The caricatures are everywhere, the jokes are inexhaustible, and the stereotypes fill the screens. From Marie Barone (Everyone Loves Raymond) to Viola Fields (Monster-in-Law) to Internet sites and social media pages like ihatemyinlaws.com and a Facebook page for ihatemymotherinlaw there is no shortage of examples of the caustic relationships that can develop between the two women in a man’s life.
Deb DeArmond and her three daughters-in-law have conducted their own exhaustive research into the status of the women-in-law relationship. Their research, which incorporated online surveys, interviews, and discussions, included asking about the faith factor in the relationships they studied. Of the respondents, nearly 90 percent claimed they were Christians, and 79 percent said their faith was foundational and guided their actions and decisions. As discouraging as it may be, the numbers of those they surveyed who reported that their women-in-law relationships were “bad” were nearly identical to those in a survey conducted by a popular secular website that recorded no statistics on faith.
Beyond the statistics and their analysis, Deb brings to this book more than thirty years working with adults to improve communications and deal constructively with conflict. Aside from her research and her professional expertise, perhaps the most important asset Deb brings to this work is her own relationship with her three daughters-in-law that is so obviously and unusually positive that she—and they—are often asked to explain the secret of the relationships they share.
This practical and unapologetically scriptural book covers issues of personal perceptions, strained communication, the roles of sons and fathers in the relationship’s success, how to begin these relationships on the right foot, and the necessity of trust and love. Deb’s one motivating objective is to help womenin- law move from women who are simply related to strong and confident members of a truly spiritual family.
Pick up your copy here
Kregel Publications released Deb's first book, entitled Related by Chance, Family by Choice, in November of this year. It is the story of two women who love the same man: mothers and the girls who marry their sons. Mother-in-law / daughter-in-law relationships can be good. We just have to understand our roles and set our hearts on doing things God's way. The book provides practical tools and guidelines to make these relationships as good and God honoring as they can possibly be.
One of Deb's passions is not only her own family, but the relationships within families as well. From marriage to parenting to in-laws and more, Deb's years in helping others develop communication and conflict resolution skills support the message God has tasked her with sharing both in print and when speaking.
Deb is wife to her high school sweetheart, Ron, who showed her the path to become a Christ follower 38 years ago. Mom to three incredible sons. Gigi to three perfect grandboys. But Jesus is her favorite, and the guys have learned to live with it. She is a transplanted Californian who has been a proud Texan for 9 years and she loves the Lone Star state! Deb and her husband, Ron, live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Deb is an entrepreneur, and has owned her own leadership training and executive coaching practice for 15 years. She is an experienced speaker and most recently, an author. She is a featured writer for several online magazines and print articles with work appearing in WHOA Magazine and Dallas Family Magazine.
Optimistically mid-life, Deb is excited about the next stage of life and what God has for her now. She longs to see experienced women find their passion and place in the body of Christ, show up and finish strong. Deb is co-founder of My Purpose Now an online community for Christian women 50+ where the tag line is "We may be done, but we're not finished!"
Deb would love to connect with you and speak for your women's group or retreat. You can learn more about Deb, her book, and her speaking schedule by contacting her at www.debdearmond.com
One of Deb's passions is not only her own family, but the relationships within families as well. From marriage to parenting to in-laws and more, Deb's years in helping others develop communication and conflict resolution skills support the message God has tasked her with sharing both in print and when speaking.
Deb is wife to her high school sweetheart, Ron, who showed her the path to become a Christ follower 38 years ago. Mom to three incredible sons. Gigi to three perfect grandboys. But Jesus is her favorite, and the guys have learned to live with it. She is a transplanted Californian who has been a proud Texan for 9 years and she loves the Lone Star state! Deb and her husband, Ron, live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Deb is an entrepreneur, and has owned her own leadership training and executive coaching practice for 15 years. She is an experienced speaker and most recently, an author. She is a featured writer for several online magazines and print articles with work appearing in WHOA Magazine and Dallas Family Magazine.
Optimistically mid-life, Deb is excited about the next stage of life and what God has for her now. She longs to see experienced women find their passion and place in the body of Christ, show up and finish strong. Deb is co-founder of My Purpose Now an online community for Christian women 50+ where the tag line is "We may be done, but we're not finished!"
Deb would love to connect with you and speak for your women's group or retreat. You can learn more about Deb, her book, and her speaking schedule by contacting her at www.debdearmond.com
I have not been blessed with a mother-in-law in many years but some day the Lord will send me his best mother-in-law for me and I will be so happy that I read this book.
It is a very informative read. I recommend this book to every mother of a grown son and every women that is planning on marrying a man with a wonderful mom.
I love the godly insight in this book, wonderful sound advice.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.
I was blessed after several mistakes to have the best mother in law in the world. I miss her daily.
ReplyDeleteI had a wonderful mother in law! I probably do need to read this book because I have a son and a daughter. I hope that I do make a good mother in law. Thanks Mary for the review!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful book. My mother-in-law passed about 1 1/2 years ago. Because they didn't live near-by, I didn't really get to know her that well, but miss her none-the-less. I live close to my son-in-law and feel that we have had a great relationship.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book we all need to read if we have children. I have four.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good one for the young ones, Mary! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to be the best mother-in-law to my son-in-law and now I have a daughter-in-law so this book may be just what I need.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, You are the WINNER! I will get your book right out to you!
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