9 Books for Working Moms
I love to read. But when it comes to nonfiction books, I want to read something that grows my mind, expands my perspective and guides me with meaningful content. As a busy working mom, my time is at a premium and I don’t want to waste it reading something that’s not impactful. So, if it doesn’t help me thrive as a wife, mom or worker, leave it on the shelf – and I have a feeling you may feel the same way.
That’s why I’m sharing a few book recommendations here on the blog! All are great for working moms, and well worth your precious time. Happy reading!
Cultivate What Matters by Lara Casey – Written by a Chapel Hill, N.C., resident (yay local author!), this book is filled with Godly wisdom, joy-filled encouragement and refreshing reminders that good things grow within the dirt. If your life is messy, chaotic or nothing like you expected it to be, this book was written with you in mind, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Expect to Win by Carla A. Harris – This author is a force of nature. Go read her bio and you’ll learn about a Harvard grad who helps lead Morgan Stanly, was appointed by Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council, has been named in every major magazine’s list of most powerful people, AND she’s an accomplished recording artist. (How does a person do that in one lifetime??) What’s more is that she loves the Lord and carries Him with her in all she does. I was blessed to hear her speak at an in-person event last year and was awestruck. Read her book, friends!
This One’s for the Working Mama by Katie T. Alexander – This book is incredibly authentic to the life of a working mom and was written when the author couldn’t find a helpful book for her own life. The crown jewel of her work is Katie’s ability to point moms to Jesus at every turn while also acknowledging their struggle, overwhelm and the satisfaction they receive from working. Her mission here is to ensure that readers understand that it’s OK to live “with your soul on fire” and she helps equip them in doing just that. I’ve been blessed to chat with Katie from time to time, and she’s just as genuine, driven and humble as she comes across in this book.
Stretched Too Thin by Jessica S. Turner – This is, in short, a how-to guide for working moms. Jessica shares many of her own experiences as a working mom, identifies with the incredible overwhelm we feel, and offers suggested ways to navigate working motherhood. My favorite part of this book was reading about the “mental load” concept – pretty sure I was saying, “Yes!” out loud as a read. I have even given this book out as a gift to Restored speakers in the past.
Called to Create by Jordan Raynor – Entrepreneurs, makers and creators – this one’s for you. The premise of the book is that you don’t have to be a pastor or a missionary to carry out the work God has called you to. The author uses relevant examples of how God calls people to create products, services and concepts in His timing and with His blessing while showing the world His goodness and grace in the marketplace. When I read it, I felt so empowered to dive into building Restored with confidence.
Master of One by Jordan Raynor – Doing too many things? Read this. It’s Jordan Raynor’s follow up book to Called to Create and it encourages you to stop working at many things in order to master the one thing that harnesses your gifts, skills and abilities. It’s filled with relevant examples of people who did it well and is perfect for the person who’s trying to figure out what they should do with their career.
You Are the Girl for the Job by Jessica Connolly – Full disclosure that this one’s on my reading list, but I’ve heard good things and will update this blog post once I’ve read it. I understand that it’s a great read, especially if you’re in ministry or nonprofit work. It’s a book intended to help women get unstuck, make impactful moves in their careers and step into God’s calling for your life – with boldness. Side note: The back cover compels readers to “find your people”…which is exactly what Restored is all about.
Hello Mornings by Kat Lee – I just started this one, but am so impressed by the first few chapters! I am NOT a morning person (seriously, my husband gets up with the kids every. single. day. Bless him!), but this book dives deep into morning routines and how we can incorporate simple steps to establish impactful habits. If it helps me become less of a morning grouch, then I’m all in (and so is my husband who purchased it for me).
Traction by Gino Wickman – Hey, entrepreneurs – pay attention to this! I once sat in on a business planning session where the leader said this was the single most impactful book she had ever read. She’s not wrong. It’s good. That’s because it’s a simple read with step-by-step instructions for how to structure your business mission, vision and goals and run toward them with reckless abandon. There are worksheets, follow up book suggestions for your teams and timeless business advice ready and waiting in these pages.
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