If you have been following me for a while, you know that I will not accept an opportunity to review a book if it doesn't speak to my heart or align with our values. A few years ago, we were at Barnes and Noble and I came across a book that speaks about the women in the Bible. I was so interested in that book but I didn't have the chance the read it. I have already forgotten the exact title and who wrote the book. I love reading the stories of the women in the bible, there is just so much we can learn from them. As a woman, we need to carefully be selective of who we look up to for inspiration. When thinking about women in the Bible being our role models, it might cross your mind that it is not possible in this day and age as we have different laws, rights, calling, set of beliefs, opinions, and cultures. 

 Thank goodness a whole lot has changed since the old testament and Jesus's time because humankind had become more complex. Some cultural and religious beliefs have come a long way...some for the good some for the worse. Lines became more blurry on certain hot topics such as abortion or gender equality. Women's rights as an example. During Bible times, when Mary conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit, she not only faced the possibility of harsh gossip and judgment but she also faced the possibility of being stoned if a woman cheated on her fiancee/husband or got pregnant out of marriage. Obviously, we don't have that practice now. But I love how Mary trusted God. A true servant's heart. There is a lot more that we can learn from Mary. Imagine if Mary didn't have faith in God. She is one of the nine women highlighted in the book, What Will They Think? A heart-moving, soul-searching, and faith-filled book by Grace Valentine. 

I don't know about you but I can tell you that I am not inherently bold. I can stay in my comfortable bubble. I don't like being scared, uncertain, and vulnerable. I have read Brene Brown's books and watched her talks about vulnerability and I enjoyed them so much. Learned a lot from it. Do I practice it often? Nope. Being bold is tough. When I do throw myself out there to be bold or vulnerable;e, two things happen. First. I get to be proud of myself when I do "show up" in certain situations or commitments that make me vulnerable. Second, while on the "waiting season", I hate that I get to re-live my fears and concerns, I am an overthinker. I thought I have recovered from it but nope.

 Grace Valentine did an amazing job of looking into the characters of these nine women in the Bible. I love that she shared her personal experiences, her heart, and her deep thoughts that are by the way so relatable. If you look for this book on Amazon, it suggests the reading age group be 12 to 17 years old. Can I just say that I am a 41-year-old woman with two beautiful school-aged girls and I can still relate to every situation that Grace mentioned in her book. 

I can guarantee you will find this relatable too no matter what season of your life you are in right now. Sometimes we go through life challenges like job loss (or looking for a job), heartbreaks from relationships and friendships, insecurity, or just a life situation that makes us think if there is something more with our life if we are only bold. Through the stories of these nine women, Grace will encourage you to be bold and courageous to live out the life God always wants us to have.

Looking into Esther, Deborah, Sarah and Hagar, Mary (mother of Jesus), the woman at the well, the woman who touched Jesus's cloak, Mary Magdalene, and Tabitha...you will get a clear snapshot of how God speaks to us women. There is so much more to know about Him and so much more He wants you to know. Through the lives of these women, God reminds us of His faithfulness. You can never be too unpopular or too small for Him to use you. Likewise, you can never be too unpopular or too insignificant for Him to love you. I mentioned overthinking, I think the majority of women are overthinkers. I do think about what other people think about me.  I often still think about the conversation that I had a few hours ago, if I said the right thing or if I have offended the other person. I am not immune to wanting to please other people. This can be very dangerous for young girls and young ladies. That is why I appreciate how Grace shares her personal experiences and struggles. Her book will give you a feeling of just having a great talk with a very close friend over coffee.

I love how Grace encourages you to be bold, to step out in faith, and to never give up when life gets hard. No matter what your "hard" is right now. The book will speak to your heart and it will transform the way you think and respond to life.  I see the mission in her writing, to help you find freedom from being a prison of your false narrative that we often form ourselves and to let go of what other people will think. She uses the word of God to remind you to keep your focus on God and anything else that matter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 Grace Valentine is an author, blogger, podcast host, and speaker. Her readers love the fact that she is young, ordinary, and relatable; they say her fresh voice helps them navigate their own faith and life. Grace’s mission is to show others that Christianity is not lame–it is an adventure worth living. Grace grew up near New Orleans, Louisiana, in a suburban town called Mandeville. She graduated from Baylor University in 2018 with a degree in journalism. She currently resides in Orlando, Florida, where she enjoys going on runs and eating lots of sushi.