Sandra writes about what she knows! Marriage, loss of a loved one, single-parenting, mothering…most of all, she writes from the perspective of one who has been down in the trenches but hasn’t forgotten that the Almighty is there with you, even down in the dirt.

This book came into my hands a week prior to my nineteenth anniversary. I wish I’d have read this book before I embarked on this adventure called marriage. Maybe we would have spent those early years laughing at ourselves rather than being mad at each other and frustrated with our new life together. Now, I sat reading this book to myself but about every other paragraph I would read out loud to my precious husband who was engaged in his own activity. Fortunately, the years have grown us and he sat and listened patiently.

The concept of expectations was primary throughout the book. We often have preconceived notions as to what our days will be like once we’ve married. Unfortunately, we often have different ideas than our spouse does and even if we have the same ideas they often play out differently in real life.

Each chapter is written with Sandra’s gift of words. Again, I was able to laugh and cry with her. At the end of the chapter, she lists Simple Reminders and Discussion Questions. Reading a book about marriage will not improve your marriage but the application of what you learn in your reading can help manifest a deeper relationship.

If you’ve been married any length of time you know “there’s no tougher job than living in the same house with a person who can be absolutely, maddeningly difficult at times. But I also know there’s no greater joy than working through the tough times and finding that you truly enjoy living with that person.”

God designed marriage; with His help our marriages can be joyous despite life’s challenges. Together we can meet the needs of others around us, but most importantly we can fulfill God’s purpose for a man and woman to become one.