I Love This Book!! I love it so much that I have purchased 6 copies, 5 of which I've given to others that I know stuggle with weight issues. I am on this site today to purchase several more. This book helps by showing where to focus. So many times we agonize over the symptoms or results of our issues, but never face & address the issues themselves. This book will guide you through a journey to not only face issues, but to make empowering decisions to overcome them. The book is based on sound Christian, Biblical principles. If used sincerely and prayfully this book can help you to not only transform how you look, but also transform your life.

This book is truly inspiring and can help you in many other areas you may struggle with. The principals are simple and brilliant! It is not a diet it's a DO-IT!

My women's Bible Study group is currently using this book and really likes it. We are a group of 12-15 women who love to obsess about food once a week. Dee's easy-to-use Bible study is divided into daily portions that are clear and thought-provoking. We also enjoyed her book in the same series about Hospitality.

In this world of rush and hastiness, it was pleasure to take the time to read a book like this that made such an indention in me. It caused me to do what I think a good book of this genre should- probe areas of myself and put them into the refining process. Do I love well or just put a face of love on at the appropraite times? Will the imprint I leave be a hollow one of just self, or will it be the image of Jesus? Kathy and Dee use engaging stories to illustrate their points, which makes for a delightful read.

For readers looking to move deeper into their relationship with the Lord and thus into better relationship with His people, this book deserves a look.

Being the oldest of three daughters and having a close relationship with my mom, I always knew that it was important to me to be surrounded by women. Throughout my life, women have shown the strength and courage it takes to make the tough decisions and get through the hardest times of life. This book explains why God made us this way and how the Bible supports this unique relationship of women helping women.

I really enjoyed the style of this study. The daily commitmentt was just enough to have the time to do and get a significant amount out of it. The organization is wonderful, you do a section of the study each day for six days and then you are given a day off. I learned a lot about Mary (Jesus' mother), Martha, and Mary (Martha's sister). I was able to see things from what I believe is their perspective. Most of all I saw how important women were in Jesus' ministry and how He treated them as equals. I highly recommend this study. One other thing, the book is designed for a group Bible study, but I did it on my own and enjoyed it anyway.

My small group has done each of Dee Brestin's Bible study guides in her "A Woman's Journey Through..." series and we have loved each one! A Woman's Journey Through I Peter taught me to place my hope in Christ alone. By studying scripture, you learn how to find confidence in Christ. Dee's perspective on I Peter is invaluable and helps you see how precious women are to God. Dee's study guide contains daily studies so that you can consistenly dig deep into scripture. There are options for memorizing scriture and it includes songs. It is perfect for a small group and is easy to lead. We can't wait for Dee's next study guide on Psalms! Thank you, Dee!

This book is a must-have for anyone who is seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus and get to know Him more intimately! As co-authors whose backgrounds and life experiences are quite different, both women compliment each other perfectly and come together to provide a warm, inviting place where both single and married women can come to be renewed, encouraged, and challenged in their walk with Christ. Using contemporary and Biblical examples of romantic relationships along with their own life experiences, Kathy and Dee portray the love and longing Jesus has for each of us in a romantic way that many of us have never experienced before. As one of the most tender expressions of a woman after God's own heart that I have ever read, I would also recommend this book to men who are seeking a closer walk with their Savior.

I have read the book completely through and although the book is written for women as the target audience this book is a wonderful read for men too. Dee Brestin writes from the perspective of 30 + years of marriage and Kathy Troccoli writes from the perspective of a single person. The book is well done and gives real life lessons on how we all need to draw closer to Jesus and shares from the heart experiences of how these two Godly woman have grown closer to Jesus through their trials and their blessings. The two women share very personal stories from their lives letting you see them as human. They don't sugar coat their experiences but are open enough to admit their flaws and weaknesses and how God taught them and made them stronger and how Jesus drew them closer to His heart. They also admit that they are still learning and growning closer to Jesus day by day...

I highly recommend this book. You will be blest. Once you pick it up you won't want to put it down. It's an easy read....

I was immediately attracted to this book because I've read "Friendships of Women" by Dee Brestin and I've been a fan of Kathy Troccoli's music for about 10 years now.

Kathy is single, and Dee has been married a long time, and the way they weave their stories together in this book just great! This book was an easy read and it moved very quickly (women with little time to read, have no fear!).

