Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bible

by Shannon Popkin

Little fights with your husband and kids. Unhappiness when things don't match your version of perfect. Tension, anger, fear--it all begins with a heart that craves control. When your vision of how life should be replaces God's vision, you doom your quest for security, peace, and joy before it even starts. Thankfully, there is a better way.

Join Shannon as she shares what she has discovered about her own control struggles and about God from studying Control Girls in the Bible. Learn how you too can lay down this burden and find rest in surrendering to the One who truly is in control.

"In this funny, tender, and truth-telling book, Shannon Popkin peels back the layers of our control problem."
--Erin Davis, author, blogger, and recovering Control Girl

"In the style of Liz Curtis Higgs, Control Girl is an easy and entertaining read, yet Shannon Popkin packs a punch where we so need it if we are to be set free from the stressful habit that robs our joy and ruins our relationships!"
--Dee Brestin, author of Idol Lies

"With personal vulnerability, biblical depth, powerful personal illustrations, and pointed application questions, Shannon Popkin reveals how seven women of the Bible can teach us how to surrender our will to God's design for our future."
--Carol Kent, speaker and author of Becoming a Woman of Influence

"Control Girl is a penetrating look at how selfishness and self-protectiveness wreck lives--and why surrender and trust are God's life-giving pathways to true freedom and joy."
--Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, author and Revive Our Hearts teacher and host

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Self Help, Womens, Christian Non Fiction, Spirituality

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Shannon Popkin is a wife and mom, a speaker and teacher, and a leader of small group studies. She's been published by Family Fun, MOMsense, Focus on the Family Magazine, and other outlets. She is a contributing blogger for True Woman.com and has blogged for several years at shannonpopkin.com.

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a control girl?

When I started this book, I knew I was/am and it was disturbing how every chapter had my name written all over it. I kept arguing to myself that "I'm not that bad" or "that family member really needs to stop being so controlling like this." The more I read, the more convicted I became. Even now, I want to fight against the message from this book, but I know it is right and I've seen the benefits of giving control completely to Christ!

It was the second to last chapter in this book that really got to me (although all of them did ;)). Over the past weeks as I've read this, I've pulled myself away so I wouldn't be controlling, but I was finding that I was still showing many signs of control in the little areas of my life (computer time, wasting time, etc.). That chapter I read today zeroed into my problem. I thought I had let go of my controlling spirit, but I was still in control. I hadn't given control to God!!

It's still going to be a struggle, but I believe God knew I needed to read this book when I did. And I pray that every female teenager and woman out there will choose to read this book and see how the Lord works. It cannot be read with a faint heart, but I know God can work even if we just have a little desire to change.

I recommend this book highly!!

*There are a couple different Bible versions used, but thankfully there were a lot of verse references that I could look up in my KJV Bible, which I prefer.*

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

By Andrea Renee Cox

One of my favorite quotes from Control Girl came in the last chapter: “Our words are the primary way we try to control the people we love. We raise our voices, insert a sigh, ask manipulative questions, use an inflammatory tone, criticize, undermine, demoralize, and gossip.” It’s one of my favorites because it’s true. How many times have we tried to manipulate others with our words? Tried to make them feel bad so that we’d feel good? (Can’t we both feel good?) Attempted to win every argument or force others to believe the same opinions we do? (Opinions can be different and neither are wrong, by the way; they are how we see the world rather than facts.)

That quote made me stop and think closer about how the words and the way in which I speak them might affect other people. It made me consider my motives for saying and acting the way I do. Sometimes my motives are buried so deep I can’t even find them. But once I start digging, I’m certain to uncover a monster.

But I can’t let that scare me away.

Not if I want to defeat it.

The monster named a “controlling spirit” is one that, unfortunately, tends to carry down through generations. But it doesn’t have to. As Shannon Popkin shares in her new book Control Girl, this trend can be broken. It isn’t easy, by any means, but with God, we know all things are possible. (Philippians 4:13)

In Control Girl, Shannon Popkin shows us, through personal anecdotes and Bible passages, that cycles of controlling actions destroy healthy relationships. But the opposite could be said too: Destroying cycles of controlling actions creates healthy relationships.

