"Love & Respect", by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Having had the opportunity to sit through Dr. Eggerichs' small group series based on this book, I was eager to read the book itself when Thomas Nelson Publishers gave me the opportunity to review it.  The wisdom and counseling in this book (and in the small group series, as well) is so well put together and beneficial for every marriage.

One of the things I appreciate about this book is the "story-telling" method Dr. Eggrichs uses throughout.  He uses a story to make a point and then expounds on the point.  He isn't just giving you a "to-do" list, but he shows you "real-life" examples of how each "task" he gives you plays out in "real" marriages.  So many times marriage "help books" focus only on what needs to be done to "fix the relationship" and fail to show how the "tasks" will actually help.  Dr. Eggrichs is a great story-teller and uses this gift to enhance his counseling.

Another thing I appreciate about Dr. Eggrichs is that he continues to come back to the Scriptures.  Another "marriage help book" I recently read failed to do this, and thus was not as Scripturally-sound as it could have been.  Dr. Eggrichs continually references the Scriptures, bringing the reader to the Word of God as the source of all the counseling he gives.  This is a critical component to look for in any "self-help" book you might pick up.

I would definitely recommend this book for all married couples.  Whether you're struggling or just want to better your marriage, this book will definitely point you in the right direction - pointing you to the Word of God.