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The Well-Watered Woman: Rooted in Truth, Growing in Grace, Flourishing in Faith
ECPA Bestseller! Over 100,000 copies sold!
Discover the bottomless, refreshing Well of God's Word―and experience a fullness and peace beyond your circumstances.
In the chaos of our everyday, it can be difficult to live out and apply the truths of Scripture. We want more of Jesus, but we find ourselves looking to our own lives and accomplishments for our worth and identity. And while that may buoy us for a time, we're often left feeling dried up, discouraged, and longing for more.
Gretchen Saffles knows what it's like to feel overwhelmed and unable to flourish. In The Well-Watered Woman , Gretchen leads us to the Well of fullness, the Word of freedom, and the Way of fruitfulness. She teaches that God's Word will satisfy us for all eternity.
Using Scripture and her own personal story of surrender, Gretchen offers spiritually hungry women tangible tools to not only know Jesus more but to live a life that thoroughly enjoys Him, seeks Him, and follows Him into freedom.
Discover the bottomless, refreshing Well of God's Word―and experience a fullness and peace beyond your circumstances.
In the chaos of our everyday, it can be difficult to live out and apply the truths of Scripture. We want more of Jesus, but we find ourselves looking to our own lives and accomplishments for our worth and identity. And while that may buoy us for a time, we're often left feeling dried up, discouraged, and longing for more.
Gretchen Saffles knows what it's like to feel overwhelmed and unable to flourish. In The Well-Watered Woman , Gretchen leads us to the Well of fullness, the Word of freedom, and the Way of fruitfulness. She teaches that God's Word will satisfy us for all eternity.
Using Scripture and her own personal story of surrender, Gretchen offers spiritually hungry women tangible tools to not only know Jesus more but to live a life that thoroughly enjoys Him, seeks Him, and follows Him into freedom.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2021
2372 people are currently reading
11212 people want to read
About the author
Gretchen Saffles
21 books189 followersGretchen Saffles is the founder of the global online women’s ministry Well-Watered Women, bestselling author of “The Well-Watered Woman: Rooted in Truth, Growing in Grace, Flourishing in Faith,” and creator of the Give Me Jesus Bible Study Journal. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping women to drink deeply from the well of God's Word and longs to see women grasp the fullness of the gospel in everyday life.
Gretchen lives in Atlanta with her husband, Greg, and their three children. Gretchen loves going on adventures with her family, traveling to new places, baking fresh chocolate chip cookies, reading good books, and teaching women to know and love Jesus.
You can find her on Instagram @gretchensaffles or at www.gretchensaffles.com.
Gretchen lives in Atlanta with her husband, Greg, and their three children. Gretchen loves going on adventures with her family, traveling to new places, baking fresh chocolate chip cookies, reading good books, and teaching women to know and love Jesus.
You can find her on Instagram @gretchensaffles or at www.gretchensaffles.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 653 reviews
April 10, 2021
I was extremely excited to read this book because Well-Watered Women is a phenomenal ministry, and the cover artwork is absolutely stunning. I found this book to be filled with Gospel truths with many references to Scripture throughout the pages of this book. However, there seemed to be a lack of depth that I was hoping to encounter here. I believe that it is a great read for those just beginning their walks with the Lord or those who have grown weary in their faith and need some encouragement. I would definitely recommend this book as a starting place, but I personally would follow it up with something deeper. But I think that’s the point– to recognize that we are all thirsty and searching for a well deep enough to drink from, and Gretchen gracefully reminds us that the only Well that will truly satisfy is Jesus.
April 2, 2021
The Well-Watered Woman describes three aspects of Jesus filling a woman’s life as she grows in her faith in Him: Jesus is the Well, the Word, and the Way.
Although the concept of the book is good and the premise is interesting, I felt that the book itself fell short of the goal. So much of the material consists of “Christianese” cliches and a reiteration of Sunday School lessons. There is a lot of emphasis on “this is what you should do” without an awareness of “this is how it can be done.” A lot of “just try harder,” even though I’m sure that was not what the author intended.
