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The One: An Amazing Love Story Starts with You
In what would become a viral video sensation with more than one million views, Ryan Leak documented the day he fulfilled his girlfriend’s dream to become engaged and married on the same day. Now the “Surprise Wedding” couple’s incredible 5-year journey to the altar is detailed in The One: An Amazing Love Story Starts with You (May 5, 2015, WaterBrook Press).
With a fresh perspective on dating relationships, the Leaks describe how years of intentionality led to that magical day. Yet their message goes far beyond their dream wedding. Their story is a challenge to single men and women and young married couples who long to build the kind of marriage they’ve dreamt of their entire lives.
“This book is full of stories from our dating relationship and some from our marriage, but this book isn’t really about us,” the Leaks explain. “It’s about you, the relationship you want, and the choices you can make to help you create one beautiful, unique and inspiring love story of your very own.”
In The One, the Leaks bring a modern vibe to age-old wisdom as they share practical ways to pursue purity, seek accountability, and navigate the Biblically prescribed roles of men and women. Their straightforward advice uses the truth of God’s Word to debunk cultural myths about love and encourages readers to develop a new approach to marriage preparation. They discuss topics such as:
• Embracing the season of singleness and making the most of its opportunities
• Healing from past hurts and becoming a whole person in Christ
• Laying the foundation for a healthy marriage built on agape love rather than romance
• Creating a vision of marriage as a ministry used to shine a light in a world of darkness
In intimate detail, the Leaks open their hearts to reveal the undeniable passion that fueled the success of their viral video. At their core, is a desire to reject the world’s definition of love and cling to God’s design for marriage.
The One is the essential pre-marital guide and an encouraging reminder that, “No matter what sort of relationships you’ve had in the past, God has a destiny, a plan, and a strategy for your life and relationships…and you can start writing a new story for your life today.”
With a fresh perspective on dating relationships, the Leaks describe how years of intentionality led to that magical day. Yet their message goes far beyond their dream wedding. Their story is a challenge to single men and women and young married couples who long to build the kind of marriage they’ve dreamt of their entire lives.
“This book is full of stories from our dating relationship and some from our marriage, but this book isn’t really about us,” the Leaks explain. “It’s about you, the relationship you want, and the choices you can make to help you create one beautiful, unique and inspiring love story of your very own.”
In The One, the Leaks bring a modern vibe to age-old wisdom as they share practical ways to pursue purity, seek accountability, and navigate the Biblically prescribed roles of men and women. Their straightforward advice uses the truth of God’s Word to debunk cultural myths about love and encourages readers to develop a new approach to marriage preparation. They discuss topics such as:
• Embracing the season of singleness and making the most of its opportunities
• Healing from past hurts and becoming a whole person in Christ
• Laying the foundation for a healthy marriage built on agape love rather than romance
• Creating a vision of marriage as a ministry used to shine a light in a world of darkness
In intimate detail, the Leaks open their hearts to reveal the undeniable passion that fueled the success of their viral video. At their core, is a desire to reject the world’s definition of love and cling to God’s design for marriage.
The One is the essential pre-marital guide and an encouraging reminder that, “No matter what sort of relationships you’ve had in the past, God has a destiny, a plan, and a strategy for your life and relationships…and you can start writing a new story for your life today.”
- GenresMarriageNonfiction
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2015
9 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Leak
11 books110 followersHere's what you need to know about Ryan Leak: He's a husband to Amanda and dad to Jaxson. After that, he's an author, filmmaker, and speaker. He's known as an ultimate risk taker from his two documentaries: The Surprise Wedding and Chasing Failure. Ryan proposed to his wife and married her on the same day, having planned their wedding in secret for two years. That documentary went viral in 2013 and the Leaks have been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Queen Latifah Show, and many other various media outlets. Ryan's most recent film is called Chasing Failure where he went on a journey to conquer his fear of failure by trying out for an NBA team. Ryan travels the country and teaches people how to remove the limitations that keep them from dreaming. And now, he teaches people how to be UnOffendable. You can follow Ryan on Instagram + Twitter: @ryanleak
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 20, 2015
I was grateful to receive a free copy of this book. However, this book was not my style at all. I wanted to vomit hearing about how wonderful their relationship was, and God was the one that made it all happen. I don't need some random couple preaching to me. What really put this book over the top is when they said the guy had to take the lead, and set the financial precedence... wtf? What century/country are they from? I'm sure there are tons of readers that would just love this book, but I am not one of them.
August 26, 2015
Ryan and Amanda Leak became Youtube sensations when their wedding video was released that chronicled their special day, when they did what very few couples do, got engaged and married on the same day.
In this book they tell of the struggles they faced in the five years leading up to that big day and how it all came to be, from each of their different points of view. I really enjoyed the easy flowing conversational, yet mentoring tone of the book that really made the book both autobiographical and great for advice.
Ryan and Amanda both spoke relatably in a way that really connects with their peers and people of their generation. I liked how they talk realistically about the challenges that young couples face, and gave helpful advice for modern couples who want to glorify God with their marriage.
As a single reading this book, I saw so many of my dear, close friends in this book, and thought of them, they have all faced the challenges of marrying young and balancing a relationship with school, work, and plenty of naysayers.
Overall, an enjoyable read, great for young couples, dating, engaged, or married, also great for singles, though they did seem to speak more to couples at times. Definitely a great book that I would highly recommend.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
In this book they tell of the struggles they faced in the five years leading up to that big day and how it all came to be, from each of their different points of view. I really enjoyed the easy flowing conversational, yet mentoring tone of the book that really made the book both autobiographical and great for advice.
Ryan and Amanda both spoke relatably in a way that really connects with their peers and people of their generation. I liked how they talk realistically about the challenges that young couples face, and gave helpful advice for modern couples who want to glorify God with their marriage.
As a single reading this book, I saw so many of my dear, close friends in this book, and thought of them, they have all faced the challenges of marrying young and balancing a relationship with school, work, and plenty of naysayers.
Overall, an enjoyable read, great for young couples, dating, engaged, or married, also great for singles, though they did seem to speak more to couples at times. Definitely a great book that I would highly recommend.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
January 22, 2016
There were a few relevant tips, but overall, I didn't find this book extremely insightful. For one, these people have not been married very long, so they do not have the depth of insight that an author who had been married many years would. A lot of the things they said I have heard before.
All in all, it was okay, and some parts were good, but it wasn't very insightful overall.
All in all, it was okay, and some parts were good, but it wasn't very insightful overall.
June 13, 2020
Couldn’t recommend more! To anyone! Such great, practical, down-to-earth advice! I hope they have a podcast because I just can’t get enough!
July 1, 2015
The One is a great book for those who are in a relationship, or single and preparing for a future relationship. The book begins by enlightening the reader to the love story of Ryan and Amanda Leak, who got engaged and married in the same day. After their super big day, they posted a documentary on youtube about their surprise wedding, and the video went viral.
After the initial introduction to the authors' story, the book moves on to talk about singleness and how to prepare during that time period of life, relationship obstacles, leading and submitting, expectations, culture, creatively loving, and much more. One of the chapters that I particularly appreciated was one on sexuality, particularly relating to ones who have had premarital sex or who struggle with sexual temptations in some way or another. With so many people struggle with this issue, I thought the Leak's take on it was great, and a much needed address both to those who have failed in this area and to those who look down on those who have.
Overall I thought this book was a great resource for those looking to lead a Godly, fulfilling, intentional relationship with their significant other, future or present. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.
After the initial introduction to the authors' story, the book moves on to talk about singleness and how to prepare during that time period of life, relationship obstacles, leading and submitting, expectations, culture, creatively loving, and much more. One of the chapters that I particularly appreciated was one on sexuality, particularly relating to ones who have had premarital sex or who struggle with sexual temptations in some way or another. With so many people struggle with this issue, I thought the Leak's take on it was great, and a much needed address both to those who have failed in this area and to those who look down on those who have.
Overall I thought this book was a great resource for those looking to lead a Godly, fulfilling, intentional relationship with their significant other, future or present. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.
August 19, 2015
I wasn't sure what to think of this book at first.... Especially this couple's "surprise wedding." Despite not agreeing with some of their lifestyle choices and all the different Bible versions, this book had some really great, practical and thought-provoking content. I loved how they wrote the book from both their perspectives. I also really liked the end of chapter things to remember, think about, and do. I received a free copy of this book from blogging for books.
May 15, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised at the depth and practically found in this book. I think it lays an amazing foundation for every relationship. Causes you to ask yourself some hard questions and challenges you to think beyond your own desires and what your personal agenda for marriage may be. Would highly recommend this read.
July 9, 2015
this book pretty much reminded me not to settle. I loved it. them sharing their love story and then advising based on their experiences knowing that they are not some Hollywood couple made me hopeful. because I know that if that could happen to them then surely there us hope for what I am praying for in my future relationships. this is definitely I book that I would have my daughter read.
March 16, 2024
This is a faith-based book that looks at marriage, encouraging couples to trust God to make them the "one" for someone rather than searching for "the one." There are some archaic ideas discussed in this book, like the man taking the lead in relationships, and they made the book feel a bit dated. *Advanced copy provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2015
This was a book that allowed me to look at the man in the mirror and work on some areas I desperately needed help in. If you're single or dating, I think this book can help you tremendously.
May 10, 2015
FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads hoping I would review it.
June 18, 2015
I liked the end of chapter highlights, reminders, and challenges
November 3, 2015
I wish I read this book a couple of years ago. It definitely would've helped my relationship. But, now I have it as a reference tool going forward.
December 2, 2015
Loved it
I though it was very insightful and practical. Loved their story. More relatable than I first assumed! Check it out.
I though it was very insightful and practical. Loved their story. More relatable than I first assumed! Check it out.
September 10, 2016
Incredible read. In my top 5 for marriage-prep.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews