2 stars. I really don't know what I think about this one. Review to come.

Due to being a high school teacher, I have been falling behind on reviews. Here are my initial thoughts.

The underlying premise of this book is one of conservative evangelical Christian views of sex, purity, and marriage. If you do not practice this form of Christianity, this book will possibly seem confusing, preachy, and/or overly traditional. If you do affirm an evangelical worldview, this book will most likely affirm many previous teachings you have likely been exposed too. I am a Christian women who is very familiar with the purity culture of evangelicalism and this book did not present hardly any new information. There was very little discussion of differing hormone levels due to age, physical health, abnormalities- which can lead to sexual problems or dysfunction. There was very little discussion of how to overcome sexual difficulties, such as painful intercourse or how to achieve orgasm (within the married relationship). There was very little discussion of the need for professional mental health support for victims of abuse. I rated this book due to these deficiencies, which are thoroughly and scientifically discussed in other secular and Christian resources. This book was a very surface level, basic discussion that did not address the real sexual issues facing women today.
I do appreciate the publisher and NetGalley providing me with a copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own.

I received this book for free because I was a member of the book team that helped launch this book. I have every book from Bethany and Kristen and this lived up to my expectations. They take a serious topic and discuss it in a manner that is relatable and nonjudgmental. I would recommend this book to any girl or young woman who is struggling with this topic or just want more biblical answers to these areas of love and singleness.

Young people today receive so many different messages from society about sex, usually ones that go against God’s design. Through TV shows, books, movies, magazines, social media, and music we’re told that we should just do whatever feels right. Whether it’s having sex with your boyfriend/girlfriend, casual sex, homosexuality, masturbation, or whatever else, our culture is one where everything goes. With all these messages coming at us, even the “good” Christian girls, it’s important that we counteract these messages with God’s design. That is the purpose of Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal’s new book, Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl’s Heart.

This book did a great job of presenting God’s design for our sexuality in an open, honest, and non-judgmental way. It doesn’t shy away from addressing sin and how it has warped our sexual desires, but it never comes across as judging those who struggle with sin. Both Kristen and Bethany are very open about their own struggles. This book is not a list of “thou shall not’s.” Kristin and Bethany look at many different struggles that women are dealing with, and they present the Word of God in answer. Kristin and Bethany are not afraid to address the secret struggles. The hush-hush questions. The ones we keep to ourselves, because we’re afraid of what others may think. This book talked about same sex desires, porn, erotica, and masturbation. These aren’t words you would expect to hear from a “good” Christian girl, but these are things that real Christian women are struggling with. This book is also quick to assure us that there is forgiveness and redemption for any past sins, and that there is healing if you’ve been abused in this way.

This book doesn’t just deal with the struggles and sins, it also tells us about God’s good and beautiful design for our sexuality. God made us sexual beings, and we are not bad because of that. Too often, our sexual desires have been warped by sin, but that is not God’s intention. God’s design for our sexuality is still beautiful, even if society has forgotten it. Hopefully this book will help people to remember.

This book doesn’t answer every question you may have, but it’s a good start. I wish I’d had this book when I was younger. As a teen, I read several Christian books on this topic, and this was easily one of, if not the best one I’ve read. Although I wish it weren’t so, this book is necessary. In this day and age, it is vital that we get this message into the hands of young women. I will be recommending this book to other young women in my life.

All women should read Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart by Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal. In today's society, women are bombarded by sexualized content every day. Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal dive into what God says about purity and sexuality. If you're single, dating, or married, you will benefit from the in-depth knowledge that this book provides. The tools and suggestions given are realistic and manageable for every woman.
I highly recommend this book because it is informative and written well. It will provide women of all ages guidelines to be true to themselves and not to allow society to dictate their thoughts.

BOOK REVIEW - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - This was an interesting read for me. I have some differing opinions, but as I navigate what I believe I was thankful to come across this book and see what I can apply and what I can grow in. This book covers a wide range of topics and as a single late 20's person, I enjoyed the perspectives and vulnerability!

Sex, Purity, and the longings of a girls heart dives us into the crucial and very controversial topic of sexuality through the lens of God’s design. Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal of Girldefined ministries write this book using personal testimonies, biblical truths, and extensive research to answer the tough questions and bring a Godly perspective to the readers. This book is great for Christian single women or married women.
As a Christian woman myself, I have waited for a resource to come along that talks about sexuality with no shame. When reading this book I felt as if two Godly women had come along side of me to help me navigate this tough issue and bring my focus back to the creator of my sexuality.
I do believe that if you are to read this book it is very crucial to go into it prayerfully as some of the content discussed can bring about more questions or even convictions. Asking the Lord to open your eyes to this subject is very helpful. I also recommend to read this book along with your bible. The authors wrote some biblical and well researched chapters. To thoroughly comprehend the material it is best to take some time to look over those mentioned verses and study them as well. Lastly, I highly recommend reading this with a wise Godly mentor or wise Christian women no matter the age. It is great a great way to discuss the topics found and hear extra words of wisdom or encouragement and create an open dialogue about the topic of sexuality.

