Love That Lasts: How We Discovered God's Better Way for Love, Dating, Marriage, and Sex

I really enjoy their podcast; they are personable and engaging, but I was completely underwhelmed by this book. My husband and I decided to read this together, and the book got increasingly hard to finish- not because it was a tough read, but because it was so much story telling with very little practicals. We were hoping for more practicals on how they created a love that lasted— how they got through previous insecurities or how they worked through conflict/family/past issues. It seemed to us that this book was not created for all stages of relationships but really geared towards singles. I’d honestly recommend this book for singles or newly dating couples but definitely not married couples. It is really just a story on how two people met and fell in love with a little God sprinkled throughout. Not something with practicals and not something for married couples.

Love That Lasts by Jefferson and Alyssa Bethke is a fresh look at God's design for love, dating, marriage and sex.Although both raised in a Christian "world", the Bethkes had different outlooks on relationships and marriage that didn't exactly line up with God's design as outlined in His Word. As such, they both had struggles with issues of self-worth that stemmed from things such as porn and an eating disorders. Through alternating chapters, the couple share, very candidly, how these struggles affected any relationship they tried to form. They share the rocky road that God led them on to finding each other and the grace He showed them through His Word that opened their eyes to the joy that relationships can be when you apply God's Word to them.I've been on launches of Jeff's in the past and I always say the same thing when I am done reading them. There are some people that no matter their ages, God has just gifted with the ability to mentor others, both younger and older than himself. It was lovely to get to know his wife through the pages of this book and I think this same line of thought applies to her as well. They are very grounded in the Bible and have a genuine love of people in the sense that God calls us to love others that jumps off the pages at you.I have been married 18 years and I profoundly wish this book was available to me and my husband prior to our marriage. We were counseled in surface things," What are your thoughts on finances, kids, etc.? You both believe in God? Cool. You are good to go." As such, our marriage has been a struggle at times as things come to surface that were never really addressed before we were married. This book digs past the surface stuff in to the hard stuff, that every person, young or old, single or married should consider when seeking out a marriage partner. This would be great for pre-marriage counseling, or a teen or young adult class, even.I personally will be using it as a tool to go through with my fifteen-year-old son, as the topics addressed are topics I desire him to know about himself and the Lord, so that he will seek a wife that God has for him.*Please note, I was given an advanced copy as part of the launch team in exchange for an honest review.*

I received this Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. I was unsure about this book when I was selected to read it. Being single I was very concerned that I was going to be reading a book that told me how to have a better marriage. I opened the first page of the book and fell in-love with it. From the onset, I could relate to Jeff and I instantly wanted to be Best Friends with Alyssa. I felt as though they had both gotten to know me personally. They beautifully wrote to all stages of relationships, and anyone can learn from it.They took the time to remind readers of God’s feelings on each one of the sexes. Jeff reminded us that women are not just objects, but image bearers of Christ. That stuck with me throughout the whole book as I continued to read it. It has helped my perspective on men also. Remembering that guys are image bearers along with women reminds me of our worth in Christ.Jeff and Alyssa reminded us that our past is not something that we need to continue to live in. They don’t deny that these things will continue to creep in to your life, but they encourage you in your process to overcome them. They both speak from personal experiences and advise you to be honest with the person you would like to be married too.Jeff and Alyssa used 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” to remind us that God uses these things in our life to show his power.This book will have you laughing and crying with every page turn as you read how Jeff asked Alyssa out for the first time (totally classy), and how they broke up for a while. No matter where you are in your walk with God or your experience with relationships you will get so much out of this book and it will give you a different perspective on things. I highly recommend this book to anyone. Be prepared to learn a lot.

As a single it is inspirational and great preparation. Lots of practical thoughts and ideas. Thank you for sharing your story

This ha really challenged how I perceive my role as a husband and has challenge me significantly. The authors have a real good way of making the word on paper relate to you. Really recommend this.

Insightful, amazing story & encouraging

Jeff and Alyssa are always genuine and loving, I find this book SO encouraging and it gives me a lot of revelation from God and helps me go further in my faith.

Loved every chapter of this book