I don’t know about you, but I want to break the cycle. A few of my ancestors were controlling women, and the damage they left in their wake was catastrophic. Demolished self-esteem, layers of guilt, eating disorders, and torn-apart families are only a few of the signs that a controlling woman had been there.

But what if those women had chosen to build up their loved ones with their words and actions rather than tear them down? What if they chose positivity over negativity? What if they chose kindness and true love rather than condemnation and irritation? Can you imagine the confidence the children would have grown up to have? The loving spirit that would saturate their homes? The smiles on their faces, and those on the people around them when that habit of love carried through to the next generation … and the next?

Now that’s a legacy worth fighting for.

And I plan to.

***
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, authors, and sites like Netgalley, Litfuse Publicity Group, and Blogging for Books. They do not require me to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
***

(Full review now on my blog, Writing to Inspire.)

[Lydia Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I Choose this Book:
Looking back, I'm not quite sure what my motive was with choosing this book. In reality, I think it must have been a nudge from God, because it turns out that this book was just what I needed at this time in my life.

What I Thought about this Book:

If you would have asked me if I had issues with wanting to be in control, I probably would have said no, or at least not really. Reading Control Girl was rather eye-opening to me, because I realized that I like to be in control of stuff a lot more than I realized. Most of the time it's little things - like it bothers me when I make a meal and people arrive late and the food gets cold. I'm also that way with bigger areas, too, sometimes. And, the more I'm that way with little things, the more likely I'll be that way with big things, and that's a problem.

Control Girl reminded me over and over again how God really does have everything under control. The book went through the lives of seven different women in the Bible (all from Genesis, actually), and talked about how they were basically control freaks. Instead of trusting and resting in God to do what was best, they took matters into their own hands and epically messed up what was supposed to be beautiful.

It was such a good reminder for me to fully trust in God instead of trying to push my own agenda. It's not always easy, but reading the book was very helpful in remembering that even when it's not easy, it's still way better than what will happen if I become controlling and try and get things figured out on my own.

The author did a fantastic job of balancing Biblical accounts, thoughts, and personal stories. I have a very hard time reading impersonal books, and this book felt nice and personal - nearly like I got to be friends with the author. So yay. (Also cue happiness for my first five-star read of the year!)
Control Girl was written for wives and mothers, and, as a single girl (with no kids), I can still say that it was extremely helpful. In fact, I would recommend it for single girls - why wait until you're married to work through any issues you have with being controlling?

Conclusion:

This book wasn't written for kids, obviously, but I would probably recommend it to all girls ages seventeen and up.

It's not a long book, but it takes a bit of time to get through, because there are lots of scripture passages to read as you go through the book. (And please, make sure you do read the correlating scripture because it will make the book so much more effective.)

Rating:

I’m giving Control Girl 5 out of 5 stars, and 10 out of 10.

*I received this book from Litfuse

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book about how so many of us (including me) are control girls, and how God will help us overcome our controlling instincts. While obviously geared towards married women, I'm 18 and I got a ton out of this book. The things the author said about respecting her husband, could also be applied to parents, siblings, and friends.
When I picked up this book, I didn't want it to apply to me. I didn't want to be a control girl, that sounded nasty. But the more I read, the more I knew it applied to me, and it wasn't as hard as I thought. I was really freeing to realize some of what behind my issues.
Even if you don't think you're a control girl, pick this book up, you might be surprised. Even if you're not, there is a lot of spiritual truth for everyone.
Re-read 2019: This was even better the second time around. Really convicted me about some things I am doing wrong and encouraged me that I can change.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

"I control because I care." "I just want to be sure of a happy ending." "I worry that everything is spinning out of control." Many women can identify with statements like these. They have a compulsion to make everything turn out just right and are willing to do anything to make it happen. But this unbalanced pursuit of control makes those around them anxious and defensive. And when they realize control is slipping from their grasp, they lose control of themselves and react in anger or fear.

Shannon Popkin knows this struggle inside and out. Keeping her inner Control Girl hidden is a full-time job. Thankfully, she also knows another very important truth: no woman has to be a Control Girl.

In this encouraging book, Shannon invites seven Control Girls from the Bible into the conversation. She examines each story for the moments in which grasping for control circumvented God's plans for good, whether it was Eve's desire to know instead of to trust, Sarah's inability to wait for God to move, or Rebekah's controlling hand on her family's future. Finally, Shannon finds God's perspective on each of the problems and then reveals how readers''can have their own happy endings in similar situations.

The author shares from her own struggles and follows each Bible study with questions for personal reflection. In the end, controlling women will find insight into their own experience, peace in the knowledge that God is in control, and relief that they are free.


My Review:

We either have an anxiety problem or an anger problem, these are just surface issues according to author, Shannon Popkin. When we girls have one of these two issues there is usually a bigger underlying problem and that underlying problem is usually the loss of control. I have never thought of t that way but I believe Shannon is on to something here.


She also refers to the fact that self control is a fruit of the spirit and definitely something God does not approve of. If we can be our own Savior we wouldn't need Him. So our lack of control is exactly where God wants us because He meets us right there in our need.


Based on scripture and many lessons from the author as well as others the author walks us through our journey of losing that control without losing our minds. And shows us that there is no need to fret when we turn it all over to Him.


A great read that shows you your faults without condemning you. Author hit the nail on the head with this one!


**Disclosure** This book was sent to me from the author for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you strive to stay in control of your life? Do you try to make everything fit into your vision of how things should be, including the people around you? When your vision takes the place of God's vision, you end up without peace, and the thirst for control grows.
In this book, Popkin uses examples from her own life to illustrate the ways we try to take control, even the subtle ways. She shows how they can be damaging to our relationships, including our relationship with God.

I applaud Popkin for being so open about her control issues. Examples from her own life really drive the lessons, alongside Biblical examples.

However, I have two issues with this book.

The first issue is actually seen not just here, but in Christian women's literature in general. Almost everything in this book is aimed toward married women and mothers. The only section that seemed to encompass single women as well was the chapter regarding Miriam, which was aimed at women in leadership positions. I find that it's a common trend to leave out single women who are not mothers in these types of books, and this one was no different.

The second issue is that Popkin consistently brings up our "happy ending." We try to obtain our happy ending by taking control (which is true) but it is only when we give control to God that he will give us our happy ending. It's that last part that causes some concern for me. I wonder how many women will believe that God will give them the happy ending they want. God's happy ending could look much different. Some women may not get a "happy" ending this side of heaven, just the peace of God to see them through their circumstances. How many women will relinquish control only to take it back again when it doesn't look like God is doing what they want?

Control Girl definitely has some practical examples and advice, but it's these two issues that stop me from rating it higher.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel in return for an honest review.

[Amanda Tero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this is written more for married women than the single girl, but I was still able to glean some invaluable truths from it. It's kind of scary how easy it is to be a control girl and the price one has to pay for trying to be in control rather than trusting and surrendering to God. So, some very good reminders in this book.

I personally didn't care for how she embellished the Old Testament stories. It did bring a good point, but added more than what was actually given in Scripture.

Here's a few great quotes:

"Faith is believing God is for us, even when He keeps things from us."

"Either we say 'yes' to ourselves or we say 'yes' to the Spirit--we cannot say 'yes' to both."

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because as a perfectionist, I know that at times I have control issues. I've learned through the years to work through them, which helps, now that I have teenagers to parent, but there's always room for improvement. So I dug into this book with no expectations. I just wanted to see what I could learn. And as someone with a background in both Bible study and psychology, I was also curious how the author was going to tackle this subject.

