Captivating Expanded Edition

This was such an encouraging read. I have recommended it to all my friends. The authors work well together to write out application prompts as well as directing as back to our image in God. I feel like I walked away more confident in who I was a woman after reading this. The book itself is of high quality and didn’t have any issues with it falling apart.

Having read Eldredge's The Sacred Romance, I was interested to see how this book, (an examination of the role of women), would compare. I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful truths expressed in this wonderful book. Many reviews on this book are diverse, (some outright critics expressing venomous derision and others spouting praise). Here is my opinion for what it's worth: I loved this book because of its honest look at our wounded hearts. The author's maintain that every woman possesses three deep-rooted cravings: the desire to be romanced, the desire to unveil beauty and the desire to be part of a glorious adventure. Whether we want to admit it or not, these desires are entrenched within us, and they reflect our Creator, for we are made in His image. Since the Fall, these desires have been smothered, and we cannot be fully whole until they are fulfilled. I loved how the author's illustrate that a woman is essential to God's plan. Eve was created to be Adam's helper and sustainer, to stand with him and play a pivotal role. Though chilling, the author's emphasis on why Satan tempted Eve was mesmerizing to read. The assumption that Satan nurses a fierce grudge against women because we somehow encroach upon his pride, (I.E., our beauty reminds him of who he once was), is amazing. I'm not sure if I totally agree with this theological assertion, yet it is impossible to deny that women have endured unspeakable cruelty throughout history. This book illustrates how God is the One who can truly affirm a woman's worth. He is the One who gives us the strength to fulfill our purpose, to glorify Him and to make a difference. He rescues us from ourselves and from our enemy, the one who bears a profound hatred for us. Some reviewers have stated that Scriptures are taken out of context. Allow me to say that Song of Solomon is indeed a book about the intimate joy between a husband and wife, (the Eldredge's make this clear in Chapter Seven), but the call of the Lover to His Beloved is God's call to us all. And, where Hosea is indeed a prophetic book about Israel's redemption, the prophet himself was called to marry an idolatrous and adulteress wife. Chapter 2 of that book is a picture of God thwarting Israel in her rampant quest for fulfillment without Him, (just as Gomer runs away from Hosea, Israel runs from God). The same chapter also depicts God as a wooer, (and Hosea redeems his wife from the slave market). These truths apply to each and every one of us. Why else would they be recorded in Scripture? So, these verses are not out of context. They are being applied to all our souls. Regarding the movie references: contrary to other reviewers aversion to them, I found the illustrations to be very enlightening. The movie references show us that all culture reflects our Creator, (whether intentionally or not), and that the inherent truth of our need for a Savior is reflected in everyday life. The author's examine many biblical women, (my favorite examinations are those of Eve and Ruth), showing how those who trust in God can boldly fulfill their destiny. Please give this riveting book a chance. It is not meant to be a substitution for the Bible but a tool to point people to the One who seeks to lead us in an unforgettable dance. God bless you all.

I received this book as a Christmas gift and it is probably one of the BEST gifts I have ever been given. As a young woman who was raised in an abusive home and without a father this book spoke VOLUMES to me. Even to just be able to read that I was NOT the only little girl afraid and hiding in the closet completely changed my world. I have read reviews by some who claim these views are "new age." I'm sorry ladies, but they aren't. This book is entirely about how God made every girl to be loved and cherished by her earthly father as a reflection of the beauty she holds in the eyes of her heavenly father. It also points out a few things about the adam and eve account in scripture that I was unaware of. At first I was cautious but looked it up myself. The Eldredge's are entirely correct. They never claim women are blameless. They never claim that women are perfect. No where do they say those things are what make a female child of God beautiful to her heavenly father. This couple is speaking volumes to a generation of girls who have grown up fatherless and without any real identity as women. I'm not a traditionalist and or a feminist. I am your average young woman. It seems to me that these are the two groups that are "offended," "bothered" or "outraged" at this book. If you are the average young woman, this book will speak to SOME broken part of your heart and will bring you closer to God, your heavenly father. I promise this to you. I have already recommended this book to several friends and plan to continue to recommend it to anyone I meet. I have already seen the amazing things it has begun to do in others lives and I am definitely NOT the same after having read it. I received a paperback copy for Christmas (like I said) and I just downloaded the kindle version so I can always have it on me. Chapter six, alone, I read five times before being able to move it. That was probably one of the most powerfully profound things I have read, aimed directly at my heart, by God, second only to the bible. My hard copy had a million notes in it already and I definitely cannot wait to go and add those - along with many more - into my new kindle version. I can see where this book may not be for my grandmother's generation, but it is certainly for mine. My mother's father died when she was six and I can see a lot of her woundedness from that in her personality. I am working diligently to get her to read it now. The woman I got it from (who loves it as well) is only two years younger so I really feel this book could speak volumes to my mother. I really hope I can get her to read it. Even if you think you don't need to read this because you had wonderful and loving parents, give this book a shot. You may be surprised at the broken places in your heart that it speaks to. READ THIS BOOK!!! There is nothing more I can say to you Open your heart to God's message to you, through this book and enjoy!!! I hope you can learn to bask in your heavenly father's love the way I have. Jo

Any woman who is wanting grow in their faith will benefit from reading this book! Jesus is calling for women to take their place by His side in taking ground for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Die Frau als Krönung der Schöpfung? Ohne uns ist die Schöpfung unvollkommen?? Mehr als nur eine Gehilfin, nützliches oder auch notwendiges Beiwerk für den Mann??? Unersetzlich?? Inkarnation von Schönheit??? JA! Das ist wahr, das ist Gottes Idee der Frau - und kein bisschen gegen die Männer gerichtet! Ein Buch, das uns Frauen aufatmen lässt und uns herausfordert, unserer Bestimmung gerecht zu werden, allein mit Gottes Kraft, Segen und unendlicher Liebe das zu werden, was Gott in uns hineingelegt hat. Welch ein Geschenk an diese Welt.

Este libro me abrió los ojos en mi fe, es hermoso y sanador lo que dice, en verdad no puedo recomendarlo mas

Cover came slightly torn, not in the best condition

I will forever & always recommend this book to women. This book significantly changed my walk with the Lord. I read it about a year ago & still to this day carry things that remind me of my beauty and light that I read within this book. I highly HIGHLY recommend reading, it is such a blessing truly.

Helpful to any woman to discover who she is. Helpful to any guy who hasn't yet worked out why women do what they do. Which is all of us.