Girl Defined did it!
They wrote the book that will help many generations to come.
With their insights on gender, same-sex attraction, purity, love, marriage and God's perfect design for our lives, this book is a must-have for every woman 16 years and older!
Sex, purity and the longings of a girls heart is also the perfect book to go through with a mentor, an older and wiser woman or as a group study. So much truth is packed within the pages of this book. With the use of real stories from real women, Kristen and Bethany show us how, when we follow God's design for sex and purity, we can live a full and satisfying life while honoring Him. So special about this book is that, while the sisters are very clear about cultural lies and biblical truth, they write with love and grace and not an ounce of condemnation could be read. The girls show the Father's forgiving heart within each word and push you to get closer to God's love.
Written from their own experiences, this book is raw and vulnerable and feels as if you are having a heart to heart at their kitchen table. I have been waiting for a book like this for a long time and many generations of women to come will be blessed by this life-giving, truth-sharing book!

These sisters are phenomenal at writing books that help young women know their self-worth by helping them get to know God. I loved the tips and scriptures used in this book. I loved that they got real without going overboard. I love that they gave personal experiences. They approach the reader with such a softness that makes it feel like you are sitting in the kitchen chatting with them. They never make it seem like they are "above" or "holier" than the reader. I would definitely buy this book for my little sister and the younger women at my church.

These sisters are phenomenal at writing books that help young women know their self-worth by helping them get to know God. I loved the tips and scriptures used in this book. I loved that they got real without going overboard. I love that they gave personal experiences. They approach the reader with such a softness that makes it feel like you are sitting in the kitchen chatting with them. They never make it seem like they are "above" or "holier" than the reader. I would definitely buy this book for my little sister and the younger women at my church.

Such a special book! I got a paperback copy of it and really loved it. I've been fans of Kristen and Bethany and their YouTube channel, and got so excited when I heard they were launching this book. Definitely a must-read for young girls, pre-teen aged, to learn about how to deal with their hormones and whatnot. 5 stars.

These ladies give very good advice to young ladies about sex, relationships, purity, and boundaries. I have listened to them in their youtube channel and have read their blog posts. I wish the next generation to listen to their message. They have been criticized because their message is very countercultural, but that is why it is so good. I hope and pray they continue to write and speak as this message spreads and avoids so much pain in little girls hearts because they live as if they would not face consequences to their unresponsible and shameful acts, every girl, and woman deserves respect and a life full of freedom in those areas, to enjoy when it is time.

I had been following Bethany and Kristin’s ministry for a while when I decided to pick up this book. I confess I had my misgivings but, as someone who has worked with teens, I highly recommend it! Not only for teens, but adults as well!

They have an approachable vocabulary, nothing too wordy or complicated, but still, there’s a formality that show their care with what they speak. They have many opinions/ideas, but two things stood out that I thought were highly important for my enjoyability of this books 1) they turn to Scripture, 2) they are mindful to say “this is my opinion”, “this is how I chose” rather than putting something as law.

I look forward to reading more from them.

For any girl who has struggled with lust, sexual desires, pornography, same sex attraction, and more, this book is for you. The authors don’t hold back on these topics that is very rarely mentioned in church. They share parts of their own past struggles with sexual desires and such, how the world views these topics, but more importantly they share God’s heart and what His Word says on these topics and how we can overcome this secret sin, whichever it is that affects us.



I received a Advanced Reader Copy On Net Galley for a review. All opinions are my own.

Kristen and Bethany are two sisters, striving for purity and a lifelong relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ. While I have read many purity books, their honesty is what sets this book apart from others. These sisters pour out their hearts and share their experiences (as well as wrestling thoughts) with their audience. Because of Jesus Christ and the Gospel, we can submit the longings of our hearts to our Mighty God and honor Him in our choices.

So, here is what you will get from this book. You will come to grips that you are not alone, there are other women who are struggling or have struggled with purity. The authors were openly transparent and shared their personal struggles with sexual sins as well as provided biblical examples. There willingness to be open makes this book relatable to those who might have similar struggles. The church has been pretty silent on the topic of sex other than to tell us not to have sex before marriage. Instead of avoiding these hush hush questions Kristen and Bethany tackles them head on turning to the word of God as their source.

Personally, I think this would have been better read if the authors focused more on their sexual struggles and overcoming it. For those struggling with sexual sins, this book does provide insights to help you overcome those struggles and remind you that you are not alone.Due to the nature of what's discussed in Sex Purity and the Longings of a Girls heart I would recommend that younger girls read this with an adult.

#SexPurityAndTheLongingsOfAGirlsHeart by Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal was released in April 2019. The Texan sisters are behind the YouTube channel and ministry of #GirlDefined.

Their most recent release addresses the challenges women may feel to conform to societal norms in terms of sexuality, pornography and erotica.

Having three daughters I thought this would be a topical read. I am always mindful of the messages of the world ‘out there’ and how they are received and impact our impressionable young ones.

For non-Christians (or non-practising Christians) this book is heavy on the biblical. There are ALOT of references in each chapter from the bible. It could be suggested this book is quite preachy and I found it a little heavy going, although the writing style preferred by Clark and Beal is uncomplicated in and of itself.

The balance for me was found in the real life examples provided in each chapter, some from Clark and Beal themselves, that made some of the issues discussed more relatable. There is also input from highly qualified experts as well.

This was not a book I ploughed through but one I read in small doses between other books.

I have not provided a star rating given it is a faith related book.

For the purposes of #Netgalley the rating provided is in relation to how relatable the authors made the subject matter and whether my interest was maintained for the duration of the book.

Thank you to @netgalley and Baker Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This review will also appear on my Instagram personal blog @aplace_inthesun.

Sex, Purity and the Longings of a Girl's Heart isn't a light read! Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal dig deep into the hush-hush topics.
All the things you thought you knew, all the things you didn't know, and all the things you need to know are talked about in an open and honest way.
All these things are talked about in an amazing and Biblical perspective. When you read SPLGH, you're introduced to God's actual intention for sex, purity and the longings of your heart.

These sisters made me feel a closeness to Christ and other Christians that I haven't felt in a long time. It made me feel not so alone in this big, ugly world, and that touched my heart. There are other women in this world that struggle with the same things I do, not just with the topics Clark and Beal covered but with so many other things.

Through this book I was able to connect with so many amazing and different women, I was truly blessed by it.

Though I haven't struggled with most of what the authors talked about, I was given new perspective; I am not the gold star Christian girl I think I thought I was. I have sinned. I am broken. I'm am definitely imperfect and full of flaws. But that's okay. Because God restores me. He accepts my brokenness and desires me to live for Him.

"Apart from Christ, our hearts aren't going to lead us toward truth, righteousness, or freedom. (Jer. 17:9) Our hearts are actively deceiving us; therefore we should be wary of staking our entire identity. In the basis of how we feel."



"Sexuality has been so chopped up, reshaped, and altered that it looks very different from what God originally designed it to be. We, as humankind, have strayed so far from God’s original purpose and intent for our sexuality that most of us have accepted the chopped-up version as normal. Without the original design in view, we no longer know what’s right. We no longer know what’s good. Sex is no longer linked to marriage. Truth is no longer linked to God. As a result, we’re pursuing a myriad of personal choices regarding our sexuality without a compass guiding us to true north. The way we navigate our sexuality today is similar to someone trying to put together an extremely complex puzzle without the photo on the box to guide them."

My favorite message from this book? 👇👇

"Just as Jesus loved and welcomed this sexually broken woman in the New Testament, (Luke chapter 7), He is still welcoming sexually broken women today. Just as He gave the prostitute woman a new identity and future, He is doing the same for us today. Jesus welcomes the hurting. He invites the weary. He takes what is broken and shattered and makes it whole again. Our brokenness doesn’t render us useless to God; rather , we become a beautiful display of His amazing grace."


I was so touched by the power in this book that gave me a very needed reminder of how Christ sees me, that I cried. He's beautiful. He's love is beautiful. His forgiveness and mercy is beautiful. I am beautiful, because of Him. It touched my heart and soul deeply.


I 1000% recommend this book. It's absolutely amazing and I hope it will touch you as deeply as it did me.
Go grab your copy of Sex, Purity and the Longings of a Girl's Heart now!!

**Thanks so much to the authors/publisher who gave me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was no way obligated to leave a positive review.**

~Rebekah ❤️❤️

I think every parent with a daughter needs to get this book for them. Even 20 somethings can learn from this,book! Shot I am in,my 30s and found it helpful informative and biblical. I loved that it did a great job of balancing the bible with real life applications. This is a must read for girls, teens and young adults!

It took me a while to get into this book. It isn't exactly what I would be looking for, but it is different. It is honest; and it delves into the double standards of society without coming out and saying it. It may not have been my cup of tea, but it is for someone out there. And I commend the authors for what they have done.