Marriage Book Library

This page contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

I thought it might be a good idea to create a “library” of marriage books to recommend to y’all. If you want to build your marriage, these books are really solid. They are high on substance and low on chaff.

Please feel free to leave reviews of helpful marriage books as a comment to this page. I’d like for this list to help ladies find great book resources.

General Marriage
Devotionals
Lovin’ On Your Spouse
Communication & Resolving Conflict
Married Sexuality
Sexual Problems
Growing Up, Getting Healthy
Lifestyle
Parenting
Finances

General Marriage

THE PATH OF INTIMACY by Scott Means

I know Scott and his lovely wife Jennie. They are faithful believers with a heart for marriage and a deep foundation in the Word. And it shows here in his book. I keep coming back to it because he has some lovely understanding of the Christ/Bride and husband/wife analogy.
Paperback or Kindle

GRACE FILLED MARRIAGE by Dr. Tim & Darcy Kimmel

If I could get everyone to read one marriage book, this would be the book. Beautiful writing style, humor, and clearly defined concepts that will help you pour more grace (and joy) into your marriage.
Paperback or Kindle

CHERISH by Gary Thomas

Learn to notice your spouse, appreciate them, honor them, encourage them, and hold them close to your heart.
Hardcover, Kindle and Study Guide

THE INTIMATE MYSTERY by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman III

This is an amazing marriage book. Their understanding of leaving, cleaving, and becoming one is foundational to a strong, happy marriage. It’s one of my go-to marriage book recommendations.
paperback or Kindle

Devotionals

LIVE IN GRACE, WALK IN LOVE by Bob Goff

Paul and I are reading through this devotional in 2020. We loved Goff’s book Love Does. We’re hoping that this devotional will give us a heart to love others better.
Hardcover or Kindle

NEW MORNING MERCIES by Paul David Tripp

This is the devotional that Paul and I are shared in 2019. It’s not a marriage devotional, but we are reading it together and discussing marriage implications.
Hardcover or Kindle

THE LOVE DARE: DAY BY DAY

Love is a daily choice. This devotional can help with 365 devotional readings and 52 weekly dares.
Paperback or Kindle

THE LOVE & RESPECT EXPERIENCE by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

This husband-friendly book has 52 chapters (one a week) designed to help you stop the Crazy Cycle, build upon the Rewarded Cycle, and use the Energizing Cycle to build love and respect in your marriage.
Imitation Leather or Kindle

Lovin’ On Your Spouse

THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman

This is a fairly old book, but it’s solid and because of that has become a classic. I think understanding the concepts and terms used in this book would help in understanding your spouse and could be used to make communication easier (always a good thing).
Paperback or Kindle

THE KINDNESS CHALLENGE by Shauti Feldhahn

Take the 30 day challenge! Shaunti shares her research and many practical ways to bless your man and your marriage.
Paperback or Kindle

Communication & Resolving Conflict

THE RELATIONSHIP CURE by John Gottman

An amazing resource for understanding communication and building a more intimate relationship.
Paperback or Kindle

THE 3RD ALTERNATIVE by Stephen R. Covey

This book is not specifically a “marriage book,” but the concepts are so important to dealing with conflict that married couples will benefit. The book talks about creative options that meet the heart needs of those involved in conflict. There are really many possible options beyond the usual two options proposed.
Paperback or Kindle

RESOLVING EVERYDAY CONFLICT by Ken Sande

If you are looking for a practical, biblical, concise guide to peacemaking in everyday life, this is the book.
Paperback or Kindle

LOVE & RESPECT by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

You can break the Crazy Cycle and build love and respect into your marriage.
Hardback or Kindle

THE EMOTIONALLY DESTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP by Leslie Vernick

This is an amazing book about understanding the destructive factors in a relationship and how to deal with them graciously and wisely.
Paperback or Kindle
(Also available by the same author ~ The Emotionally Destructive Marriage )

Married Sexuality

MARRIED SEX by Gary Thomas and Debra K Fileta

This is a practical guide that is positive, balanced, and informationally sound. It’s now my go-to book to recommend.
Hardcover or Kindle

AWAKEN LOVE by Ruth Buezis

One of the best books on developing a biblical theology about sex in marriage. An encouraging help for those struggling with sexual lies.
Paperback or Kindle

THE PASSION PRINCIPLES by Shannon Ethridge

Written for husbands and wives, this books examines a number of sexual topics to help couples build a healthy delightful sexual life. Includes end of chapter questions for discussion.
Paperback or Kindle

PASSION PURSUIT by Linda Dillow and Dr. Juli Slattery

This is a solid Bible study for women on married sexuality.
Paperback, Kindle or DVD series

SHEET MUSIC by Kevin Leman

This is a delightful book about married sexuality. “It’s not just a how-to-do-it manual,” writes Leman. “This is more of a do-it-yourself look at why to do it and how to do it better.” He addresses a number of sexual issues quite frankly.
Paperback or Kindle

Sexual Problems

HEALING THE WOUNDED HEART by Dan B. Allender

This is the best handbook on healing from sexual abuse that I know of. It’s very thorough and offers good insight into the injury and healing process. Be sure to get the workbook.
Paperback and Kindle

SURPRISED BY THE HEALER by Dr. Juli Slattery & Linda Dillow

Slattery & Dillow share their insights in tandem with a number of stories of women who have found healing from sexual abuse. An amazing book of encouragement and truth. Includes a 10-week Bible study.
Paperback and Kindle

PULLING BACK THE SHADES by Dannah Gresh and Dr. Juli Slattery.

The call of erotica and pornography is strong in our culture. We can download “mommy porn” on our Kindles and view porn with the click of a mouse. It’s a growing issue for many women. Gresh and Slattery address the issue with biblical wisdom, gentle encouragement and deep insight. There is a way out of this bondage. (Even if this is not a problem for you, guaranteed it is for someone you know. The insight and encouragement in this book would be great tools for helping those you love.)
Paperback or Kindle

THE FANTASY FALLACY by Shannon Ethridge

This is an difficult and challenging book. The numbers are growing when it comes to people caught in sexual woundedness and sin and God wants to help, heal and set us all free. This is an amazing tool that can help.
Paperback or Kindle

FALSE INTIMACY by Harry Schaumburg

The subtitle is Understanding the Struggle of Sexual Addiction. This is an insightful book that can help you understand how porn addiction develops and how to walk toward restoration. It includes a chapter on porn proofing your kids.
Paperback Kindle

Growing Up, Getting Healthy

EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY SPIRITUALITY by Peter Scazzero

The author writes about the critical link between emotional and spiritual health. He’s shares his own story (which is a wild ride) and explains how we need to face and address our emotional condition within the framework of our spiritual walk. A life changer.
Paperback Kindle workbook

Geri Scazzero has also written The Emotionally Healthy Woman.
Paperback Kindle

CHANGES THAT HEAL by Henry Cloud

Cloud talks you through the necessary steps of healing and maturing. Amazing read.
Paperback Kindle workbook

YOU’RE ALREADY AMAZING by Holley Gerth

Reading this book is like a hug, a great cup of coffee and the best encouragement you’ve ever had all rolled into one.

Holley walks you through a number of simple exercises to discover your unique design and, in doing so, helps you toss a load of lies and wrong expectations off of your back. Each page offers an insight, a bit of wisdom or an encouragement.
Paperback or Kindle

Holley has also authored You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream and Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream.

Lifestyle

MARGIN by Richard Swenson

This is another “not a marriage book,” but it could very well save your marriage. Busyness and stress are killers of relationships. We need to slow down, appreciate our loved ones and build a sane lifestyle.
Paperback or Kindle

CLUTTER FREE by Kathi Lip

This was a particularly encouraging book for me in that it looks at the why behind clutter and too much stuff. Some of her insights helped me finally get a handle on my paperwork (a minor miracle).
Paperback or Kindle

BREAKING BUSY by Alli Worthington

Stories, wisdom, action steps, and more to help you break busy in your life.
Paperback or Kindle

TAMING THE TO-DO LIST by Glynnis Whitwer

Battle busyness, procrastination, and more. Choose your best work over busy work.
Paperback or Kindle

FIND REST by Shaunti Feldhahn

This is a 60-day devotional full of encouragement, advice, and a touch of humor. She addresses our stress-filled lives and directs us toward a life of peace. Find rest for your soul.
Hardback or Kindle

THE MORE OF LESS by Joshua Becker

In a similar vein, I would recommend this book on minimalism. It will help you sort out your values and dreams and point you toward a sane and simple lifestyle. A great marriage building tool.
Hardcover or Kindle

LOVE DOES by Bob Goff

Wow, what an amazing book. It’s full of stories about love in action, not love in thought, talk or hope. Love does.
Paperback or Kindle

Paperback or Kindle

Parenting

MAKING CHILDREN MIND WITHOUT LOSING YOURS by Kevin Leman

Leman writes with wisdom and humor, helping parents use age appropriate natural consequences to train their children.
Paperback or Kindle

COURAGEOUS PARENTING by David Hutchens

This is a workbook designed to help parents develop their communication skills (for parents with children between the ages of 10 and 20).
Paperback

Finances

THE TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER by Dave Ramsey

This is the textbook for Financial Peace University. I highly recommend you attend an FPU near you, but, in a pinch, the book itself is a great resource. Get a handle on your finances before they get a handle on your marriage.
Hardback

Books & Items I Mentioned in 2022
Books & Items I Mentioned in 2021
Books & Items I Mentioned in 2020
Books & Items I Mentioned in 2019