Books for Catholic Wives, Mothers, and Homemakers: My Favorite Reads

Samantha Stephenson shares her favorite spiritual reading for the vocation of motherhood.

In this season of resolutions, many of us are looking for advice on improving in our vocation and spiritual callings. Motherhood and homemaking are profound callings that require both practical skills and spiritual wisdom.

Today, I’m sharing my favorite books on these topics, each one a treasure that has shaped my understanding of what it means to nurture a home and family in alignment with God’s plan. I hope and pray that you will find similar edification and encouragement as we walk this road to sainthood together!  

The Apostolate of Holy Motherhood

This book beautifully captures the sanctity and responsibility of motherhood. It’s a collection of the experiences of an anonymous visionary that inspires mothers to embrace their vocation as a spiritual mission.  

Counsels of Perfection for Christian Mothers

by Monsignor P. Lejeune 

This timeless guide focuses on cultivating virtue in daily life and raising children in the faith, making it a must-read for Christian mothers who seek to balance the demands of homemaking with their spiritual lives. 

In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms

by Dr. Laura Schlessinger 

Dr. Laura’s words gave me the courage to share with my husband the deep desire I felt to quit working, and the consolation I needed when that transition ended up being a trying one. Now that I am a write-from-home mom, Dr. Laura’s words echo in my mind and help me prioritize family amidst so many competing responsibilities. (Disclaimer: this is a hard read if you need to work but desire to be home, and not recommended if you are content in your role as a mother who works outside the home.) 

Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters

by Erika Komisar 

Erika Komisar presents compelling research on the emotional and developmental benefits of a mother’s presence during the early years of a child’s life. This book underscores the irreplaceable role of mothers, offering both encouragement and practical advice for those navigating this critical season of parenting. 

Let Me Be a Woman 

by Elisabeth Elliot

Elisabeth Elliot’s reflections on womanhood, marriage, and faith are profound and deeply moving. This book is a beautiful exploration of what it means to embrace our God-given identity as women.  

The Privilege of Being a Woman

by Alice von Hildebrand 

This book celebrates the unique dignity and vocation of women. Von Hildebrand eloquently discusses the spiritual strengths of femininity, offering a countercultural perspective that affirms the beauty of motherhood and homemaking as a divine calling. 

The Eternal Woman

by Gertrud von le Fort 

Von le Fort’s poetic and philosophical exploration of womanhood is deeply inspiring. This book examines the timeless qualities of femininity and their relevance in every aspect of life, including motherhood and homemaking.  

Holiness for Housewives: And Other Working Women

by Dom Hubert van Zeller 

This gem of a book is perfect for mothers who feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Dom van Zeller offers practical advice on how to find holiness in the ordinary tasks of homemaking. His insights remind us that our work in the home can be a path to sanctity. 

Graced and Gifted: Biblical Wisdom for the Homemaker’s Heart

by Kimberly Hahn 

Kimberly Hahn’s book is a wonderful resource for homemakers looking to align their daily routines with biblical principles. She combines practical advice with spiritual insights, offering guidance on everything from meal planning to fostering a prayerful home environment. 

The Summa Domestica: Order and Wonder in Family Life

by Leila Lawler 

Leila Lawler’s comprehensive guide to homemaking is a treasure trove of wisdom. She is really a straight shooter and I appreciate that!  

A Mother’s Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul

by Holly Pierlot 

Holly Pierlot shares her journey from chaos to peace by creating a “rule of life” inspired by monastic traditions. This book provides a framework for mothers to balance their spiritual, personal, and family responsibilities. 

Domestic Monastery: Creating Spiritual Life at Home

by Ronald Rolheiser 

Ronald Rolheiser draws parallels between monastic life and the vocation of motherhood. This short but powerful book highlights how the daily routines of family life can become a form of prayer and spiritual growth. It’s a comforting reminder that our ordinary tasks have extraordinary value. 

A Woman After God’s Own Heart

by Elizabeth George 

Elizabeth George’s classic book encourages women to pursue a life centered on God’s priorities. She provides practical advice on building a strong marriage, raising children, and creating a Christ-centered home. Her wisdom is both inspiring and actionable. 

The Theology of Home Series

by Carrie Gress, Noelle Mering, and Emily Malloy 

This series is a visual and spiritual feast that celebrates the beauty and purpose of homemaking. Each book combines stunning photography with thoughtful reflections on how our homes can become sanctuaries that reflect God’s love.  

If you are a fellow lover of books in this genre, I invite you to consider picking up a copy of one of my books: 

Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad, a guide to standing firm with the Church on marriage and family, while navigating the ethically fraught bioethical realities of childbirth, IVF, surrogacy, and genetic technologies.  

The Bellbind Letters: Inside the Devil’s Plan for Your Motherhood, a creative take on C.S. Lewis’s spiritual classic, coming in February. 

Grow Where You’re Planted: Reclaiming Eden in Your Own Backyard is a prayerful and practical family guide to cultivating seasonal abundance and self-sufficient living (coming March 17). 

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Copyright 2026 Samantha Stephenson
Images: Canva

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