4.28

5

May 09, 2009

I read this book as a companion to my husband's books "Every Man's Battle." He has struggled with porn addiction since before we met and got married. I have never had a problem with porn or knew anyone who did so I wasn't aware of its effects. After being married for several years I have come to see how it not only effects the person but everyone around them. So I ordered him the Man's Series and I decided to order the woman's version to read and see what women deal with. It really opened my I read this book as a companion to my husband's books "Every Man's Battle." He has struggled with porn addiction since before we met and got married. I have never had a problem with porn or knew anyone who did so I wasn't aware of its effects. After being married for several years I have come to see how it not only effects the person but everyone around them. So I ordered him the Man's Series and I decided to order the woman's version to read and see what women deal with. It really opened my eyes because although I have never looked at porn or been unfaithful to my husband sexually it showed me that woman can be unfaithful emotionally. When a woman is unhappy in her marriage she may begin an emotional affair with another man without realizing it. A nice man will come along and begin to say and do things that their husbands either don't or have long since stopped. Therefore, it starts out innocent enough but before long that man's nice words and actions end up leading her to a sexual affair. And even if she is strong enough in her values to not let it ever lead to a sexual affair in reality she has had an emotional affair because she is looking outside of her husband for her needs and thus has cheated herself and her husband out of their God given relationship. It is really eye opening and helps you to see to be careful with what male friendships you make and to nurture them with care and to make sure you aren't looking to them for fulfillment you should find in your spouse. ...more

1

Aug 11, 2013

CAN YOU BELIEVE I READ THIS BOOK???

This book is very similar to all the other books I've read like it... it's full of "Every woman experiences x, y, and z" when I don't experience any of those things, and "Every woman wants this and that," when I want neither. When I was younger, these kind of things would drive me into identity crises over whether or not I was girl enough or whatever.

Like all other books like this, when you tell people that you disagree with the book, they get very defensive CAN YOU BELIEVE I READ THIS BOOK???

This book is very similar to all the other books I've read like it... it's full of "Every woman experiences x, y, and z" when I don't experience any of those things, and "Every woman wants this and that," when I want neither. When I was younger, these kind of things would drive me into identity crises over whether or not I was girl enough or whatever.

Like all other books like this, when you tell people that you disagree with the book, they get very defensive of it. "Maybe you're just not ready for this book" or "Maybe you just can't accept the truth." I think popular Christian books like this get treated like ABSOLUTE TRUTH when they are written by fallible human beings. Especially because the woman who wrote this book has no background in psychology... her only qualifications for writing this book are that she is the wife of the man who wrote Every Man's Battle.

In general, the message of this book is basically "lower your expectations and stop falling in love with fictional characters because men are pretty terrible and will never be able to measure up. Also you should consider being sexier so your man doesn't need to stray from you."

I'm just really glad I no longer consider myself a Christian and no longer have to confine myself to standards like this.

EDIT, 4 yrs later: oh also ps, figured out I'm not a woman. So maybe that also had something to do with it. ...more

5

May 09, 2012

Sex is gift freely given unto us by God to enjoy. But because we live in a perverted world; we abuse and misuse this beautiful act to satisfy our selfish needs. As a young woman I know just how difficult it is to remain pure. Everybody thinks you're a freak when you say things such as "I'm a virgin" or "I'm saving myself for marriage". Friends treat you like a social outcast and the guy you think loves you for you is after that on little thing you're guarding with your life. The media adds Sex is gift freely given unto us by God to enjoy. But because we live in a perverted world; we abuse and misuse this beautiful act to satisfy our selfish needs. As a young woman I know just how difficult it is to remain pure. Everybody thinks you're a freak when you say things such as "I'm a virgin" or "I'm saving myself for marriage". Friends treat you like a social outcast and the guy you think loves you for you is after that on little thing you're guarding with your life. The media adds insult to injury by over-promoting the act... Pheewww It really is a battle, but a battle that can be won. Every Woman's Battle: Discovering God's Plan for Sexual and Emotional Fulfillment by Shannon Ethridge

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





View all my reviews
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4

Jan 12, 2011

I picked up this book to have as a resource for opportunities in the future to help women. I did a quick read through it and thought it has a LOT to offer, especially for women who regularly interact w/ men in personal friendships or in the workplace. It gave a lot of good questions to ask yourself in various situations to expose the motives of your heart and provide protection. I think it's easy to assume "nothing will ever happen to me," but that's not an accurate assumption. This book can I picked up this book to have as a resource for opportunities in the future to help women. I did a quick read through it and thought it has a LOT to offer, especially for women who regularly interact w/ men in personal friendships or in the workplace. It gave a lot of good questions to ask yourself in various situations to expose the motives of your heart and provide protection. I think it's easy to assume "nothing will ever happen to me," but that's not an accurate assumption. This book can offer some great preventative measures! ...more

3

Jan 27, 2012

It’s funny how God works. I had looked at this book at a local Christian bookstore, wanting to read it and quite nearly buying it. However, I knew it would likely only go on the shelf and wait for me to eventually get around to reading it. Two days later, I looked at the available options on WaterBrook Multnomah’s Blogging for Books page, and saw that it was listed! I was able to save $7+tax by volunteering to review this book! God is good.

So what did I think about this book? I love how each It’s funny how God works. I had looked at this book at a local Christian bookstore, wanting to read it and quite nearly buying it. However, I knew it would likely only go on the shelf and wait for me to eventually get around to reading it. Two days later, I looked at the available options on WaterBrook Multnomah’s Blogging for Books page, and saw that it was listed! I was able to save $7+tax by volunteering to review this book! God is good.

So what did I think about this book? I love how each chapter ends with Scripture, and Shannon Ethridge (the author) quotes Scripture throughout the book. Appropriately. For women who are struggling with sexual and emotional temptations/sin, only God’s Word is the Truth that will set them free.

It was a very difficult book for me to read. She has a friendly style of writing, so I’m not sure exactly where my hang-up was… There were a few sections in the book where I marked up the margins (i.e. I disagreed heatedly with the author.), but not enough to keep me from recommending the book to a friend who is bombarded by and struggles with such temptations. Here’s one section where I disagreed with her:

“[In Matthew 22:37-40] Jesus was saying that the law isn’t what is important. Love is what is important. If we love God, love our neighbor, and love ourselves (in that order), then we can live far above any set of rules or regulations. We have freedom to live apart from any legalistic standards when we live by the spirit of love.” (p. 28)

My response (in the margin):If we love God, neighbor, & self, then from that love, we obey His law!

I didn’t work through the workbook (which is in the same binding with my copy), but it looks doubly beneficial. I think the application concept would make this book more suitable for me. Since I struggled with reading through the book so much, I would have to give it about a 3 on the 5 star scale.

I received this book for free via WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The perspectives above (not quoted from the book) are entirely mine. ...more

5

Jan 04, 2018

This was a really, really good book. I'm so glad I found it at Goodwill and decided to read it! I definitely recommend that adult women - married and single alike - read Every Woman's Battle: Discovering God's Plan for Sexual and Emotional Fulfillment by Shannon Ethridge.

I'm not sure what I thought about absolutely everything said (as it usually is with every Christian Living book I read!), but most of Every Woman's Battle was phenomenal. I was very impressed by the helpful information and This was a really, really good book. I'm so glad I found it at Goodwill and decided to read it! I definitely recommend that adult women - married and single alike - read Every Woman's Battle: Discovering God's Plan for Sexual and Emotional Fulfillment by Shannon Ethridge.

I'm not sure what I thought about absolutely everything said (as it usually is with every Christian Living book I read!), but most of Every Woman's Battle was phenomenal. I was very impressed by the helpful information and Biblical teachings. I feel like I learned some things, and have more of a passion for purity and God's beautiful design than ever. So thankful for the godly women and men who take the time to address these universal struggles in a firm, honest, and God-honoring way!

A very much worthwhile and recommended read!

Quote(pg. 139):

While pride says, "I deserve whatever I desire,"
humility says, "My fleshly desires will not dictate my actions."

While pride says, "My needs should be met at any cost,"
humility says, "Meeting my needs is secondary to loving others."

While pride says, "Life is all about me and my pleasure,"
humility says, "Life is all about God and His pleasure."

While pride says, "The rules apply to everyone else but me,"
humility says, "I will submit to the rules for righteousness' sake."

While pride says, "I'm above the consequences,"
humility says, "I win only when I resist sin." ...more

4

Jul 10, 2009

I think there is a lot of wisdom in this book, some of it should be taken with a grain of salt and definitely read in context. I also think that an updated version would be helpful as, while she writes about sexual/emotional integrity from a single perspective, it definitely feels like it was written for older married women stylistically (terms she uses, and examples are a little outdated for my taste). A fresh perspective with the same good wisdom would be much appreciated in my opinion. But I think there is a lot of wisdom in this book, some of it should be taken with a grain of salt and definitely read in context. I also think that an updated version would be helpful as, while she writes about sexual/emotional integrity from a single perspective, it definitely feels like it was written for older married women stylistically (terms she uses, and examples are a little outdated for my taste). A fresh perspective with the same good wisdom would be much appreciated in my opinion. But again definitely worth a read. ...more

5

Dec 06, 2008

Very insightful into women's psyche and internal sexual turmoil that is hard to admit.

4

Jan 12, 2012

Back in May of 2011 we bought a copy of 'Every Young Woman's Battle' as we had a teen aged girl living with us at the time. Being familiar with the book 'Every Man's battle' and 'Every Young Man's Battle' we were confident that the book would be solid. The same was true when I saw this book for review: having read the other books I was glad to get a copy of this one too.

The author does an excellent job exploring a subject that has too long been tabu to talk about. I have found this to be a sad Back in May of 2011 we bought a copy of 'Every Young Woman's Battle' as we had a teen aged girl living with us at the time. Being familiar with the book 'Every Man's battle' and 'Every Young Man's Battle' we were confident that the book would be solid. The same was true when I saw this book for review: having read the other books I was glad to get a copy of this one too.

The author does an excellent job exploring a subject that has too long been tabu to talk about. I have found this to be a sad state of affairs. As a minister's wife, a women's ministry teacher and a teacher to Senior High Teens - as well as other ministries involving women - over the last 13 years I have met many young ladies and grown women who have been devastated in the area of sexual and emotional intimacy. Many have been wounded in such ways that they do not feel worthy. Others struggle silently with things they are too embarrassed to speak about, feeling they are the only ones struggling in these areas.

I found the book to be an excellent resource. The writing is very personable and easy to follow and the advice is biblical and scriptural based. Shannon Ethridge has stepped out to tackle a subject that has long needed to be tackled.

I would recommend this book for all women. I think that while reading it women will come face to face with issues that have long lay hidden in the dark recesses of their hearts and minds. This will produce a healing that will then produce a more intimate marriage or in the case of single women will provide a foundation on which to build an intimate marriage as well as tools to protect their hearts from things that should not be allowed into their hearts.

Thank you to WaterBrook Press for this free review copy. ...more

5

May 12, 2009

really really great book. i recommend it to any woman -- single or married. lots of honest and practical advice on how to develop healthy relationships with men in general and your husband specifically.

2

Apr 02, 2007

I feel like this book really doesn't describe "every woman's battle". It probably works well for some women, but I didn't really feel like it was applicable and the "battle" made it seem like there was just one.

5

Feb 28, 2008

A must read for every woman. Shannon is not afraid to speak about the hard issues women face and should guard against. I wish I would have read it years ago. This is not a book for the timid. It is a book for women who want purity in their hearts and minds.

5

Jul 23, 2013

I LOVE that this book blows the cover off the little lies we tell ourselves. An excellent read that exposes the subtle but dangerous justifications we make for our discontent in marriage and the ways it can manifest itself. Speaks to the HEART of the matter, helping you stay pure of heart before God. A must-read for every wan on earth.

5

Apr 30, 2008

Even though this book is aimed at women, I found it very informative as a man. understanding the differences in how the two sexes view sexual temptation was enlightening. A "must" read by anyone who wishes to have a more fulfilling relationship with there significant other, or who plan on having one.

3

Jan 03, 2013

Thought provoking in a good way. I appreciated the candor with which the author handled topics that I have seldom (sometimes never) heard addressed in Christian circles. I felt that there was a good balance between addressing outward behavior as well as heart issues/motivations. Some parts I heartily agree with, other parts, not so much. Despite any shortcomings, this book is a good resource and would be helpful to women seeking greater (inward and outward) emotional and sexual integrity.

2

Aug 05, 2017

I read this book a number of years ago, and had some serious issues with it. Apparently, I still can't identify with it today. My husband and I discussed it and we came to the conclusion that it might be a cultural mismatch for us. We are both European Roman Catholics.

One topic that was seriously neglected here was natural family planning and marital chastity. This topic was covered with more compassion in the male versions of this series. According to the author, I'm not only a sinner but also I read this book a number of years ago, and had some serious issues with it. Apparently, I still can't identify with it today. My husband and I discussed it and we came to the conclusion that it might be a cultural mismatch for us. We are both European Roman Catholics.

One topic that was seriously neglected here was natural family planning and marital chastity. This topic was covered with more compassion in the male versions of this series. According to the author, I'm not only a sinner but also a pretty selfish wife. I know in my heart that that is not the case. At times it felt like she was throwing stones. Christ has been much more patient with me.

Ridiculous details/suggestions such as a good wife must rigorously shave is one of many modern cultural diseases. I don't believe that Eve or Mary did that or that God would expect this of me or any loving woman or wife.

I could go on here, but there is no point as many women find this book helpful to them. It is simply not appropriate for me or my family.

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5

Oct 06, 2017

An affair begins with the first forbidden THOUGHT. I love how Ethridge reveals how we, as women, guard our bodies by first guarding our thoughts and heart. She offers practical steps to take to help us in that endeavor, while staying far away from being legalistic about it. The levels of emotional intimacy chapter was very helpful in identifying questionable relationships, and the chapter on “locking loose lips” was very insightful with good responses to give when communicating with men. This is An affair begins with the first forbidden THOUGHT. I love how Ethridge reveals how we, as women, guard our bodies by first guarding our thoughts and heart. She offers practical steps to take to help us in that endeavor, while staying far away from being legalistic about it. The levels of emotional intimacy chapter was very helpful in identifying questionable relationships, and the chapter on “locking loose lips” was very insightful with good responses to give when communicating with men. This is definitely a book I will be referencing often, as guarding our thoughts truly is every woman’s battle. ...more

2

Mar 15, 2018

Meh. There were some pearls in certain parts of the book, but for the most part, I found myself irritated. I don't appreciate her condescending tone or shoddy research skills. Citing a statistic (that was widely inaccurate) from a college lecture? No thanks. I read this as part of a women's bible study group and most in my group felt the same way. On the plus side, I grew immensely closer to some of my friends because of the required transparency necessary to finish the group study. Even though Meh. There were some pearls in certain parts of the book, but for the most part, I found myself irritated. I don't appreciate her condescending tone or shoddy research skills. Citing a statistic (that was widely inaccurate) from a college lecture? No thanks. I read this as part of a women's bible study group and most in my group felt the same way. On the plus side, I grew immensely closer to some of my friends because of the required transparency necessary to finish the group study. Even though I know this book has been a tremendous help to others, it just wasn't a solid read for me. ...more

2

Sep 12, 2019

While there were a few tidbits I got from this book, so much of it just doesn't apply to me. Every woman does not have the same battle. It's bizarre that this group of authors works so hard to put people into boxes. Unless you fit their very narrow profile, this book will be a waste of your time.

5

Mar 09, 2017

So glad I read this book. There are so many great things to think about. Good book for single or married. Your thoughts are so very important. Guard your mind & your heart.

1

May 17, 2016

I did not like this book. I did not finish it because I did not like it. (If I don't finish a book it isn't always because I dislike it but it was true for this book.) I picked it up because somewhere along the way someone recommended it to me. I don't remember who but I'm sure their intentions were good.

The first thing that didn't sit well with me about this book (and the others in the series) is that it claims to be for "every woman" (or "every man" depending on which book you're reading). I did not like this book. I did not finish it because I did not like it. (If I don't finish a book it isn't always because I dislike it but it was true for this book.) I picked it up because somewhere along the way someone recommended it to me. I don't remember who but I'm sure their intentions were good.

The first thing that didn't sit well with me about this book (and the others in the series) is that it claims to be for "every woman" (or "every man" depending on which book you're reading). But not all women are the same or have the same struggles. Believe it or not I know women who do not struggle with lust. They have different struggles but by God's grace that is not one of them. This battle is not "every woman's" battle and this book is not for "every woman" either.

The second thing that I disliked about this book once I started reading it was what seemed to me an almost inappropriate focus on stories of things that women or their partners had done or been made to do that were wrong. I think we already know what is wrong with our sexuality; why do we need to be told that this or that act was wrong? It just tempts the reader to visualize said acts in their mind, adding to the wrongness of it all, and possibly introducing the reader to things they were previously innocent of.

My advice: DO NOT read this book! GUARD INNOCENCE! It is far more precious than our culture would lead you to believe!! And if you are not innocent, DO NOT read this book either. There are far better ways to fight the struggle against lust. Go to an older married woman who understands what godly sexuality is supposed to be like. Don't read books that will cause you to think of things that are not noble or pure or praiseworthy.
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4

Jan 17, 2010

This was a very powerful book. There are so many "self-help" books out there for women and I really believe that this is not one of them. The reason I say that is, it not only improves your life, but those around you. Self-help books are just that; only helping you. This book wants you to seek our a better relationship with your husband. This book was eye-opening because there are things that we don't realize that "we" as women struggle with. Most of the time you have people telling you that you This was a very powerful book. There are so many "self-help" books out there for women and I really believe that this is not one of them. The reason I say that is, it not only improves your life, but those around you. Self-help books are just that; only helping you. This book wants you to seek our a better relationship with your husband. This book was eye-opening because there are things that we don't realize that "we" as women struggle with. Most of the time you have people telling you that you can "motivate", "visualize" and "think" yourself to a better person and that is just not true. As a person who was once seduced by the "positive-thinking" movement I can honestly say that it will not make your life better. It is a short temporary fix and it will not give you the life-changing skills to make your life better. There are things in this book that I feel really speak to the heart of a woman and they really make you want to examine where your focus is and where it should be. There were a few things that I found to be a little surprising in this book that you would never think would be in a book addressing woman's issues. It was surprising because when you have read other books about marriage some of these subjects are never come up and they are topics that really should be discussed. Great book. ...more

2

Aug 15, 2014

It gets two stars because parts were slightly helpful, but I think this book misses the mark in several ways. First, it relies on my personal ability to keep my shit together sexually, emotionally, mentally, with God's help as a handy afterthought. I believe that true change is by God's hand. Yeah, I get it, there are some practical steps I can take to avoid/overcome sin, but any real change in me starts and ends with Christ. Second, I felt it didn't adequately address men and women talking to It gets two stars because parts were slightly helpful, but I think this book misses the mark in several ways. First, it relies on my personal ability to keep my shit together sexually, emotionally, mentally, with God's help as a handy afterthought. I believe that true change is by God's hand. Yeah, I get it, there are some practical steps I can take to avoid/overcome sin, but any real change in me starts and ends with Christ. Second, I felt it didn't adequately address men and women talking to each other. Yeah, I shouldn't be engaging in endless innuendo with my guy friends, but what about just talking about our lives? There's a lot of intimacy there that I was hoping the author would comment on, but didn't. Third, I felt the author failed to address the complexity of life and each person's situation. "If you do this, everything will be fine!"
After I criticize the book a ton, I'd like to say that the author means well, is probably more humble (and wise) than I give her credit for, comes up with creative solutions to relational problems and always points to hope in relationship, which I think is important. ...more

5

Jan 24, 2013

I think this is a great book for any Christian woman to read. Whether you are married, unmarried, or are in/not in a relationship, you can take something away from this book. This author knows what she is talking about because she has been through a lot and she sets the standard high for the way you should live your life in a God honoring way. The purpose of this book is to teach you to live a pure life and to draw closer to God. I borrowed this book and definitely want to buy it because it I think this is a great book for any Christian woman to read. Whether you are married, unmarried, or are in/not in a relationship, you can take something away from this book. This author knows what she is talking about because she has been through a lot and she sets the standard high for the way you should live your life in a God honoring way. The purpose of this book is to teach you to live a pure life and to draw closer to God. I borrowed this book and definitely want to buy it because it honestly is a book that addresses all aspects of being a woman. Highly recommend. ...more

5

Feb 24, 2016

Reading this book really helped me understand a woman's emotional needs and realize that they are created by God for a purpose. All human emotions are from God and are to be used to help us understand Him and not just to get a momentary pleasure for ourselves. I've taken a long time to read this book because there is a lot to absorb and learn. It takes what the Bible says about love, sex, marriage and commitment and teaches how to apply this truth to my life and overcome a lot of past hurts. I Reading this book really helped me understand a woman's emotional needs and realize that they are created by God for a purpose. All human emotions are from God and are to be used to help us understand Him and not just to get a momentary pleasure for ourselves. I've taken a long time to read this book because there is a lot to absorb and learn. It takes what the Bible says about love, sex, marriage and commitment and teaches how to apply this truth to my life and overcome a lot of past hurts. I very much recommend this book to all women - married and single. ...more