Well, I found this book to be a gem. First, I found that I was able to relate to the author herself. She was brutally honest and included descriptions of what she calls "ugly scenes" of controlling behaviour, which she admitted were very hard for her to write. But these anecdotes drove the point home in many instances. As a reader we want to know that the author understands well the topic she is writing about. So I appreciated her honesty.

I liked the book's layout. It was easy to read, formatted as a Bible study aid with questions and scriptures at the end of each lesson to read and meditate upon, many of which were my favorite ones. This is the kind of book you need to take the time to read with pen and highlighter in hand. I looked up and wrote out many of the scriptures directly in the book so that in future I could easily refer to them when looking through the book again.

But best of all is that the author used God's Word to make her point. Having studied the Bible for the last 27 years, I knew all the scriptures she referred to and was pleased with their application. And even though I was familiar with them, I truly appreciated re-reading and meditating on them with the goal to applying the Bible's counsel in regards to being controlling. One can read the same scripture at different times in one's life and see it in a different light in view of one's life experience.

Finally, using the example of Biblical women who displayed controlling issues as lessons for us to learn from was brilliant. After all the Bible itself says in Romans 15:4: "For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction..." and in 1 Cor 10:11: "Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us..."

Often women who like to control equate that with running an organized and efficient household with each member doing exactly what they's supposed to be doing. That's what I thought for the longest time. But it's not true. Doing this requires skill and insight, not control over what others do and how they do them.

If you are a Christian woman who struggles with control or someone who is willing to humbly look into Bible scripture for help with control issues, this book is just what you need. If you have an open mind, a willingness to make changes and the understanding that God knows us more than we will ever know ourselves, then you will greatly benefit from reading this book. The author's ultimate message that true family happiness and peace comes from following God's advice rather than being a control freak is right on.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book combines biblical examples, scripture verses, and personal anecdotes seamlessly into lessons to help women grow to be more like Jesus by surrendering their need to control others. It made me laugh, it made me think, it convicted me to work in areas in my life that need change. I can't wait to share this with my girlfriends and have a bible study to discuss it! I also love the meditation cards you can print off on her website. I have them propped up by my kitchen sink to remind me of the things I've read & been convicted of.

[Agnieszka · Rating 4 out of 5]

- written for women in conventional realationships (wives & mothers) so a bit frustrating for me being a single woman
+ great style & only one error in the entire books that I noticed
+ great insight into the topic, many fitting Bible references
- varying length of chapters (3-5 lessons/chapter); # of chapters misled me to believe I can work through in 1-2 weeks but it's rather 1-2 months
+ practical (if short) hints at how to change the issue
+ real-life examples that help to understand the issues better

[Chaddyshack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome. The way Shannon draws the lines between the women in the bible and their control issues, adding in scripture, and bringing it full circle to the application for your life, makes this book so easy to read and apply for women in all stages of life. The lessons are short enough to be completed in a busy day, and full enough of content to leave you recharged and focused on surrender. Love this book!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review*

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. I highly recommend it for every girl. There are very few, if any, who won't be helped by the message of this book.

[A.M. Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this one high enough. I had learned and grown so much while reading it. I didn't realize what a control freak I really was. This was very enlightening and very helpful.

[Rylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thankful for this book! The book walks through seven different women in the Bible looking at the ways we see them seek control, and how many years later, all of us struggle with a desire for control. I learned so much and have been so challenged, and thankful for the reminders that there is freedom in Christ! This book did have lots of examples or things specific to marriage/ parenting but still great — just thought that was worth noting since that is not my current season of life! Still an awesome read!!!

[Lisa Mattingly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the different stories she told as examples of the "Control".

[Janyre Tromp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not your typical type-A control girl...I'm just a little quieter about things...and you better believe I react when someone else tries to tell ME what to do. Being right and holding onto control gets awfully heavy. And that's where Shannon's book comes in. Practical ideas, tips, and scripture to back it up the ideas of releasing the control that holds me back. It's a great balance of conviction and gentleness. I recommend this for anyone--classic control freak or not.

