could be set in a fantasy world, such as an office romance or road trip comedy. I’ve been searching for these types of romance novels—fun, lighthearted romances set in a fantasy world—and am slowly finding them.

Jane's book list on romance set in a lighthearted, cozy fantasy world

Jane Buehler Why did Jane love this book?

This book made me laugh out loud so many times—it's the funniest fantasy I have ever read. An oddball crew breaks into the protagonist’s prison cell to rescue a prince, so the protagonist claims to be the prince and is rescued along with his cellmate.

The journey back to the prince’s country is a road trip comedy with a wacky cast... but amid all the crude jokes are real emotional moments and characters being kind to each other. The protagonist can’t stop himself from falling for the prince and grows as a person in the process. Nothing about the story ever gets too serious, and the bad bits happen quickly and without prolonged trauma. I loved everything about it.

By Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Red Heir as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out

Harry Kraus Author Of Could I Have This Dance?

From my list on Christians who feel like there has to be something more.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a practicing board-certified general surgeon and my writing reflects the medical authenticity of an “insider.” I have divided my professional life between practice in America, and also in East Africa, serving as a surgeon and instructor. I am also a man of grace, who has sought to fight against a legalistic Christianity of my youth. We experience life in story, and fiction is the perfect way to teach the heart concepts of love, and perhaps stir within the reader a longing for something more.

Harry's book list on Christians who feel like there has to be something more

Harry Kraus Why did Harry love this book?

This book is a welcome relief to burnt-out and bedraggled Christians who have slipped into a life of duteous religious activity in the place of a love relationship. The answer is found in one word: Grace. If you have doubts about God’s relentless tenderness towards you, read this book. Reread this book. We are all ragamuffins, but we are all loved without conditions.

By Brennan Manning,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Ragamuffin Gospel as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Are you bedraggled, beat-up, burnt-out?

Most of us believe in God’s grace—in theory. But somehow we can’t seem to apply it in our daily lives. We continue to see Him as a small-minded bookkeeper, tallying our failures and successes on a score sheet.

Yet God gives us His grace, willingly, no matter what we’ve done. We come to Him as ragamuffins—dirty, bedraggled, and beat-up. And when we sit at His feet, He smiles upon us, the chosen objects of His “furious love.”

Brennan Manning’s now-classic meditation on grace and what it takes to access it—simple honesty—has changed thousands of lives.…


Book cover of Divine Action and Modern Science

Brendan Sweetman Author Of Evolution, Chance, and God: Understanding the Relationship Between Evolution and Religion

From my list on religion, evolution, and chance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a teacher, philosopher, writer, Professor of Philosophy, and holder of the Sullivan Chair in Philosophy at Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. I'm the author/editor of sixteen books on such topics as religion and science, religion and politics, contemporary European philosophy, and political philosophy. I'm particularly interested in how religion and science, especially evolution, can be shown to be compatible with each other, as well as in developing an argument that there is no chance operating in nature (including in biology). My book and the books below explore these fascinating topics from almost every possible angle, and should whet readers’ appetites for further thinking about these intriguing matters!

Brendan's book list on religion, evolution, and chance

Brendan Sweetman Why did Brendan love this book?

This book considers the relationship between the natural sciences and the concept of God acting in the world. Nicholas Saunders examines the Biblical motivations for asserting a continuing notion of divine action and identifies several different theological approaches to the problem. He considers their theoretical relationships with the laws of nature, indeterminism, and probabilistic causation. His radical critiques of current attempts to reconcile special divine action with quantum theory, chaos theory, and quantum chaos are especially interesting, though he will not convince everyone! Saunders provocatively suggests that we are still far from a satisfactory account of how God might act in a manner that is consonant with modern science despite the copious recent scholarship in this area.

By Nicholas Saunders,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Divine Action and Modern Science as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Divine Action and Modern Science considers the relationship between the natural sciences and the concept of God acting in the world. Nicholas Saunders examines the Biblical motivations for asserting a continuing notion of divine action and identifies several different theological approaches to the problem. He considers their theoretical relationships with the laws of nature, indeterminism, and probabilistic causation. His book then embarks on a radical critique of current attempts to reconcile special divine action with quantum theory, chaos theory and quantum chaos. As well as considering the implications of these problems for common interpretations of divine action, Saunders also surveys…


Book cover of Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret
Book cover of Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel
Book cover of Above All Earthly Pow'rs: Christ in a Postmodern World

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