Book Review: Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart by Kristen Clark & Bethany Beal

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Title: Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart: Discovering the Beauty and Freedom of God-Defined Sexuality

Author: Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal

Genre: Christian Living/Nonfiction

Audience: Teen/Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

For the modern Christian woman living in today's sexually charged society, embracing God's design for sex and purity can often feel like an impossible pursuit. As the culture seeks to normalize things such as pornography, erotica, and casual sex, both single and married women of all ages feel immense pressure to conform. With alluring temptations constantly inviting them to join in, they might even begin to question whether God's design is truly good. They wrestle with questions like

- What is the purpose of my sexuality?
- What does it mean to pursue purity?
- Are my sexual longings good or bad?

In this encouraging book, Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal share honestly about their own struggles and victories, and invite women on a personal journey to discover and reclaim a biblical vision for their sexuality. Kristen and Bethany help women understand why God's design for sexuality is good, relevant, and leads to true hope and lasting freedom.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Another phenomenal read and awesome resource from sisters, Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal! I had the privilege of being on the launch team for Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart, and let me tell you, it is not a book that you want to miss! I was stunned and blessed. This is a message I'm so excited for! It is simply, beautifully another tool in helping us women discover the freedom of living out our sexuality God's way.

I think one of the reasons I was so excited to read Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart is because we as the Church don't talk much about lust being a girl's problem ... or about our sexuality in general! And as a result, I believe Satan has a foothold in many a woman's life. Our idea of sex is twisted and we struggle with fear, shame, and secret sexual sin.

Kristen and Bethany don't shy away from the raw, tough questions and shameful topics. They dive right in. They share their own stories of sexual sin and of finding forgiveness and freedom. They share hope. They get to the heart of the issue, and give practical tips to avoid temptation.

Reading this book could seriously be life-changing for some girl. I read a book that tackled the topic of sexual sin (Every Young Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge) when I was a young teen, and it changed the course of my life. And I believe Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart is an even more precious book on this topic because it is so centered on Christ, and it is so personal, honest, hopeful, and empathetic.

And holistic, if that's the right word. We're not just talking about how to avoid sexual sin. We're talking about our design as human beings ... how God created us as sexual beings in the beginning. And how that sexuality is good! How our sexual design can point us to God. Yes, sexual intimacy was created exclusively for marriage, but we are sexual beings whether we're married or not, and so understanding God's design for our sexuality is vital. It is an intricate part of our lives!

Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart talks about the universal sexual brokenness. It talks about same-sex attraction, and the truth that male, female, and marriage were created specifically and purposefully by God. It speaks on being made for intimacy, imperfect purity, battling temptation, and real freedom. Again and again, we are reminded that our sexual longings point to an even deeper need - the need for Jesus Christ. He can truly satisfy our souls.

Something that I enjoyed about this book was how it quoted renowned Christian authors and speakers such as John Piper, Dannah Gresh, Dr. Juli Slattery, Jackie Hill Perry, Joshua Harris, and more. And, of course, the Holy Bible! Scripture is what we must always line up our ideas against and see if they match. Because God's Word is our absolute truth.

I love reading about God's design for marriage and sex. It is truly beautiful! And the way it points to Christ and the Church ... the Creator and our relationship with Him ... is magnificent. When we realize the amazing design and purpose of sex, we dare not tarnish its beauty. It is too good to fool around with!

I hope you all will give this book a chance, even if you don't normally read nonfiction. It flows along well and is easy to read. Kristen and Bethany help us to recognize God's awesome design for sex and intimacy as laid out in the holy Scriptures. They show that the hold that sexual sin has on you can be broken! You can find forgiveness, new beginnings, and glorious beauty as you turn to Him and use your sexuality as God designed!

Our brilliant, loving Creator's plan for sexuality is obviously the very best. It was His design in the first place! We can trust that. We don't have to live in sexual brokenness and depravity. By His strength, we can rise up to beautiful heights of purity, holiness, blissful joy, and freedom.

I'm so glad this book was written! Dear women, read this book. I think it will help you to understand your sexuality and the desires that come with that. It will help you to honor marriage and sexual intimacy. And find your deepest satisfaction and hope in Christ!

This book includes discussion questions at the back of the book for each chapter. I can't wait to go through it with a group of women!

