What do you think?
Rate this book
For Better or for Granted
Divorce was never in the plans for Genevieve Stewart. Only four years into marriage, and everything has gone wrong. Why stay where she’s never going to be happy? If only she could find her way back to the way things were before Scott’s job took all his time and energy, leaving nothing for her.
Scott Stewart achieved his goal of becoming a high school principal younger than most in the state. Everything in life seems to be going exactly as planned until Genevieve threatens to leave. Suddenly, his dreams aren’t as clear as they once were. He desperately wants to stay married, but he can’t let down his school, either.
Their friends and family remind them of their lifetime promises and urge them not to give up. But the way back to love isn’t easy when you’ve grown used to taking each other for granted.
Scott Stewart achieved his goal of becoming a high school principal younger than most in the state. Everything in life seems to be going exactly as planned until Genevieve threatens to leave. Suddenly, his dreams aren’t as clear as they once were. He desperately wants to stay married, but he can’t let down his school, either.
Their friends and family remind them of their lifetime promises and urge them not to give up. But the way back to love isn’t easy when you’ve grown used to taking each other for granted.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2024
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Amy R. Anguish
18 books198 followersAmy R Anguish grew up a preacher's kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 31, 2024
Genevieve and Scott were so in love when they got married four years ago, but ever since Scott became the youngest high school principal in Arkansas a myriad of frustrations have caused them to drift apart. Before poor Scott even realizes anything is wrong, Genevieve is fed up and threatening divorce … and throwing him for a loop. One of the first things that struck me about Genevieve’s frustrations was how normal they were for a marriage. There wasn’t a big explosive failure that sounded the beginnings of a death knell for their relationship – it was a lot of little everyday things that seemed very familiar to me, as an ‘old’ married woman, even the toenails haha. I appreciated the approach the author took with this because it makes Genevieve and Scott’s struggles so relatable to all of us who have been married for any length of time, and it serves as a gentle reminder that letting it build up until the minor things seem major is a recipe for disaster.
True confession here: I don’t normally like to read romance novels where the couple is already married (unless it’s a marriage-of-convenience thing and then sign me up!). I prefer the breathlessness and sparks of new love when I’m reading a romance. If you're the same way take it from me, you’ll definitely want to read For Better or For Granted. Because even though it IS about a married couple, I was drawn to it for two reasons – One, I really enjoy this author’s writing and two, as I’ll be celebrating my own 24th wedding anniversary later this year the title felt personally applicable. It’s easy to take each other for granted, to take each other’s needs for granted, to take for granted that your spouse still knows you love him or her every day. Amy R. Anguish’s approach to Genevieve and Scott’s marital struggles is insightful and wise, pointing them (and readers) to truth and counseling and Jesus. But it’s also a sweet and even at times witty story with a warmth of tone that immediately engages you in the narrative and the characters – and keeps you turning the pages until the end. Oh – and there ARE some delicious sparks that find these two again as they do the work to restore what’s broken.
Bottom Line: For Better or For Granted by Amy R. Anguish is a refreshing and relatable novel that focuses on a marriage that has lost its way, not through any major betrayal or incident but through all the normal, everyday, ‘there but for the grace of God’ things that every couple deals with. I loved Genevieve and Scott as characters, their personalities enjoyable on the page, the kind of people I’d want to be ‘couple friends’ with in real life. Their relatable emotions gave me much to think about, and I appreciated that the author gave validation to their frustrations without excusing either of them from doing the work to fix their marriage. A story of hope and restoration, and a valuable reminder this Easter that Jesus is still in the business of resurrection.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
True confession here: I don’t normally like to read romance novels where the couple is already married (unless it’s a marriage-of-convenience thing and then sign me up!). I prefer the breathlessness and sparks of new love when I’m reading a romance. If you're the same way take it from me, you’ll definitely want to read For Better or For Granted. Because even though it IS about a married couple, I was drawn to it for two reasons – One, I really enjoy this author’s writing and two, as I’ll be celebrating my own 24th wedding anniversary later this year the title felt personally applicable. It’s easy to take each other for granted, to take each other’s needs for granted, to take for granted that your spouse still knows you love him or her every day. Amy R. Anguish’s approach to Genevieve and Scott’s marital struggles is insightful and wise, pointing them (and readers) to truth and counseling and Jesus. But it’s also a sweet and even at times witty story with a warmth of tone that immediately engages you in the narrative and the characters – and keeps you turning the pages until the end. Oh – and there ARE some delicious sparks that find these two again as they do the work to restore what’s broken.
Bottom Line: For Better or For Granted by Amy R. Anguish is a refreshing and relatable novel that focuses on a marriage that has lost its way, not through any major betrayal or incident but through all the normal, everyday, ‘there but for the grace of God’ things that every couple deals with. I loved Genevieve and Scott as characters, their personalities enjoyable on the page, the kind of people I’d want to be ‘couple friends’ with in real life. Their relatable emotions gave me much to think about, and I appreciated that the author gave validation to their frustrations without excusing either of them from doing the work to fix their marriage. A story of hope and restoration, and a valuable reminder this Easter that Jesus is still in the business of resurrection.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 9, 2024
I just finished this book. It was amazing, The author did such a good job of showing how ordinary little problems we face in a marriage can stack up to create large hurdles. I like books that take real world issues and examine them from different perspectives. This one did that! Not your typical romance but so much richer because Genevieve and Scott had to learn how to trust each other again and fall in love all over. Love isn't a feeling it's a choice that gets deeper and richer in time. The two protagonists worked in a high school which was very nostalgic for me to read about that setting. I thought a lot about my own marriage while reading, and was challenged to work on some things myself. Would recommend to anyone that wants an easy yet thought provoking read.
March 6, 2024
I loved this so much, it might be my new favorite book by this author! A couple on the brink of divorce are surrounded by friends and family who urge them to fight for their marriage. It was romantic, funny, and convicting.
March 27, 2024
A Great Reminder
A story to remind us that marriage is worth fighting for and that love shouldn’t be taken for granted. I enjoyed getting to know this realistic couple.
A story to remind us that marriage is worth fighting for and that love shouldn’t be taken for granted. I enjoyed getting to know this realistic couple.
March 1, 2024
Such a good book and a good reminder that marriages can be mended if both people are willing to put in the effort! Scott and Genevieve have been married for 4 years, and the honeymoon is over. Scott has his dream job as school principal, but that means lots of late nights, after hours phone calls and e-mails, and frequent demands for his attention from everyone except his wife. Genevieve is struggling with the lack of attention from her husband and the resulting bitterness and anger have left her contemplating divorce. She finally gives Scott an ultimatum, expecting support from her friends and family. Instead, they remind her that divorce is not her only option, and perhaps she’s contributed to the wedge between her and Scott as well. With the support of their family and friends, Scott and Genevieve embark on a journey to rebuild their broken relationship, but will their efforts work when so many things are trying to drive them apart?
I want to thank the author for allowing me to read an ARC in return for my honest opinion.
I want to thank the author for allowing me to read an ARC in return for my honest opinion.
September 12, 2024
This was such a great story of a married couple who strayed apart. I love this story! Amy Anguish did such a good job of showing how relationships can get strained sometimes, but with God in the middle of a marriage, that relationship can strengthen and thrive.
February 16, 2025
Such a beautiful story. Amy did an excellent job of showing the importance of working to keep a marriage alive and God at the center.
February 22, 2024
Such a good book!
I loved every minute of it.
It's about a married couple on the verge of divorce, having to basically fall in love with each other again .
More authors should write about married couples.
Highly recommend!
I loved every minute of it.
It's about a married couple on the verge of divorce, having to basically fall in love with each other again .
More authors should write about married couples.
Highly recommend!
November 18, 2025
Not your typical romance novel
This book boldly portrays real struggles and emotions. I found myself alternating between cheering for the characters and wanting to sit them down for some motherly advice. I was happy to see them seeking help. Plot twists just made this more believable. Life and love can be messy and beautiful at the same time. Reading this book may cause a hard look at your own life.
This book boldly portrays real struggles and emotions. I found myself alternating between cheering for the characters and wanting to sit them down for some motherly advice. I was happy to see them seeking help. Plot twists just made this more believable. Life and love can be messy and beautiful at the same time. Reading this book may cause a hard look at your own life.
March 6, 2025
First Impressions: For Better Or For Granted is an atypical romance story with strong characters. A well written and biblically based, ‘how to’ relationship/romance book.
Action: This story is a real-life marriage setting in a small town with day-to-day living, work challenges, friendships, family, and counseling. The writer takes the reader into sports events, school activities, daily work and home activities, bible studies, and counseling sessions.
Adventure: Scott is a former basketball coach turned principle, and Genevieve is a school nurse in the same school. Convenient? Maybe. In the first year or so, yes, but they don’t see it that way or utilize it anymore. As in every relationship, there are ups and downs, some created by circumstances and others by choice and or neglect. For Better Or For Granted starts off with an ultimatum by Genevieve to her husband of four years, Scott. The marital romance has completely died and all that remains are two ships sailing past each other, drawn away through irritations and neglect. Can they save their marriage, or will they call it quits and walk away?
Discovery: Blame game and business have created havoc in this marriage, which once stood strong in love, companionship, and faith in God. They lost all of that. Their faith has suffered right along with their relationship. Through advice both solicited and unexpected, they see how they each have pulled the string that unravels the tapestry of love.
Romance: At the beginning, romance is almost nonexistent in this couple’s relationship. The spark is gone. Two people who were made for each other and madly in love have morphed into strangers. Each one sees the other person, not as they once did. Feeling unloved by her husband, a co-worker only makes matters worse for both her and Scott, blindsides Genevieve. Toward the end, romance appears as pretending turns into the real thing. When that happens, the reader can feel the emotion and romance play out on the page. The last scene is sweet, cute, playful, fun, and exactly what we want in romance.
Religion: There are bible lessons, verses, Christian principles, and prayers. These biblical principles are pointed out, explained, and practiced.
Sports: There is an appreciation for basketball and competition, but it does not get too entrenched in the workings of the game. I’d like a hotdog from the concessions too.
Final Thoughts: There are references to unwanted sexual advances, and a punch is intercepted, but all tastefully done. Divorce is mentioned and considered. This is a splendid book on the theme of marriage and relationships. As the story plays out, there are almost step-by-step instructions on how to guard your heart and how to get the spark back into your relationship. I enjoyed reading the author’s thoughts as to why she wrote this story and the discussion questions at the end are a plus for book clubs. I enjoyed this book and I think you will also.
Action: This story is a real-life marriage setting in a small town with day-to-day living, work challenges, friendships, family, and counseling. The writer takes the reader into sports events, school activities, daily work and home activities, bible studies, and counseling sessions.
Adventure: Scott is a former basketball coach turned principle, and Genevieve is a school nurse in the same school. Convenient? Maybe. In the first year or so, yes, but they don’t see it that way or utilize it anymore. As in every relationship, there are ups and downs, some created by circumstances and others by choice and or neglect. For Better Or For Granted starts off with an ultimatum by Genevieve to her husband of four years, Scott. The marital romance has completely died and all that remains are two ships sailing past each other, drawn away through irritations and neglect. Can they save their marriage, or will they call it quits and walk away?
Discovery: Blame game and business have created havoc in this marriage, which once stood strong in love, companionship, and faith in God. They lost all of that. Their faith has suffered right along with their relationship. Through advice both solicited and unexpected, they see how they each have pulled the string that unravels the tapestry of love.
Romance: At the beginning, romance is almost nonexistent in this couple’s relationship. The spark is gone. Two people who were made for each other and madly in love have morphed into strangers. Each one sees the other person, not as they once did. Feeling unloved by her husband, a co-worker only makes matters worse for both her and Scott, blindsides Genevieve. Toward the end, romance appears as pretending turns into the real thing. When that happens, the reader can feel the emotion and romance play out on the page. The last scene is sweet, cute, playful, fun, and exactly what we want in romance.
Religion: There are bible lessons, verses, Christian principles, and prayers. These biblical principles are pointed out, explained, and practiced.
Sports: There is an appreciation for basketball and competition, but it does not get too entrenched in the workings of the game. I’d like a hotdog from the concessions too.
Final Thoughts: There are references to unwanted sexual advances, and a punch is intercepted, but all tastefully done. Divorce is mentioned and considered. This is a splendid book on the theme of marriage and relationships. As the story plays out, there are almost step-by-step instructions on how to guard your heart and how to get the spark back into your relationship. I enjoyed reading the author’s thoughts as to why she wrote this story and the discussion questions at the end are a plus for book clubs. I enjoyed this book and I think you will also.
February 23, 2024
Loved Scott and Genevieve's story!! Scott and Genevieve have been married four years, just a few months shy of celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary, when Genevieve tells Scott she thinks they need to divorce. Scott is blindsided, as he thinks things are ok. He knows things have changed since they married, but he never realized she was this unhappy. He wants to fight for their marriage, and she finally decides that she does, too. Then, something else happens that she keeps secret from him, though she tells her best friend. Two weeks later, when she finally tells him, she realizes just how upset and angry he is, and when he tells her to put herself in his shoes and see how she'd feel, she realizes how right he is. She's seen everything wrong with their marriage as Scott's fault, and now realizes that she was also to blame. But, is it too late now to try to save their marriage, now that she thinks he's the one that won't want to make their marriage work, and she does? I LOVE the supporting characters, and how they keep pressing both of them to not only work on their marriage, but to put God back in the first position, and not what they want. Gen had some growing up to do, and had to realize it takes two to make a marriage work, and if she had a problem, she should have gone to Scott with it, not expect him to read her mind, and not running to other people. I also loved how Gen realized how easy it is to take things at surface value, and think that the grass is greener on the other side, and then found out that if you just look deeper, you might see a totally different side.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
April 21, 2024
𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒔 ����𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏!
For Better or For Granted gives us a genuine, yet flawed couple on the verge of divorce. Scott and Genevieve Stewart’s marriage is overwhelmed by external influences of career stress and threatening temptation accompanied by internal relationship issues of poor communication, one-sided thinking, and neglect. But is their relationship so far gone it can’t be turned around?
Amy R. Anguish masterfully delivers a relatable story about the common hardships of making marriage work for the long haul. She strikes the delicate balance between husband and wife perspectives as the couple learns some seasons in marriage require more effort to make it through. Scott and Gen each face tough choices when they have to set aside personal pride and grievances to give a little something extra to the other.
My favorite element though was Scott and Gen’s community of family and friends. Navigating life’s difficulties is always easier when surrounded by a support system that refuses to let you go under. This couple is blessed with a faith community that offers compassionate listening, dependable accountability, and sound advice.
Delivered with just the right amount of tension, humor, and tenderness, Anguish knocks this nontraditional romance out of the park!
For Better or For Granted gives us a genuine, yet flawed couple on the verge of divorce. Scott and Genevieve Stewart’s marriage is overwhelmed by external influences of career stress and threatening temptation accompanied by internal relationship issues of poor communication, one-sided thinking, and neglect. But is their relationship so far gone it can’t be turned around?
Amy R. Anguish masterfully delivers a relatable story about the common hardships of making marriage work for the long haul. She strikes the delicate balance between husband and wife perspectives as the couple learns some seasons in marriage require more effort to make it through. Scott and Gen each face tough choices when they have to set aside personal pride and grievances to give a little something extra to the other.
My favorite element though was Scott and Gen’s community of family and friends. Navigating life’s difficulties is always easier when surrounded by a support system that refuses to let you go under. This couple is blessed with a faith community that offers compassionate listening, dependable accountability, and sound advice.
Delivered with just the right amount of tension, humor, and tenderness, Anguish knocks this nontraditional romance out of the park!
August 9, 2024
I believe I've read all of Amy R. Anguish's books at this point, and I have to say, this one is by far my favorite. It's not your traditional boy-meets-girl romance. But I think that's part of the reason I enjoyed it so much.
I enjoy the early stages of romance, complete with butterflies, getting to know one another, and a great first kiss. That's fun and exciting. But what about after the "happily ever after"? Once real life drops a mortgage, full-time jobs, and children in your lap, adulting with the one who created butterflies isn't always so fun.
But that doesn't mean the love story is over or even that it isn't as story worthy as the early times in the relationship. For Better or for Granted showcases the problems that come when married couples start taking each other for granted. It presents the truth that real love is more than fluttery eyelashes and first dates. It takes work, but it is so worth it.
I enjoy the early stages of romance, complete with butterflies, getting to know one another, and a great first kiss. That's fun and exciting. But what about after the "happily ever after"? Once real life drops a mortgage, full-time jobs, and children in your lap, adulting with the one who created butterflies isn't always so fun.
But that doesn't mean the love story is over or even that it isn't as story worthy as the early times in the relationship. For Better or for Granted showcases the problems that come when married couples start taking each other for granted. It presents the truth that real love is more than fluttery eyelashes and first dates. It takes work, but it is so worth it.
September 9, 2024
Amy R. Anguish has reached another level of excellence in For Better or for Granted. I don't generally gravitate toward romances where the main characters are married, especially when they're on the brink of divorce, but this book has changed my mind. These characters are young, which I can relate to. The husband is attempting to climb the ladder in education, which I can relate to. There's more, but I can say, after 41 years of marriage that I could relate to much of what those characters depicted. Like this young couple, we were taught never to even mention divorce, and, fortunately, we never crossed that line. It was a truly satisfying story, and one that I hope will encourage many young couples (or, like me, OLD couples!) to keep the lines of communication open. It's all about priorities, and about truly giving it all to God.
February 21, 2024
Scott and Genevieve are an ordinary couple going through what most married people go through but they are different. They fight. They pray. They include God because they know without Him their marriage doesn’t stand a chance.
This story will truly move you and call you to examine your own relationship. You will not want to put it down either. The plot keeps you wanting to turn to the next sentence, the next page, the next chapter! I could not put it down.
Mostly I love how the book ended. I hope you’ll take a chance on this book and challenge yourself to look deep down to see if you’re taking anyone for better or for granted.
(I received a digital ARC of this book with no expectation in return. The opinions and comments above are mine alone.)
This story will truly move you and call you to examine your own relationship. You will not want to put it down either. The plot keeps you wanting to turn to the next sentence, the next page, the next chapter! I could not put it down.
Mostly I love how the book ended. I hope you’ll take a chance on this book and challenge yourself to look deep down to see if you’re taking anyone for better or for granted.
(I received a digital ARC of this book with no expectation in return. The opinions and comments above are mine alone.)
September 17, 2024
very hard to put down
The best book ive read in a long time! Not only was it true to life but biblically based and clean in nature just added to the value of reading this book. I highly recommend this good read!
The best book ive read in a long time! Not only was it true to life but biblically based and clean in nature just added to the value of reading this book. I highly recommend this good read!
September 26, 2024
Very good!
The author did a very good job of portraying a married couple and how they can find their "better" again. This is my first book that I have read from this author and it will not be my last. I'm looking forward to reading more from Ms. Anguish.
The author did a very good job of portraying a married couple and how they can find their "better" again. This is my first book that I have read from this author and it will not be my last. I'm looking forward to reading more from Ms. Anguish.
April 5, 2025
Great story!
A story of love and redemption. A lot of things in this story are unfortunately, all too true to life. Marriage is a lot of work and choosing to love your spouse no matter what.
A story of love and redemption. A lot of things in this story are unfortunately, all too true to life. Marriage is a lot of work and choosing to love your spouse no matter what.
August 25, 2024
Read on KU.
The entire time I was reading this I kept thinking “this entire mess could be avoided if...”—for both characters. They were both selfish, neglectful, and had very poor communication skills.
The entire time I was reading this I kept thinking “this entire mess could be avoided if...”—for both characters. They were both selfish, neglectful, and had very poor communication skills.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews