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The Seed of the Woman: 30 Narratives that Point to Jesus
The Seed of the Woman traces the gospel storyline through the narratives of women—from the garden of Eden to the times of the matriarchs, the judges, the kings, the Exile—to the birth of Christ. In this thoroughly biblical and encouraging book, Nana Dolce opens up their lives and uncovers deep truths that shape our daily life and faith. Through the stories of these thirty women, we find our place in the fabric of redemptive history as it unfolds to show us Jesus, the promised Seed of the Woman.
208 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2022
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649 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 18, 2023
This is an absolutely fantastic and incredibly unique view told of the Old Testament…Nana Dolce traces through the stories with narrative of the women of the Bible. I was genuinely shocked at the number of women and their full stories that go forgotten or uncovered to find their true meaning.
Despite this book working historically, unfolding to show us Jesus, the promised Seed of the Woman…I found deep connect and encouragement from reading the narratives of these 30 women. I found a likeness to myself in some of their stories and what these women suffered before being saved by the faithfulness of God.
Each story is so deep and enriched with details, yet Nana Dolce does a fantastic job at keeping the stories simplistic and engaging. She also doesn’t hide away from exposing the faults of mankind…we get the good, the bad and the ugly but GOD ULTIMATELY REDEMS each and every one in a different way and leads these heroic and faithful women to give birth to the messianic lineage…that fundamentally brings us Jesus Christ.
Despite this book working historically, unfolding to show us Jesus, the promised Seed of the Woman…I found deep connect and encouragement from reading the narratives of these 30 women. I found a likeness to myself in some of their stories and what these women suffered before being saved by the faithfulness of God.
Each story is so deep and enriched with details, yet Nana Dolce does a fantastic job at keeping the stories simplistic and engaging. She also doesn’t hide away from exposing the faults of mankind…we get the good, the bad and the ugly but GOD ULTIMATELY REDEMS each and every one in a different way and leads these heroic and faithful women to give birth to the messianic lineage…that fundamentally brings us Jesus Christ.
September 27, 2023
Excellent! Dolce does a wonderful job of telling the story of Scripture through the women of the Old Testament. It’s sweet to see how God used women whose lives were full of brokenness to point to Jesus. This book would be a great Advent devotional, since it culminates in Mary’s story of birthing Jesus!
June 4, 2022
Besides being a beautiful exposition of Scripture and expertly weaving biblical theology, this book was a delight to read. Nana Dolce’s voice sang through its pages and connected motherhood with the holy narrative of Jesus’ redemption of mankind—all through the various stories of women in the Bible.
I loved how the book was structured so that you could see the greater narrative of the Bible, but also could reflect on how this impacts daily living at the beginning of the chapter. The reflections ended up being my favorite part of the chapter as it focuses my reading.
Speaking to Nana’s voice, there were times I laughed as I remembered my own mothering and remembered how the Lord has seen me in pain as labor to raise young ones who will see the glorious promise that God has also offered to them.
But like she stated, they weren’t just retellings of Bible stories—it was a constant reminder of God’s promise of redemption for all mankind. I’ll repeat what she said about Jochebed and apply it to Nana— “[her retelling of the various] narrative(s) affirms the wisdom of recalling God’s work of salvation.”
It is in Nana’s wisdom that the Bible speaks about the role of motherhood in the redemptive story of the gospel. Her book also encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on the work that’s already been done. Truly, this book reminds us that gospel is for everyone—especially moms.
I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I loved how the book was structured so that you could see the greater narrative of the Bible, but also could reflect on how this impacts daily living at the beginning of the chapter. The reflections ended up being my favorite part of the chapter as it focuses my reading.
Speaking to Nana’s voice, there were times I laughed as I remembered my own mothering and remembered how the Lord has seen me in pain as labor to raise young ones who will see the glorious promise that God has also offered to them.
But like she stated, they weren’t just retellings of Bible stories—it was a constant reminder of God’s promise of redemption for all mankind. I’ll repeat what she said about Jochebed and apply it to Nana— “[her retelling of the various] narrative(s) affirms the wisdom of recalling God’s work of salvation.”
