Marriage: Make It or Break It by Andrea Merrell

Posted by on Jul 28, 2017 | 4 comments

Marriage: Make It or Break It by Andrea Merrell

Marriage is an institution often considered a throw-away arrangement in this day and age. Andrea Merrell knows differently. Through over 40 years of marriage, she has experienced the ups and downs that test any life-long relationship and knows it’s worth the effort to keep it on solid ground. I know you’ll enjoy meeting her and having the opportunity to win a print copy of her book for your comment. Sign in on the Rafflecopter to increase your chances!

 

 

Fabulous Fridays

Marriage: Make It or Break It

Welcome back, Andrea! Tell a little about yourself for our readers who haven’t met you yet.

Thank you, Norma Gail. So thrilled to be your guest again. I am a writer, editor, grandmother of five lively (and loud) little girls, Jesus-follower, Hallmark junkie, and lover of dark chocolate. I have a passion for God’s Word and helping other writers develop their skills and polish their prose. My home is in the beautiful upstate of South Carolina.

You have two previous books: Murder of Manuscript about writing and editing tips, and Praying for the Prodigal with encouragement and advice for parents. What led you to write Marriage: Make It or Break It?

After the release of Praying for the Prodigal, my daughter asked if I’d ever considered writing a book about marriage. The thought had never crossed my mind. She said because her dad and I have such a great relationship and over forty years of experience—doing lots of things right and way too many wrong—she felt I had a lot of wisdom to share with other couples. After promising to think and pray about the idea, it became the only thing I could think about. There was almost a compulsion, an urgency to put my thoughts on paper, so God obviously had a plan for this book.

If we sat down face to face, what would you want me to know about Marriage and why it’s important for people to read today?

The Enemy is out to destroy marriages and families as never before, but God’s plan is to help us develop a strong foundation and lasting bond. I believe Marriage: Make It or Break It will give people the tools needed to make their marriage the best it can be. A healthy relationship takes a lot of effort—and prayer—but the results can be amazing and a whole lot of fun. A good marriage is a process, not an event.

Marriage: Make It or Break It meme

What distinguishes your book from other books out there in the same genre?

Along with examples from my own marriage, I take a candid look at the five love languages, the four basic temperaments, and how Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti (with excerpts from Bill and Pam Farrel’s book by the same title). Readers will find warning signs for what I call marital mischief and a chapter on the dangers of abuse. There are many topics covered, but I would have to say the most important elements are the prayers and Scriptures provided throughout the book.

What was the greatest problem/challenge you faced in writing this book?

Probably the same challenge I faced in writing Praying for the Prodigal: being transparent. People don’t want to read about how perfect we are and all the things we’ve done right. They’re looking for hope and encouragement from someone who’s been there/done that—someone they can relate to. They want to see the good, the bad, and even the ugly, and how God can turn a mess into a message. I believe the more transparent we are with our words, the more impact we can have on the reader.

Do you have a favorite or signature Bible verse? What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV). This verse hangs on my wall and in my heart. God is continually teaching me to trust Him more and more instead of always trying to figure things out on my own. He’s teaching me to rest in the fact that He loves me, He has my back, and He has a wonderful plan and purpose for my life.

Do you have any new projects planned for the future?

I am currently finishing the final rewrites on a novel (Secret Scars), and have several others in the works. I also do a weekly devotion at www.AndreaMerrell.com and posts specifically geared for writers at www.TheWriteEditing.com (along with Alycia Morales).

Please share an important passage from Marriage: Make It or Break It with us.

No matter how strong your marriage, or how fragile, prayer will be the essential ingredient for a healthy, thriving relationship that honors God and brings the fulfillment He intended. Without Him as the center of your union and His Word as ultimate and final authority, you’ll never experience the blessings He promises to a husband and wife who are fully and wholly submitted to Him.

Book Blurb:

Some say marriage is a dying institution. Others say, “Stop the bus and let me get off.” But Andrea Merrell—after forty-plus years of marriage—believes this God-ordained institution is one of His greatest gifts to men and women. Marriage: Make It or Break It is a result of keen observation, years of studying God’s Word, and a lifetime of trial and error. With her signature dash of humor, she takes a candid look at attitudes and behavior that can make or break a relationship, the difference in how men and women think and approach life, and the importance of honest communication. You’ll find danger signs, roadblocks to bypass, and Scriptures to personalize and pray on a daily basis.

This journey won’t be perfect, and the road is guaranteed to be full of potholes. But if you’re ready to learn a few truths that will make marriage strong—and a lot of things that will destroy it—buckle your seat belt and let’s get this bus moving.

Andrea Merrell authorAbout the author:

Andrea Merrell is an associate editor with Christian Devotions Ministries and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is also a professional freelance editor and was a finalist for the 2016 Editor of the Year Award at BRMCWC. She teaches workshops at writers’ conferences and has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues. Andrea is a graduate of Christian Communicators and a finalist in the 2015 USA Best Book Awards. She is the author of Murder of a Manuscript, Praying for the Prodigal, and Marriage: Make It or Break It. For more information visit www.AndreaMerrell.com or www.TheWriteEditing.com.

Connect with Andrea:

Website: www.AndreaMerrell.com or www.TheWriteEditing.com

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/andrea.s.merrell

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Miy3dO

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/142LXjp

Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/AndreaMerrell

Book Links:

Amazon:

Andrea Merrell books

Marriage: Make It or Break It: https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Make-Break-Andrea-Merrell-ebook/dp/B06XXKG7C7/

Praying for the Prodigal: https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Prodigal-Encouragement-Practical-Waiting/dp/1941103790/

Murder of a Manuscript: https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Manuscript-Writing-Editorial-Graveyard/dp/1941103057/

Marriage: Make It or Break It cover

 

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4 Comments

  1. Andrea is a new author to me, and I would love to win a copy of her book. My husband and I will celebrate our 60th anniversary next month. We have been very blessed! I would love to read this book and then share it with our oldest grandson, who is getting married in the fall. Blessings on all you writers! ❤️

    • Wow … and congrats! Sixty years is really something to celebrate. Thanks for thinking of sharing my book as a gift. Several people have told me they are going to use the book as a wedding and/or anniversary gift. Blessings! 🙂

  2. Thank you for giving us a chance to win I sure would luv this book

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