The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

Many people have heard of the movie Fireproof and some have heard of the book by the same name. The Love Dare is the book that Caleb's father recommended that he read and incorporate the challenges within it's pages into his life in an effort to save his failing marriage. The 40-days worth of challenges have the potential in revive any marriage.

Back of Books Says:

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE is eagerly promised at weddings, but rarely practiced in real life. As a result, romantic hopes are often replaced with disappointment in the home. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

The Love Dare is a 40-day challenge for husbands and wives to understand and practice unconditional love. Whether your marriage is hanging by a thread or healthy and strong, The Love Dare is a journey you need to take. It’s time to learn the keys to finding true intimacy and developing a dynamic marriage. Take the dare!

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. – 1 Corinthians 13:7-8

DARE TO LOVE

Check out this review for additional info or go to the book's website.

Fireproof by Eric Wilson

I've heard a lot about the movie, Fireproof and even posted about it on my Actions Speak Loudest blog, but still haven't seen it for myself. When I found out that Eric Wilson wrote a book based on the screenplay I requested that my library purchase it. I just finished it today and really got a lot out of it. I believe the book would be beneficial for anyone (any age) who is married whether having difficulties or not. All marriages can improve.

Back of Book Says:

Inside burning buildings, Captain Caleb Holt lives by the firefighter's adage:

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PARTNER

Yet at home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules.

Growing up, his wife Catherine always dreamed of marrying a loving, brave firefighter . . . just like her father. Now, after seven years of marriage, she wonders when she stopped being "good enough." Countless arguments and anger have them wanting to move on to something with more sparks.

As they prepare for divorce, Caleb's father challenges him to commit to a 40-day experiment: "The Love Dare." Wondering if it's even worth the effort, Caleb agrees, for his father's sake more than for his marriage.

Surprised by what he discovers about the meaning of love, Caleb realizes that his wife and marriage are worth fighting for. His job is to rescue others. Now Captain Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever . . . rescuing his wife's heart.

Chapters 1-6 Excerpt

Fireproof My Marriage Resources

How to Cut America's Divorce Rate in Half by Michael McManus

I haven't read this book by Michael McManus, but saw it advertised today in a newsletter that I receive daily. As a child of divorce, I know first hand that divorce is painful for everyone involved and I would like to see divorce rates go down. Divorce is often considered the easy way out, but its really not because the payment goes on for years. I know there are some situations where safety trumps staying in a violent marriage, but I think many marriages could be salvaged with proper counsel before and/or after saying "I do."

For more info check this link.

Pray for our families and our country!

Summer Breeze by Catherine Palmer and Gary Chapman

Four Seasons Series

Book 1 – It Happens Every Spring
Book 2 – Summer Breeze
Book 3 – Falling for You Again
Book 4 – Winter Turns to Spring

Last November I read the second book in this series, Summer Breeze. The authors tackle problems that are common in many marriages. Summer Breeze specifically deals with issues of second marriages and blended families. Read It Happens Every Spring then find a copy of Summer Breeze to learn more about the quirky yet endearing characters.

Book Jacket Says:

Nothing spells disaster like a meddling mother-in-law. Unfortunately for Kim Finley, hers has come to visit . . . indefinitely. Not that Kim couldn’t use the help: she recently returned to work, leaving the care of her eleven-year-old twins to her new houseguest. What she didn’t count on was Miranda’s unwanted decorating tips and unending criticism.

Kim’s husband, Derek, soon finds himself volleying between the woman he loves and the mother he can’t escape. With the increasing demands of his job as a Water Patrolman, Derek can barely keep from drowning.

Winter may be drifting into the Finley household, but summer is in full swing in Deepwater Cove, and the members of the Tea Lovers’ Club intend to take full advantage. There are barbecues to plan, neighbors to help, and a new store owner to welcome. But when they lose the one person who brings them together, the community craves the calm only a summer breeze can bring.

For discussion questions go here.