It is in Nana’s wisdom that the Bible speaks about the role of motherhood in the redemptive story of the gospel. Her book also encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on the work that’s already been done. Truly, this book reminds us that gospel is for everyone—especially moms.
I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 5, 2022
“The Seed of the Woman” is a book about imperfect women—faithful and unfaithful, tragic and heroic, abundantly blessed and aching for blessings. More than that, though, it’s ultimately about their perfect God.
The book’s focus on Jesus sets it apart. In every portrait of the thirty women featured in the book, author Nana Dolce turns the reader's attention to Jesus: the Mediator, better even than Abigail, who provides redemption for Eve. She highlights how God cared about and included every single one of these women in his plan to save them and their daughters (and sons) through Jesus’s incarnation, death, and resurrection.
Dolce knows her Bible, and it shows—she anchors each chapter in its context and ties its content to the original language. She connects parts of Scripture I hadn't connected before, which made the Bible feel even more like one story. And she doesn't shy away from hard questions—instead of refusing to wrestle with really difficult stories, she addresses them directly yet gracefully.
I often come away from books about Christian women feeling like I don't quite measure up. There is more than enough grace in this book to keep me (and you) from feeling that way. If you are looking for a book that points you to Christ and reminds you that imperfect people are part of God’s plan and are known and welcomed by their Creator, then I highly recommend picking up a copy.
(Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.)
The book’s focus on Jesus sets it apart. In every portrait of the thirty women featured in the book, author Nana Dolce turns the reader's attention to Jesus: the Mediator, better even than Abigail, who provides redemption for Eve. She highlights how God cared about and included every single one of these women in his plan to save them and their daughters (and sons) through Jesus’s incarnation, death, and resurrection.
Dolce knows her Bible, and it shows—she anchors each chapter in its context and ties its content to the original language. She connects parts of Scripture I hadn't connected before, which made the Bible feel even more like one story. And she doesn't shy away from hard questions—instead of refusing to wrestle with really difficult stories, she addresses them directly yet gracefully.
I often come away from books about Christian women feeling like I don't quite measure up. There is more than enough grace in this book to keep me (and you) from feeling that way. If you are looking for a book that points you to Christ and reminds you that imperfect people are part of God’s plan and are known and welcomed by their Creator, then I highly recommend picking up a copy.
(Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.)
March 29, 2025
I enjoyed this book! It had short and simplistic chapters about women in the bible and how their stories, whether failures or successes, point to Christ! Very well written, had me flying through and wanting to read another chapter!!
July 3, 2024
What an enriching book. I loved studying the women that are a part of the bible, from the OT to the NT. I so appreciate how God includes everybody in His story, no matter what our backgrounds or sin struggles are.
June 9, 2022
Every Bible story tells us about the greatest story.
Often we read the stories of Scripture with the sole intention of understanding a moral lesson or to gain a takeaway for how we ought to live. While application is an important part of our bible reading and study, we can miss understanding the gospel unless we ask ourselves how what we're reading fits into the grand narrative of the bible.
In The Seed of the Woman: 30 Narratives that Point to Jesus, Nana Dolce introduces us to 30 women of Scripture, not just to tell their story, but to show us how each woman's role is a piece of the big picture of God's salvation work.
She begins with creation, the fall and Eve, highlighting the grace of God in the midst of our depravity. Then about the women of Genesis, Exodus and the times of the judges who felt abandoned, hopeless and destitute to show us how God is our Sustainer, Helper and Protector; and of others who acted in faith and courage by remembering with resolve, the One who saved them.
She then introduces us to women during the time Israel was a nation who suffered injustice to remind us of God's faithfulness and of His judgement over evil. Ending with the Elizabeth and Mary who teach us that God is working through his Word and Spirit in our times and to hold fast to hope of His return.
This book has 30 short chapters with a point for reflection beginning each one. It's great to use as a devotional. You'll be drawn into a greater understanding of the context of each woman's story and how it points to Jesus, encouraging you, friend, that your life is also meant to point to Jesus! I highly recommend it!
