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Authentic Beauty: The Shaping of a Set-Apart Young Woman
Inside Every Young Woman is a Princess…In Search of her Prince
In a culture that mocks our longing for tender romance, in a world where fairy tales never seem to come true — do we dare hope for more? For every young woman asking that question, this book is an invitation. With refreshing candor and vulnerability, bestselling author Leslie Ludy reveals how, starting today, you can experience the passion and intimacy you long for. You can begin a never-ending love story with your true Prince. Discover the authentic beauty of a life fully set-apart for Him. Experience a romance that will transform every part of your existence and fulfill the deepest longings of your feminine heart.
In a culture that mocks our longing for tender romance, in a world where fairy tales never seem to come true — do we dare hope for more? For every young woman asking that question, this book is an invitation. With refreshing candor and vulnerability, bestselling author Leslie Ludy reveals how, starting today, you can experience the passion and intimacy you long for. You can begin a never-ending love story with your true Prince. Discover the authentic beauty of a life fully set-apart for Him. Experience a romance that will transform every part of your existence and fulfill the deepest longings of your feminine heart.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
89 people are currently reading
2792 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Ludy
43 books374 followersLeslie Ludy is the bestselling author of Set-Apart Femininity, When God Writes Your Love Story, Authentic Beauty, and more than a dozen other books she has coauthored with her husband, Eric. She reaches thousands of young women each year and is passionate about helping them discover Christ's design for their lives. Leslie and Eric live with their three children in Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 28, 2013
Absolutely changed my life . There are many books out there about physical purity, and how to attain it and control yourself, and blah blah blah... but I was never able to fully commit and change my life until I read this amazing book by Leslie Ludy. When I first picked it up to read it after a friend lent it to me, I could not put it down . Her story was so similar to my own that I had to keep reading to see how she was able to transform her life like I so desperately wanted to transform my own. I had never cried while reading a book until this one- only because there were pages and personal stories that she shared of her life that sounded almost identical to mine. It is starts with how deep down inside or advertised to the world, every little girl's dream is to be a princess and find her prince charming, and how the older we get and see how this world works, the more those dreams are crushed, and we begin to lower our standards (oftentimes unknowingly ) to fit with society and our surroundings. I finished this book in March of this year (2013) and my life has been changed ever since. Leslie not only talks about how to attain physical purity , but she also teaches young women how to guard their hearts and develop feminine mystique . God changed her life, and He can change yours to - all you have to do is ask.
I am 21 years old and going into my senior year of college - I would recommend this book for any woman looking to change her ways - particularly around men, develop Authentic Beauty, and live for God and His purpose.
I am 21 years old and going into my senior year of college - I would recommend this book for any woman looking to change her ways - particularly around men, develop Authentic Beauty, and live for God and His purpose.
January 17, 2012
I didn't like this one because it assumes several things about how women think and what they want. I really hate sweeping generalizations based on gender or anything else for that matter.
March 16, 2016
Written with good intentions, but oblivious to its inherent sexism and reeking of the guilt and shame culture all too common in circles overfocused on "purity." Unfortunately, I think this kind of book can do real damage in its self-righteous, egocentric worldview. Perhaps the other side of the spectrum causes more harm, obviously Ludy thinks so, but it's skewed nonetheless.
October 15, 2011
I'm sure this book has a good message for young, unmarried women trying to find a new path in life. For a mid-thirties married woman, this book really didn't offer anything of interest. I stopped reading halfway through. I found it quite repetitive and a bit self-loathing on the part of the author.
March 21, 2018
This book had many good and true things to say about being a set apart woman, however there are themes and situations I thought unnecessary and inappropriate. I have compiled two points below.
Point 1. I thought the use of the term "heavenly lover" a bit loose. While Song of Solomon is a definite portrait of the relationship of Christ to His bride and the term "heavenly lover" is biblical, Ludy's book, due to the way it was written, seemed to imply a carnal use of the word "lover" instead of our intimate spiritual relationship with a holy God.
Point 2. Leslie had quite a few helpful things to say about how to heal after dealing with sexual harassment, but her examples were overly graphic. I felt that she went too far in her descriptions and made the stories more lurid and intriguing than helpful. I personally found it more damaging than healing.
I could not in good conscience recommend this book to anyone.