[Jocelyn Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best nonfiction books for women I've read in years. Shannon writes in a way that is totally engaging. The pages are packed with personality and biblical truth. I appreciate that the author directs readers to the Bible for daily readings, so we have a good foundation for the lesson we're about to receive. I've been a Christ-follower for decades, and I learned some new things in this book! I wish I could buy a copy for every woman I know, even those who don't consider themselves a "Control Girl." There is so much to be gained from this little book. I'll be reading it again, I'm sure!

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.5 ⭐

I know one of my friends is going to think I rated this lower because I like to be in control, and she'll think my rating is a reflection of conviction. *you know who you are 😘😂*

Here's my honest, trying my hardest to be objective, review:

I have struggled with being a control girl all my life. I'm hard headed, stubborn, a little OCD, and a lot of other unflattering terms. This was especially an issue in my early 20's, early years of marriage, and early years of motherhood.

Through many humbling experiences, hard life lessons, and great loss I have learned to relinquish control. Ultimately I learned that sometimes life (on earth) just doesn't have a happy ending, and I must accept this. I still find myself grasping for control, but, by God's grace and gentle correction, I've grown.

The whole premise of this book is that if we'll relinquish control, God will give us a happy ending...and she wasn't talking about heaven. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Some women won't be blessed with children no matter how much they relinquish control. Some women won't be cherished by their husband no matter how much they relinquish control. Some women will struggle to put food on the table and pay bills NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEY RELINQUISH CONTROL.

The last chapter that gave steps to giving up control...her bullet points were great. Her embellishments on them? Not so much.

All in all there were some good nuggets, but I just can't get past the constant "just give up control, give it to God, and everything will turn out okay." Life on earth won't always be okay, but God will carry us through to the greatest happy ending...heaven.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading this book, I felt like the author was inside my head. I never thought of myself as a control girl, but as I read the book, I realized I am! This book has helped me to let go of my controlling tendencies and, in the process, create less stress in my life!

There are nine sections to this book and each one focuses on a woman of the Bible...a woman who had her own control issues and how these issues controlled or changed her life. The sections are broken down into lessons that you can do each day or over several days. There is Scripture to meditate on (one of my favorite parts of the book!) and questions for us to think about or something to write out. I liked this part, too, because it helped me to figure out where I need to let go of control and give it to God. There were areas I had never thought about my control making things harder in my life and this helped me to figure out where I could change this control.

I love how honest and open Shannon is about her own control issues. There's no preaching at you feeling with this book - just a "been there, done that" quality and the feeling she's a friend who is going to help you let go of trying to control it all. A friend who wants to encourage us to make God a bigger part of our life so we can give our concerns to Him.

I like this book so much and I am definitely going to go through it again. It would make a wonderful small group study or a study to do with a friend. I have enjoyed doing it on my own and have gained so much from it. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my LitFuse Publicity Group

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man! This book stepped HARD on my toes and convicted me in areas of my life that previously might not have even considered myself to be controlling, just “a good,diligent wife/ mother” . I loved that she pointed out controlling qualities in several famous women of the Bible that I don’t know that I would have necessarily pegged as controlling before. The author does do some speculating, which I am not a fan of when it comes to the Bible, but overall this is a scripture rich short and easy daily devotional that has definitely caused me to take a hard look at who needs to be taking the wheel in my life (hint: it’s not me) . It has been a great way to start the day and has put me on the right foot in the morning to try to trust more in God and not learn on my own controlling tendencies. I loved what the author wrote at the end, “ My hope is that we will be women who cultivate hearts of surrender , ready to say a moment’s notice, “ I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your Word.”

[Carrie Daws · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I have control tendencies, I wouldn't have said that they were a big issue. And then . . . I read this book. Hmmm, I have work to do. Shannon Popkin did a good job looking into the lives of seven different women in the Old Testament and bringing forth their personal control issues, then relating them to our modern times. She lovingly shone a light on the dark places we women tend to hide or outright ignore, calling attention to the places where we make relationships harder than they need to be. This is definitely a book worth your time and consideration.

