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4.25 of 5 stars

Carolyn Mahaney identifies with the challenges facing women intoday's world and meets them with the guidance of God's Word. Thefeminine virtues ... read full description


reviews

May 31, 2011
Alexis rated it: 3 of 5 stars
A fairly solid entry in the how-to-be-a-wife-and-mother category. Mahaney's perspective on sex is certainly less depressing than the Ricuccis' in Love That Lasts (for one thing, Mahaney seems to actually enjoy sex and delight in her husband). But honestly, a lot of this book was more discouraging than encouraging. The chapter on loving your children might be an encouragement to someone who already has kids, but to someone who is not yet a parent . . . well, it made me all the more terrified o More...
Aug 18, 2009
Shannon rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent. I've been searching for a guide to Biblical womanhood, and I would definitely say this is the best one I've read recently. I would put it up with Elisabeth Elliot's "Let Me Be a Woman." Carolyn Mahaney has a simple, refined writing style. It's practical, biblical, and beautiful. Her humility shows throughout the text, but so does her experience. She is clear but gentle, and always firm about biblical truth. You won't find her bashing specific lifestyles, throwing hers More...
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Mar 21, 2011
Sarah rated it: 1 of 5 stars
Note to self: do not ever attempt to read books about being a "Christian woman" with budding roses on the cover. For real.

Ugh! This book was pretty bad. I understand where the author is coming from - really, I do. I'm an evangelical Christian who agrees that the Bible sets standards for men & women, and I also really like the passage in Titus 2 that this book is based on.

There are lots of examples of harmful application in this book, but here's two:
- In the sec More...
Jan 11, 2009
Lindsay rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book has absolutely changed my view of my purpose as a woman. It is a must read for any Christian woman (married or single). Each chapter revealed sin that was in my life, that I never knew I had. I thought that this book would push that it is sinful to work outside of the home, something that is not necessarily going to be a reality for me in the future. Carolyn Mahaney does nothing of the sort. Throughout this book, she simply shows the biblical call of God to being a wife, mother, and a More...
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Feb 03, 2011
Jen rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This book will take you through the ringer if you're honest with yourself. :) If you're not able to heed advice like, "Only work on one or two of the seven listed..." then don't pick this book up. This book is intended to be an encouragement but could quickly turn into a burdensome load if one were to take it upon herself to make adjustments in all seven areas at once.

I loved the way Carolyn Mahaney drew from other authors to make points and clarifications. I have never bette More...
Jan 14, 2011
Shannon rated it: 5 of 5 stars
One of the best books on Bibilical womanhood I have ever read. I love that Mahaney walks the reader through clear biblical teaching from Titus. What a great place to start as we seek to be the kind of women God wants us to be. There's a lot of opinion flying around out there about what it means to be feminine. While she does inject her personal applications and anectdotes, she sticks pretty closely to the text of Titus 2.

Though I have read this book before on my own, this time I read More...
Dec 01, 2011
Shannon rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Excellent study for women on Titus 2. I would recommend this book to any woman in any stage of life. There may only be one section or chapter that wouldn't apply to every woman. This is definitely a book I plan to revisit often. Mrs. Mahaney does present some hard truths for some women, but she does it in a gentle way, presenting the truth, and why it is imporant that we conform to certain commands of God (like submission). This book has convicted me about many areas in which I lack, but it More...
Dec 25, 2011
Jennifer rated it: 4 of 5 stars
If it were possible, I'd give this book 3.5 stars. It's hard for me to find a Christian women's book I give more than that. While it's got some great advice in it, at the same time, I found offense at the part that said if you stay up late and call yourself a night owl, she likened that to laziness.

While the "Seven Virtures" are good, I also was under the impression this was a good read for single women in preparation of marriage. While I suppose that is true, the title an More...
Jul 05, 2011
Michelle rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the chapter on submission and completely agree with Carolyn Mahaney that this is a very misunderstood idea in our world. It is something I need to work on being better at and it was good to hear her opinion on what submission really does look like.

The reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars is because some of the stories she uses to express her points did not always give a good picture o what she was trying to say.
May 20, 2011
Julie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book is one of the most life changing books I have ever read. I am in a church that teaches truth; hard core truth that you sometimes don't want to hear. And yet this book brought to light truth that I had never even considered. God gave me this book to prepare for a rough season in my life where I would need to live out every aspect that the book touched on!
Mar 08, 2010
Rachel rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This one is geared primarily towards married women, though single girls can find a lot of good in it too. I appreicate the fact that it's based on Scripture. Mrs. Mahaney takes the seven directions for women from Titus 2 (love husbands, love children, self-control, purity, working at home, kindness, and submission) and devotes a chapter to each, giving practical and Biblical direction for how to apply them in your life. She also reminds us that we can't do it on our own, but God will enable u More...
Feb 10, 2011
SeriouslyJerome rated it: 5 of 5 stars
After I return my borrowed copy, I'll have to go buy my own, so I can read it again & mark it up & pass it on. Carolyn Mahaney writes as if talking, making her encouragements & admonishments accessible. I want to give a copy to every woman professing to be a follower of Christ - it will bless you!
May 17, 2011
Jordan rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book is wonderful for married women, soon-to-be-married women, and waiting-to-be-married women =) Carolyn Mahaney goes through the virtues listed in Titus 2 and teaches on how to be a godly wife, mother, and example to those around you. I highly recommend her book.
Mar 19, 2011
Saraelizabeth rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I appreciated the author's views in this book. I think our society has swung too far to the feminist side such that even good women can forget what it means to be a good woman, wife, and mother. I think this book influenced me for the better.
Jan 23, 2009
Dawn rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I always love to read books on Biblical femininity and this book is no exception. I really appreciate all of Carolyn Mahaney's work in putting this together as well as her humility in sharing her own experiences throughout the book.
Nov 25, 2011
High Pointe added it
Mahaney shows us how women are to practically turn from our own ways and put away selfishness, love our husbands, care for others in kindness, bless of our homes; all reminding us of the gospel and God who is to have the glory.
Oct 18, 2009
Lauren is currently reading it
I am reading this with 2 other amazing ladies in my church, just finished the first 2 chapters and I have been very encouraged and challenged by it so far. It's focus is exploring the role of women according to Titus 2
Dec 09, 2008
Hayley rated it: 2 of 5 stars
I liked this book until the chapter on working from the home. There were some parts that I didn't agree with the interpretation of. I have felt God has lead me towards the career path I have begun and while I don't have any children yet, I always planned on maintaining this career. I like to think that the main focus of the chapter was to put your family first before any career, which I completely agree with. It did make me feel as though if I wasn't being a stay at home mom that I was not f More...
Nov 07, 2011
Leah rated it: 5 of 5 stars
A fabulous book for a wife and mother. No sappiness, just solid truth and Scripture. Such an encouragement. As of now, my favorite mother/wife Christian literature. It will be very hard to beat.
Feb 26, 2009
Becs rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Firstly, that being a godly woman as Scripture describes is, above all else, for the sake of adorning the gospel of Christ.

Secondly, that it will take a lifetime of sanctification.
Apr 27, 2010
Nova rated it: 5 of 5 stars
"Easy read. The book discussed clearly the fiminine virtues of women described in Titus 2. The book motivates me to please God in different seasons of life callings."
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jun 02, 2011
Caroline marked it as to-read
Carolyn addresses the various aspects of the Titus 2 woman and includes excellent discussion on women in their role in the home. Beautiful book!
Nov 03, 2009
Kmeirik rated it: 4 of 5 stars
gently convicting. thought it could have elaborated a bit more on the topics- seemed over simplified but a great read on being a godly women.
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Sep 14, 2009
Greta rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Haven't read a good wife/mom book in a while and I loved this one. Had some great reminders and practical applications based on Titus 2. Our need for God's help is a strong theme throughout the book--can't "love our husbands and children, be self-controlled and pure, be busy at home, be kind, be subject to our husbands" on our own.
Mar 04, 2011
Rachel rated it: 5 of 5 stars
God puts a Titus 2 woman in your hands!
From the beginning, Carolyn stresses the "why" of Titus 2... "so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior."

Wives, mothers, and any woman is sure to glean at least one gem from the wisdom she shares, that you too might continue in holding forth the gospel as the solitaire of your life, that it would shine brighter to your own eyes and others'
Sep 19, 2009
Carol rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I am a woman, but never realized how much of our perspectives of ourselves and others were so intriguing and so full of depth.
Jan 11, 2011
Kala rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Had a few insights that I appreciated, but didn't explain the why of submission very well.
Mar 09, 2011
Heidi rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Read this last year - will try to post a review shortly
Jul 12, 2010
Christina marked it as to-read
Recommended by Molly Hutchins.
Apr 28, 2009
Lauren rated it: 4 of 5 stars
quick read on titus 2. i appreciate the author's insight, stories, and life (i've read other things by/about her, too).