This novel is about Jack and Caroline’s journey with Rick and Georgeann to a Pre-Fall mutually satisfying marriage. While its purpose is primarily to help married and engaged couples with their personal and marriage-related struggles, individuals in various types and stages of relationships will also find this material beneficial.
People who are divorced can use this material to not only understand relationships from their past, but also to build a mutually satisfying marriage in the future. People who are single can use this material to understand the mental and emotional dynamics of their current and past relationships, as well as the relationships of others such as parents, family, and friends. And finally, anyone who is committed to helping couples heal and grow through marriage will find this novel to be a useful resource.
Fictional experiences are described in this novel that for some will be unpleasant to read, and for others, painful to remember. Our purpose is not to open mental and emotional wounds unnecessarily, but rather, it is to shed light on areas that can cause pain and difficulty in marriage. The pain and difficulty that many couples go through is not surprising based on the marriages they have seen, and the role models who taught them what to think and how to act in a marriage. We are hopeful the light that is offered in this novel brings clarity.
Even though you can benefit from reading this novel on your own, we encourage you to read it with your spouse, a friend, or a study group, so together, you can pray and work through the thoughts and feelings that arise. It is often in the eyes of someone you trust that the truth of your past experiences is reflected more accurately than what you can perceive on your own. That said, anything from someone else that you receive into your thinking must be in alignment with Scripture, and also be consistent with your discernment from the Holy Spirit.
If reading this novel triggers strong and overwhelming emotions from your current or past circumstances, please take a break from reading, put yourself first, and talk with a qualified mental health professional. If you ever feel like you may physically harm yourself or someone else, call a trusted family member, friend, Christian brother or sister, pastor, counselor, or psychiatrist. In an emergency, either call your local emergency service (usually 9-1-1 in the United States), or a law enforcement agency. You may also go to the nearest emergency room on your own, or have someone take you. You are precious in God’s eyes and worthy of the care you need.
All characters are fictional except Rick and Georgeann. Any other names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of Rick or Georgeann’s imagination, or used in a fictitious manner. Specific references to people or events are used by permission.
As part of our desire to continue with you on your journey to a Pre-Fall mutually satisfying marriage, we have a companion website, https://Pre-FallMarriage.com, and a page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/PreFallMarriage/. At these two sites we will periodically offer additional thoughts on marriage based on our personal growth, and comments from you and others. If you have insights or helpful suggestions that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you.
Blessings by the power of the Holy Spirit on your journey to build a mutually satisfying marriage.
Rick and Georgeann