10 Books to Read This Year (for Grace, Growth & Healthy Boundaries)

Read these if you're leading, healing, parenting—or just learning to be gentle with yourself.

If you’re anything like me, the books you choose to read reflect the kind of person you’re becoming.

This year, I’ve chosen titles that speak to:
-healing from shame,
-growing in spiritual maturity,
-and establishing boundaries that protect what matters most.

10 Books to Read This Year: 2026 Edition

Whether you’re navigating ministry, motherhood, emotional recovery, or personal growth—I’m sharing this list with you in mind.

I’d love to know if you’re reading (or re-reading) any of these books this year, too.

1. Start with Your People – Brian Dixon

I’m reading Start with Your People, by Brian Dixon, to re-center how I show up in my relationships—at home, work, and in our faith community.

2. Never Go Back – Dr. Henry Cloud

I chose Never Go Back because I’ve outgrown some patterns, but I need language and structure to keep moving forward. (I read a lot by Dr. Cloud, as you’ll see in this list.)

3. It’s Not You – Dr. Ramani Durvasula

It’s Not You is on my list this year because I need more clarity around emotional patterns I’ve experienced but realized I haven’t fully unpacked. (Listen to this podcast with Mel Robbins to learn more about the author and the book.)

4. Your Desired Future – Dr. Henry Cloud

This one by Dr. Cloud feels like the right book for this season. I want to set intentional direction for where I’m going, not just react to what’s happened. (Pre-order Your Desired Future now for the May book release.)

5. A Love Worth Giving: Living in the Overflow of God’s Love – Max Lucado

My husband started reading this book recently and I found myself picking it up, too. A Love Worth Giving is a definite must-read if you struggle with feeling like you have to earn God’s love.

6. Well Lived: Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace – Sally Clarkson

I’m looking forward to reading Sally’s newest book, Well Lived: Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace. Sally’s message speaks directly to my desire as a Christian woman.

7. The Let Them Theory – Mel Robbins (re-read)

This was one of my top reads in 2025. The Let Them Theory is a liberating mindset shift and major reset for emotional freedom. I can’t wait to dive in again!

8. To Know Him – Dr. Henry Cloud (currently reading)

I just started this 90-day devotional, To Know Him, and am getting so much out of it already. I have a feeling I’ll read this more than once over the next 12 months.

9. Boundaries in Marriage – Dr. Henry Cloud (re-read)

Jeremy and I have been through a lot the past few years, and this book feels like a timely read for 2026. Check out Boundaries in Marriage on Amazon.

10. Boundaries with Teens – Dr. Henry Cloud (re-read)

This book gave me language and structure for when parenting feels hard. I’m still raising three teens (soon to be four), and I’m coming back to Boundaries with Teens this year.

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Ready to read together?

I’ll be sharing reflections and real-time takeaways throughout the year, so make sure you’re subscribed to weekly emails and following on Instagram and Facebook!

If one of these books stands out to you—or if you’re craving a year that’s lighter on guilt and heavier on grace—I’d love to hear from you.

Drop a comment, hit reply, or just bookmark this post. We don’t have to grow alone!

Veritas et gratia,
Kristy 💐