New Marriage, Same Couple: Don't Let Your Worst Days Be Your Last Days

by Josh Walters, Katie Walters

"For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health." We say those words and mean them. Until we don't. This is a book about creating a different, better, new kind of marriage with the exact same person—no matter how dire the circumstances—with vision, commitment, and hope in the Lord. Remember those early days of love? When your heart felt all fluttery, and you saw your person through rose-colored glasses? They could do no wrong. You were going to have the most beautiful life with big adventures and lots of sex. Of course, everyone says marriage is work, you knew that. But that was okay; you could get through anything together. It was going to be great. Until it wasn't. Something happened. Or maybe nothing happened. Maybe it was one big something, or a lot of little somethings over many years that landed you in a marriage you hardly recognize. For Josh and Katie Walters, it was a big infidelity. Now they counsel couples who find themselves exactly where they lost, hopeless, and unsure of how to fix their marriage. This book lays out the principles Josh and Katie learned in that season when God healed and restored their marriage. This process is broken into four parts and is an acronym for the word  STAY :   New Marriage, Same Couple  is a book about hope. It's about how to create a brand-new marriage with your spouse, whether you've been married for a short time, or for decades.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Christian

208 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2024

Reviews

[Markie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: "New Marriage, Same Couple" by Josh Walters and Katie Walters - A Journey of Redemption and Renewal in Marriage

Introduction:
In this extensive book review, we explore "New Marriage, Same Couple" by Josh Walters and Katie Walters, a profoundly impactful book that offers insights into the challenging journey of rebuilding a marriage after facing significant adversity. As someone who appreciates detailed book reviews, you'll find this work to be a source of hope and guidance for couples navigating the complexities of marriage.

Synopsis:
"New Marriage, Same Couple" delves into the realities of marriage, highlighting the promises made during the wedding vows: "for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health." Josh and Katie Walters, who have personally faced the brink of marital collapse due to infidelity, share their transformative journey of healing and restoration. They now counsel couples who find themselves in similar dire straits, offering a blueprint for creating a new and improved marriage with the same partner.

The book unfolds through four key principles, forming the acronym STAY:

1. **S: Start with You**: The authors emphasize the power of personal growth and transformation. They reveal that when one person changes within a marriage, it can catalyze significant changes in the entire relationship.

2. **T: Take Quitting off the Table**: Marriage requires unwavering commitment and dedication. Taking quitting as an option off the table is essential for working through challenges, both mentally and emotionally.

3. **A: Allow Others to Be a Part of Your Journey**: Trusting the right people at the right time is crucial. The book explores the importance of seeking support and guidance from trusted individuals who can contribute positively to the healing process.

4. **Y: Yield to Vision**: This principle encourages couples to envision a brighter future together, regardless of their past struggles. It involves looking beyond current circumstances and imagining what their marriage could become.

Key Elements:

1. **Real-Life Experience**: Josh and Katie Walters' personal experience with infidelity adds authenticity and relatability to the book. Their journey from despair to hope serves as a beacon for readers facing similar challenges.

2. **Practical Guidance**: The book offers practical advice and actionable steps for couples to implement in their own relationships. It doesn't just dwell on problems but provides solutions and a roadmap for healing.

3. **Emphasis on Commitment**: A central theme is the unwavering commitment required to make a marriage work, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

4. **Hope and Renewal**: "New Marriage, Same Couple" is ultimately a book about hope and the potential for renewal in marriage. It encourages couples to see their union as a constantly evolving journey of growth and improvement.

Social Media and Blogging Potential:

As someone who enjoys creating content for social media and blogging, "New Marriage, Same Couple" offers several content creation opportunities:

1. **Author Interviews**: Consider reaching out to Josh and Katie Walters for an interview or feature on your blog or social media platforms. Explore their personal journey and their motivations for writing the book.

2. **Discussion Series**: Start a series of blog posts or social media discussions on the principles outlined in the book: starting with personal growth, commitment, seeking support, and envisioning a better future together.

3. **Quotes and Excerpts**: Share powerful quotes and excerpts from the book that capture the essence of its message. These can be accompanied by your insights and reflections.

4. **Personal Stories**: Encourage your audience to share their own stories of marital challenges and growth. Create a supportive and empathetic online community where people can share their experiences and advice.

Conclusion:

"New Marriage, Same Couple" by Josh Walters and Katie Walters is a compelling and inspiring guide for couples seeking to overcome adversity and renew their commitment to each other. As a dedicated book reviewer and content creator, you have the opportunity to introduce this transformative resource to your audience and foster discussions about the complexities of marriage, growth, and the enduring power of love. This book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for redemption and renewal within marriage, making it an excellent choice for your next book review and content creation endeavors.

[Cameron Rebarchek · Rating 3 out of 5]

"For better or worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health. We say those words and mean them. Until we don't. It turns out, given the right circumstances, none of us are exempt from drifting apart or making bad decisions that lead us to places we never thought we'd go." In New Marriage, Same Couple, Josh and Katie share a powerful story of God's healing work within their own marriage that endured such a season. After an affair that jeopardized the commitment of those vows, the Walters found a way to heal and to recover what could have easily been lost.

While perhaps a bit reductionistic, the couple offers S.T.A.Y. as an approach to marital repair:

Start with me: When one person changes, the entire relationship changes.
Take quitting off the table: Bring your whole self to the solution... there are no shortcuts to wholehearted covenant.
Allow others to be a part of the story: Trust the right people, in the right ways, at the right time.
Yield to vision: You need a destination, an image in your mind, a goal to cling to.
Much of New Marriage, Same Couple is devoted to sharing their deeply personal story and journey through marital unfaithfulness. Yet, throughout its pages, you will find a story infused with hope. It is not only the hope of a better marriage, but it is the hope that comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

At the same time, I found myself looking for something more practical—more tangible—at the end of each section. There is apparently a workbook available to accompany the reading, and perhaps this would provide what I felt to be missing. The book was less a marriage book in general and more a book about the Walters' marriage; and, this could make some of the reading and takeaways difficult to apply to other couples and contexts.

Nonetheless, while there are better marriage books available, New Marriage, Same Couple offered a beautiful story of resilience and strength through a time of what I can only imagine was heartbreaking difficulty. For their transparency and honesty and sharing of God's faithfulness even in the midst of marital unfaithfulness, I am grateful. 

A big thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the advanced readers copy in return for my honest review.

[Callie Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I’m not married, I’ve learned from Josh and Katie for years. What a real, honest, and transformative work. Readers are given so many action steps on how to reignite their marriage as Josh and Katie share the hardest parts of their story.

[Fontana Arnaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there were practical tips at the end of each chapter. Other than that this book was great!

[Rachelle Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I look back longingly on the days of bridal and baby showers. But instead I’m in a season where friends’ marriages are hurting and hard. I read this book for them and also becuase this couple ministers in my city.

This is a unique marriage book in that it’s not about marriage in general; it’s about marriages in crises. What do you do? I took away practical tools for how to help—the main one being recommending this book!

At times the chronology of their story was a tad off, as they were focused more thematically than chronologically.

But the last chapter or two are gold. I intend to reread them with my husband on our next getaway. Everyone can benefit from envisioning their grandparent years!

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since they are a couple in our church we heard about the book and part of their story one Sunday. Certainly, it had to be difficult to relive those memories and share with us while being so transparent. But the great part about it is that they lived to talk about it and can use it as a springboard to help other couples. Easy book to read but yet difficult if you find yourself in a similar situation. Some great ideas for couples with the very strong emphasis that with God's overriding power through His Spirit you can make this happen in a marriage go nowhere.

[Katie Hostetter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to an amazing podcast interviewing Josh & Katie Walter’s, which is where I heard about their book. It was a little more specific to their struggles and story than I was expecting, which made it less applicable than I hoped. Overall, while it wasn’t my favorite marriage book, it did have some good insight and specific habits I want to apply to our marriage. It was a quick read and I’m glad I did!

[Nicole Dammann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook and loved hearing this couples story. Thankfully our marriage is in a great spot but was curious how this book compared to other Christian books on marriage. A glimpse into their story and practical tips to overcome struggles that will inevitably come in marriage - recommend especially to anyone in a hard season!

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the realest book I have read on marriage. The authors are very relatable as they take you through their own journey of grief and glory, encouraging the reader along the way through four valuable principles imperative to building a strong and lasting marriage. This is a book you will read and reference again and again!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw this book recommended on a podcast I was listening to, and decided to give it a read. So much practical marriage advice about seeing the best in your spouse, having a vision for your life & marriage, and committing everything to God. Also an amazing story of restoration. Really good read, and easy reading!

[Jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the resources found or recommended during the hardest season of our marriage, this one has been our favorite by far. Josh and Katie are beyond encouraging, and cast such a clear vision for a Godly marriage. I have a feeling we will re-read many times for many years to come.

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard the authors on a podcast and was curious about how their marriage was able to be saved. I don’t know how this book would feel if you were to read it while in crisis, but it would be a good read for an engaged couple wanting to set healthy rhythms from the start.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book is heavy on scripture and following a specific god and religion, I found many helpful tips and phrases. I took notes on post-its and notecards that I keep in my journal. “Don’t let your worst days be your last days.”

[Britta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of it read like an encouraging testimony with little practical advice. However, the final chapter on vision was really helpful!
Despite lacking a bit of „meat“ I enjoyed reading this little book and felt inspired to keep working on and praying for my marriage! So, still very worthwhile.

[Leslie Jonsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked to have heard less about the couple’s clothing business and ministries and more on the steps they took to save their marriage.

[Dana Andalora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the practical tips and real life application

[Andreea Szasz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the questions for prompting a vision retreat. Some great reminders through a raw, painful hardship they experienced.