Gundry has answered a true need with this book. Pastors and ministers may wish to add this book their church library, or even use it for a young married couple class. The first aspect of this book to strike me as wonderfully different was her honest admission that this book would not, could not be a miracle cure. Too many books on relationships, especially Christian marriage, provide an abc formula, which the say the Bible promises will work. Unfortunately, those claims simply aren't true and can damage the self esteem of the reader when "God's way" fails to work in their lives. Her introduction says, "Just because someone who writes a book or has some kind of following or credentials says it is biblical does not guarantee that it is. Most people are mistaken at least some of the time, even sincere, godly people. Read the Bible for yourself. Talk about it. Pray about it. God as God leads you" (p. 13). She goes from this point, to reveal the path she and her husband walked in their marriage, and reveal the Scriptures on the topic. To a large extent, she refrains from saying "this is what the Bible says and this is what it means". Her response seems to be more, "this is what the Bible says, you need to ask the Lord what it means". Gundry proceeds to place marriage and marriage teachings in historic context, then describes the benefits of mutual submission.

This book would be a wonder engagement or wedding gift. More, for pastors who counsel with engaged couples this book would be an excellent study aid.

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