Captivating Expanded Edition

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.

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.

The timing of me reading this book was divine. I had walked away from the church for 5 years due to immense pain and abuse I endured at the hands of Christians. It nearly broke me. God graciously brought me back 6 months ago and has taken me on this journey of the awakened feminine soul. I've spent months in his presence learning these things from him. Now, reading this book, I'm reading everything God has been speaking to me in ink and paper. That's how I know this book is filled with the Spirit. The enemy hates women because he hates beauty. But it is your God-given beauty, the beauty of your heart, that has the power to heal through his love. It is your calling as a woman and an endless fountain of joy is found in it. It's yours for receiving!

This book is more than a good read, it’s a must read! We’re reading it along with the study guide for our Bible study and I highly recommend it! It digs deep.

This book came to me as a recommendation, going through my singleness. The timing was surprisingly funny. Anyway at first I was reluctant b/c I'm that feminist who's stuck up in her ideologies/ways of thinking & doesn't need another book that'll drain her strength through foolish arguments. Plus I just didn't have time for it! Now to the one who fits the above description: Emerse yourself into the book! -Trust me you won't regret it. The first chapters will actually engage your arguments, that's assuming you rarely agree with every statement that's said. Be inquisitive and ask Staci/John for clarification. Be the reader who says, "Well no, I disagree with you" or "Girl, you better explain what you mean before I..." or "How about you put it like this" or "Wow! Now that's my girl!" I know, that's how serious my reading got to lol. -Be prepared to get some revelations about yourself. I'd suggest if you may, say a quick prayer for God to open the eyes of your heart and speak to you through Staci/John's book. It's no point to read this book for the sake of just reading. I'm just saying! -Please have a pen & notebook, or if reading from a tablet, make use of the highlight/note-taking options! You'll thank me later lol. -I enjoyed the authors' interpretation to the creation story and the Fall of man. Staci stresses the fact that Eve is the crown of creation, and continues to base everything she's goes through, on this fact. Ever wondered why females in society go through a lot? Well, the devil works day and night to fight against the crown of beauty, the crown of creation, Eve. Lucifer was once the most beautiful creation but after his fall, he became the angel of death. Eve on the other hand (created in God's beauty) is blessed with the gift of bringing life to the world. Won't Lucifer always be on her case seeking to destroy her due to jealousy? Sexual abuse, emotional abuse, you name it! -The feminist part of me made sense of what I should be fighting for. Feminism in today's society has been given a negative light and even though this book doesn't address this topic, keep an eye out for the subtle points and make personal meaning out of each! -Last but not least, this book sheds light on the amount of healing I should seek. Yes, our past should never dictate our future but it for sure explains our present. It helps to get closure, find healing, forgive yourself & others involved and move on. Grieving is healthy, and God is the best comforter in times of grief. One major lesson from my past, that this book helped point me out: Lack of grief is dangerous. The enemy uses it against you and this unknowingly or knowingly leads you deep into sin.

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

Sent this book to my Mother in Law after reading it myself several years ago. I did a book study with a women’s small group and gained so much insight into the heart of women. My MIL loved the book as well and is beginning to reread it already! This author and her husband are both talented writers. Check out Wild at Heart by John Eldridge as well!

Cover came slightly torn, not in the best condition

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.