Perhaps the thing that struck me most was how vulnerable Kathy was in relating her journal entries, many of which were addressed to the husband she has longed for. Even though she's prayed for a husband, she has really ministered powerfully to other single women and is a great example of making the most with whatever twists and turns life happens to take.

Dee and Kathy used the titles of love songs as chapter and sub-chapter titles. I don't think that enhanced the book at all, at least not for me. Some people might really enjoy those, though.

The book contains a lot of detailed information about the relationships between Mary and Martha and Jesus and between Ruth and Naomi and how we can learn from those stories how to have a more complete love relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ....

This book shares the insights of friendships between women. It is centered around friendships in the Bible and uses those friendships as examples. I've learned how to nurture the friendships God has sent my way, to be on the look out for new friendships to come my way and that God has given not only me, but every women, a unique gift of intimacy. It has opened my eyes that this gift of intimacy should be shared. Men are not left out either. This book explains the differences between the bonds of males and females also. It points out and explains how different needs are met, by different people, and by different sexes. It's a wonderful book that will help you grow in God, learn about yourself, learn about relationships, learn about how men feel and react. And if you are a man trying to figure women out - this book is for you too.

I found The Friendships of Women recently and couldn't put it down after I opened the cover. I plan to order it for my "Sisters". I most appreciated the Biblical references to friendships, most especially: Ruth and Naomi; David and Jonathan. It gave me a whole new perspective on friendship in relation to God/faith. It also validated my feelings towards other women friends as being "good" and healthy in the eyes of God. It empowers me to reach out more heartily to my old friends and new friends. I take comfort in knowing I am not alone in my feelings, needs, and concerns. I believe the wisdoms of this book will help me to be a better, more compassionate friend.

I started reading this book when my best friend came for a visit, and I couldn't put it down!!! When she had to go home I ordered the book for myself and what a blessing it has been! For a long time I thought that I was weird for being so emotional and having special love for my friends! It is so good to know that it can be a gift rather than a burden. Thanks Dee for letting us know that our feelings are indeed a blessing for ourselves and others!!!!

A friend and I picked this study to do with our small group bible study because they wanted to study a book of the bible. This study has so many bunny trails in it that it leads you away from the scriptures you are supposed to be studying in Esther. She then has you looking up verses all over the place to correlate with what is going on in Esther but the verses don't match the situation. Things are very repetative to where it is a little annoying. Our whole group has really been disappointed with this study.

This has been one of the best studies I have ever used for my small group women's bible study. It has completely changed the way I read the book of Esther. Dee Brestin gives a thorough biblical, historical and practical guide to studying Esther. While the study focuses on Esther, Brestin incorporates numerous examples of scriptures from both OT and NT. She supports all her statements and arguments with scripture and/or historical documentation. Brestin's study is a perfect balance of exegesis as well as practical applications to modern day life. The study is challenging and will bring all those who use it to a closer walk with the Lord and a greater appreciation for His Word. As a leader the study is easy to follow, each chapter is interesting -- it is never repetitive or stagnant. Each of the women in the group (ages 19-30) have been challenged and impressed.

Last summer I did this bible study with a small group of friends. I chose this study because none of us knew much about Esther. We had a wonderful time! The weekly amount of homework was just right, and 8 lessons fit into the summer perfectly. We all felt like we really knew Esther by the end of the 8 weeks - her strengths and weaknesses. And we could identify with both. We saw that we can be used by the Lord in spite of our imperfections and even wrong choices. Dee Brestin brought out truths and insights that I would have just read right over. The questions asked in the book led my group into some great discussions. Bottom line was that it was a time for us to grow closer to the Lord and to eachother - the perfect way to spend the summer.

This book stimulates interesting discussion for a group. We read it over the summer and covered 1-2 chapters per week. We have also read "Friendships of Women" and enjoyed that also.

Overall this is a good fill-in-the-blank workbook for studying Proverbs individually or in groups. Group study suggestions are made and there are leader's notes. Although the copyright is 1975, it was revised in 1993 by Dee Brestin. Most quotes are from the NIV. The 5" x 8" booklet has 96 pages and offers 16 lessons based on selected themes. For a more in-depth commentary on Proverbs as a companion read THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE BOOK OF PROVERBS by Cody Jones. The comments are interesting and very readable and put things into a historical setting. It includes many historical drawings and photos to give you a sense of the culture of the time. There is a topical guide and 6 translations in parallel to aid understanding.