Quick Stats:
# of pages: 208
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book and for the opportunity to post an honest review! {https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/th...}
Often we read the stories of Scripture with the sole intention of understanding a moral lesson or to gain a takeaway for how we ought to live. While application is an important part of our bible reading and study, we can miss understanding the gospel unless we ask ourselves how what we're reading fits into the grand narrative of the bible.
In The Seed of the Woman: 30 Narratives that Point to Jesus, Nana Dolce introduces us to 30 women of Scripture, not just to tell their story, but to show us how each woman's role is a piece of the big picture of God's salvation work.
She begins with creation, the fall and Eve, highlighting the grace of God in the midst of our depravity. Then about the women of Genesis, Exodus and the times of the judges who felt abandoned, hopeless and destitute to show us how God is our Sustainer, Helper and Protector; and of others who acted in faith and courage by remembering with resolve, the One who saved them.
She then introduces us to women during the time Israel was a nation who suffered injustice to remind us of God's faithfulness and of His judgement over evil. Ending with the Elizabeth and Mary who teach us that God is working through his Word and Spirit in our times and to hold fast to hope of His return.
This book has 30 short chapters with a point for reflection beginning each one. It's great to use as a devotional. You'll be drawn into a greater understanding of the context of each woman's story and how it points to Jesus, encouraging you, friend, that your life is also meant to point to Jesus! I highly recommend it!
Quick Stats:
# of pages: 208
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book and for the opportunity to post an honest review! {https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/th...}
September 3, 2023
absolutely incredible book !!
May 19, 2022
I received an email from the publisher 10ofThose asking if "you would be interested in reading an advanced copy of a new book called The Seed of the Woman by Nana Dolce". Both publisher and author were new to me but I took a look at the book’s description on Goodreads and it seemed like the kind of book that might make for interesting reading in a kind of "daily meditation" fashion, partly because it is 30 short narratives which sounds like a "thought for the day" every day for a month.
I must admit, I assumed the publisher had chosen to contact me because they saw me as part of the target audience for this book.
I am not the target audience for this book.
Consider these two quotes from the author’s introduction:
"We are women with full hands, we battle noisy distractions, and face cunning temptations."
And
"As you consider their lives, I pray you will recognise yourself as a woman whose life is also meant to point to Jesus within the unfolding drama of the biggest story ever told!"
I think it’s clear that the author considers that she is writing to women. And she doesn’t ever say this directly, but I also think, given that she also writes for an organisation called Risen Motherhood which "…exists to encourage, equip, and challenge moms to apply the gospel to their everyday lives.", that the general tone of the book suggests the author is picturing a busy mum reading her book, not a retired grandfather.
If this is correct, then the format of 30 short chapters makes a lot of sense. I originally planned to take a month over reading the book but when I started it I realised I was actually between books and decided just to keep going until I finished it. I think that treating it as a month’s worth of daily readings is probably a better approach and that’s what I would recommend for other readers.
Each chapter opens with a short meditation that tells us where that chapter is heading in terms of the life lessons the author wants to communicate. Then the story relating to the woman the chapter is named for is told. Then this is applied to our lives. This will be a great format for many readers. For me, and this is the reason for my middling rating, the balance feels wrong between exposition and application: each chapter is very short and a high percentage of it is used to tell the story which means that the application feels a bit rushed.
I can see how this book will be useful to many people. But for me, it didn’t really quite work. If I am honest, I think I was expecting or hoping for something a bit more controversial or hard-hitting, and I don’t think this book aims to be either of those things. So, it’s my expectations that are at fault rather than the book.
I must admit, I assumed the publisher had chosen to contact me because they saw me as part of the target audience for this book.
I am not the target audience for this book.
Consider these two quotes from the author’s introduction:
"We are women with full hands, we battle noisy distractions, and face cunning temptations."
And
"As you consider their lives, I pray you will recognise yourself as a woman whose life is also meant to point to Jesus within the unfolding drama of the biggest story ever told!"
I think it’s clear that the author considers that she is writing to women. And she doesn’t ever say this directly, but I also think, given that she also writes for an organisation called Risen Motherhood which "…exists to encourage, equip, and challenge moms to apply the gospel to their everyday lives.", that the general tone of the book suggests the author is picturing a busy mum reading her book, not a retired grandfather.
If this is correct, then the format of 30 short chapters makes a lot of sense. I originally planned to take a month over reading the book but when I started it I realised I was actually between books and decided just to keep going until I finished it. I think that treating it as a month’s worth of daily readings is probably a better approach and that’s what I would recommend for other readers.
Each chapter opens with a short meditation that tells us where that chapter is heading in terms of the life lessons the author wants to communicate. Then the story relating to the woman the chapter is named for is told. Then this is applied to our lives. This will be a great format for many readers. For me, and this is the reason for my middling rating, the balance feels wrong between exposition and application: each chapter is very short and a high percentage of it is used to tell the story which means that the application feels a bit rushed.
I can see how this book will be useful to many people. But for me, it didn’t really quite work. If I am honest, I think I was expecting or hoping for something a bit more controversial or hard-hitting, and I don’t think this book aims to be either of those things. So, it’s my expectations that are at fault rather than the book.
December 23, 2023
Not an advent book, but a perfect book to read during the advent season! Nana Dolce traces the women in the Bible through the storyline of scripture, all leading up to the birth of Jesus through Mary. I loved reading the narratives of these women, many of whom are often forgotten or overlooked, and the way they point to Jesus. Over and over again, God used poor, lowly women to bring forth his promised seed. This book was delightful to read!
December 28, 2022
What a lovely book that looks at 28 women of the Old Testament era (and Elizabeth & Mary) and how they point to Christ. Particularly heartwarming to read in the Christmas season. The Conquering Seed has arrived.
November 30, 2024
If I had more $$, I’d buy a copy of this book for every woman in my life! Every chapter that highlighted a woman’s story in the Bible was a beautiful reminder that God draws near to his daughters.
January 19, 2025
Read more like poetry than prose but also didn’t feel pretentious? What a feat. Couldn’t put it down
November 29, 2025
Great for a re-launch into regular Bible reading and for a more topical study of the importance of women throughout the OT and NT.
May 8, 2025
I used this book as a guide for a women’s Bible study and it was super helpful. It helped me learn about the women of the Bible instead of glossing over them. It helped me to connect every story back to Jesus and how it relates to the gospel. It helped me make connections in the Old Testament and acknowledge the significance of these stories of women and why they’re so important to be included in the Bible. Studying these women have helped me retain information about certain chapters in the Bible. I would use it as a reference in the future when reading about these women. This book is very unique and I haven’t read anything like it before. This book makes a lot of good connections within the chapter and other books of the Bible that I didn’t notice until reading.
June 21, 2023
I read this book as part of my morning devotions, reading one short chapter a day. Nana beautifully tells the gospel story through the female characters in the Bible. Every chapter was an encouragement to rejoice in the gospel again.
August 18, 2023
Very accessible with short chapters that are both insightful and informative. I learned so much but was also deeply moved by this concise and clear writing that beautifully painted the role that women played the arc of redemption!
June 7, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and only put it down when I had to do so.
Although I am familiar with all the women depicted it was refreshing and enlightening to see them through the eyes of Nana Dolce. They came to life and became living persons. They made tough decisions as they followed, disobeyed or in some cases, even ignored the leading and guidance of God and the Holy Spirit. I was able to clearly see the story of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, systematically and chronologically traced, via the eyes and heart of Nana, a woman of God and a mother, and through the lives of the women of the Bible. It was done with simplicity, yet courage and significance.
I found myself thinking "how would I honestly react in similar situations from our present day life?" In other words I went 'Hmmmh?' on more than one occasion. When a book makes you do that repeatedly, and then encourages you to honestly answer that question - it is a GOOD book!
This book filled me with delight, Hope, and even refreshed anger at certain behaviors; but above and beyond all of that, I end up being immensely grateful for God's steadfast faithfulness in seeing His promise of Salvation to fruition.... and He persisted because of me (and you)!
Thank you Nana.
Although I am familiar with all the women depicted it was refreshing and enlightening to see them through the eyes of Nana Dolce. They came to life and became living persons. They made tough decisions as they followed, disobeyed or in some cases, even ignored the leading and guidance of God and the Holy Spirit. I was able to clearly see the story of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, systematically and chronologically traced, via the eyes and heart of Nana, a woman of God and a mother, and through the lives of the women of the Bible. It was done with simplicity, yet courage and significance.
I found myself thinking "how would I honestly react in similar situations from our present day life?" In other words I went 'Hmmmh?' on more than one occasion. When a book makes you do that repeatedly, and then encourages you to honestly answer that question - it is a GOOD book!
This book filled me with delight, Hope, and even refreshed anger at certain behaviors; but above and beyond all of that, I end up being immensely grateful for God's steadfast faithfulness in seeing His promise of Salvation to fruition.... and He persisted because of me (and you)!
Thank you Nana.
June 12, 2022
Nana Dolce’s book The Seed of the Woman is a theologically rich and accessible overview of God’s work in redemptive history through women (both well-known and overlooked) in the bible. The stories are engaging and tell of deep biblical truths while also having applications relevant for today. I really loved how the stories come in bite-sized chunks, but they always kept me wanting more, wanting to read about the next woman and how Christ was present in her story. I finished the book much more quickly than I expected for that reason! It leaves you wanting to know more about Christ, and I was encouraged and edified through reading it. Please note that I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 6, 2022
Currently reading (not yet finished) but have my overall impressions: This book can be powerful if applied as a daily or weekly devotional or in helping to supplement scripture teaching on any of the book’s many biblical teachings. The lessons are applicable and practical for our daily lives. I would add that there seems to be some foundational theology you’ll already have to know/have to fully understand some of the writing. You can tell it’s written by someone who has strong theological roots - I do think that if you’re a new Christian, or a babe in Christ some of the writing can be too heavy for those still needing milk.
June 6, 2022
Nana Dolce directs our attention to the way God has woven His glory into every detail of scripture. She takes us on an exciting journey through women that can be easily overlooked, but in their stories we see the treasure of God's promise of a Savior. This book will leave you in awe of our Father's meticulousness, faithfulness, and abounding grace; as well as whet your appetite for digging into scripture and seeing God display His glory from vantages previously overlooked.
November 27, 2023
Beautiful book tracing the hand of God through the women in the Old Testament. Every short chapter is full of truth and insight that gave me lots to ponder and think about. This is not a book to be read quickly but to be read slowly and thoughtfully.
November 23, 2024
This book is soo beautiful. I love the perspective that the author shares. Nana Dolce really made the scriptures come alive! She inspired me to read my Bible more! I never realized the rich stories of the woman in the Bible. Great read!
April 19, 2025
This was such a great, solid book that was steeped in Scripture and would make a great devotional for your daily quiet time. I definitely learned a few things that I’ve never picked up on or connected before! Would definitely recommend.🤍
October 29, 2022
Really enjoyed. Quick read—chapters on each woman are short and precise. Gets to the point but I still recalled each story and I loved the explanation of their gospel significance.
February 5, 2023
An excellent read! In a time when many make claims of God and Bible being anti- woman, this book shows how God used them when culture may have not valued women. It is such a sweet reminder of how God used women to bring His promised Son, and points to Him.
September 27, 2024
Such a thoughtful, wonderful and encouraging book. Nana Dolce weaves the story of 30 Old and New Testament women, finding their place in redemptive history and revealing God’s salvation of sinners through Jesus. Our life and faith are also a part of this big story and Nana ends on an encouragement for us to point to Christ as the centre of our certain hope as we labour for his glory.
July 16, 2025
such a beautiful portrayal of the Lord's love for us & how he pursues us despite ourselves
December 5, 2022
Fantastic book!!!
Loved reading about all the women traced through the Bible, many of whom you would never really pay attention to. I highly recommend!
Loved reading about all the women traced through the Bible, many of whom you would never really pay attention to. I highly recommend!
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October 10, 2024I listened to this on audiobook and enjoyed it in this format. Having recently read through Genesis-2 Kings in the Bible, I enjoyed hearing some of the stories of these women with more context and history, such as family lineage, added. I appreciated how the author pointed forward to Jesus in each story. Overall it was an easy and enjoyable listen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews