And the Bride Wore White: Seven Secrets to Sexual Purity Paperback – June 20, 2012

Although this book is written for women. Any person who is experienced sexual and physical disconnection from the spirit will benefit from journaling topic points from each chapter. I purchased this book as an organization and Salem Oregon is hosting a purity ceremony in December. I want to get ahead but this is not a read through book this book will take you on an emotional journeys of memories to peel back the pain in order to realign our lives and souls the way God created us to be. I am reminded that I have forgiven and that because of Jesus I can be renewed even in sexual purity and experience purity in my life and character. This is great for Youth groups, families setting standards for both young boys and ladies- mother/daughter/sister cousins conversations. Invest in your souls healing journey.

I imagine there are only two kinds of reviews here: Those who agree with this book and think that purity is important before marriage, and those who don't agree with that concept at all and think that pre-marital sex is ok. This book isn't written to people who are already bent on having sex before marriage; it's not written in a way to change your mind on that issue. If you are bound and determined that it's impossible to remain pure, then simply don't buy the book -- you won't agree with it and you won't like it. If you ARE looking to have a pure, God-centered relationship (even in the distant future), this book is a great way to start. I do agree with some other reviewers who complain that this book holds females to a standard that isn't necessarily placed on guys. But it's written to girls. And the important part is that you shouldn't be in a relationship with a guy who is pressuring you to do things you don't want to do -- you should look for a guy who has these standards or who respects the standards you have and cherishes your purity. They DO exist. And you are worth waiting for. If nothing else, this challenges you to think about what is helpful and hurtful in a relationship. Society tells us that pre-marital sex is ok, and even if it's not -- everything else leading up to it is. But there are deep emotional consequences, which society at large ignores.This book explains how to grow in purity -- even if you've already "screwed up." It shows you why you should be striving toward it, and it gives some practical steps toward attaining it.NOTE: this is written with the high schooler/college student in mind. In fact, I think it's important for girls that age to read it. I'm a mid-20s adult who found it helpful and insightful for that age group, but it was repeating many things I either already know or wish I'd heard a LONG time ago.

This book has no age boundary! I read it when I was 22 yrs old, and I have to say that God used it dramatically to change how I see myself! I now have much more respect and honor for myself because of how God sees me. Yet, I would give it to any girl I know who is 11 yrs old and older! Yes, the book is about Purity, but it is not the typical "sex is bad" book. It deals with respecting yourself as a woman and how that plays into all aspects of your life. Dannah (Gresh) makes you feel like you know her by the end of the book. It's an intimate ride.I would encourage any lady to read this book! I have bought many and given them to my girlfriends. It's not an easy read if you are serious about learning to be a godly woman. But it is SO worth it, and Dannah makes sure to write a section for us women who have already had sex. To encourage us and remind us that all is forgiven.I wish I had all the right words to describe my experience. I feel my review is lacking in showing just how wonderful this book and Dannah Gresh are...

I bought this book to "skim" for information that I could use for my junior high youth group girls. I couldn't stop reading! I stayed up late to read to the very last page.The nonfiction text is full of true accounts from all kinds of girls and women and that kept the pace of the book very readable. While some nonfiction can get bogged down in details and over-explaining, Dannah Gresh is a gifted storyteller and uses beautiful language with a gentle, encouraging style.I found this book extremely helpful for use in our church's junior high youth group. Since that time, the author has put together a leader's guide, but I made my own lesson plans based on the book and it was a wonderful experience!I did find, though, that the junior high girls didn't read it as voraciously as I had. Their older, high school sisters loved it, so I'd say the reading level is 9th or 10th grade.I highly recommend this book!

After taking preteen and teen girls through Gresh's "Secret Keeper" books, I contemplated buying this book to go through with a bunch of college age girls at summer camp. Before ordering a whole slew of them, I bought one for myself and read through it. I am married already, but the book was so great, I read through it in about a day and a half. It's a book that draws you in and compells you to finish! I then handed it out to my college girls. One of them was worried it would be too much work, as the whole group is also going through Henry Blackaby's "Experiencing God" study, which is pretty intense. 10 minutes after handing them out, the girls were already "into" it. They were discussing all sorts of topics related to purity, and one said she was sure she couldn't stop reading after the assigned first chapter. I'm thrilled that something like this is out there. God is using it to teach Christian girls about His BEST plan for sex, marriage, and purity of thought. The leader's guide is more for a retreat, but can be used as a Bible study, and the companion is nice, but not necessary. Thanks for a much needed study, Dannah!

I am a small group leader for teenage girls at my church and this book is PERFECT! Gresh does such a wonderful job by making everyone feel included in the topics and the discussion questions at the end of the chapters make for great quiet time and even discussions!