I think this book is best read by someone who has been bogged down in day to day life of wifehood and rearing children. This book rescues women from the feeling that the only purpose in their lives is to do everything for everyone else. It helps release the woman within the wife and mother and remind you of the woman God has for you to be. It is possible to be soft and feminine without being a doormat

I was really disappointed with this book. I loved the cover image, and I guess I just expected too much from it, based on the beautiful cover image. That picture was the only thing captivating about the book. The entire premise is that all women have been hurt or damaged. It's like we all have something to recover from and I can't relate to that at all. This book didn't impress me at all, I couldn't relate to it and found the idea that we're all hurting to be an insult. How could a spiritual person believe this crap?

I'm actually writing this review for my mom! She picked up this book through one of her Bible studies at church and has been spiritually high ever since. She has been more upbeat, and claims to have that lasting effect. She likes the book especially because it's geared toward the woman, and therefore gives specific direction as to what makes a woman and her actions. I only wish they made one for me like this!

I found this book at our local library book sale. I rated it 3 stars because while this book is excellent in going for the goal of encouraging all women. That they learn to believe in themselves and to find the inner strength that all have.

The book gives prime examples of how women through out the ages have been discourage of standing up and
holding roles that help them to stand beside men. Instead, women have been protrayed as a "silent" part
of life, staying behind the scenes to raise children and care for husbands. While these roles are
very important, there is also a side to women that has been left hidden.

John is vague in some areas of the book, giving references from multiple resources such as the Bible, and
does use biblical verses. I can see where some of the resources could loose the reader especially if they
are not familiar with the Bible. I would recommend that the reader have a bible or whatever resource being referred to at hand so that they can look up the references and understand it better.

I feel that so many times in our society that women have special talents and gifts that are kept buried and
it would so much help our society to embrace some of our ideas, hopes and dreams.

For centuries, the church has used scripture to keep women oppressed. In the book “Captivating; Unveiling the Mystery of the Woman’s Soul,” Stasi and John Eldridge explore the true heart of God toward women. The Eldridges discuss the three core fundamental needs that women desire to have met. In order to be fulfilled, as discussed by the Eldridges a woman has the need to be romanced, the need to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure and the desire to unveil beauty. The book portrays God’s view of women. Revealing that God’s view is not that a woman is subordinate, but that God allows women to embrace their own femininity as a facet of His glory. This is a must-read for all women, especially for those struggling with their role in the church. You will feel completely valued and have a renewed appreciation for who you are as a woman!