Bravehearts: Unlocking the Courage to Love with Abandon

by Sharon A. Hersh

For Every Woman Who Wants More from Her Relationships

Within every woman is the desire for extraordinary relationships. We crave intimacy and interconnectedness, companionship and camaraderie. Yet most of us eventually begin to wonder if we want too much. As heartbreak and disappointment take their toll, we become convinced that our desire for deep connection is our downfall. Not understanding that a woman's longings are her strength, we bury or ignore this God-given compass and lose our way.

Yet the desire to connect persists. We make cookies for a new family in the neighborhood, send a note of encouragement to someone at church, plan date nights with our spouse, call a friend after a bad day at work to tell her every detail because we know she cares.

And still we long for more.

What is behind this yearning? Is it healthy? Is it normal? Does it have a purpose? Yes, says author and licensed professional counselor Sharon Hersh--and in Bravehearts, she'll teach how your deepest longings can lead you to rich relationships and give you the courage to love with abandon.

Genres: Christian, Womens, Nonfiction, Spirituality

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2000

About the author

Sharon lives in Lone Tree, Colorado and is a speaker for conferences, retreats, seminars, classes, trainings and workshops.

She is also a counselor for adolescents and adults.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely worth reading.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book really helped me identify some personal problem areas in relationships and learn to love my family and friends better. it's a good one.

[Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much wisdom on a very important topic! There's little to disagree with here and a lot of life-giving, freedom-loving truth to celebrate! It gave me wonderfully affirming new perspective on matters of the heart. I would recommend it to any woman who follows Christ and is looking for more love in her life.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does not have a ton of ratings on Goodreads, but I think it is amazing. Hersh brings her counseling skills, real-life stories, and biblical tidbits to help women know God's love for themselves and others and love others well. This really helped me identify poor behaviors and attitudes in my heart and life in order to become a more gracious, loving, free woman.
Caveat: You have to be willing to think over what she has said and the reflection questions at the end of each chapter in order to fully appreciate this book.
My only slight criticism is that sometimes the Bible connections seem like a stretch or rely too heavily on The Message but maybe I'm just missing her connections.

[Erin M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love her approach on how to love extravagantly.

"The best beauty product is a life surrendered to the challenges, disappointments, and blessings of our unique situation with a belief in God's goodness, a willingness to accept our responsibility, and a sense of humor."

[Luisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

another favorite.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an awesome book. It gives you a perspective as well as a how-to on living life with "extravagent love". It really helps to improve your attitude!

[Ashley]

This is a grand book that every woman should read but go through it slowly and answer all the questions!

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it- because it does" (1 Corinthians 14:1).

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME!!! need I say more?

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dare you not to love this book. The writing is one that poetic, humorous and yet totally relatable.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite study with women to be free...

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read awhile back and it was fairly interesting.