[Karla Fernández · Rating 5 out of 5]

No sabía que necesitaba leerlo. Doy gracias a Dios por Shannon. Me encantó este libro. ¡Gracias a Dios por Cristo y Su Espíritu Santo! 🌷

[Taylor Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing biblical ideas

[Janell Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. ☺️

[Anne (In Search of Wonder) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book that's been on my list for a while and I finally read. It hit the nail on the head that's for sure. Lots of truth and the author leaves no stone unturned.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't we want to be in control and have our life our way? Popkin did. Then she started studying control girls in the Bible. She found warnings and lessons and shares them in this book. She points out that one theme runs through all the stories – surrender. “God never intended for us to carry around the burden of trying to control everything,” she writes. (15)

I really like how Popkin challenges us. We say God is in control, but do we really believe it? Do we really think we are in control? Ouch.

I really like Popkin's honesty. She shares her experience of the intoxicating sense of power in controlling others (such as her kids). She reminds us how difficult it is to let go of control. It is much, much more than just recognizing the issue. Relinquishing control and trusting God takes determination.

Her lessons from women in the Bible include one on Hagar to explore what we can do when someone is controlling us. She also has a lesson on Leah, when we are rejected and unloved. Popkin adds illustrations from her own life as she helps us understand the principles in dealing with control.

It would be a good idea to grab a journal and have it near when reading this book. There are questions at the end of the chapters for reflection. There are several lessons on each woman studied so this would make a good book for a women's study. There could be some good discussion on concepts like fear, comparing, leadership, anger, and much more.

I recommend this book to those who are ready to let go of their “small-minded plans and purposes” and embrace “God's plans and his bigger, more thrilling story line.” (206)

Food for thought: “Jesus invites us to follow him in a path of surrender to a place where God is in control and we are free.” (15).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an honest and independent review.

[Jessie Clemence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply the most powerful Bible study I've done in ages. My copy is highlighted, marked up, and dog eared. I learned a lot about myself and God, and I'll be reading through it again!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books I’m pretty sure was written just for me! I was hooked from the first devotional by these words – “Do I truly believe that God is in control? Or do I secretly think I am?” Ummmm… yeah. Well, I need to mull over that one for a while. Like, maybe write it out and tape it to my laptop… the bathroom mirror… the sun visor in the car. Anyone else?

Control Girl is divided into 9 chapters, each with between 3-5 devotional lessons for you to work through. In these lessons, there are Scriptures to read, really good words of discussion related to those verses, questions to consider, and focal verses for meditation and reflection. The lessons are accessible and well-written, good for someone new to faith as well as “church veterans”.

So far, I’ve gone through the first chapter thoroughly (so good!) and have skimmed through the remaining chapters for the purpose of this review. I can already tell that Hagar’s chapter is going to step on my toes in much-needed ways, and the ‘Control Girl to Jesus Girl’ chapter has some very practical steps for transformation.

Bottom Line: Shannon Popkin’s book Control Girl is exactly what I need. It’s simple to follow but the truths contained on these pages are profound and life-changing. This would make an ideal resource for small group Bible study as well as personal devotions. I look forward to more books from Shannon in the future!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Control Girl is a biblically-based book and Bible study that takes you on a profound and personal journey through your own control issues. Each chapter is filled with several lessons that include journaling questions and meditations to reflect upon.

No matter how control issues manifest in your life, Control Girl has something to teach you. This is a great book that I recommend for both individual and small group study!

This review is an excerpt from my original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.

[Dusty Shell · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an admitted “control freak,” I thought this would be a good read. There are definitely some helpful nuggets, but there were also some theological points that I didn’t agree with and the book very much takes the path of “the wife is to always make her husband feel good about himself, no matter what,” so it was a bit of a turn off.

Ultimately, if you go in firm on your own understanding of the Bible and marriage, you can work around the questionable bits and get some good advice.