Dating & Single Life Books

Boundaries in Dating

Henry Cloud, John Townsend

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Zondervan Amazon Marketplace: 140 new & used starting at $3.08

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 49 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Incredible Book--Don't let the religion scare you off! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is the most amazing book. These guys combine so much practical wisdom, so much insight into relationships. The idea that I should be sharing my opinions, preferences, likes--whether in music, politics, clothing, whatever ... the idea that I should be sharing this directly with someone as part of defining my boundaries is simply revolutionary to me.


Somewhere along the way, I started holding back on my opinions and preferences when meeting new people. That creates two problems: one, people do not get to see or get to know who I am, what I really like, what I don't like. So I am stifling myself, keeping folks at a distance. Two, others who want to find me (who like my preferences, etc. or who simply want to know me better) can get this information more quickly when I share it early on. There's so many other insights here about wisely choosing partners, about assuming responsibility for your relationships.

I'm going to read more of these guys' books.

One note--I delayed reading this book because of the Christianity. When I finally picked it up and gave it fair reading, I saw that the Christianity is extremely ecumenical and open. The authors quote passages from the Bible in ways that reinforce common sense and common insights from psychology and psychotherapy and relationships. No guilt or judgmental thing going on ... If you're not Christian, I think you still might like this book.

I am eager to begin to practice some of this stuff.

Editorial Review:

Boundaries in Dating provides a way to think, solve problems, and enjoy the benefits of dating in the fullest way, including increasing the ability to find and commit to a marriage partner.

I Kissed Dating Goodbye

Joshua Harris

Amazon Price: $10.39 List Price: $12.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Multnomah Books Amazon Marketplace: 110 new & used starting at $3.97

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 532 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

While most Christians agree to seek purity and save sex for marriage, few have been given a blueprint for how that should affect their view of dating and love. In I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Joshua Harris exposes the "Seven Habits of Highly Defective Dating" and offers a realistic outline of how to have a biblical vision of marriage. Harris contends that one must begin with a new attitude, viewing love, purity, and singleness from God's perspective rather than thinking that love and romance are to be enjoyed "solely for recreation." In such well-named chapters as "Guarding Your Heart" and "What Matters at Fifty," Harris encourages the reader to look at one's character rather than reveling in infatuation, to regard love as a truly selfless, biblical act rather than a feeling. He refutes the concept that we are victims of "falling in love" (that it is beyond our control), saying that "God wants us to seek guidance from scriptural truth, not feeling. Smart love looks beyond personal desires and the gratification of the moment. It looks at the big picture: serving others and glorifying God." Before you roll your eyes, moaning that this sounds terribly unromantic, know that Harris does a superb job of couching his convictions in the sincere belief that if we are purposeful in our singleness and date with integrity, a fulfilled marriage awaits us--in God's timing. --Jill Heatherly

Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship

Joshua Harris

Amazon Price: $10.39 List Price: $12.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Multnomah Books Amazon Marketplace: 68 new & used starting at $5.36

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 169 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Joshua Harris follows up his bestselling I Kissed Dating Goodbye with Boy Meets Girl, the story of how he met and married his wife, Shannon. Where Harris's first book encouraged readers to throw off modern ideas of romantic fixation, Boy Meets Girl goes to the next level and urges single Christian men and women to pursue courtship, and ultimately marriage, thoughtfully and prayerfully. Knowing that many readers will balk at the idea of premeditated courtship, Harris insists that dating should not be emotional recreation but rather a careful decision rooted in obedience to God. While the anecdotes used to reveal true-to-life scenarios about dating pitfalls are somewhat elementary (and geared to those in their 20s), Harris succeeds in hammering home the point that obedience to God's word, selfless love, community, purity, and satisfaction in God are the most important aspect of any relationship. The last section of the book is particularly practical, discussing forgiveness of past sexual sin, questions to ask before tying the knot, and how an understanding of our sinful nature can lead to conflict resolution. For Harris's mere twentysomething years of life experience, his maturity and devotion to God are sincere evidence that he has indeed practiced what he has preached, resulting in a passionate relationship with the love of his life. --Jill Heatherly

Devotions For Dating Couples: Building A Foundation For Spiritual Intimacy

Samuel Adams, Ben Young

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Thomas Nelson Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $6.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Today, there is a great deal of emphasis on the mystical and intangible nature of relationships but very little emphasis on the real, practical steps involved in building an enduring love. In contrast, authors Ben Young and Sam Adams place great importance on the value of spiritual compatibility in Devotions for Dating Couples.

Designed especially for highly committed or engaged couples, it helps readers:

Understand and avoid the most common barriers to spiritual growth

Have an increased desire for fellowship with God

Share and explore spiritual issues together

Pursue godliness, personal relational health, and wholeness

Each of the nine sections includes Scripture quotations, suggested meditation passages, and discussion questions, as well as anecdotes from real people including the authors. Intended as an eight-week study, weekday devotions are to be completed by both individuals, and each weekend study is to be completed together as a couple.

When God Writes Your Love Story: The Ultimate Approach to Guy/Girl Relationships

Eric Ludy, Leslie Ludy

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 100 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Awesome!! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Eric and Leslie have such a way of writing great truth about love and relationships taken directly from the Bible with humor and comen sence that makes it understandable and desirable for my generation to want to pursue. I loved this book just like all thier other books because it encouraged me that I wasn't alone in waiting for God to write my love story. It showcases the fact that God alone is the one who can make anything work. Life, love, work, singleness, everything! A great book all the way around!!

New paradigm available here 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I searched on Amazon and read reviews in order to find a book on dating as a Christian that I felt would speak to me where I am- trying to date in a godly manner, not being sure that the person i'm dating is 'the one', and wanting to be drawn closer to God through the process. This book was a great find and I immediately wanted to reread it, get the advice to sink in and re-do the action steps that are included at the end of each chapter. I love how easy the read is while the content is rich and transforming. As I finished the book i left with a greater drive to turn my relationship over to the Lord and trust Him with however He would have it go, while seeking to serve my boyfriend as a sister in Christ who desires for his relationship with the Lord to grow also. I found that the best way to do this was by pushing myself closer to the Lord.

I know this makes it sound like a weight-loss program, but within a few weeks what I applied from this book as well as some fasting and more praying has led to a much more godly and God-driven relationship. I praise God for the instrument the Ludy's words have been in my love-life and I pray you would experience that blessing also.

Editorial Review:

In their most popular book, bestselling authors Eric and Leslie Ludy challenge singles to take a fresh approach to relationships in a culture where love has been replaced by cheap sensual passion. When God Writes Your Love Story shows that God's way to true love brings fulfillment and romance in its purest, richest, and most satisfying form. This new edition includes an extra chapter from Leslie Ludy about the surprises of life after marriage!

Every Young Woman's Battle: Guarding Your Mind, Heart, and Body in a Sex-Saturated World (The Every Man Series)

Shannon Ethridge, Stephen Arterburn

Amazon Price: $11.19 List Price: $13.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: WaterBrook Press Amazon Marketplace: 113 new & used starting at $3.49

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 34 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Guys Aren’t the Only Ones Fighting a Battle for Purity.

The world you live in promotes sex as the answer to just about everything. The pressure to go along with the crowd is greater than ever before, and it’s easy to compromise in little ways that are a lot more harmful than they seem. You and your friends may become caught up in destructive relationships or sexual activities without even knowing how you got there. You just want to be normal–to fit in, to be liked, to look attractive to the opposite sex. But are you paying too high a price?
This counterpart to the award-winning Every Young Man’s Battle can help you:

· learn how the sexual battle begins in your heart and mind
· understand your hunger for attention from guys
· recognize and avoid the potential pitfalls awaiting young women on the journey toward adulthood and possibly marriage
· find out how the media, novels, fashion, internet chat rooms, and body and beauty obsessions influence your sexual choices–and what you can do about it
· guard your mind, heart, and body against sexual and emotional compromise
· develop a deeper, more satisfying level of intimacy with God

Whether you have so far protected yourself emotionally and sexually, feel that you’ve been robbed of your purity, or have given in to temptation in some way, this book can help you achieve or reclaim sexual integrity. It can also guide you through the temptations and pressures of young adulthood while demonstrating how you can live your life to the fullest–without regrets.

How to Get a Date Worth Keeping

Henry Cloud

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Dynamite Advice 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

When compared with other Christian dating books this author's perspective seems secular. He mentions the fundamental importance of a personal relationship with God, and then focuses on practical ways of learning healthy dating patterns. The book is not directed at teenagers but adults who are either not dating or in a dating rut. He is a professional councilor and this book systematically addresses common psychological pitfalls involved with dating.

While some Christians might be disturbed with the idea of dating around, he emphasizes the importance of actively pursuing members of the opposite sex. This is not worldly dating; in his words "Dating is an activity where you do fun, meaningful things with interesting people." I like the way he emphasize the importance of casual dating as a way to strengthen one's dating muscle. "Dating is not about marriage!" I often fall into the trap of requiring an interesting person to pass my large list of internal marriage requirements before I'll think of asking her out to do something. This would be fine if I had a strong dating muscle, but my weak dating muscle leaves me feeling over-anxious and under-prepaired in the rare event I find a "worthy" candidate.

Of the half dozen dating books I've read this one is the most useful. In fact--I'm rereading it.

Editorial Review:

In this book, Dr. Henry Cloud gets to the heart of the issues dating raises for many readers and gets them on the road to fun and fulfillment in the single life.

10 Great Dates to Energize Your Marriage

David Arp, Claudia Arp

Amazon Price: $10.98 List Price: $12.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Zondervan Amazon Marketplace: 59 new & used starting at $2.96

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Wonderful Ideas 4 out of 5 stars.
17 of 18 people found this review helpful.

There are some really wonderful ideas in this book -- although, in all honesty, some are rather ordinary. Take what is meaningful to you and put it into practice. My wife and I still "date" after 17 years together.

If you are looking for more creative dates I'd recommend you check out 300creativedates. com -- I came across the site and the material was outstanding.

Marriage builder 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.

My husband and I have gone thru this book twice. It's so easy to read and fun to put into effect. Who ever said you couldn't have romance AND marriage!?

Not what I was expecting 1 out of 5 stars.
6 of 13 people found this review helpful.

Don't buy this book as a gift, unless you want to tell the recipients their marriage is on the rocks.

I got this book as a present for my sister-in-law and her husband, thinking it would be a lighthearted list of FUN ideas for things to do in their new free time. Wrong-o.

This book might be excellent for couples who are really, really fixated with their relationship, but for couples who just want to enjoy each other's company ... keep looking!

Editorial Review:

This book is organized around ten dates that couples will experience to learn five basic skills and five advanced skills to revitalize their marriages.

10 Great Dates Before You Say "I Do"

David Arp, Claudia Arp, Curt Brown, Natelle Brown

Amazon Price: $11.04 List Price: $12.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Zondervan Amazon Marketplace: 54 new & used starting at $5.50

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great Tool for Opening Up Communication in Fun Environments! 5 out of 5 stars.
42 of 42 people found this review helpful.

My fiance and I are currently reading through "10 Great Dates Before You Say 'I Do'" and we both are learning a lot about our communication styles and issues that need to be discussed before our wedding day. We are in a couple's bible study group and have used one of the dates as a group in order to have realistic expectations, hopes, and dreams. This book is a great way to share your ideas and realize some fun and interesting facts about your partner. The book set-up is great because it actually sets you up to go on a date. First you read the chapter (my fiance and I usually read it aloud together), then after the chapter it tells you to go to a specific location that is ideal for discussing the chapter (of course, this is optional but always fun!). At the back of the book are worksheets that both you and your significant other fill out and then together on the date you discuss your answers in regards to the topic and chaper that you read. A great way to open up communication... At the end there are bonus dates that encourage you to continue practicing what you have learned throughout the week. A great tool! One of my favorite things to do as I prepare for marriage...

Editorial Review:

A unique approach featuring fun-filled dates to help seriously dating and engaged couples strengthen their relationship. Couples will soon discover whether or not to go to the next level of commitment, and will spend quality time together now while preparing for a great marriage in the future.

Date or Soul Mate?: How to Know if Someone is Worth Pursuing in Two Dates or Less

Neil Clark Warren

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Thomas Nelson Amazon Marketplace: 47 new & used starting at $3.75

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 36 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Wow 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Great book. A must have for everyone. I think if people read it when they first started dating, there would be many more successful relationships. It's already helped me "nip a couple relationships in the bud."

Editorial Review:

He feels a strong attraction to her. She wonders if he could be "the one." In the glamorous haze of early romantic attraction it's hard to know whether a relationship will lead to true love-or to a negative or even catastrophic relationship. This book helps men and women who want healthy and satisfying marriages identify the early warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. Dr. Warren shows readers how to hold out for God's best for their lives instead of settling for the first one to come along and outlines the factors that increase the chances for marital success. For those who want to become wiser in their relationship choices, this practical guide will help them find the love they want and avoid the pain they don't need.

Revised edition of How to Know If Someone Is Worth Pursuing in Two Dates or Less.