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Success #2
Successful Women of the Bible
The second book in a new series that brings the experiences of favorite Bible characters to challenges of contemporary life.
Contemporary "success" is often defined in financial terms or by number of Twitter followers. But for women of faith, success is so much more. And it turns out the timeless qualities of success are exemplified by women on the pages of their favorite book, the Bible. Deborah's model leadership is just as relevant today as it was in the age of the Hebrew judges. Esther's courage to stand up for a cause, Miriam's joyful support of others, Priscilla's exemplary partnership skill, Lydia's business acumen, and other characteristics of women in the Bible are embodied in lively storytelling. Busy Christian women -- often working and raising a family -- crave examples of success. Here are distilled principles they can use to succeed in today's noisy culture. The lessons of these icons of the faith apply, even in the age of Facebook and Instagram.
Contemporary "success" is often defined in financial terms or by number of Twitter followers. But for women of faith, success is so much more. And it turns out the timeless qualities of success are exemplified by women on the pages of their favorite book, the Bible. Deborah's model leadership is just as relevant today as it was in the age of the Hebrew judges. Esther's courage to stand up for a cause, Miriam's joyful support of others, Priscilla's exemplary partnership skill, Lydia's business acumen, and other characteristics of women in the Bible are embodied in lively storytelling. Busy Christian women -- often working and raising a family -- crave examples of success. Here are distilled principles they can use to succeed in today's noisy culture. The lessons of these icons of the faith apply, even in the age of Facebook and Instagram.
159 pages, Paperback
Published August 23, 2016
9 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 9, 2020
55% straight absolute misled fiction (historical and contextual context was completely ignored and stories were clearly interpreted via bias and tradition and stereotypes)
44% author opinion and personal stories (a good portion of this was the author talking about her life and her odd opinions on feminism)
1% scripture (2-4 verses a chapter does not make for a good “re-examination” of Scripture)
I wanted to DNF this so many times, but maintained the hope it would get better. I gave it my best effort. Le sigh.
For a book about successful women, it felt more like a pessimistic and unrealistic take on the way “women were treated” in Bible times, and how we fixed it.
44% author opinion and personal stories (a good portion of this was the author talking about her life and her odd opinions on feminism)
1% scripture (2-4 verses a chapter does not make for a good “re-examination” of Scripture)
I wanted to DNF this so many times, but maintained the hope it would get better. I gave it my best effort. Le sigh.
For a book about successful women, it felt more like a pessimistic and unrealistic take on the way “women were treated” in Bible times, and how we fixed it.
April 9, 2017
This is an excellent book about some of the better known women in the bible including Deborah, Esther and Priscilla. Each section begins with the scriptural reference to the person being considered, then gives us something written as though you were the lady herself and ends with a prayer in which we are invited to take on the characteristics of the lady and adopt them into our lives.
March 31, 2020
I was very excited when a good friend of mine sent me this book. She knows I’ve recently been really into women and the Gospel and women and the priesthood. So, I was excited to study these women in the scriptures.
The book focuses on Esther, Miriam, Deborah, Hagar, Eunice, Lois, Lydia, Priscilla, Mary Magdalene, Martha, and Mary. Katara Washington tries to bring the lessons these women learned into a 21st-century perspective. She tried to compare their trials and how they overcame to the trials we would have in today’s society. And to be honest, I think that’s where she started to fail. It was a bit of a disconnect. She attempted to focus on eternal values and lessons, but while focusing on social media and pop culture, it didn’t really work out.
I also thought this would be more of a Bible story, but there was hardly any Bible in it. It was more of Washington’s own interpretation of the story and impact of these women. So, I was a little disappointed in that. I wouldn’t consider it a devotional book because of the lack of scripture study in it.
But, I now want to focus more on these women and get to know them better, so it did spark more of a Bible study drive in me.
The book focuses on Esther, Miriam, Deborah, Hagar, Eunice, Lois, Lydia, Priscilla, Mary Magdalene, Martha, and Mary. Katara Washington tries to bring the lessons these women learned into a 21st-century perspective. She tried to compare their trials and how they overcame to the trials we would have in today’s society. And to be honest, I think that’s where she started to fail. It was a bit of a disconnect. She attempted to focus on eternal values and lessons, but while focusing on social media and pop culture, it didn’t really work out.
I also thought this would be more of a Bible story, but there was hardly any Bible in it. It was more of Washington’s own interpretation of the story and impact of these women. So, I was a little disappointed in that. I wouldn’t consider it a devotional book because of the lack of scripture study in it.
But, I now want to focus more on these women and get to know them better, so it did spark more of a Bible study drive in me.
February 22, 2017
I started reading this book because I was having an issue with the portrayal of women in the Bible. I, as a little feminist at heart, felt lost at the "use" of women other than to be a partner of a man or give birth. So I decided to give this book a go.
I started using this book as a daily devotion and I was truly sad when I finished it, because it opened my eyes on so many levels. The author does this beautiful job where she first introduces a successful woman, than shares her story (as we have read it in the Bible), than explains her story and makes the connection to modern day life and how you can implement the life lessons these women have shared with us.
