Unfaithful

March 14, 2005
Ten years ago, Gary Shriver dropped the marital equivalent of an atomic bomb on his wife, Mona. Within hours of being confronted by a co-worker and subsequently admonished by his pastor, Shriver confessed to a three-year adulterous affair with his wife's close friend. As a Christian, Mona, though completely stunned and devastated, hung onto the frailest of threads that their marriage might be saved because Gary was both repentant and wanted reconciliation. Despite their commitment to rebuild their relationship, Mona courageously admitted to less than selfless motives for not seeking an immediate divorce. First, there was pride, as Mona writes that she was proud of their marriage. Second, there was more pride, as she feared people would view her very likable husband as the "better one" in the marriage, thus understanding or even excusing Gary's infidelity. Finally, she hadn't anywhere to go. In characteristic fashion, the Shrivers describe their marital journey before, during and after the affair in brutally transparent diary-like essays. They tell of their decisions, their grief and their eventual healing, found not so much within the confines of the church but from what they believed was God's own merciful hand. This hopeful and constructive guide may offer exactly what troubled Christian couples require as they attempt to transform the bitterest of betrayals to trust.

November 2, 2009
Co-founders of Hope and Healing Ministries and a married couple, the authors offer what the subtitle affirms-hope and healing-in this revealing autobiography of their excruciating journey through infidelity. Each author takes a turn giving brutal expression to heartache endured in facing Gary's adultery and in subsequently working through adulterous betrayal. Movingly, each partner describes the process of looking at themselves, their marriage (before and after the infidelity), and the changes they wanted to make. Though the Shrivers present a strongly Christian perspective on dealing with adultery, their message is also pertinent to those outside the Christian faith community. Readers will appreciate their courage as well as the practical steps married couples can take to move through such a devastating experience and find forgiveness on the other side. This edition revises and updates a 2005 original edition.