In a recent q&a interview with Christianbook.com, author Stasi Eldredge discusses "Captivating" (Nelson Books), her groundbreaking book that shows readers the glorious design of women before the fall, describes how the feminine heart can be restored, and casts a vision for the power, freedom, and beauty of a woman released to be all she was meant to be.

Stasi Eldredge:  I was inspired to write "Captivating" with John because of a love for God’s women. I’ve seen what a glorious impact "Wild at Heart" has had on men (and their marriages) and I so wanted women to experience that healing, and deeper intimacy with Christ which I’ve experienced. I believe that women are desperately needed to rise up and follow Jesus into their calling in ways that many have been unable to because of their broken hearts, and because of the crushing version of “godly woman” laid on them by the church. We need women who have come alive as women.

Christianbook.com:  In "Wild at Heart" we learned that "in the heart of every man is a desperate desire for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue." What are the deepest desires and longings that are rooted in the heart of a woman?

Stasi:  If you’ll watch the games that little girls play, if you’ll also look at the movies women love and listen to their deepest longings, we believe you’ll find that every woman longs to be Romanced, to play an Irreplaceable Role in a heroic adventure, and to Unveil Beauty.

Christianbook.com:  What does the heart of woman teach us about the nature of God?

Stasi:  Oh my ... where do we begin?! How important to remember that Eve, also, bears the image of God. She speaks things about God that only a woman can speak. Through women we see that relationship matters so much to Him. That he is Beauty, through and through. Tenderness, and mercy. Fierce devotion. That God loves Romance, and adventures to share!

Christianbook.com:  In "Wild at Heart" we learned that, in their most honest moments, men question "if they have what it takes." Is there a corresponding question that resides near the heart of a woman’s soul? If so, how does their Creator provide an answer to that question?

Stasi:  Deep in the heart of every little girl, and every woman is the Question, "Am I lovely? Do you enjoy me? Am I worth pursuing, worth fighting for? Am I captivating?" The way this question was answered for each of us as little girls and as women has shaped us into the women we are today. The healing of our feminine heart begins as we take our Question to God, to let him answer the deepest questions of a woman’s heart with a resounding YES!