Deb DeArmond

See full review @ The Indigo Quill

Special thanks to Litfuse Publicity and Abingdon Press for providing a copy of this book for an honest review.

I'm glad to have a Deb DeArmond book on the blog again! This falls into the "self-help" category and is a good book for Christian couples looking to recenter their marriage (or serious dating couples). As someone who has experienced a broken marriage and ultimately a divorce, there are so many things that I either could have done better, or tried but realized it's vital that you both want to make it work.

Now I'm in a serious relationship and we are talking about getting engaged soon. We've discussed premarital counseling and things we can do together to strengthen our relationship and work together within the same page. This book came across my table at the perfect time, and it's definitely something I'll be using for a while (maybe forever).

I Choose You Today is a fairly small book and is very to-the-point. DeArmond gives 31 ways to help your marriage, almost like a couple's devotional. You can go through a new one every day, or you can reflect on a single choice per week (my recommendation). DeArmond gives real-life examples either from her and her husband's relationship, or someone she knows.

One of my favorite things about this book is that it emphasizes the fact that marriage is a choice. "Love is not a feeling, and neither is marriage. Each is a choice-one that must be made every single day, even if it’s spoken through gritted teeth." It is a choice, but let me add one more thing: it is a choice for BOTH of you. If you work together and choose each other every day, if you keep God center, then no doubt you'll experience a marriage better than you've ever imagined.… (altro)

See full review @ The Indigo Quill: http://theindigoquill.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-related-by-chance-family-by.ht...

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this is probably one of the most useful self-help books I have ever picked up in my life. There are a million-and-one great resources you can use to put a dent in your in-law relationships. God knows I've experienced both sides of the spectrum! Deb Armond exhibits class and grace in achieving healthy God-focused interaction between mothers and daughters-in law alike. She answers questions like "Does it have to be bad? Can we all just get along?" or "What does it mean to leave and cleave?" All important issues that are avoided, dreaded, or often misunderstood.

The format of Related by Chance, Family by Choice is very easily translated and organized almost as a workbook. After each chapter, DeArmond provides the reader(s) a "Self-assessment" and "Plan of Action" to create a more positive approach for progress in MIL/DIL interaction. In my opinion, these approaches seem very practical and just might work. We tackle the cause and effect of experience, belief, action and world as well as tips for the DIL to "make the break" and the MIL to, dare I say it, "Help them go."

"What's the outcome of disrespectful behavior toward your MIL?" is another hot topic to be discussed in this book. Critical, but effective approaches to acknowledging the issues that can appear and how to handle them. I think one of my favorites was "Learn what your MIL's love language is." Granted, it can prove to be advantageous to learn anyones language as a means of communication, but it makes perfect sense in this vital part of one's circle of life. The book isn't just for the DIL, but DeArmond also talks directly to the MIL's and their expectations. Without giving everything away, we are provided well organized alternatives to getting defensive and creating a much more positive environment where the most important player, God, wins.

I think this book can be incredibly useful. I plan on keeping it on my bookshelf for future reference and lending it out to my friends and family. Actually, I already have about 3 people in line to borrow it from me! 5 stars for Miss DeArmond.… (altro)