This Marriage? - by Dave Canales & Lizzy Canales (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Being vulnerable and honest in our marriage can be very difficult. But that is exactly what Lizzy and Dave have provided in This Marriage.--Todd Downing, Offensive Coordinator, Tennessee Titans

Have you ever said to yourself There has got to be more to marriage than this?

Nine years in, they could check all the boxes: a promising career in the NFL, two beautiful kids, fitness, friends, and financial security. It was picture perfect until one jarring question from a desperate wife shook the foundation of their marriage and exposed the truth.

Have you come to a point in your marriage where it is time to make a decision?

Will you settle for the status quo indefinitely?

Do you feel like giving up and getting out?

Are you ready to go deeper at any cost?

If these questions strike a chord with you, you've picked up the right book. You will find yourself here as Dave and Lizzy Canales recount their journey with poignant and often painful honesty.

Whether you're fighting to save your relationship, walking in redemption, or anything in between, This Marriage? is an invitation into the high-risk adventure of an authentic and thriving marriage.

Review Quotes

This Marriage? takes you on a journey with David and Lizzy as they battle in their marriage toward oneness and a real relationship with Christ. It was gut-wrenching to ride along in their truck and feel the sorrow as their story starts, but it was just as visceral to feel the hope and promise that repentance and forgiveness bring. They are so authentic and courageous in sharing their process with us! You will leave feeling encouraged to start the journey toward a different marriage, one with God in the center. The work is never done, but it is beautiful to be in the midst of the process!

-- "Kevin and Bebe Nickerson, Los Angeles Rams Chaplain"

This Marriage? is the one question that changes it all, and throughout the book, I was forced to ask myself the same question. Dave and Lizzy's transparency will lead, guide, and direct you and your spouse to true freedom and authenticity. If you desire to 'connect' or 're-connect' with your spouse, Dave and Lizzy provide the way in This Marriage.

-- "Scott Cooper, Vice President, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes"

As we were running wind sprints during the week of our championship game, our head coach continued to ask us a question as he perceived our fatigue: 'How bad do you want it?' By asking us that question, he was saying, 'I know you may feel like giving up, but how badly do you want to win the championship? You may not think you can't do it anymore, but how much does it mean to you? Is it worth it? Are you willing to keep working?'

Marriage can have you feeling the same way. As you encounter tough times (which is to be expected), you will ask yourself this question over and over again: Is it worth it? This book is a must-read if your answer is 'my marriage is worth it; I'm not going to give up.'

Dave and Lizzy do a great job sharing real-life experiences that should encourage us, warn us, and instruct us. Their marriage serves as an example of what God can do when we say, 'Yes, my marriage is worth it!'

-- "Sherman Smith, NFL Coach"

Being vulnerable and honest, especially about our marriages, can be a very difficult thing to do. But scripture tells us to share our experiences and learn from one another's testimony. That is exactly what Lizzy and Dave have provided with This Marriage. This book gives us the map to a journey of healthy relationships the way our creator intended it. Bravo, Lizzy and Dave!

-- "Todd Downing, Offensive Coordinator, Tennessee Titans"

Dave & Lizzy are the epitome of what Jesus imagines married couples should love and live like! The power of Jesus' grace and mercy over their lives is so evident--all the way from their bond to the deeply enriched beauty spiritually of their family and children.

Dave's authenticity and humility are genuinely awe-inspiring not only as a coach for the Seattle Seahawks but, more importantly, as a friend of God! His servitude and compassion is gravitating. His adoration for Lizzy inspires me daily. Lizzy is not only a Proverbs 31 woman of God, but she is an angel on earth. She is an inspiration for women by the way she loves. Their book is a must-read if you want a lasting marriage. Jesus first, always!

-- "Russell Wilson, NFL Quarterback"

Dave and Lizzy Canales bring their two voices together to tell one courageous story of restoration and redemption. The authors understand that we are all storytellers at heart and that when we see ourselves in one another's stories, we realize that we are not alone. Like reading a private journal, this book gives an intimate glimpse into a marriage that had to hit rock bottom to become rock solid.

-- "Molly Davis, Coach, National Speaker, Facilitator; Author of the award-winning book BLUSH: Women & Wine"

Dave and Lizzy Canales open up with remarkable transparency about the most painful parts of their marriage to show that with Jesus, there is always hope. It is not just that a marriage can be saved, not just that divorce can be avoided, but that God takes the broken pieces and makes something more beautiful than before. This Marriage? is the best book on marriage I have ever read, and I will be recommending it to my entire church.

-- "Dr. Scott Dudley, Senior Pastor, Bellevue Presbyterian Church"

Expressions of authentic vulnerability have the extraordinary effect of making the sad and scary parts of ourselves and our relationships not quite so sad and scary anymore. This is the invitation and the gift of Dave and Lizzy's courageous book. By sharing their story, they make it safer for us to do the same, helping us toward the healing that is possible when we own our brokenness and discover that within it exists the raw material of our wholeness and our strength.

-- "David Berry, Founder, Rule13 Learning; VP of People and Culture, Municipal, CO"

Lizzy and Dave show us through their journey what redemption and grace look like when you're walking in the spirit. They remind us we are all one decision away from changing the course of our lives. So, turn the page: this is your chance to experience the unconditional love of God.

-- "Leslie Frazier, Defensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills"

Once I started reading This Marriage? I could not put the book down. As a now-70-year-old man (having known Dave and Lizzy for over 20 years), I have come to realize that 'the sacrifices God wants are a broken spirit and a contrite heart.' (Psalm 51:17) This book is about brokenness--the purest form of excellence. Their story of vulnerability will be used to transform marriages. Thanks for your courage and faith!

-- "Terry Franson, Senior Vice President for Student Life, Azusa Pacific University"

The masterpiece, This Marriage? is what the culture needs. But, unfortunately, we lack authenticity, and the Canales' give it to us! This book will challenge your marriage's implementation of grace and will offer you and your spouse hope. Dave and Lizzy do a masterful job of being real, raw, and authentic. This is a must-read!

-- "Pastor Jonathan Rainey, New Life Church"