Today, I thought I’d share three of my favorite books to read during Lent. They couldn’t be any more different—a collection of essays, historical fiction, and a children’s book—but I think they are perfect companions to this time of year.

Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way
Shauna Niequist

This isn’t technically a book about Lent, but I’ve been thinking about grace over the past few weeks, so now I associate this book with this season. It’s such a beautiful, honest look at how we respond and react to what happens in our lives. When I finished reading this, I actually hugged my Kindle (maybe this is the point where I should mention that I’m a crazy book lady!). I love that it’s a series of essays you can read back-to-back and then revisit certain essays when you need them.

Mary Magdalene: A Novel
Diana Wallis Taylor

Mary Magdalene is one of my favorite biblical figures. I’m fascinated by both her real life and the stories and misunderstandings that surround her. This book is just so beautifully written, and it teaches you about not only her life but also the time of Jesus. As much as I love reading, I don’t always tear up when I feel emotional while I read; however, this book made me tear up several times. I’m planning to read this during Holy Week each year.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
C.S. Lewis

I loved this book as a kid but didn’t realize that it could be read as Christian allegory until I was much older—and that made me love it even more! Such a quick read but with so much to offer. My Good Friday consists of prayer, fasting, stations of the cross, and this book. Aslan’s resurrection gets me every time.

I hope you’re having a blessed Holy Week. If you have any Lenten favorites, please share them in the comments!

I’ve included Amazon links to these to make them easy to find, but they aren’t affiliate links. I haven’t been compensated in any way for this post. : )