Ever since I read Wild at Heart three or so years ago, all my girlfriends know I've been screaming, "John! Write one for Eve!!!" Chapter 10 (A Beauty to Rescue) left my soul thirsty and crying for more. How dare Mr. Eldredge tease women with just a hint of understanding and leave us hanging so long! After reading Captivating, ok, I forgive him.

Yes, Captivating is Eldredge's usual message. The Message? You were created in God's image, are in the midst of a fierce battle between cosmic good & evil, have a wounded heart and you must know your place in the Epic of time & eternity, specifically directed towards women. To dismiss it as been there, read that because you've read his other books, would be a deplorable mistake.

ChristianBook.com describes Captivating as: "Every little girl has dreams of being rescued by her hero, of being swept away into a great adventure, of being the beautiful princess. Sadly, when women grow up, they are taught to be tough, efficient, and independent. Many Christians women are tired, struggling under the weight of the pressure to a 'good servant,' a nurturing caregiver, passionate lover, or capable home manager. What Wild at Heart did for men, this book can do for women."

The question is: Does the book live up to the its description? As far as I'm concerned, yes, and then some. Today's church women are tired. I agree. I struggle with being one. John and Stasi share their experiences and understanding of why that is: we women don't know who we were created to be - and if we do, we're too scared to be vulnerable enough to live it.

Women were created in God's image too. Often because of the male pronouns for God, we forget that. God intended women to represent all that is beautiful in Creation, vulnerable and tender. The Eldredges do a wonderful job of making God's feminine characteristics be seen and known throughout Scripture. Wow. For that nugget of discovery, the book is worth its weight in gold!

Women are the nurturers. We are the ones to draw others around us into relationship. But most of the time we're too busy, hiding in our minivans running kids back and forth to ball practice or hustling to climb faster than Big, Bad Brad Jones on the corporate ladder. This is not what God intended for women to do and be.

As Fallen Daughters of Eve, we struggle with God's original intent. We end up either whiny, needy and desolate or we try to control every little detail in our life so we don't "get hurt" again. Some of us flip-flop depending on who we're with. John and Stasi compare and contrast what could be, with that should be and offer a path of healing for the wounds that cause us to behave in such a fallen way.

The Eldredges have provided lots of encouragement for the road home to God's intent. They paint a picture of godly femininity that I dare say I've never heard before, but have longed to live since I can remember. Chapter 10 in Wild at Heart was simply a teaser. That said, this is not a book that will tell you how to make your quiet time with God more effective or how to manage your house to make you the envy of all your Christian sisters. What it will do is show you the path to seeing that the time you spend smelling flowers can be the most efficient quiet time with God. And that is sometimes the most effective way to nurture your heart.

Overall, Captivating is a great read and message. I would gladly recommend this book to most of my friends. Make note to bring your Kleenexes. Don't forget an open heart. God will stir you if you just let him.

Notable Quotes:

"Most of our addictions [shopping, food, bad relationships] as women flare up when we feel that we are not loved or sought after."

"Sometimes the idea of living as a hermit appeals to all of us. No demands, no needs, no pain, no disappointments. But that is because we have been hurt, are worn out."

"Fallen Eve controls her relationships. She refuses to be vulnerable. And if she cannot secure her relationships, then she kills her heart's longing for intimacy so that she will be safe and in control."

"For the root of all holiness is Romance."

For More Information About the Book at Amazon.com