I think the book’s saving grace comes from the videos, worksheets and journal, which definitely help to provide more specific instruction and a sense of substance that seems to be missing from the book. Also, the second section out of three brings more tangible examples and useful material.
I felt frustrated by the author’s constant references to her own life. Her “difficult experiences” were not that bad at all. It almost felt like she was complaining about landing a great internship (too lonely) or doing well in school (idol of perfection) or having strong Christian relatives (their deaths were hard) or being able to have and raise kids (mountains of laundry and dishes).
I was left feeling that the Christian life should be more than just trying to “be better.” The book has a great idea, but is lacking the depth to take a reader to a place of understanding and true transformative life change. In my opinion, it seemed surface level.
If you’re interested in reading more about spiritual disciplines, I recommend Sensible Shoes (Garlough Brown). If you’re interested in learning more about Bible study, I recommend Women of the Word (Wilkin)
Although the concept of the book is good and the premise is interesting, I felt that the book itself fell short of the goal. So much of the material consists of “Christianese” cliches and a reiteration of Sunday School lessons. There is a lot of emphasis on “this is what you should do” without an awareness of “this is how it can be done.” A lot of “just try harder,” even though I’m sure that was not what the author intended.
I think the book’s saving grace comes from the videos, worksheets and journal, which definitely help to provide more specific instruction and a sense of substance that seems to be missing from the book. Also, the second section out of three brings more tangible examples and useful material.
I felt frustrated by the author’s constant references to her own life. Her “difficult experiences” were not that bad at all. It almost felt like she was complaining about landing a great internship (too lonely) or doing well in school (idol of perfection) or having strong Christian relatives (their deaths were hard) or being able to have and raise kids (mountains of laundry and dishes).
I was left feeling that the Christian life should be more than just trying to “be better.” The book has a great idea, but is lacking the depth to take a reader to a place of understanding and true transformative life change. In my opinion, it seemed surface level.
If you’re interested in reading more about spiritual disciplines, I recommend Sensible Shoes (Garlough Brown). If you’re interested in learning more about Bible study, I recommend Women of the Word (Wilkin)
July 17, 2021
this was so uplifting, honest, and full of God’s wisdom.
🌸🌼🌿
“becoming a well-watered woman for the glory of God doesn’t happen by accident, and it won’t happen overnight; it takes time, discipline, and surrender. it’s an inside-out, upside-down process— and it’s the way to abundant life.”
“the Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. you will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” isaiah 58:11 🌞
i also really appreciated gretchen’s vulnerability about her miscarriage. it is something i have experienced as well and it was so powerful to hear her say “even in death, God can bring about new life.”
“he is faithful yesterday, today, and forever.” hebrews 13:8 💛
🌸🌼🌿
“becoming a well-watered woman for the glory of God doesn’t happen by accident, and it won’t happen overnight; it takes time, discipline, and surrender. it’s an inside-out, upside-down process— and it’s the way to abundant life.”
“the Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. you will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” isaiah 58:11 🌞
i also really appreciated gretchen’s vulnerability about her miscarriage. it is something i have experienced as well and it was so powerful to hear her say “even in death, God can bring about new life.”
“he is faithful yesterday, today, and forever.” hebrews 13:8 💛
June 21, 2021
I really wanted to love this book, but, at best, I only liked some parts. It took me so long to read because it was honestly quite boring. The content is very surface level, and I was eager to read something with more depth.
The book is truly way too long than what it needs to be, which means it’s very repetitive. I feel like I got the point by page 100 only to find that I had 171 more pages to read on the same thing. I do love the author’s intent and honestly this book would probably be great for a new believer!
The book is truly way too long than what it needs to be, which means it’s very repetitive. I feel like I got the point by page 100 only to find that I had 171 more pages to read on the same thing. I do love the author’s intent and honestly this book would probably be great for a new believer!
