Book Review - More than a Match

You would think the son of Dr Gary Smalley, long-time marriage and family counselor, would have a better chance than most of having a great dating and marriage relationship. As Michael Smalley and his wife, Amy, share... it did not turn out that way. Their book, More than a Match discusses how there is more to marital compatibility than just filling out the 436 questions to arrive at your 29 areas of compatibility on eharmony.com

The Smalley's do a good job of sharing their personal journey and in the process, explaining a number of key discussions a dating or engaged couple needs to have as they prepare for a marriage. As they discuss their relationship, it was slightly frustrating, even disappointing, to read some of their story. In my estimation, some of the issues that brought significant struggles into their marriage relationship were concerns that even the most novice pre-marital counselor/advisor would have waved red flags about very early on. Of course, since Amy ended a previous engagement in May and she and Michael were married by December of the same year, you can guess that there was not much time to throw red flags up on these issues... and of course the timing/rush is one of the significant issues.

The principles they discuss are important, though I found myself thinking "duh" a lot of the time. Unfortunately, their romance story had so many problematic features that its difficult to feel much sympathy for the struggles they faced initially in marriage... though again, they do share honestly and provide wise solutions to these struggles.

There are many good books for dating/engaged couples to read as they prepare for marriage. This could be a useful book for a couple to read in preparation for or alongside pre-marital counseling.

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah press.