It surprised me how many women in the Bible were so much more than "just a wife or mother" (btw you're never just a wife or mother). The leadership qualities that these women had, just wow.
Highly recommend reading this book if you either love to know more about these successful women or, if you're like me, to view these women in a new light.
I started using this book as a daily devotion and I was truly sad when I finished it, because it opened my eyes on so many levels. The author does this beautiful job where she first introduces a successful woman, than shares her story (as we have read it in the Bible), than explains her story and makes the connection to modern day life and how you can implement the life lessons these women have shared with us.
It surprised me how many women in the Bible were so much more than "just a wife or mother" (btw you're never just a wife or mother). The leadership qualities that these women had, just wow.
Highly recommend reading this book if you either love to know more about these successful women or, if you're like me, to view these women in a new light.
February 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this book—it’s uplifting and easy to follow. Patton highlights different women from the Bible and connects their stories to everyday lessons, which made it feel practical and relatable. I especially liked the lists and clear explanations; they gave me something to reflect on without feeling too heavy.
That said, some of the interpretations felt a little over the top for me. At times, it seemed like the lessons were stretched beyond what the text actually says. Still, I appreciated the encouragement and the way it made me think about these women’s strength and wisdom in new ways.
Overall, it’s a thoughtful read if you’re looking for inspiration and practical takeaways, even if you prefer a more grounded approach to biblical interpretation.
That said, some of the interpretations felt a little over the top for me. At times, it seemed like the lessons were stretched beyond what the text actually says. Still, I appreciated the encouragement and the way it made me think about these women’s strength and wisdom in new ways.
Overall, it’s a thoughtful read if you’re looking for inspiration and practical takeaways, even if you prefer a more grounded approach to biblical interpretation.
March 18, 2024
I enjoyed this book a lot. I smiled, cried and reflected on my own relationship with Jesus, as well as how that may come across to other people. I think the author did a great job portraying the women of the Bible and how important their roles were.
The only thing I did not like was the modern ‘women can do it all’ mentality. I think it puts too much pressure on women and can be very harmful when they inevitably realize they in fact can not do it all, at least not all at once. However this is a common struggle of women in the 21st century, so I understand where she is coming from..
The only thing I did not like was the modern ‘women can do it all’ mentality. I think it puts too much pressure on women and can be very harmful when they inevitably realize they in fact can not do it all, at least not all at once. However this is a common struggle of women in the 21st century, so I understand where she is coming from..
August 17, 2017
This was good. I find it so much easier to understand the meaning / purpose / goals of people in the bible when presented this way. Each chapter is about a separate woman in the bible and the story behind them. I read it in one day and greatly enjoyed it.
March 21, 2020
I had a hard time finishing the book. I want to read more about women in the bible and highlighting the events instead of writer's own thoughts and reflections.
March 12, 2020
Fascinating read which I really enjoyed, and did my quiet time with God based on the several biblical stories raised in the book. I appreciate how the author humanises those women in the Bible but inserting the 'inner dialogues' of the women. I was also able to grasp the Bible stories of these women way better through this book. I particularly enjoyed reading about Lydia, Esther, Priscilla.
October 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and loved getting to know these women of the Bible better! Some of the women we will get to know in a greater way are Lydia, Esther, Mary, Martha and more! We will understand these women and how they overcame struggles and used the skills God gave them.
We will learn to have a more effective walk with the Lord ourselves by seeing how these women of the Bible walked with Him. Each woman has her own strengths and weaknesses but we learn a tremendous amount from each of them.
I love how Katara really digs into the times of these women and gives us a clearer understanding of how her society would have viewed these women and what they would have had to over-come. However, just because these are historical women, the author writes in such a way that we can totally relate to them in our time.
This would make an excellent women's study or small group study. Each woman could be studied and then discusses in a weekly format. It would really be great to grow as a woman of God using these successful women of the Bible.
I love this book and I learned so much! I loved learning the intricacies of these women's lives that I didn't know about before. It really did bring them to life for me! I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by FaithWords Books
We will learn to have a more effective walk with the Lord ourselves by seeing how these women of the Bible walked with Him. Each woman has her own strengths and weaknesses but we learn a tremendous amount from each of them.
I love how Katara really digs into the times of these women and gives us a clearer understanding of how her society would have viewed these women and what they would have had to over-come. However, just because these are historical women, the author writes in such a way that we can totally relate to them in our time.
This would make an excellent women's study or small group study. Each woman could be studied and then discusses in a weekly format. It would really be great to grow as a woman of God using these successful women of the Bible.
