Raising Maidens of Virtue - Book Review

This past weekend, my family took a trip to Maryland to visit my aunt, cousins, and second cousins. I hadn't seen any of them (except my aunt) in eight years. We had lots of fun and I enjoyed the break away from home and the nice breezy weather that we had while we were there. (even if sometimes it was a bit hot)

Because I'm a writer and all and because I LOVE books, I couldn't help but bring along a few books to read. :D

One such book was titled "Raising Maidens of Virtue - a Study of Feminine Loveliness for Mothers and Daughters" by: Stacy McDonald. I had already read about halfway through this book and was so interested in it that I managed to finish it over the weekend between trips out for pizza and visits from our cousins. :)

I absolutely loved this book! It is filled with biblical truths, good morals, and wonderful life lessons for young ladies of all ages. This book is actually written as a study for mothers and daughters to do together, however, I chose not to do it with my mother. Partly because she is already so busy homeschooling my brothers and also because I felt like I would be able to get more out of it if I read through it myself the first time. (I like to really stop and evaluate and think while I'm reading.) :)

Stacy McDonald makes it easy for younger girls and children to be able to understand the life lessons by sharing a story at the beginning of each chapter. That was the best part. Having a story to compare things to makes it easier to understand and later remember. She also has several notes and stories shared by her daughters. (since it's a study for mothers and daughters, it was nice to have opinions and thoughts from both parties throughout the book.)

By far, the most influential chapter, for me, was the chapter titled "Lady of Leisure." This chapter kind of killed two birds with one stone. Recently at my church, we have been studying Idolatry. My pastor has shared that even things that are good can become idols in our lives. For the young lady in Mrs. McDonald's story, reading was an idol. Though there is nothing wrong with reading, the young lady was spending an ample amount of her time with her nose in books while her family worked hard on their farm. Truly, the young lady was living for herself rather than for God and others. (something I think we all do from time to time.) This story also shared the dangers and problems that can arise when a young lady fails to guard her heart.

I was very pleased to find several projects for mothers and daughters to do throughout the book and also in the back. There are creative memory projects and even the idea to host "a Historical Woman Tea Party" /luncheon with your mother and several of your friends and their moms. :D

Also included in the back of the book were several book and website resources that Stacy McDonald and her daughters recommend for young ladies. I haven't looked into this aspect of the book yet but I am positive that there are some excellent books and websites included.

I found this book to be very refreshing and challenging. It wasn't a self help book and fill-in-the-blank type of study. It really dug deep and made you think by giving you examples of things that often happen from day to day.

I give this book a rating of Five out of Five stars and recommend it for exactly who it was intended for... girls, young ladies, and Women of all ages!

Many Blessings!
Jessica