"The Marriage Knot" is by Ron and Jody Zappia. It is a practical book focusing on their 7 principles for marriage success. They share their struggles in their marriage and then share how to strengthen a marriage. The book is rich, and filled with good Christian principles. Ron starts out writing the chapter and his wife shares in the end from her perspective. I would highly recommend this book. It is a good tool for any marriage and for counselors. I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read and review this book. I will be posting my review on Amazon, Goodreads, facebook, my blog and with pastors and others at my church.

This book started off really well and I was hooked by the first couple of chapters. However, as it continued on, I was disappointed with it's very complimentarian approach and the way they dove into marriage from that perspective. I found it very challenging to glean from the rest of the book after they painted this picture.

I really found the analogy quite useful. Not being married or religious myself, I actually found the book quite humbling and honest. I would imagine that it would be an ideal read for any married couple. It's clear, well written and offers sensible advice.

Thank you Moody Publishers and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

The authors have been married for over 35 years and use the anology of knots to describe how secure or loose a marriage is. The book describes seven choices to be made in relationships and each chapter goes into detail of each individual choice for a relationship with heavy referencing to bible passages.

This book was difficult for me to relate to as it assumed that a relationship was a triangle of two people and God. This did not resonate with my relationship.

For those with a strong Christian relationshipship on both sides this book could be beneficial. I did not complete this book.

The Marriage Knot written by Ron and Jody Zappia, is a well written, concise Biblical based book on marriage.The authors' long marriage lends strength to their advice and stories about how to have a successful marriage.

The seven choices are presented with scriptural references and personal stories and application to help build a stronger foundation to stand the tests that come with marriage. I thought the book was well written.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

1 Choose to Grow Spiritually
2 Choose to Love Unconditionally
3 Choose to Serve Sacrificially
4 Choose to Please Regularly
5 Choose to Persevere Persistently
6 Choose to Communicate Respectfully
7 Choose to Bless Abundantly




Included in The Marriage Knot is a small group discussion guide in the back with questions for each section of the book which can be for a couple, or a small faith based group.

This marriage self-help book is based on the authors’ long marriage. They are forthcoming about the hard work relationships take and what may help or guide them.

My favorite Biblical passage is used by the authors which is Ecclesiastes 4: God’s vision for the bond of marriage. They explain what that passage means, such as that two are easier kept from the cold when they can share their body heat rather than trying to combat the cold alone.

I found the overview of the seven choices of the marriage knot to be particularly helpful. I liked that they were presented as choices instead of something that must be done. The choices are recognized as hard things that do not happen overnight. It notes that we lives in times where we expect instant gratification and have answers at our fingertips from Siri or Alexis. Marriage doesn’t work that way.

The authors do not shy away from dealing with the aspect of sex. They state, “When it comes to sex, men see it one way and women see it another! No question about it. What we want to do in this chapter is to take a moment and ask the more important question, ‘How does God see it?’”

The tenets found in this book may be a bit strict for some readers but the authors support their assertions with quotes from the Bible. If you are looking to grow your relationship with one another through God, the Bible is the best resource. The authors give their interpretation of how such old ideas apply to us.


I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.

This is a book everybody could benefit from. It has very sound biblical advice to help make your marriage stronger. Thank you Moody Publishers via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

Given the recent studies that show concern on marriage as an institution, this book is very practical and does not shy away from calling out the decisions or actions that couples make that negatively influence relationships.
I liked how the authors drew from their own experiences and shared what worked for them and what did not. I would recommend this to any couple regardless of whether they are married or not, because this book addresses decision-making more and thought processes which I feel influence anyone in a relationship.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.