Books can often be a means of escape. Reading helps to inspire, whether it’s through imagination or words of wisdom that can carry into your own life.

Christian books can be a great way to feed your soul. 2013 had a number of newly released Christian books, but the bestsellers of 2013 weren’t all necessarily new.

Take a look at some of the bestselling Christian books in 2013, whether you’re looking for a good book for yourself, a friend, a family member or a gift for the holidays.
 
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman was first released in 1992, but continues to remain in the top 10 best selling books in the Christian category. This book is a great read for couples hoping to strengthen their relationship, but it can also be great for singles wanting a better understanding of how communication can play a huge role in their romantic lives.

Chapman explores how each individual has his own concept of communication when it comes to a relationship. This can come in the form of someone who puts more stock in actions than words versus a person who very much needs to hear the words rather than have an unspoken bond. Understanding the love language in which an individual communicates in a relationship can be a huge step in not only strengthening the bond, but also helping to understand yourself and one another better.
 
Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent has sold over $5 million copies and continues to thrive on the New York Times Bestsellers List. The book tells the true story of a 4-year-old boy named Colton who told his parents of his journey to heaven during an emergency operation. The website states, “In heaven, Colton met his miscarried sister whom no one ever had told him about and his great-grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born.

He shared impossible-to-know details about each.” The book offers an inspiring story told with the child-like phrases of a 4-year-old boy. However, despite the book’s booming popularity, some theological experts have brought into question the validity of the young boy’s claims and descriptions as being biblically inaccurate in the numerous accounts he relates in his book … a word of caution to the biblically discerning.
 
Cross Roads by William P. Young was released in November of 2012, but has quickly become a bestselling book from the author that sold 18 million copies of his hugely popular novel, The Shack. The book offers a fantasy world, not unlike our own, but poses questions and dilemmas that Christians can relate to.
 
Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young is ranked No. 1 in the Christian Bestsellers list compiled by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) for November 2013. This is a devotional by missionary, Sarah Young, and offers journaling that has helped her and continues to help others.
 
Emotions: Confront the Lies, Conquer with Truth by Charles F. Stanley addresses the inner turmoil that can stem from all of the emotions that can come from regular life. Learning to conquer your emotions instead of having them rule your life starts with trusting in the Lord and releasing yourself to His glory. Stanley offers words of inspiration and a model for living that can offer an eye-opening experience when reading this book.
 
Break Out! by Joel Osteen was recently published in October 2013, but has already reached No. 2 in the ECPA list for Christian bestselling books. Joel Osteen is known for his uplifting and inspirational words in his sermons and offers the same in this newly released book. The theme includes five keys to moving beyond the barriers in your life to help live your life to its fullest potential.
 
While movies have their place, nothing quite compares to the written word. Take advantage of some of the great bestselling Christian books of 2013 and see how books can do more than just entertain – they can really inspire and motivate.

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