When "I Do" Becomes "I Don't": Practical Steps for Healing During Separation & Divorce

by Laura Petherbridge

When Laura Petherbridge realized her marriage was ending, she asked the gut-wrenching question,

"What do I do now?"

Now Laura offers practical answers about divorce that she has found through her own experience and through two decades of caring for those grieving the loss of a marriage. In the midst of pain and confusion, you might also be asking questions such as
 With straightforward, sensitive answers to these questions and others, Petherbridge offers real-life help, spiritual insights, and new hope for the future.

Includes reflection and discussion questions after each chapter and guidelines for those who love someone who is getting a divorce.

Genres: Marriage

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2008

Reviews

[Carrie Daws · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author uses a simple format, introducing each topic then diving into questions about each from people actually going through separation or divorce. Her concern for people as well as the depth of her own experience through both her divorce and her years in ministering in divorce care shows through each page, and while she doesn't back away from the hard answers, she offers tremendous grace with truth.

[D.A. Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had I known this was written by a Christian I might have started reading it with the trepidation born of reading many Christian books which are either too fluffy or too hardline. Both of those extremes use lots of Biblical references to support their views but neither deals with reality.

Laura Pethybridge has been through a divorce so she is well placed to both empathise and advise and this she does well. Not at all preachy, though her Christian faith is evident, this book thoroughly lives up to its subtitle. It is a book full of strong morals but it does not moralise. It is full of grace and I found it very helpful and encouraging.

Sadly divorce is common so even if you are not divorced or separated, chances are you know someone who is. Therefore I think 'When I Do becomes I don't' is a must read for everyone and I recommend it very highly.

[Liz Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The child-focused chapters were a bit irrelevant for me, and I wasn't ready to hear about new relationships. Most of the rest I found helpful, simply because I could relate to some of the stories. However, if you don't have a Christian perspective, or the other person in the relationship doesn't have a Christian perspective, some bits of advice and hope seem frustrating and pointless.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for those impacted by Divorce.

This is a great resource for anyone impacted by or considering divorce. It includes tips for how to be supportive of others during their time of crisis as well.