I received a complimentary copy of Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart from Baker Books Publishers and the authors. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

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Title: The Governess of Penwythe Hall

Author: Sarah E. Ladd

Series: Cornwall #1

Genre: Regency Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811
Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall ... back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Lovely! I've read by Sarah E. Ladd before, and just had to pick up her latest novel because of the gorgeous cover! I'm happy to say that the story did not disappoint. Book One in the CORNWALL series, The Governess of Penwythe Hall pulls us into early 1800s, England, and Cordelia Graythorne's life. I love stories set during the Regency era, and this one was well-done. It's centered around a governess with a troubled past and a handful of dear, orphaned children, which I came to love. Plus Jac, who is quite nice, as well. *winks and smiles* It has a good amount of mystery/suspense, a warm faith theme, and sweet romance. This book definitely wasn't heavy on the romance ... and didn't have any steamy romance scenes - which is always a breath of fresh air. I love a good romance, but it has to be done right! Sarah E. Ladd unfolded this love story quite charmingly.

Overall, The Governess of Penwythe Hall is about family, faith, and finding freedom from dark pasts. It was enjoyable to read! For fans of Regency tales, I would certainly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall from BookLookBloggers program. This review is honest and all my own.

"Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart" Book Talk & Unboxing!

Good evening, friends! Today I'm here to talk about a soon-to-be-releasing, Christian nonfiction book called Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart: Discovering the Beauty and Freedom of God-Defined Sexuality, as part of the launch team. It was written by @GirlDefined founders, Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal. I believe the books these sisters write are amazing tools in helping us women better understand and navigate God's design for womanhood, femininity, love, marriage, and sexuality!

Kristen and Bethany are passionate about helping women find their identity in Christ, and purpose in His kingdom! Their ministry has definitely impacted my life.

Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart is releasing April 30th! And if you want to receive some super special bonuses - such as an audiobook, adult coloring book, and private Q&A with the authors + their husbands - then pre-order by the 29th!

I recently received my early copy of this book, and I'm loving it! Our sexuality is such a huge part of who we are as women - as human beings - and to dig deeper in the Biblical design is so helpful and amazing.

Listen, dear fellow women, God had beautiful purpose in mind when He created male and female. Masculinity and femininity. Sexuality. Love. Marriage. I hope you know that! I hope you will pick up a copy of Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart and be encouraged! <3

And also, pick up copies of Girl Defined: God's Radical Design for Beauty, Femininity, and Identity and Love Defined: Embracing God's Vision for Lasting Love and Satisfying Relationships, if you haven't read them yet. I loved both books!

Now, if you're interested, watch my latest Youtube video below! It's my very first unboxing video! *grins* #sexpuritylongings

The Awesome Blogger Award

Hello, fair readers! Happy April!

I decided that I'm going to do The Awesome Blogger Award today. I'm sure it can be debated on whether or not I'm an awesome blogger ... seeing I wasn't exactly tagged ... but we shall ignore that! *laughs* Abigail Harder did this tag on her blog, Books, Life, and Christ, and tagged anyone who wanted to do it. It looked like fun. So I accepted the tag. Thank you, Abigail! <3

Without further ado, here we go!

The Rules

• Thank the blogger who nominated you
• Tag your post with #awesomebloggeraward
• Answer the questions given to you
• Nominate and inform at least 5 bloggers
• Give them 10 new questions to answer

The Questions

1.) What is your favorite music artist both Christian and Secular?

One of my favorite Christian artists is the band, Unspoken. As for secular artists, I haven't found any that I'm a big fan of, I suppose.

2.) What is one of your favorite movies of all time?

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe {2005}

3.) What is your favorite TV show?

Counting On. ^_^ I really love watching the Duggar children grow up, fall in love, marry, and have their own children and adventures. It's just fun keeping up with the lives of some fellow Christians.

4.) What is your favorite genre to read?

Historical fiction or fantasy. I definitely read more historical, but that's partly because there aren't a whole lot of Christian fantasy novels out there.

5.) Do you like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, all, none, or a mix?

I definitely enjoy coffee and tea. I drink herbal teas more than coffee. I would drink coffee more, but I try not to have too much caffeine.

6.) Who is one of your go to authors for an easy read?

Hmm. An easy read? I'm not sure. I suppose I'll say Sarah Sundin, author of The Sky Above Us. Usually I'm swept into her stories quite effortlessly.

7.) What is your go to comfort food?

Probably something with chocolate and peanut butter (only actually sunflower butter because I can't have peanut butter).

8.) If you had to choose one continent to visit, which one would it be and why?

