Related by Chance, Family by Choice: Transforming Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Relationships

I hate to admit that after being married 8 years, this is the fist book I've read concerning the MIL/DIL relationship. This is the kind of book that should be read as soon as a mother/fiancé knows that marriage is on the horizon. I don't care how wonderful a MIL/DIL is, it's a relationship that comes with difficulties. I read this book because *I* have great room for improvement!! I don't always react to situations in the best way, and I welcomed some advice on how to be a better DIL. I wish it had been around for me to read when I first became engaged! Deb writes this book with the experience of three "daughters-in-love". With three boys of my own, and Lord willing, 3 future DILs, I devoured her advice(from both sides!). I already pray for my sons' future wives, and I hope that I can be the kind of woman that they will grow to love as more than what is typically thought of with the term "mother-in-law". Despite the fact that my oldest is only 5, I already have so much great advice to ponder during the many years we wait to meet our DILs. I like that Deb's DILs get their part in the book, too. I will pray greatly that my DILs will love me as much as those girls love Deb! Not only is there a great deal of advice and Bible verses concerning the MIL/DIL relationship, but much of the advice can be applied to ANY relationship. I found this greatly helpful! One of my personal goals this year is to focus on strengthening the various relationships I have with many different people. I can keep much of the advice Deb gives in mind for more than just my MIL or future DILs. This is a super quick and simple read, so even if you're already in the busy planning stages of marriage, read this book! If you plan on having a MIL or DIL at any point, or if you already are one, this book is for you, too! I can't recommend it enough! *Thanks to Kregel Publications for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

From my experience, Deb makes every word count in her speaking and in her writing. That sums up my assessment of her first book (more to come!) Related by Chance, Family by Choice: every. word. counts. Deb's insights and experiences as a mother-in-law (and daughter-in-law) are carefully crafted into a practical handbook for those MILs (Mothers-in-Law) and DILs (Daughters-in-Law) in us all. Much of her writing covers topics that are important and practical, e.g., how to improve our communication skills, with an emphasis on empathy, and ways to initiate a conversation. As a mother-in-law myself, I found her ideas and suggestions to be most helpful, delivered sincerely and easily, and with a healthy dose of humor, which are all wonderful ways in which to begin family conversations and to make them healthy and productive ones. Her sense of humor and ability to get to the point are hallmarks of Deb's writing. If you're seeking a well-written guide to being a family by choice, this is the definitive guide to choose. You'll learn, you'll laugh, you'll grow. And isn't that a process from which we could all benefit?

This little book is absolutely a benefit to ALL women-in-law. Even if your relationship is good there are details and questions that can bring a deeper understanding and empathy for the others position.. I encourage those who, for what ever reason, choose to hold on to a grudge, to take the high road for a moment. By shining the light under the surface of your life there is possibility for great understanding and depth.....a worthy place in ANY relationship. I understand it takes two but someone has to take the first step....and sometimes the second. But before you take your next step, whichever one it is, please consider reading this book before moving forward. I believe the insight gained will help you regardless of the state of your relationship (s). Of course, as with all self help books, there are no guarantees in life. But even if nothing changes with your in-law, I believe self knowledge brings maturity.

Mother-in-Law/Daughter-in-Law relationships have been notoriously portrayed as "minefields" of heartache, competition and regret. Related by Chance, Family by Choice by Deb DeArmond presents a fresh, positive, biblically-based approach to a subject that is fundamental to harmony in families. The book uses biblical principles, practical applications and personal challenges.Real-life family stories are taken from extensive research. They are related and then examined from differing points of view to reveal expectations and assist the reader in making individual contributions to build or improve the relationship.This is a practical book presenting relationship guidelines and tools. Self-assessments are provided to aid readers in evaluating their reactions in their own relationships and a template for a plan of action is proposed.I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone seeking deeper understanding and communication in relationships.I wish my mother-in-law was still alive as this would have been a great book to read together.

I have been married for just over a year and I wish I'd read this sooner! I have a wonderful MIL but she is so wonderful that sometimes it makes it hard to feel like there is any room for me. This book shows me how to develop my bond with my husband AND love and support his mother. I'd recommend this to any women starting a new relationship as MIL or DIL.

If both women are Christian I strongly urge you to both read this before the wedding. A very good conversation to have about expectations and health before things go awry.

This book touches on the soul of a woman's relationship. There are lessons in here that cross into all arena's of life, but especially for those who are in a mother-in-law/daughter-in-law situation, I would highly recommend this book. Ms. DeArmond does an amazing job of weaving her stories into the content, making it not only an educational read, but an engaging one.

I found this book to be very well written and set up. I liked how at the end of each chapter it asked questions that related to the things being talked about in the chapter. I liked how the biblical relationship between Ruth and Naomi were mentioned for us to reflect on.