March 18, 2021
"The goal of the Well-Watered Woman isn't to be someone but to know someone - the one who changes everything."
This is a book you could probably go back to again and again. Gretchen shares with vulnerability, pieces of her life's journey, to help point us toward the the Gardener, and what it means to know him, and be filled by him. She encourages us toward a life that flourishes and thrives by rooting ourselves in truth. It's for the everyday woman who needs the reminder that, "life won't ever be easy, but God is always good."
*A big thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
This is a book you could probably go back to again and again. Gretchen shares with vulnerability, pieces of her life's journey, to help point us toward the the Gardener, and what it means to know him, and be filled by him. She encourages us toward a life that flourishes and thrives by rooting ourselves in truth. It's for the everyday woman who needs the reminder that, "life won't ever be easy, but God is always good."
*A big thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 7, 2023
I do not feel well watered. I feel annoyed. 🤷♀️
If you need to be "watered" by shallow Christian-ese and ridiculously sappy "testimonial" stories, by all means, read this book.
If you're looking for depth and solid theology, move on. Don't waste your time.
There were many times I felt the author incorrectly applied scripture and/or used it completely out of context.
I decided to give the book two stars rather than one because there were a few good nuggets.
Overall, this book is very surface level, and I'm so tired of shallow, spiritual garbage being sold to women as something with depth and meaning. There are Christian women out there just dying for more meat, more theology, more substance, and more understanding that we do, in fact, have brains. We can rightly divide God's word, too!
If you need to be "watered" by shallow Christian-ese and ridiculously sappy "testimonial" stories, by all means, read this book.
If you're looking for depth and solid theology, move on. Don't waste your time.
There were many times I felt the author incorrectly applied scripture and/or used it completely out of context.
I decided to give the book two stars rather than one because there were a few good nuggets.
Overall, this book is very surface level, and I'm so tired of shallow, spiritual garbage being sold to women as something with depth and meaning. There are Christian women out there just dying for more meat, more theology, more substance, and more understanding that we do, in fact, have brains. We can rightly divide God's word, too!
December 27, 2021
This book lacks depth and speaks too much in plant metaphors. A little plant metaphors here and there would be okay but it was overdone. A lot of the scriptural references are taken out of context.
Example 1: ch 1 talks about how it’s okay to not be okay as a Christian. One section is on how basically it’s okay to not be okay because “things were not okay in the beginning” because acc to genesis 1:2 the earth was “without form and void…”. What a sillllllly thought.
Example 2: ch 2 is about lies we believe over what we know is true according to scripture. Great topic. But the scripture to back up the fact that we should “bring the pain to him, and receive his promise of healing” is backed by Isaiah 53:5 which says “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” This verse is clearly not referring to the kind of healing she is referring to. An appropriate reference would’ve been Philippians 4:6-7 or 1 Peter 5:7 or Matthew 6:25-34.
There was faulty comparisons/references throughout the few chapters I read.
However, I appreciate the goal of the book and it’s emphasis on our need for devotion to the word and prayer in order to persist through life’s trials and pursue truth over lies from the devil, the world, or lies we tell ourselves.
Example 1: ch 1 talks about how it’s okay to not be okay as a Christian. One section is on how basically it’s okay to not be okay because “things were not okay in the beginning” because acc to genesis 1:2 the earth was “without form and void…”. What a sillllllly thought.
Example 2: ch 2 is about lies we believe over what we know is true according to scripture. Great topic. But the scripture to back up the fact that we should “bring the pain to him, and receive his promise of healing” is backed by Isaiah 53:5 which says “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” This verse is clearly not referring to the kind of healing she is referring to. An appropriate reference would’ve been Philippians 4:6-7 or 1 Peter 5:7 or Matthew 6:25-34.
There was faulty comparisons/references throughout the few chapters I read.
However, I appreciate the goal of the book and it’s emphasis on our need for devotion to the word and prayer in order to persist through life’s trials and pursue truth over lies from the devil, the world, or lies we tell ourselves.
February 17, 2021
Gretchen writes as she speaks, honestly, transparently and with such grace. Encouraging her readers to dip deeply into the Word, Gretchen gave practical application without giving us a formula to follow. As I was reading I kept thinking how I would love for my daughters to read this book sometime during their high school years. It would make a great small group study for a group of young women.
#netgalley #thewellwateredwoman
#netgalley #thewellwateredwoman
May 22, 2023
The Well-Watered Woman was a great read and I enjoyed listening to the audio format. The book had some powerful quotes and I liked the idea of Word before world. I need to get better at implementing that.
The book took me a while to finish and that's partly because I was reading it slowly at first, but when I truly tried to read it, it went pretty fast.
All in all, I recommend this book. It was a good read.
The book took me a while to finish and that's partly because I was reading it slowly at first, but when I truly tried to read it, it went pretty fast.
All in all, I recommend this book. It was a good read.
December 28, 2021
The Well Watered Woman stirred my affections for Jesus and reminded me that following him is a lifestyle, not merely a box to check off on my spiritual to-do list. In this book, Gretchen Saffles points to Christ on every page and in doing so invites readers to look to him every moment of every day.
October 20, 2025
This book is every bit as beautiful as something you would expect from Gretchen and Well Watered Women! The attention to detail makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the soul. For someone who making it beautiful is half the battle of getting in the Word, this is a resource that is sure to bring beautiful to my devotions for weeks to come!
Read this one lovely rainy afternoon.
It has a collection of some of the most beautiful quotes. Having three boys myself the story of her mentor Nancy brought tears to my eyes.
Reading it in one sitting it felt a little disjointed. I think it would be better picked at a little at a time for moments of encouragement. (I plan to go back and do this with the journal)
I would have dearly loved to have some of her stories elaborated on. It felt like a lot of teasers without knowing the backdrop or how it worked out in her sanctification. (Not necessarily off putting, it just made me want to invite her over for coffee and to hear the full story of God’s faithfulness)
Of course as we have come to know in Gretchen the design is stunning. For someone how needs encouragement in beautiful packaging... this is it!
Read this one lovely rainy afternoon.
It has a collection of some of the most beautiful quotes. Having three boys myself the story of her mentor Nancy brought tears to my eyes.
Reading it in one sitting it felt a little disjointed. I think it would be better picked at a little at a time for moments of encouragement. (I plan to go back and do this with the journal)
I would have dearly loved to have some of her stories elaborated on. It felt like a lot of teasers without knowing the backdrop or how it worked out in her sanctification. (Not necessarily off putting, it just made me want to invite her over for coffee and to hear the full story of God’s faithfulness)
Of course as we have come to know in Gretchen the design is stunning. For someone how needs encouragement in beautiful packaging... this is it!
April 17, 2021
I love how honest the author is. Any mother can relate to the garden metaphor. Often we feel buried under daily activities that do not seem important: changing diapers, cooking, cleaning the house, putting the toys back and many other. We feel our soul dried up. We can’t see God working in our mundane. The author invites the reader to put her trust in the Lord and wait with faith that God will deliver what He promised, that no service will go to waste. For all the mothers that are barely hanging on, or for mother that want more than a daily crawl through the Bible this book is a must!
October 21, 2022
In the range of ‘its good’ but not a ‘need to read again’?
I think it is a beautiful reminder of many basic Gospel truths - but it is very simple. Don’t get me wrong, simple reminders are valuable every single day I just think I’ve read similar sentiments from this book in so many others. I honestly could get most of the contents for free on the well watered women blog (which is lovely!)
It’s not bad, I just didn’t find it necessary. And I have a pet peeve for overly repetitive writing and books that could have been condensed by a lot.
