Authentic Beauty: The Shaping of a Set-Apart Young Woman

I got this book at 16 and it changed my life at 27. Didnt even read it all (which is why i gave it 4 stars) but because it hit so hard at just the right point. God definitely used this book to take my relationship with Jesus deeper. Its a hard read at first for some, but the result is worth it.

This study book is great to use as a book study with young girls. I am doing it now with 13 year olds, although I think the questions are a bit challenging for them. I recommend it for 14-18. Leslie is a great author. I highly recommend her book "Authentic Beauty" which goes with the study guide because it not only talks about purity but a young woman's relationship with God. She puts it in a new perspective. Overall great books!

As an avid reader I read Leslie Ludy's Authentic Beauty the first time it was published and thoroughly enjoyed the read. As I sat down to read the updated and expanded edition, I didn't think that it could get any better--and was I wrong! Filled with insights and encouragements, this book challenges you to look beyond yourself toward a Savior that is offering that which we, as humans, often find the hardest things to do: forgiveness, love, and hope. Accompanied by writings from her husband, Eric Ludy, we glean insights on our earthly relationships with men as Ludy invites readers on a journey towards rediscovering the true meaning of femininity and falling in love with your Prince--Jesus Christ. Throughout this wonderfully written and laid back book, you feel as though you are chatting one on one with the author about your heart's deepest hurts and desires. Covering wide range of topics--such as purity, living a set apart life, feminine mystique, and developing a deeper relationship with Christ--you are challenged to look toward the Prince of your heart to supply all of your needs. "In every generation, a few young women discover passionate, daily, unhindered intimacy with their true Prince, Jesus Christ. Just like the princesses in our childhood fair tales, once they meet this Prince and realize His incredible love for them, they willingly give up everything else to follow Him to the ends of the earth." (p. 247) Refreshingly honest and sincere Authentic Beauty offers the chance to hope and live a set-apart life through our Heavenly Prince and His amazing love for us, His princess. Armchair Interviews says: This wonderful book carries a message that women so desperately need in the world today!

This the most amazing story of true love I have ever read...love between God and His daughters! I read this book in a small group of women and we all were blown away by this book. The ideas Leslie brings forward are surprisingly obvious yet they had never occured to any of us before. This is a must read for all women!

In "Authentic Beauty," Leslie Ludy does a magnificent job at convincing young women that they are beautiful just the way God made them. She stresses the importance of falling in love with our "true Prince" (Jesus) before being able to fall in love with another man. Ludy assumes a very approachable style as she writes, and even tells her readers that she wants to speak to them as though they are best friends talking in a coffee shop. Ludy uses allusion, anecdotes, and listing to make her purpose of teaching women to love themselves clear and appealing to the reader. The basis of the book is a woman's relationship with God and how that affects her life; therefore, allusions to the Bible and Christ are sprinkled generously throughout the book. Every one of the 4 parts of the book begins with a Scripture quote such as: "My beloved is mine and I am his; he delights in the lilies(111)." These quotes help to tie the theme of the book together: to be lily white (pure for God). Ludy also tells many stories from her personal life such as when she was in elementary school and boys would tease her and her friends because they hadn't "developed" yet. These brief anecdotes help the reader to relate to the author and believe that the author is someone the reader can trust for advice, like a friend. Finally, Ludy uses lists to make it easier for the reader to look at and understand the information being presented. She lists questions young women should ask themselves about how they relate to the opposite sex in order to see if the young women themselves are "set apart" for their future husbands. She also lists the assumptions girls live under such as "[t]o have a successful future, a young woman must carefully follow society's pattern for success," and why they are examples of unhealthy thinking(85). These lists help young women to evaluate what is truly important in life and apply those concepts in real life situations. I greatly enjoyed this book and believe it is absolutely not a one-time kind of read. This book helped me to realize my own self-worth and that the "perfect guy" will come around when God, he, and I are ready.

I loved this book. This book challenged me to not live like everyone else, but to live a life set apart for my Prince, Jesus. Leslie is candid about what she's been through and how she got through it. She also gives you great teaching on how to live the set apart life. This book changed me. How? By helping me grow closer to my Prince, Jesus and fall in love with him all over again.