Point 1. I thought the use of the term "heavenly lover" a bit loose. While Song of Solomon is a definite portrait of the relationship of Christ to His bride and the term "heavenly lover" is biblical, Ludy's book, due to the way it was written, seemed to imply a carnal use of the word "lover" instead of our intimate spiritual relationship with a holy God.
Point 2. Leslie had quite a few helpful things to say about how to heal after dealing with sexual harassment, but her examples were overly graphic. I felt that she went too far in her descriptions and made the stories more lurid and intriguing than helpful. I personally found it more damaging than healing.
I could not in good conscience recommend this book to anyone.
April 16, 2015
Some great Truths I realised about my Prince (Jesus, My Lord):
'Many of us know a lot about our Prince. But knowing about Him and knowing Him are two very different things. Do we know our Prince? Has He become the Lover of our soul, the essence of our very existence, the center of our entire being, and the One we would give up everything, including our very life, to follow?' Pg. 56
'Wasn't He far more important to me than being considered normal? Even if it meant that I never had friends again and became a social outcast, with all my heart I wanted to build my life around Him.' Pg. 85
'It is at that first moment of decision - not several stages down the road - when we must apply "sudden death" to temptation before it ever has the chance to plant itself within our heart and grow into sin.' Pg. 139
"Seven Steps Downward" or "Seven Steps Upward". Pg. 140-141
'The person who devotedly loves everything that God loves is in heaven now, and heaven is in him or her.' Pg. 141
'The more I learned to immediately flee from temptation, the more my sanctuary was protected, and the more amazing intimacy I discovered with my Prince.' Pg. 142
'...whenever they were tempted to give in to frustration with each other, instead yielding to give in to the irritation, they would pray for the salvation of their neighbour. Those unified prayers dissolved the tension between them, and it wasn't long before the attack on their relationship stopped altogether. They had hit their enemy where it hurts by using prayer as an offensive weapon. By the end of that year, their neighbour had discovered Jesus Christ, and Eric and Krissy's relationship was stronger than ever.' Pg. 146
'...focus on more immediate issues in our life - guy problems, friendship challenges, future decisions. Amazingly, the answer to every single issue we will ever face can be found through deep intimacy with our true Prince. The more we know Him, the more we trust Him. The more time we spend with Him, the more we become like Him. The more we understand Him, the more we make decisions that reflect His lily-white likeness. The more we seek Him, the more we come to know what His plan and purpose is for our life. The more we pursue Him, the more we gain His perspective on any problem we might be facing. The more we worship Him, the more we become His set-apart princess.' Pg. 189-190
'...passionately in love with our Prince ... put Him above all else ... day-to-day life. We do not live for the applause of the world, but only for the applause of heaven.' Pg. 203
'As we learn to walk through our day with Him, rather than just representing Him, we will become marked by an unshakable peace and unwavering strength - no matter what circumstances come our way.' Pg. 215
'Instead of allowing the careless actions or words of others to shape our perception of who we are, we must allow our self-image to be shaped only by the reality of our Prince's sacrificial, unconditional, timeless love for us.' Pg. 230
'"To experience intimacy in its fullness, it should be built in three stages - spiritual oneness, emotional oneness, and then physical oneness in marriage. It is important not to rush to the next stage until the previous one has been throughly established."' Pg. 236
'When we were together, instead dwelling on emotional passion or physical desire for the other person, we spent our time discussing new truths we were learning in our spiritual lives. We read inspiring Christian biographies together and talked about how they impacted us. We read Scripture together and spent hours praying and thinking about how that Truth should affect our daily lives. We worshiped our Prince together around the Piano.' Pg. 236-237
'Many of us know a lot about our Prince. But knowing about Him and knowing Him are two very different things. Do we know our Prince? Has He become the Lover of our soul, the essence of our very existence, the center of our entire being, and the One we would give up everything, including our very life, to follow?' Pg. 56
'Wasn't He far more important to me than being considered normal? Even if it meant that I never had friends again and became a social outcast, with all my heart I wanted to build my life around Him.' Pg. 85
'It is at that first moment of decision - not several stages down the road - when we must apply "sudden death" to temptation before it ever has the chance to plant itself within our heart and grow into sin.' Pg. 139
"Seven Steps Downward" or "Seven Steps Upward". Pg. 140-141
'The person who devotedly loves everything that God loves is in heaven now, and heaven is in him or her.' Pg. 141
'The more I learned to immediately flee from temptation, the more my sanctuary was protected, and the more amazing intimacy I discovered with my Prince.' Pg. 142
'...whenever they were tempted to give in to frustration with each other, instead yielding to give in to the irritation, they would pray for the salvation of their neighbour. Those unified prayers dissolved the tension between them, and it wasn't long before the attack on their relationship stopped altogether. They had hit their enemy where it hurts by using prayer as an offensive weapon. By the end of that year, their neighbour had discovered Jesus Christ, and Eric and Krissy's relationship was stronger than ever.' Pg. 146
'...focus on more immediate issues in our life - guy problems, friendship challenges, future decisions. Amazingly, the answer to every single issue we will ever face can be found through deep intimacy with our true Prince. The more we know Him, the more we trust Him. The more time we spend with Him, the more we become like Him. The more we understand Him, the more we make decisions that reflect His lily-white likeness. The more we seek Him, the more we come to know what His plan and purpose is for our life. The more we pursue Him, the more we gain His perspective on any problem we might be facing. The more we worship Him, the more we become His set-apart princess.' Pg. 189-190
'...passionately in love with our Prince ... put Him above all else ... day-to-day life. We do not live for the applause of the world, but only for the applause of heaven.' Pg. 203
'As we learn to walk through our day with Him, rather than just representing Him, we will become marked by an unshakable peace and unwavering strength - no matter what circumstances come our way.' Pg. 215
'Instead of allowing the careless actions or words of others to shape our perception of who we are, we must allow our self-image to be shaped only by the reality of our Prince's sacrificial, unconditional, timeless love for us.' Pg. 230
'"To experience intimacy in its fullness, it should be built in three stages - spiritual oneness, emotional oneness, and then physical oneness in marriage. It is important not to rush to the next stage until the previous one has been throughly established."' Pg. 236
'When we were together, instead dwelling on emotional passion or physical desire for the other person, we spent our time discussing new truths we were learning in our spiritual lives. We read inspiring Christian biographies together and talked about how they impacted us. We read Scripture together and spent hours praying and thinking about how that Truth should affect our daily lives. We worshiped our Prince together around the Piano.' Pg. 236-237
September 8, 2009
SUMMER READING 09'
As little kids, we read fairy tales, we grow up upon them. Once read, the wish and hope strikes us to long for a prince to save us from our castle, to find our glass slippers and fall in love forever. In this book "Authentic Beauty", Leslie Ludy, the author speaks of her growing up as one of us girls, always wanting someone to fall in love with and have her own fairytale with. And as she grows up, she keeps looking but does not find the love that we consider love. She finds a relationship with her 'true prince' which is god. The whole book talks about growing up as woman, and finding her 'true prince' creating a relationship with him, and sticking to that but at the same time finding her husband now, and maintaining a relationship with her 'true prince' by living a christian lifestyle and to her, that was her fairy tale.
This book is one of the sweetest, most touching books i've ever read. As I read, I would underline a lot because there were a lot of parts in the book where i could connect myself to. I really liked this book because the feelings in this book are raw, feelings that every girl have felt or will feel. Leslie Judy writes it very well in first person which makes the book more like a diary. She teaches us that love can't only be found between two people who are in love, but we can find it within ourselves and our relationship with God. She teaches in the book that God is the one we should be willing to commit to because he's really the only one who can save us in our lives, and control our actions, thoughts, and emotions.
I would reccomend this book to anyone who likes relaxing book, for christian girls, and for girls who like to read books that are like diaries, and have lots of feelings in it.
As little kids, we read fairy tales, we grow up upon them. Once read, the wish and hope strikes us to long for a prince to save us from our castle, to find our glass slippers and fall in love forever. In this book "Authentic Beauty", Leslie Ludy, the author speaks of her growing up as one of us girls, always wanting someone to fall in love with and have her own fairytale with. And as she grows up, she keeps looking but does not find the love that we consider love. She finds a relationship with her 'true prince' which is god. The whole book talks about growing up as woman, and finding her 'true prince' creating a relationship with him, and sticking to that but at the same time finding her husband now, and maintaining a relationship with her 'true prince' by living a christian lifestyle and to her, that was her fairy tale.
This book is one of the sweetest, most touching books i've ever read. As I read, I would underline a lot because there were a lot of parts in the book where i could connect myself to. I really liked this book because the feelings in this book are raw, feelings that every girl have felt or will feel. Leslie Judy writes it very well in first person which makes the book more like a diary. She teaches us that love can't only be found between two people who are in love, but we can find it within ourselves and our relationship with God. She teaches in the book that God is the one we should be willing to commit to because he's really the only one who can save us in our lives, and control our actions, thoughts, and emotions.
I would reccomend this book to anyone who likes relaxing book, for christian girls, and for girls who like to read books that are like diaries, and have lots of feelings in it.
September 16, 2012
I love the way Leslie List writes, because her language and her personal stories in the book are easy to relate to and relevent too. The whole book helped me as a whole, to focus my mind on God and get closer to him, I also loved how her husband, Eric added bits to it, and helped from a man's perspective. The only bad aspect of it was maybe that for me it focused a lot on marriage and future husband rather than personal growth in God ; I also recently read her other book The Lost Art of True Beauty and it helped me so much more than Authentic Beauty, in other ways, but mostly to grow in my own faith and become more in love with Christ.
July 18, 2012
This amazing book made me think of the words President Ezra Taft Benson said:
“Now, brethren, do not expect perfection in your choice of a mate. Do not be so particular that you overlook her most important qualities of having a strong testimony, living the principles of the gospel, loving home, wanting to be a mother in Zion, and supporting you in your priesthood responsibilities.
Of course, she should be attractive to you....
And one good yardstick as to whether a person might be the right one for you is this: in her presence, do you think your noblest thoughts, do you aspire to your finest deeds, do you wish you were better than you are?”
“Now, brethren, do not expect perfection in your choice of a mate. Do not be so particular that you overlook her most important qualities of having a strong testimony, living the principles of the gospel, loving home, wanting to be a mother in Zion, and supporting you in your priesthood responsibilities.
Of course, she should be attractive to you....
And one good yardstick as to whether a person might be the right one for you is this: in her presence, do you think your noblest thoughts, do you aspire to your finest deeds, do you wish you were better than you are?”
August 7, 2013
When I first read this book, I was seriously impacted. I cried through so many chapters because of how I easily related to nearly every little thing Leslie Ludy said about us typical teenage girls: I wanted a guy to make me feel special, but often compromised my morals in order to reach that goal, only to be left hurt in the end. I wanted to be completely set-apart for my Lord Jesus Christ, and so I began to read the Bible each day and pray. I was so excited about my profound relationship with Christ, that I shared the Gospel to my non-believing friends. All this sounds wonderful doesn't it? But as I matured on in my Christian life, I reread this book several more times. I realized that it set up the wrong image of Christ. He was like my perfect gentleman prince charming straight out of a Jane Austen novel, but instead He's God and that makes Him all-powerful too. This book made me fabricate my own God to suit my own likings. Which is terribly wrong. I even believed that I would one day meet a man that could possibly live up to my expectations and I ached so badly as I found that nobody is perfect. So I lusted for my Prince Charming, yet abstained from most opposite sex relationships because I never wanted to be tempted. I just leaned and depended on God, moulding Him further to satisfy my girlish fantasies. So what can I say about this book? I'm actually very grateful to God for it, because it made me discover myself in new ways and created a channel for me to really meet God. I can liken this book to those needles that inject bacteria in your body that harms but strengthens as well. Truly is a life changing book, in the end.
June 12, 2008
This book is a must-read for today's Christian teenage girls! Although I have already been blessed with my prince, I was still challenged in my relationship with my true Prince, and in how I relate to my husband!
December 30, 2016
something i would like to use during individual bible studies :)
February 18, 2017
I will be reviewing this soon.
May 21, 2013
I liked this book. I read it in a couple of days. It had some helpful scriptures and helpful books on other set apart women in the back. It inspired me to focus on getting to know Jesus as my Lord and patiently wait for my future husband to come to me. I believe it only had this affect on me because I was already desiring to change my lifestyle. If I had not sought out this book and already desired to form an intimate relationship with Christ, I would've looked at this book as total BS.
I like the way Ludy was completely open and honest about the mistakes she made when she was younger. I'd rather listen to someone who doesn't claim to be perfect than some of these christians that judge you for not being pure and don't have an idea what its like to feel tempted. What I did NOT like was the way she made everything seem so easy. Just devote yourself to Jesus, take things slow when you meet a guy, pray about it, and if God wants that to be your husband viola you will live happily ever after as long as you love him like your prince and he treats you like his princess. But dont treat him as good as your true prince Jesus.
I mean really Ludy even says so herself that true set apart women are rare. While this is a good read, I think it is impractical and unnecessary to completely give up your life to spend constant meditation on Jesus. Are we supposed to quit our jobs to read the Bible all day long and be missionaries? Or home school to flee the sin of public school and spend more time with Jesus? When she says set apart she really takes it to the extreme so be prepared when you read this book.
I like the way Ludy was completely open and honest about the mistakes she made when she was younger. I'd rather listen to someone who doesn't claim to be perfect than some of these christians that judge you for not being pure and don't have an idea what its like to feel tempted. What I did NOT like was the way she made everything seem so easy. Just devote yourself to Jesus, take things slow when you meet a guy, pray about it, and if God wants that to be your husband viola you will live happily ever after as long as you love him like your prince and he treats you like his princess. But dont treat him as good as your true prince Jesus.
I mean really Ludy even says so herself that true set apart women are rare. While this is a good read, I think it is impractical and unnecessary to completely give up your life to spend constant meditation on Jesus. Are we supposed to quit our jobs to read the Bible all day long and be missionaries? Or home school to flee the sin of public school and spend more time with Jesus? When she says set apart she really takes it to the extreme so be prepared when you read this book.
January 3, 2020
This was an amazing read, and easily makes it onto my favourites list! I had already read a book called 'Romance God's Way' co-authored by Leslie Ludy along with her husband, Eric, and so I knew that this was bound to be a good read too. And my guess proved to be more than correct!
Leslie Ludy critiques common issues facing many young women today - particularly in the areas of relationships. She urges us to focus more on our Prince - our heavenly Father - and being "set-apart" for Him than on simply fitting in with the standards society sets for us. She really challenged me to live a life wholly devoted to loving and serving Him above everything - and everyone - else. I highly recommend you read this and may the Lord help us to become women who are "set-apart" for Him!
However, for younger readers, I would recommend that there is parental guidence in reading this book, as Leslie Ludy is very honest about the issues facing us today, and therefore it is the kind of book that would be good for a parent to read first and then read with their teenage daughter and having a discussion on the points it raises. Everyone is different, and depending on age and circumstance, some issues dealt with will be more appropriate for some than others. So just a word of caution, as Leslie Ludy certianly does not shy away from being honest about the gravity of not following our Prince's standards in relationships. That said, her honesty did help me to really take things more seriously and desire to follow the Lord rather than what society says is okay.
So worth a read? Definately!!!
Leslie Ludy critiques common issues facing many young women today - particularly in the areas of relationships. She urges us to focus more on our Prince - our heavenly Father - and being "set-apart" for Him than on simply fitting in with the standards society sets for us. She really challenged me to live a life wholly devoted to loving and serving Him above everything - and everyone - else. I highly recommend you read this and may the Lord help us to become women who are "set-apart" for Him!
However, for younger readers, I would recommend that there is parental guidence in reading this book, as Leslie Ludy is very honest about the issues facing us today, and therefore it is the kind of book that would be good for a parent to read first and then read with their teenage daughter and having a discussion on the points it raises. Everyone is different, and depending on age and circumstance, some issues dealt with will be more appropriate for some than others. So just a word of caution, as Leslie Ludy certianly does not shy away from being honest about the gravity of not following our Prince's standards in relationships. That said, her honesty did help me to really take things more seriously and desire to follow the Lord rather than what society says is okay.
So worth a read? Definately!!!
September 22, 2011
Throughout the book, Leslie points to our Heavenly Prince. She reminds readers that He is the One our hearts should long for and run after. Leslie is very good about not just telling us that needs to happen, but she gives insight into how to make it happen. She shares examples of what she has done to get to know her Prince. In Chapter 11, she talks about “developing a quiet mind,” “cultivating a heart of worship,” and “learning the art of Biblical meditation.” We cannot know our Prince intimately if we do not put forth the effort required.
Leslie also includes something unique within this book. She has her husband, Eric, write 3 “Studying Manhood” lessons. He writes specifically to the women about how they can encourage the men around them to grow as men rather than what Eric refers to as “burpers and scratchers.” This was extremely helpful for me, because A is currently reading God’s Gift to Women: Discovering the Lost Greatness of Masculinity by Eric Ludy. I was excited to learn a few more “tips” for encouraging A’s masculinity.
I love how the Ludys call us (readers) to live with a higher standard, to no longer blend in to the culture, and to focus on Jesus 100% of the time. Their writing is convicting, challenging, and much appreciated. I started my journey to set-apart femininity not long after reading Leslie’s book. Authentic Beauty just reinforced my desire to continue.
Leslie also includes something unique within this book. She has her husband, Eric, write 3 “Studying Manhood” lessons. He writes specifically to the women about how they can encourage the men around them to grow as men rather than what Eric refers to as “burpers and scratchers.” This was extremely helpful for me, because A is currently reading God’s Gift to Women: Discovering the Lost Greatness of Masculinity by Eric Ludy. I was excited to learn a few more “tips” for encouraging A’s masculinity.
I love how the Ludys call us (readers) to live with a higher standard, to no longer blend in to the culture, and to focus on Jesus 100% of the time. Their writing is convicting, challenging, and much appreciated. I started my journey to set-apart femininity not long after reading Leslie’s book. Authentic Beauty just reinforced my desire to continue.
June 24, 2015
There were some parts of this book that I wasn't too wild about, but there were other sections that I REALLY liked. She has some very practical things about deepening your relationship with Jesus.
I would definitely recommend parental guidance on this if you're a teen. The author tells of some pretty graphic incidents from when she attended public school. I kind of wish she hadn't put them all in the book, just because I think it would appeal to a wider audience without it, and I would feel more comforatable recommending it to people. I don't think it would detract from the book that much not to have them. As it is, I feel like I have to say, "You know, I really liked this book, but you might want to have your Mom flip through it to make sure she feels alright with you reading it." Which is okay--but I'd like to be able to recommend it with no "buts".
However, this book really had an awesome impact on me. If you can, read it.
I would definitely recommend parental guidance on this if you're a teen. The author tells of some pretty graphic incidents from when she attended public school. I kind of wish she hadn't put them all in the book, just because I think it would appeal to a wider audience without it, and I would feel more comforatable recommending it to people. I don't think it would detract from the book that much not to have them. As it is, I feel like I have to say, "You know, I really liked this book, but you might want to have your Mom flip through it to make sure she feels alright with you reading it." Which is okay--but I'd like to be able to recommend it with no "buts".
However, this book really had an awesome impact on me. If you can, read it.
August 7, 2016
Leslie Ludy is a very inspirational person, and I agree whole-heartedly with her beliefs, however this book was very tedious to read. Maybe I wasn't in the right mind-set while reading, but I found her language very repetitive and overly detailed. Although I didn't necessarily enjoy reading this book, I gained a lot of insight that I didn't previously have. Honestly, I think it is worth the read for those highlighted sections that I will continue to re-read. My favorite is, "Jesus does not live at the frantic pace of this world. He is not found in the clamor of the culture." We have to learn to listen to his "tender whisper" or "still, small voice that is quickly drowned out by our distracted minds and wandering hearts" (p. 48).
January 14, 2013
A thought-provoking book for any woman who has bought into the Hollywood notion of beauty and sexuality. It's a breath of fresh air for young woman and those who've made relationship mistakes. Leslie gives opportunities to find healing and shows us that women should expect more, to let Him write our love stories. The book is not without flaws - plural subject, single verb used throughout. Overuse of the word Prince and not enough Scripture evidence for my liking. Overall, that should not deter you from reading this book. It is a must for every young lady. I wish I had found and read it years ago!
May 19, 2020
Awesome book with an endearing message! I love Leslie’s love story with Eric from childhood friends to teenage crush to lifelong spouses! I love her emphasis on falling into love with Jesus first BEFORE a guy!
Good:inspiring and insightful encouraging book on maudenhood and courtship
Bad: a little too GRAPHIC on Leslie’s sex life and sexual acts to avoid if in public School Children. Very inappropriate and shocking. Not necessary to tell impressionable readers how guys and girls seduce each other and sexually harass.
Rating:2.5 stars
Recommend: for mature people who know how to skim over the inappropriate content
Good:inspiring and insightful encouraging book on maudenhood and courtship
Bad: a little too GRAPHIC on Leslie’s sex life and sexual acts to avoid if in public School Children. Very inappropriate and shocking. Not necessary to tell impressionable readers how guys and girls seduce each other and sexually harass.
Rating:2.5 stars
Recommend: for mature people who know how to skim over the inappropriate content
February 20, 2012
Awesome, awesome, awesome. Every single young woman should read this! I've always been a fan of Leslie Ludy's books and this is no exception. Leslie really had a unique way of changing your perception of singleness. Rather than focus on our lack of a love life, Leslie asks us to focus on the most important love relationship ever...the one between you and God. It's not a common thread of thought in today's society, but it's one that should be. God is what makes us whole, not a romantic relationship; and until we learn that, we're not fit for a romantic relationship anyway.
April 6, 2021
Whenever you feel desires nothings in this world can satisfy or insecurities that drag you down, this book will really help you be shaped into a set-apart woman for God. Leslie and Eric Ludy have enlightened me through this book enough to pursue even more a life of reckless abandon for the Lord. And also how true intimacy starts from God to your significant other. This will leave you hungry and thirsty, not for the love of the opposite sex, but for the extravagant love of God and entirely for who He is.
January 21, 2015
Another heartfelt, poignant book by Leslie Ludy. Though her books are each on a little different topic, they all come down to one important point: having a very personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Authentic Beauty definitely gives some things to really think about, some beautiful clips of Eric and Leslie’s love story, and also hope! I found it pretty simple to read, not dragging on or going over my head. Another book to push me toward being that set-apart woman! I’m excited to read more by Leslie (and Eric) Ludy.
January 31, 2015
This book was amazing! It challenged me to strive for a truly intimate relationship with Jesus, and to "clean the sanctuary" of my heart, saving every ounce of myself for Him. Leslie Ludy gives sound Scriptural basis for everything she says, and practical advice for cultivating this intimate relationship with our heavenly Prince. I want to read this book again soon!
I highly recommend this book to every young lady out there who is trying to follow Jesus! It's challenging, but necessary and encouraging!
I highly recommend this book to every young lady out there who is trying to follow Jesus! It's challenging, but necessary and encouraging!
January 14, 2017
Another fantastic must-read from Leslie Ludy!! This book (along with Leslie's Set-Apart Femininity God's Sacred Intent for Every Young Woman) is changing my walk with God, the way I view the world, and the way I see myself. And I am so excited!!
December 15, 2009
Skye Hyungboo recommended this book to me over Thanksgiving.
I am so glad I've got to read this, because it gave me an encouragement in my relationship value as it often conflicts with what people around me tells me to do.
I do wish for Christ-centered relationship, and that Jesus Christ comes in first in all we do. I hope that I remain pure as possible to love God, then hopefully my future husband who can help me be closer to God.
I am so glad I've got to read this, because it gave me an encouragement in my relationship value as it often conflicts with what people around me tells me to do.
I do wish for Christ-centered relationship, and that Jesus Christ comes in first in all we do. I hope that I remain pure as possible to love God, then hopefully my future husband who can help me be closer to God.
February 23, 2012
While most purity books tend to focus on why you shouldn't have sex, this book focuses on the importance of living your life fully devoted to Christ who will help you maintain your purity. Leslie Lundy gives personal accounts of how she found her true Prince (Jesus) who in time granted her with the desire of her heart to marry. She is open about how she had to reach the point to discover why purity is so important and encourages young women how to live set-apart for Christ.
June 13, 2013
I am probably 1 of the few guys who have read this book and I am not regretting it at all! I loved this book and it changed me myself as well! It helped me to understand more about how to treat women, female friends, and it helped me to learn more about true female identity, mystery and emotional boundaries... I hope this book will help many (young)women seeing their beauty! (To bad this book is not available in my country anymore!)
October 21, 2008
This is a great book about you! Each and every girl can relate to some part of this book. But if you want to read this and take something away you must be willing and have the right heart. Leslie says things how they are and encourages you to be a woman of purity. She talks not only about your physical/technical purity but your spiritual purity.
February 2, 2015
This is an AMAZING book. I read this book once in college and never finished it. I picked it up again and was so happy I did. I was so moved by it, I read it twice and took time to really let every chapter set in. Leslie really shows you how to change your life, change your thinking, change your happiness. The stories are relatable and moving. I recommend every woman read this.
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