Book Review and Giveaway: The Marriage You've Always Wanted

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: DR. GARY CHAPMAN

As anyone who has attended one of his marriage conferences knows, Dr. Gary Chapman’s expertise in marriage begins with the success and failures he and his wife Karolyn have experienced in their marriage for more than 45 years. He is just the man to turn to for help on improving or healing our most important relationships. His own life experiences, plus over thirty-five years of pastoring and marriage counseling, led him to publish his first book in the Love Language series, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate. Many of the millions of readers credit this continual New York Times bestseller with saving their marriages by showing them simple and practical ways to communicate love.

Since the success of his first book, Dr. Chapman has expanded his Five Love Languages series with special editions that reach out specifically to singles, men, and parents of teens and young children.

He is the author of numerous other books published by Moody Publishers/Northfield Publishing, including Anger, The Family You’ve Always Wanted, The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted, Desperate Marriages, God Speaks Your Love Language, How to Really Love Your Adult Child, and Hope for the Separated. With Dr. Jennifer Thomas, he co-authored The Five Languages of Apology.

Dr. Chapman speaks to thousands of couples nationwide through his weekend marriage conferences. He hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, A Love Language Minute, and a Saturday morning program, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, both airing on more than 400 stations. Dr. Chapman and his wife have two grown children and currently live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he serves as senior associate pastor at Calvary Baptist Church.

Dr. Chapman holds BA and MA degrees in anthropology from Wheaton College and Wake Forest University, respectively, MRE and PhD degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and has completed postgraduate work at the University of North Carolina and Duke University.

Visit the official website: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resource/the-marriage-youve-always-wanted/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5LoveLanguages

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drgarychapman

Small group curriculum available: http://experience.5lovelanguages.com

MY REVIEW:
Everyone knows marriage takes work. Growth in marriage takes time and effort. This book aims to help couples take steps towards the marriage they have always wanted...towards oneness that God designs for. Dr. Gary Chapman proposes that "the supreme purpose of marriage is the union of two individuals at the deepest possible level and in all areas, which in turn brings the greatest possible sense of fulfillment to the couple and at the same time serves best the purposes of God for their lives." He talks about why people get married, what love really means, and who takes care of what. He also covers the hot topics of sex, submission, decision-making, money, and in-laws. At the end of each chapter, you will find practical suggestions/assignments that you and your spouse can put into action to help improve your marriage. The book also includes lists of helpful resources (books and websites) for communication, finances, sexual intimacy, and devotional. I enjoyed reading this book and appreciate its Biblically sound advice. Want a healthy and happy marriage? I highly recommend this excellent book! It would make a fantastic Valentine's Day gift for your spouse or yourself :).

"Your marriage can improve and improvement can begin today, regardless of your partner's attitude." (p. 23)
"The kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13 does not emphasize emotion but attitude and action--which are not beyond our control." (p. 41)
"I do not want to discourage you, but your mate will never be perfect. He or she will never do everything that you desire. Your best alternative is the acceptance of love!" (p. 50)
"Selfishness is the greatest barrier to oneness, and we are all afflicted with the disease." (p. 62)
"Many couples need to be reminded that they are on the same team." (p. 87)

GIVEAWAY: You can win a copy of this book. Open only to residents in the US and Canada.

Deadline: 2/28 at midnight (Pacific time)

To Enter: Leave a comment here with your email address. Please share one marital advice that you find most helpful.

~"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”