My divorce was 3.5 years ago, and I still find this book helpful now. If it had been available in the first or second year after my divorce, it would have been even more useful. Lysa's words are so validating - she understands exactly how you think and feel. I like how she compared an unwanted divorce to a traumatic accident, for which you would need emergency surgery. That's exactly how it felt for me, yet no one other than other divorced people understood that. She doesn't sugarcoat anything, but gently guides you into clearer, saner thoughts in the middle of your horrible trial. I appreciated Joel's explanations of Bible passages that can be challenging to read when the heaviness of divorce crushes your heart. They helped me see God's truth in new, encouraging ways. Also, Jim's tender counseling provided insight and practical guidance, especially in starting to forgive. In my current stage of divorce recovery, the motives for forgiveness that Lysa provided spoke to me and provided an action plan. This is an excellent resource for women going through divorce, and also a great gift for someone experiencing divorce. It would be a good resource for Christian counselors and divorce care ministries.

As a female pastor in an evangelical space, I'm grateful for such a well constructed resource for those going through an unwanted divorce. The paring of Lysa TerKeurst's personal experience and empathy, Joel Muddamale's skillful yet approachable biblical exegesis, and Jim Cress's counseling expertise create a space for guidance and healing in the midst of a traumatic life experince. Much damage has been done within the capital "C" church related to what God's word says or doesn't say about divorce, much to the detriment of the well being and safety of many women and in part, this book speaks to those thought processes. The direct but compassionate language in this book coupled with practical methods of processing such an event is helpful. Whether you are in the midst of an unwanted divorce, know someone who is, or simply want to understand more, this book is for you. Highly recommend!

I found this book helpful in answering some of the questions and helping name some of the feelings I have had while walking this path.

The book is written in a friendly style that makes it easy to read. The added content from Jim and Joel really add to Lysa's narrative as she guides you through the chapters.

Surviving an Unwanted Divorce: A Biblical, Practical Guide to Letting Go While Holding Yourself Together, as a great resource for anyone affected by the loss of a marriage. We all know someone who has walked this path, maybe a friend, family member, or even ourselves, and this book is filled with so much content relevant to theological and psychological information, as it pertains to divorce. The three authors give a wide view of the impacts of divorce, the biblical view of divorce, and the need for community and support while going through the trauma lived and the ramifications of even post-divorce issues that can crop up. I especially loved the theological aspects of what God says about abuse and breaking covenant in a marriage. So much has been misconstrued in the "church" and religious circles, and this content is very validating and encouraging.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

This is one of the most important books that someone who has experienced or who is currently going through a destructive marriage and divorce can read. It is an excellent resource for their support people as well. I recommend everyone to read this book who has experienced any form of trauma. The title is awful and limits the impact this book should rightly have, but the book itself is filled with some of the healthiest advice for people recovering from destructive relationships of any kind.
I was provided an e-book by Netgalley and Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Surviving an Unwanted Divorce: A Biblical, Practical Guide to Letting Go While Holding Yourself Together is the newest self-help book by bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst. In addition to sharing her experiences from a failed 30-year marriage, there are sections by theologian Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress.

She offers insights about what the Bible really says about marriage and divorce and valuable advice for staying spiritually strong while experiencing marital difficulties. Her message is presented in an easy to understand, loving but firm tone, like from a loving aunt. The guidance is very practical and helpful, while emphasizing Christian principles. Her openness about her own struggles makes her advice more relatable, particularly when it involves actions that are harder to do.

Surviving an Unwanted Divorce should be added to all church libraries and read by everyone who performs Christian counseling. It’s also a wonderful resource for close friends and family members of people whose marriages are ending, as they often provide support and encouragement. It’s the most practical guide that I’ve read on this topic.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Nelson Books for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Lysa's writing has always been appealing to me. This title was perfection. I'm currently in the middle of a divorce and trying to learn as much as I can about the topic. This book not only taught me lessons, but it also gave me comfort. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.