must read books for military wives
My first few years as a military wife left me feeling new and confused, but not desperate.
Yes, we moved more than I ever anticipated.
Yes, I job hunted until my eyes burned from staring at a computer screen too long.
Yes, we struggled through some of our hardest married years as we started a family.
Yes, we made friends fast and said “see you later” through tearful embraces.
Yes, we were determined to make the best of every duty station (advice given to us from more seasoned wives).
But for the first few years, we were together. Even though there was a lot going on, he didn’t deploy or travel very much. We had a fairly stable daily routine, so when he left on his first deployment I didn’t know how desperate for help I would feel.
By this time we brought four kids into the world and I fell to pieces watching him leave while holding all my babies (literal babies - a 2 year old and three 5 month olds) close to my chest.
Praise the good Lord in Heaven when an amazing friend and mentor entered my life the very same week. The Chaplain’s wife invited me to a Bible Study where we would be diving into a study created for military wives by military wives.
Instantly, I was hooked. There was hope where before I was facing darkness.
I searched on Amazon that same day and ordered the study and every other military spouse book I could find. I wanted all the help I could get because I felt desperate, unqualified, and severely overwhelmed.
Throughout that first deployment I learned so much through these books. As years went on and another deployment came our way, I dove into the books again and again, adding to my collection and revisiting old favorites.
Some of these authors are household names for me and I’m thrilled to bring their books to you today. Here are
5 Must Read Books for Military Wives
1. Tour of Duty: Preparing Our Hearts for Deployment by Sara Horn
This was my very first military wife book. It’s a great study and I recommend going through it in a small group. If you are in the middle of a deployment or have one coming up, this book is for you! Get a few ladies together and dive in.
2. God Strong by Sara Horn
Sara calls this book the military wife’s spiritual survival guide and I couldn’t agree more. I find myself returning to this book again and again. It’s great to read on your own, but you could definitely read it with a group, too.
3. Faith Deployed by Jocelyn Green
I can’t remember if this book was gifted to me or if I bought it during that first deployment, but it’s a keeper! This book sits on my shelf by my desk and I have dozens of entries dog-eared. It’s a collection of devotions and I am here for it.
4. Back Roads to Belonging by Kristen Strong
I have the amazing honor to be internet friends with Kristen. Her husband is retired now, but the wisdom she gifts us in Back Roads to Belonging is so relevant to any active duty wife. Navigating feelings of belonging in the military community is vital to our overall wellness and this book is my guide.
5. Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
While this book isn’t specifically for military wives, the themes in it are so important. We live lives of distraction and worry, but Shauna teaches us how to be present. She teaches us how to release the pressure of being perfect and we all need this message.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of helpful books for military wives, but these are the ones I find most helpful and truly hold close to my heart.
If you know a new military wife or one that needs some encouragement, grab one of these for her!
I truly believe we need more books like this in our community and I’m excited to tell you I’ll be adding one of my very own to the list soon. Want to be kept in the loop so you don’t miss out on the details? Be sure to get on my email list and you’ll be the first to find out.