Notable Books

Chandler writes that contrary to the world’s assertions, God originated attraction, courtship, marriage, and sex. He designed marriage to bring us “the deepest amount of joy possible while … glorifying God at the highest level possible.” Chandler draws tastefully from the Song of Solomon to show the stages of romantic pursuit. He explains how our selfish rebellion distorts God’s good design, making the gospel imperative. The book is helpful to both singles and married couples, who will find it deepens their understanding of Christ’s steadfast love—and its unique manifestation within the bounds of marriage.

Team Us: Marriage Together

Slater describes herself as “a bride wearing blinders” on the day she married Ted. Still, that walk down the aisle represented a move from “me” to “us.” She describes how God has used conflict, job loss, miscarriage, and parenting to strengthen the union she has with her husband. They share an admirable commitment to “team no matter what,” and her candor in recounting the low points makes the book a worthwhile read for young couples. But she often offers best practices without connecting them to biblical wisdom—a formula likely to prove fragile apart from complete dependence on God.

You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity

The Chans believe that most marital issues are “God problems” arising from a “misunderstanding of God or a lack of relationship with Him.” The solution: shift focus away from the marriage and onto the eternal work couples share. Writing with a sense of urgency, the Chans continually point married couples to Scripture and to an end goal that transcends a happy, healthy relationship. They use reflections from their own marriage but offer little practical marriage advice. Readers will find encouragement that Christ-centeredness and sacrifice lead to deeper joy and satisfaction, both now and in eternity.

One More Try: What to do When Your Marriage is Falling Apart

Chapman begins with the premise that our God-given ability to choose means change is always possible—even for couples on the brink of divorce. He details the benefits and pitfalls of separation, and offers clear, biblical insight into repentance and reconciliation. Hope is a theme throughout, and he points weary and skeptical readers to Christ where “we find the outside help we need to do what our own resources are inadequate to accomplish.” Chapman offers frank advice on difficult topics like affairs and abuse, communication and attitudes. He uses real-life stories drawn from his extensive experience counseling distraught couples.

Spotlight

Mom Enough: The Fearless Mother’s Heart and Hope (Desiring God, 2015) is an e-book compiled from popular posts on the Desiring God website. Eight mothers, including Rachel Jankovic, Gloria Furman, and Carolyn Murphy, offer short, candid essays addressing motherhood’s daily trials, worries, and questions.

Mothering blogs, research-based parenting books, Pinterest, and other social media can be helpful, but they often invite comparison. Mom Enough pinpoints the sin at the heart of the still-present Mommy wars—pride and a desire for self-sufficiency.

Overburdened mothers will find courage in these pages to answer “Are you enough?” with a confident “no.” The real question becomes, “Is God enough?” Fear and inadequacy diminish in light of God’s infinitely enough grace. Contributor Christine Hoover writes, “When we know God’s grace, we stop looking for validation … we are able to extend grace to others.” —M.J.