christian book reviews focus on the family

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The Best Christian Marriage Books

By Focus on the Family
July 24, 2024

A married couple sits together on a couch reading books, with the woman lying her head down on her husband's lap. You can encourage connection and conflict resolution by suggesting Christian marriage books to someone who’s struggling in their marriage.

If you’re trying to help another couple with their marriage, what are the best Christian marriage books to recommend? And can giving someone a book really change their relationship with their spouse? Here’s just one example of how such resources can transform lives:

“It wasn’t long into our marriage before we began to struggle in our relationship. We had no training in how to have a good marriage. We were not living for God . A few years later, I gave my life to the Lord. Because we were unequally yoked, we had new problems. Then I met a friend who introduced me to Focus on the Family. I subscribed to your monthly magazine and began reading many of the books about marriage that were recommended. Eventually my husband also gave his life over to God.”

—Elouise* from Kentucky

You can encourage commitment, connection, communication, conflict resolution and true intimacy by suggesting resources to a friend or family member who’s struggling in their marriage. The Bible is a great place to start, of course, but there are also dozens of helpful books to choose from. Why not start by offering them one of these books to help?

Classic Christian Marriage Books (in alphabetical order)

Boundaries in marriage: understanding the choices that make or break loving relationships.

Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Every spouse must make a few sacrifices to have a good marriage, but some limitations are necessary for a healthy relationship. This book guides wives and husbands to help them make good choices.

Building Love Together in Blended Families: The 5 Love Languages and Becoming Stepfamily Smart

Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron L. Deal

Experts joined forces to create this book especially for couples in blended families.

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts

Dr. Gary Chapman

This bestseller teaches couples to understand what their spouse defines as “love” and how to give it.

How We Love: Discover Your Love Style, Enhance Your Marriage

Milan and Kay Yerkovich

Childhood experiences significantly influence behavior of people after they’re grown. This book helps individuals to understand what’s driving their — and their spouse’s — behavior.

A Lasting Promise: The Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage

Scott Stanley, Daniel Trathen, Savanna McCain and Milt Bryan

This classic Christian marriage book details many nuances of relationships but also gives practical suggestions for addressing common challenges.

The Language of Love: The Secret to Being Instantly Understood

Gary Smalley and Dr. John Trent

Readers can learn to share exactly what they’re feeling and help their spouse understand and empathize. This book explains and teaches a method called “emotional word pictures.”

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment With the Wisdom of God

Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller

Prompted by a sermon series on marriage, the Kellers explain many Scripture passages and their implications for marriage in contemporary culture.

Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti: Understanding and Delighting in Your Differences

Bill and Pam Farrel

This book explores the differences in how most men and women are wired and how this affects who they are in relationships.

Sacred Marriage: What if God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?

Gary Thomas

Marriage can actually teach us a lot about God. Understanding these ideas can help readers become more Christlike and improve their relationship with their spouse.

Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott

Workbooks include questions to help readers learn more about their potential (or current) spouse and themselves.

The Two Sides of Love: The Secret to Valuing Differences

Dr. John Trent and Gary Smalley

Wholehearted love has two sides: a soft side and a hard side. Both are important for deep, sincere love. To help readers understand the concept better, the 4 animals personality test is explained in detail.

The Wholehearted Wife: 10 Keys to a More Loving Relationship

Erin, Greg and Gary Smalley

No one can really change another person, but when one person in a marriage changes, the relationship changes.

*Name changed to protect privacy.

You can find more helpful resources at Focus on the Family’s Marriage Resources page .

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Topics: Healthy Marriage , Marriage Success , Strengthening Your Marriage

About the Author

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10 Keys to a More Loving Relationship

10 keys to help make your relationship with your spouse more loving.

A close-up of a married couple holding hands as they walk together in a sunset. They are both wearing large, prominent wedding rings. You can do little things to make your marriage happier. We hope these stories will give you ideas for a happier marriage.

10 Simple Ideas for a Happier Marriage

Having a happier marriage may be easier than you think. You can do little things to add joy to your union. Here are inspiring stories written by couples on how they made their marriage happier.

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Ten Books Every Christian Should Read

Settling into a comfortable chair with a good book is among life’s greatest pleasures. If you’re looking to pick one up, our online resource center is packed with exciting and entertaining titles.

Whatever your taste, I think you’ll find a title to your liking.

If you’re more inclined to invest in the classics (including some modern ones), the following list should be helpful to you. It was compiled by several of our senior members on the Focus team. It’s by no means exhaustive, but it’s a good start.

After you review it, I’d like to invite you to add to it. Please share a favorite title or two. I, and your fellow readers, would appreciate it!