LUCRATIVE KEYWORD / NEWLYWED COUPLES ANGLE: “Couples Devotional” is a keyword that consumers have been searching for within the past few years and there are no signs of slowing down. A large subset of the target audience is newlywed couples. There is not a book that speaks specifically to their needs and challenges. The general marriage devotionals are more for experienced couples while the dating devotionals are not specific enough for newlywed couples. Our book, which is targeted specifically for newlyweds, will fill this missing void and will allow us to take some shares of the key market.

BRIDGING THE PRACTICAL WITH THE SPIRITUAL/GOD-CENTERED: Reviewers across the keyword market complain about the dearth of books that appropriately balance practical guidance with God’s Word and God-centered Christian beliefs and values. #staymarried has been criticized for focusing too much on marriage therapy and counseling and not enough on scripture and prayers. On the other hand, reviewers say that You and Me Forever delivers on the God-centered but fails to offer practical everyday advice on how to maintain a God-centered marriage. Our book bridges these two needs with scripture and theme-focused bible studies and action-oriented discussion prompts.

Chris and Jamie Bailey are professional Christian counselors and marriage coaches. They have been married for over twenty-five years and, together, raised three daughters. They run a private practice in South Carolina as well as Expedition Marriage, an online marriage ministry. Through speaking, writing, and hosting marriage retreats, they hope to share the truth of God’s word, along with practical tools for Christian couples everywhere to live an abundant life through Jesus.

“Newlywed Couple’s Devotional should be required reading for all Christian couples. Chris and Jamie ’give it to you straight’ in a way that your mentor or best friend would. Their loving, yet no-nonsense approach to topics most important in building a strong marriage is refreshing. If you are looking for a practical, wise, and spiritually sound devotional for newlyweds, this is it! This will definitely be a gift we buy as wedding presents for all our family and friends.” —Mike + Carlie Kercheval, authors of Consecrated Conversations: 30 Conversational Devotions for Christian Couples
 
“Chris and Jamie Bailey have a heart for seeing couples flourish in all that God designed their marriage to be. While they have invested countless hours in counseling with couples on how to rebuild, restore and repair a broken marriage, they know that it is much better to ’prepare rather than to repair.’  This devotional for newlywed couples is a great resource to help a recently or not so recently married couple build a foundation for a God-centered marriage.  Chris and Jamie guide couples utilizing God’s Word along with practical insights and powerful questions to help couples discover the joy of a God-centered marriage.  Invest in yourself and your marriage by using this devotional guide to apply God’s timeless wisdom to your marriage relationship. Your future self will be glad that you did!” —Jeff Bedwell, lead pastor of First Baptist Church Fort Mill

“Chris and Jamie Bailey have written a must-read devotional for all newlyweds who desire to leave a legacy of a healthy marriage for their children. Their expertise in this area will help get your marriage off on the right spiritual footing and ensure that you bless many generations with an example of what a Godly marriage looks like.” —Tina Chambers Smith, founder of Raising Kids on Your Knees
 
“Are you looking for a wonderful gift to give to an engaged or newly married couple? Look no further! I’ve found the most wonderful new resource from marriage counselors, Chris and Jamie Bailey. It’s a practical devotional book filled with wise and easy-to-read advice, ideas, and questions for discussion. From work and money to friendships and sex to devotional life and communication, this resource is replete with amazing instruction. As young couples, I wish we had enjoyed access to a powerful book like this one.” —Melanie Redd, author of Live in Light: 5-Minute Devotions for Teen Girls