Europe. I dream on going on a grand tour of Europe like wealthy young ladies did in the old days. All that rich history and exciting culture. Castles, museums, and fantastic, new food ... Sign me up!

9.) What are your top five favorite book series?

TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

THE BLADES OF ACKTAR by Tricia Mingerink

Those two, definitely, are part of my top five. It's hard to decide, but let's go with these three, as well. *smiles*

A FAIRY TALE RETOLD by Regina Doman

WAVES OF FREEDOM by Sarah Sundin

OUT OF TIME by Nadine Brandes

10.) What author do you wish to spend the entire day with?

Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal, authors of Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart! I just want to move to Texas and adopt them all as my best friends. *winks* They seem like such lovely women who love Jesus!

Also, I think I would like to spend a day with Joanne Bischof, author of Daughters of Northern Shores. Her novels are so beautifully written and sweet. I'd love to meet her. <3

11.) Favorite season?

Summer. *heart eyes* Summer all the way. Summer, come quickly, please!

12.) Favorite thing to do in the summer?

Everything. Lay in the sunshine. Take a walk on a balmy evening. Read a book outside. Swim. Have a picnic with family. Explore scenic places. Enjoy the warm air. Have late night adventures. Go on vacation. Attend weddings. Kayak. Play outside games. Etc. Summer just makes me feel alive.

13.) Biggest book pet peeve?

Hardened, tough, perfect, unrealistic, unfeminine, kick-butt heroines.

14.) Favorite Bible verse?

I don't think I have a favorite. But here are some beautiful verses that I love:

1 John 3:1-3

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

15.) Have you ever done something you never thought you could ever do?

Drove on the freeway? *laughs* I used to be terrified to drive. And terrified of a bunch of other things. Thankfully, I realized the driving isn't that scary. And God is faithful in helping a weakling like myself overcome fear. Praise the Lord! <3

16.) What is one thing you wish you could do that you know you could never do?

Be an actress. *grins*

The Nominees

Natasha @ Simple Things

Victoria @ Victoria's Book Nook

Faye @ Create.In.Me

Deborah @ The Road of a Writer

Sam @ The Light Meets the Dark

The New Questions

Why don't you all just pick some of the questions that I answered? ^_^ (I answered questions from both of Abigail Harder's posts of this tag.)

Book Review: A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh by Carolyn Miller

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Title: A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh

Author: Carolyn Miller

Series: Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #1

Genre: Historical (Regency Romance)

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can a proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?

As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society - and she's always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her - and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?

Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won't willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister's illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount's daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected - especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he's falling for in order to protect his beloved sister's secret.

When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers' cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences - or will the trust they've withheld from each other tear three lives apart?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Carolyn Miller is a writer of unique and heartfelt regency romance novels. I'm quite a fan of this historical era, so it was a delight to discover these books! A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh was such an enjoyable read, and I so look forward to delving into the next two books in the REGENCY BRIDES: DAUGHTERS OF AYNSLEY series.

This story is about Caroline, the eldest daughter of Viscount Aynsley. Tying into Carolyn Miller's most recent series, REGENCY BRIDES: A PROMISE OF HOPE (Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena's Secret, & The Making of Mrs. Hale), this book follows Caroline as she goes to stay with her grandmama in Devon as to sidestep possible scandal. There she meets a mysterious couple, gets involved in some scientific escapades, and is forced to confront her own selfishness and lack of faith. What does she believe about God?

I really liked the faith theme in this book, how it was woven so deep into the story. Caroline's journey to Jesus Christ was honest and profound, and brought tears to my eyes. It's not often you see a genuine coming to faith in fiction these days, so I very much value that aspect of this author's work.

There was excitement, drama, danger, tenderness, and a lovely thoughtful air about A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh. Gideon Kirby's interest in science and fossils lent a different aspect to this book than other regency romances. The love story was very sweet and clean. I loved getting a glimpse of characters from previous books, and also briefly meeting Caroline's younger sisters, Cecilia and Verity. So excited to read their tales!

My caution is that there are some difficult topics raised, so be careful if you're a sensitive reader. Abuse and abortion are mentioned, and there was one or two scenes of violence. (view spoiler)

Overall, a very lovely Christian historical novel set during the early 1800s. As always with Carolyn Miller, I look forward to reading more.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh from Kregel publications through their blogger program. This review is honest and completely my own.