Separation can be a challenging and confusing time, filled with uncertainty and pain. But it can also be an opportunity for growth, healing, and transformation. In Separated not Divorced, you’ll learn how to navigate the ups and downs of separation with grace, wisdom, and purpose.
This comprehensive guide offers practical strategies and insights for navigating the complex emotions and practical challenges. From coping with the initial shock and grief to creating a new life for yourself, this book provides a roadmap for navigating separation with clarity and confidence.
With compassionate guidance and expert advice, you’ll learn how
Communicate effectively with your spouse and childrenDevelop a support network to help you through this challenging timeTake care of your emotional and physical healthCo-parent in a healthy and constructive wayHeal from the pain of separation and move forward with clarity and purposeWhether you’re considering separation, in the midst of a separation, or recently divorced, Separated not Divorced offers a roadmap to help you find your way back to love and create a new, fulfilling life for yourself.
There were things in this book I agree with and have not seen encouraged elsewhere. For instance, in my separation experience, I also determined to take the high road and not speak badly about my spouse, (later ex~spouse). This was really hard, especially when he didn’t have the same conviction! But now, I work daily with gals who have had abusive relationships or are separating from that and I am able to encourage them (from the other side) to also take this stance. Looking back, I am so glad that God convicted me early of this and I followed that direction.
Also, I speak often to my gals and group members about not putting kiddos in the middle. I once expressed a concern about my then~hubby to youngest and youngest told me, “I don’t know who to believe, Mom. If I believe you, then Dads a liar” and wow, did that hit home! I suddenly got it. It was a loyalty issue. It wasn’t about youngest not believing me. So I encourage the gals I work with to never make their children their confident ~ it puts them in an impossible spot. Always. Even if they seem understanding at the time. Find your other (adults) who support you (are “in your camp”, as I teach), and use them instead as your sounding board when you need advice or just need to vent. And of course, go to God first.
I pray that this author and her husband are able to reconcile as she hopes, if this is indeed a healthy relationship. If not, I pray that God brings her peace and the true, abundant life awaiting her ahead.
I received a free promotional copy of this book; however, my review reflects MY own personal thoughts and opinions and I was NOT paid to give it. I am not currently separated or divorced but I found the guidance in this book to be helpful to A) couples who are currently married B) couples on the verge of separation/divorce or C) couples with children who have already divorced. The book is separated into three sections: 1) You, 2) You & Your Spouse, and 3) You, Your Spouse and Children. The section about Family is great advice for couples (divorced or separated) with kids. Anne’s guidance not to “pull the kids into your drama” is a fantastic reminder for all couples. The section about You & Your Spouse could be helpful to those couples contemplating separation or divorce. Anne provides many examples to help strengthen and improve the relationship.
Overall, I liked the authors writing style. It is conversation-like and easy to read. Each chapter provides an anecdotal story with a lesson and guidance for the reader to consider and implement.
This is an easy yet vulnerable read and honest look at separation from someone who is personally in it. Anne avoids the cliche "happily ever after" ending- and focuses on talking reasonability for growing her own faith, character, and community- and then working on her relationship with her spouse and kids.
I loved seeing a glimpse of how she moved from fear, embarrassment, and isolation to trust (primarily in God's unwavering love), vulnerability, and life-giving relationships and how she found her own unique voice along the way.
The journey offers practical advice with reflection questions and action steps for anyone facing the challenges of separation, but it is also relatable to any struggle in life that one might be facing. I highly recommend!
Never been Married but was in a long toxic relationship
Even though I was the one who finally broke off my relationship with my partner of 20-plus years and have no desire for reconciliation. I found this book helpful. Everyone needs guidance to navigate this situation. I will recommend this book to anyone who is separated or divorced. Rather, they are the leaver or the one that was left. This book has wonderful guidance for either situation and helpful ways to make yourself better and great suggestions to heal.
Wonderful book on separation and your next logical steps!
Anne did a fantastic job of navigating the areas that are rough on everyone involved and providing the logical next steps you need to follow if you find yourself suddenly in a separation. By providing beautifully incorporated Bible verses in each section, you feel yourself clinging to hope for what God has for you and your marriage. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone facing a separation. It will help you see your marriage in a different light.
Minx Marriage is unnatural at best and unsurprisingly so. Think for a minute that you’ve lived your life one way for twenty years, and then you find him or her. Now, you’re supposed to cohabitate and adjust your lives to move along the same way for eternity. See where I’m going with this? So, divorce will always happen because human beings are just that, human. Hence, when you get divorced, consider it a return to your happy old self. No therapy can beat that, though; the author tried very hard.
Very good book for those experiencing marital issues
Anne's combination of practical physical and mental steps with oft overlooked spiritual needs provides the best blueprint for any couple needing help reconciling. Her sharing of her own experiences during her own marriage issues both enlightens and brings hope to the reader that this isn't just some theoretical goobleygook but coming from someone who knows what she's talking about. Highly recommend.
“One of a kind book! Annie is truly authentic as she shares her own journey of separation. A great source of encouragement in the tough seasons, guidance for self care, and honest reflection while waiting for reconciliation. A great read for those separated or married.”
I wish I would have had this book during my separation. It gives actionable items and builds trust and dependency on the Lord. I easy and helpful read.
I was interested in this book because I have lived in this middle ground space as well. I think this book is encouraging and gives the reader something to think about as they journey through a very difficult situation. May God bless all who face trials of separation with the hope of reconciliation!