But I love Gretchen and I love her goal with the book.
I’d recommend for newer believers and for anyone else who feels keen on the style of her writing :) Third section was the most impactful for me and did have a lot of really timely simple reminders of truth!!
I think it is a beautiful reminder of many basic Gospel truths - but it is very simple. Don’t get me wrong, simple reminders are valuable every single day I just think I’ve read similar sentiments from this book in so many others. I honestly could get most of the contents for free on the well watered women blog (which is lovely!)
It’s not bad, I just didn’t find it necessary. And I have a pet peeve for overly repetitive writing and books that could have been condensed by a lot.
But I love Gretchen and I love her goal with the book.
I’d recommend for newer believers and for anyone else who feels keen on the style of her writing :) Third section was the most impactful for me and did have a lot of really timely simple reminders of truth!!
February 20, 2022
I’m struggling to find the words to write a review for this book. Simply, it was the book I didn’t know I needed.
Every chapter highlighted struggles all too common among women that we’re often afraid to admit. Saffles continually points back to Scripture but doesn’t hesitate to use personal anecdotes as a reminder that “You are not alone. You aren’t the only one who is facing this. I’ve been there, sister, I get it, but God is faithful. Let me show you from His Word. He’s got you.”
Many of the truths are basic, things I was already familiar with, but sometimes it’s the simplest truths that are the most profound. Over the course of reading a chapter each morning as a part of my devotions, the Lord has used this book to point out areas of my life that need work, sins to confess, and reasons to rejoice. It also helped show me how many lies I have unconsciously come to believe about myself and God. I can see myself rereading this book again in the near future!
I highly recommend this book, and I am confident it will be on the list of my top reads of 2022!
Every chapter highlighted struggles all too common among women that we’re often afraid to admit. Saffles continually points back to Scripture but doesn’t hesitate to use personal anecdotes as a reminder that “You are not alone. You aren’t the only one who is facing this. I’ve been there, sister, I get it, but God is faithful. Let me show you from His Word. He’s got you.”
Many of the truths are basic, things I was already familiar with, but sometimes it’s the simplest truths that are the most profound. Over the course of reading a chapter each morning as a part of my devotions, the Lord has used this book to point out areas of my life that need work, sins to confess, and reasons to rejoice. It also helped show me how many lies I have unconsciously come to believe about myself and God. I can see myself rereading this book again in the near future!
I highly recommend this book, and I am confident it will be on the list of my top reads of 2022!
January 28, 2025
5⭐️
Wow girls. This is the book if you feel super disconnected and dry in your bible time, faith, or relationship with God. The way this book encouraged me and helped me understand the seasons I have been walking through was just so amazing. It is also a very easy fun read, it isn’t boring or dry. For sure pick it up!
Wow girls. This is the book if you feel super disconnected and dry in your bible time, faith, or relationship with God. The way this book encouraged me and helped me understand the seasons I have been walking through was just so amazing. It is also a very easy fun read, it isn’t boring or dry. For sure pick it up!
August 19, 2024
This book is just too shallow. Unfortunately, the description was very misleading as well, promising “tangible tools to not only know Jesus more but to live a life which thoroughly enjoys him”, and I didn’t find these tools anywhere.
I’m disappointed with most Christian authors nowadays who claim they have something new to offer to the world, when it’s the same old same old. Christian-izing every little thing (for example, she uses her forgotten gel pen collection as a child as a correlation to God’s gifts that we forget to use. I mean, come on.)
If you are looking for a book to understand God’s character better in new ways that will blow your mind - read Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. If you want a Bible study that calls you to action and presses you closer to the Word - read At the Table with Jesus by Louie Giglio. Because this book falls very, very short of anything close to these.
I’m disappointed with most Christian authors nowadays who claim they have something new to offer to the world, when it’s the same old same old. Christian-izing every little thing (for example, she uses her forgotten gel pen collection as a child as a correlation to God’s gifts that we forget to use. I mean, come on.)
If you are looking for a book to understand God’s character better in new ways that will blow your mind - read Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. If you want a Bible study that calls you to action and presses you closer to the Word - read At the Table with Jesus by Louie Giglio. Because this book falls very, very short of anything close to these.
March 7, 2025
“Christ is in me.” -Galatians 2:20
My rating is for the audiobook. I honestly dnf’d at 59%. I just couldn’t do it. The author read her book and I did not enjoy her read through. There was over exclamations, breathy sighs, and I felt like she was reading to toddlers.
Maybe the physical book is better, read in our own voices?
The material was ok. I was very distracted by the reading so I’m not sure I can give an appropriate description. But, it seemed surface level without not much depth.
The book is based around the story of the woman at the well from the Bible. We are lacking and always wanting but through Him, we aren’t.
My rating is for the audiobook. I honestly dnf’d at 59%. I just couldn’t do it. The author read her book and I did not enjoy her read through. There was over exclamations, breathy sighs, and I felt like she was reading to toddlers.
Maybe the physical book is better, read in our own voices?
The material was ok. I was very distracted by the reading so I’m not sure I can give an appropriate description. But, it seemed surface level without not much depth.
The book is based around the story of the woman at the well from the Bible. We are lacking and always wanting but through Him, we aren’t.
February 2, 2022
I was really excited to read this book because I thoroughly enjoy content from the social media page of Well Watered Women, but this book was not for me. I was expecting more theology and deepness based on endorsements and reviews. This book is fantastic for those who have not been believers very long, or older teenagers ready to learn more truths. This book is theologically sound, but driven by metaphors that I sometimes did not relate too. I was hoping for more scripture driven commentary.
February 20, 2022
Beautifully written and very convicting, edifying and encouraging
May 10, 2025
It took me a minute to gather my thoughts on this one. Mostly because I’m trying to be less harsh with authors who have given themselves the task of presenting scriptural truths… but also because I’m still over here reeling at how much has changed in me since being made a new creature almost 1 year ago.
I think I would have resonated very deeply with everything this author said a year ago. Especially as a young mother and struggling with a chronic illness… I would have felt seen and heard and understood… now?
Now, as I was reading this book I felt hungry. Underfed. Like I was promised a rich filling meal of meat and bread and only given watered down almond milk. I honestly regret reading it. I should have stopped at the beginning when Saffles was describing who this book was for… it was written for women who feel chronically dry and empty… and I don’t feel anything like that anymore.
“Oh well aren’t we miss lucky, goody-two-shoes… must be nice to *always* feel fed and nurtured and filled with the Holy Spirit…”
It is. Really awesome. And I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to stop having their soul and spirit violently crash around inside their bodies desperately trying to get to their Creator because they hear Him calling for them. I’d highly recommend it with anyone who has chronically struggled with doubt over the state of their soul. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has struggled with the try-hard, do-good life for forever but never achieved real victory.
This book was written to make women who are clinging to prayers they prayed when they were a kid and not to the Savior who died for them feel better for not feeling the Holy Spirit, not seeing the Holy Spirit working in their own life for their good, and not knowing God. This book was written to women who are born again and have frustrated the Spirit of God, and denied obedience to Him for so long that they can no longer hear him calling and guiding them.
It was not written for women who wrestled with God, submitted to Him, and came out a new creature on the other side. It is not written for women who consistently, obediently seek God and feed themselves and flee from sin and adamantly follow the Spirit’s leading or at least come right back from sin when they’ve wandered off and instead of saying “please don’t take my kingdom from me” (ala King Saul) but instead say “please don’t take your spirit from me” (ala King David, the man after God’s own heart).
This review probably sounds really harsh, and if I’m being honest, it really is. However, since being born again, my eyes have been bugged out at almost a constant realizing how many books are written and messages are preached that are upholding lost people who claim belief yet are far from God and play church. I’ve been appalled at how many people who are truly born again, but have allowed bitterness and sin and their unsaved spouses to drag their heart so far away from God that, though they’re in church every time the doors are open, and reading “spiritually challenging and uplifting” books, their heart is far away and they’ve grieved the Holy Spirit to the point where they are deaf and blind though still sealed. Both of these people walk around and do good deeds for their own glory and sin in the most “Christian” ways possible and worship a God of their own making… and having my eyes opened to all these things has been absolutely grieving my spirit.
Because I was that person before finally repenting and believing.
In conclusion (if you made it here), authors like this and books like this make me sad. And I would never recommend this book to anyone.
I think I would have resonated very deeply with everything this author said a year ago. Especially as a young mother and struggling with a chronic illness… I would have felt seen and heard and understood… now?
Now, as I was reading this book I felt hungry. Underfed. Like I was promised a rich filling meal of meat and bread and only given watered down almond milk. I honestly regret reading it. I should have stopped at the beginning when Saffles was describing who this book was for… it was written for women who feel chronically dry and empty… and I don’t feel anything like that anymore.
“Oh well aren’t we miss lucky, goody-two-shoes… must be nice to *always* feel fed and nurtured and filled with the Holy Spirit…”
It is. Really awesome. And I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to stop having their soul and spirit violently crash around inside their bodies desperately trying to get to their Creator because they hear Him calling for them. I’d highly recommend it with anyone who has chronically struggled with doubt over the state of their soul. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has struggled with the try-hard, do-good life for forever but never achieved real victory.
This book was written to make women who are clinging to prayers they prayed when they were a kid and not to the Savior who died for them feel better for not feeling the Holy Spirit, not seeing the Holy Spirit working in their own life for their good, and not knowing God. This book was written to women who are born again and have frustrated the Spirit of God, and denied obedience to Him for so long that they can no longer hear him calling and guiding them.
It was not written for women who wrestled with God, submitted to Him, and came out a new creature on the other side. It is not written for women who consistently, obediently seek God and feed themselves and flee from sin and adamantly follow the Spirit’s leading or at least come right back from sin when they’ve wandered off and instead of saying “please don’t take my kingdom from me” (ala King Saul) but instead say “please don’t take your spirit from me” (ala King David, the man after God’s own heart).
This review probably sounds really harsh, and if I’m being honest, it really is. However, since being born again, my eyes have been bugged out at almost a constant realizing how many books are written and messages are preached that are upholding lost people who claim belief yet are far from God and play church. I’ve been appalled at how many people who are truly born again, but have allowed bitterness and sin and their unsaved spouses to drag their heart so far away from God that, though they’re in church every time the doors are open, and reading “spiritually challenging and uplifting” books, their heart is far away and they’ve grieved the Holy Spirit to the point where they are deaf and blind though still sealed. Both of these people walk around and do good deeds for their own glory and sin in the most “Christian” ways possible and worship a God of their own making… and having my eyes opened to all these things has been absolutely grieving my spirit.
Because I was that person before finally repenting and believing.
In conclusion (if you made it here), authors like this and books like this make me sad. And I would never recommend this book to anyone.
March 19, 2023
I went through this book with a group of ladies from my church and we all loved it. Such great insights and spiritual challenges throughout.
I also implemented the accompanying journal, which added another layer of depth to the experience. The journal is not ordered chronologically with the book so it was confusing to figure out which sections to work in for each chapter of the book. My study leader found some guidance online that helped. I will continue working through the journal, which will take another few months. That’s how deep it is. I was inspired to memorize scripture, which I haven’t done in a while, and was able to memorize the nineteenth Psalm. I hope to continue the discipline of memorization now that I’m finished with the book.
I also implemented the accompanying journal, which added another layer of depth to the experience. The journal is not ordered chronologically with the book so it was confusing to figure out which sections to work in for each chapter of the book. My study leader found some guidance online that helped. I will continue working through the journal, which will take another few months. That’s how deep it is. I was inspired to memorize scripture, which I haven’t done in a while, and was able to memorize the nineteenth Psalm. I hope to continue the discipline of memorization now that I’m finished with the book.
November 13, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. An engaging and thought-provoking memoir that personally for me lacked some depth and reflection at many places. Saffles talks beautifully what it is to be a sister in faith and disciple of Jesus and for the most part I really enjoyed listening this in small chunks before falling asleep.
November 24, 2020
**I received an ARC from the publisher on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a lot of food for thought. If you feel like you're stuck in a rut or you aren't growing, this book is inspirational.
I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a lot of food for thought. If you feel like you're stuck in a rut or you aren't growing, this book is inspirational.
September 24, 2025
Definitely a solid, biblical read. It was encouraging and challenging at times. The author used a lot of imagery and roundabout stories to illustrate biblical truths and her points. I personally prefer a more direct approach, but again, it was biblical, and, overall, an edifying read.
January 13, 2021
I loved this book. Written in a refreshing way, I found it helpful and inspirational. Will highly recommend to the women in my life. #wellwateredwoman #netgalley #christianwomen #christianbooks
April 21, 2021
I was a little disappointed with this one, I just found it very repetitive. It was a great reminder growth in Christ can be painful, but beautiful at the same time.
May 18, 2024
This book. Just read it
It’s just so so good.
This sums it up, “The Well-Watered Woman isn’t the perfect woman. She’s fueled by the undeserved grace of God, not by her ambitions to be a “good girl.” She recognizes that the good within her comes from God alone (see Psalm 16:2; Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus has set her free from her past mistakes, and she lives as a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). He has given her a fresh start, and his mercy propels her forward in love and obedience each day. She has come to the end of herself and found a new beginning in Jesus. Her future is secure, and her new life is most hopeful of all—eternity with Christ. The goal of the Well-Watered Woman isn’t to be someone but to know someone—the one who changes everything. Her ambitions and dreams are being transformed by Jesus as he shows her, day by day, the better way to live. As she makes it her daily pursuit to know Jesus, she becomes the someone God created her to be: the Well-Watered Woman.”
It’s just so so good.
This sums it up, “The Well-Watered Woman isn’t the perfect woman. She’s fueled by the undeserved grace of God, not by her ambitions to be a “good girl.” She recognizes that the good within her comes from God alone (see Psalm 16:2; Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus has set her free from her past mistakes, and she lives as a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). He has given her a fresh start, and his mercy propels her forward in love and obedience each day. She has come to the end of herself and found a new beginning in Jesus. Her future is secure, and her new life is most hopeful of all—eternity with Christ. The goal of the Well-Watered Woman isn’t to be someone but to know someone—the one who changes everything. Her ambitions and dreams are being transformed by Jesus as he shows her, day by day, the better way to live. As she makes it her daily pursuit to know Jesus, she becomes the someone God created her to be: the Well-Watered Woman.”
March 26, 2021
It is a lovely, beautiful book. With transparency and honesty Gretchen uses her own life experiences to encourage you to be a Well Watered Woman and that doest mean we need to be perfect but we need to be well rooted and watered in the One who is perfect. Many times we just give so much that we dry out, and instead of seeking God's presence we search and fill our life with everything but God.
March 27, 2023
This sweet book reminds you in every chapter the importance of returning to God as the only source for abundant life. The book doesn’t strive to give you “steps to take to achieve xyz” but continually points you back to the truth that the Lord is the answer, always, to what your soul is longing for. The artwork in this book is also quite beautiful.
April 27, 2025
This book was not as deep as I thought it would be faith-wise. However, each chapter was filled with beautiful, and simple reminders that invited me back to the truths of the Gospel and who Jesus is, while also spurring me on to who I am to be as a woman whose only mission on this side of eternity is to know Him and make Him known.
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