An honest look at how women can play a leading role in society and the church, from one who's been there and done it.

At a time when the status of women is still being debated and challenged, how can women play a leading role in society, the workplace and the church? Michele Guinness has been there and done that - not without opposition and not without compromise.

In this all-embracing, honest reflection on womanhood Michele uses her own upbringing in the Jewish community to re-examine the views and counterviews on the role of women throughout the Christian tradition and culture, drawing inspiration from scripture, history and personal experience.

The Contemporary Woman celebrates a host of women through the ages - from the great biblical matriarchs to the modern-day trailblazers - who have inherited a passionate determination to pursue God's radical call. Michele will encourage women everywhere, of every age, to follow their hearts, and inspire a new generation to discover what it means to be a woman.

The Contemporary Woman takes readers on a brisk - at times, breathless - journey through history with the aim of celebrating women's lives from the far past to the present day, and also inspiring younger generations with stories of their foremothers.