I love this book and I learned so much! I loved learning the intricacies of these women's lives that I didn't know about before. It really did bring them to life for me! I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by FaithWords Books
November 14, 2016
This uncharacteristically electric, incredibly humbling, and monumentally memorable in every way. This book touches this woman in so many deep parts of her heart and soul. For example - it starts out with Miriam, she lead the Praise of the women of Moses and Aaron. She leads the people to Praise and worship reminding the people of the mighty things HE has done. The author tells us all about Miriam with the Scriptures to back it all up then they go and give us more description in detail on how Miriam was a Successful women of the Bible and I can tell you what - she was a mighty mighty woman of the Bible - and I Praise the LORD ALMIGHTY that HE used woman as well as men to effect HIS people and HIS word. Then he talks about Deborah, Hagar, Esther, Daughters of Zelophehad, Mary and Martha, Lois and Eunice, Mary Magdalene, Priscilla, and Lydia. Can you believe how much GOD loves us Women - that HE uses us too - even when it was in the times when women were to be seen and not heard? Isn't it good to know that GOD uses women as well as men to touch the heart of men and women - and to get things moving? We can still do these powerful works today you know ladies. GOD is good. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2016
Successful Women of the Bible written by Kara Washington Patton is a practical book about women in the Bible written in a fictional fashion, but also like a self-help book. It is full of Godly wisdom of many women in the Bible that today's modern women can apply to her home, marriage, friendships, emotional life and parenting. Each women of the Bible in this book focuses on something different, which is very refreshing to read.
I particularly enjoyed the stories on Hagar and Esther. The author uses an approach in story telling that makes these women relevant to the culture that we live in without taking the Bible out of context. I think this book is fantastic and re-tells the stories of the women straight from God's word. Katara takes their stories and uses them to teach stories of wisdom, grace and even offers encouragement. I highly recommend this book and really enjoyed it.
Thank you to the Faith Words for providing me a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes only. I give this book a 5/5 stars for content, accuracy and practical application.
I particularly enjoyed the stories on Hagar and Esther. The author uses an approach in story telling that makes these women relevant to the culture that we live in without taking the Bible out of context. I think this book is fantastic and re-tells the stories of the women straight from God's word. Katara takes their stories and uses them to teach stories of wisdom, grace and even offers encouragement. I highly recommend this book and really enjoyed it.
Thank you to the Faith Words for providing me a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes only. I give this book a 5/5 stars for content, accuracy and practical application.
August 6, 2016
Successful Women of the Bible by Katara Washington Patton is a self-help book that explores the lives of various Biblical women, showing who they were, what they did, and why their stories are relevant to women today.
The concept behind Successful Women of the Bible is strong, because Patton shows why these women – such as Miriam, Esther, and the Daughters of Zelophedad – are leaders and role models. Patton writes in a fun conversational style, and her thoughtful examinations of these Biblical women remind readers that these women are not just flat book characters, but were well-rounded, real individuals.
The book is presented in “fictionalized form,” and when Patton talks about these Biblical figures, she fleshes them out. For example, in the chapter discussing Hagar, Patton says, “Pregnant and alone on the run, Hagar finds herself in a dry land, a desert. She’s depleted. Tired. Angry. Frustrated. Disappointed. How did I get here, Lord?”
*I received this book for review*
The concept behind Successful Women of the Bible is strong, because Patton shows why these women – such as Miriam, Esther, and the Daughters of Zelophedad – are leaders and role models. Patton writes in a fun conversational style, and her thoughtful examinations of these Biblical women remind readers that these women are not just flat book characters, but were well-rounded, real individuals.
The book is presented in “fictionalized form,” and when Patton talks about these Biblical figures, she fleshes them out. For example, in the chapter discussing Hagar, Patton says, “Pregnant and alone on the run, Hagar finds herself in a dry land, a desert. She’s depleted. Tired. Angry. Frustrated. Disappointed. How did I get here, Lord?”
*I received this book for review*
September 2, 2016
Ms. Patton does a fine job of taking popular females in the Bible and transforming their ancient stories into a "what if she lived today..." tale.
I am an avid studier of Biblical women and love the story telling within the pages of the Bible.
Take Esther for instance...who would Esther be in today's world? Patton opens the chapter with, "Successful women stand up for a cause."
Basing everything on biblical facts, the writer weaves story for which the modern day reader can relate.
If you are looking for one more book about women in the Bible? Pick this one up. If not? Pass it by.
I am an avid studier of Biblical women and love the story telling within the pages of the Bible.
Take Esther for instance...who would Esther be in today's world? Patton opens the chapter with, "Successful women stand up for a cause."
Basing everything on biblical facts, the writer weaves story for which the modern day reader can relate.
If you are looking for one more book about women in the Bible? Pick this one up. If not? Pass it by.
January 11, 2017
Successful Women of the Bible was such a delight to read. While I have read about each of the women mentioned in the book, the book offered such a fresh and more in-depth way of seeing these women. Ms Patton does such a great job of showing today's woman how these women of the Bible can be used as practical mentors in our everyday life. While the other does take the liberty of story-telling on behalf of each women mentioned, I didn't find it took away from the biblical truths presented. This is a great book to use as the basis for a study on women in the Bible.
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December 9, 2018I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Goodreads Giveaways
Donated to the local library
Donated to the local library
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews