John and Stasi Eldredge, known for their previous messages separately addressing men and women, unite their readers for Love & War: Finding the Marriage You Dreamed Of, their first book with publisher Doubleday Religion.

With what seems to be a new chapter in the couple's ministry, John initially expressed reluctance to the idea of a book about marriage.

"This is the last thing we wanted to do," he told Christian Retailing. "Can you imagine writing a marriage book with your spouse? But it was a conversational prayer, where we were praying about the next thing that was on our heart and where we felt God was moving us to. Much to our surprise, it was marriage."

John said that although they "came into it kicking and screaming," the couple was able to offer a unique take on the subject, which is not a book of "tips and techniques" or a "seminar in print form."

"It's a marriage book, like Wild At Heart was a men's book or Captivating was a women's book," he said. "It's really trying to get back to the heart of marriage and what God put in our hearts as men and women and why it's love and war."

Stasi, who said the book is "very honest, vulnerable and real," added that the title means that "every person's marriage is a love story, and it's set in the midst of war. Sometimes it's our spouse that we're warring with."

As the book is released through a general market publisher, John hopes it is able to reach new readers.

"It's an opportunity, frankly, for evangelism, for us to bring the hope of the resurrection side of the gospel to people who wouldn't have necessarily sought out a Christian answer to things," he said. "You start talking about marriage, and can you name one person's marriage that doesn't need help?"

Doubleday Religion's publicity campaign includes a Salem Radio Mega Weekend around Valentine's Day, direct-to-church promotions and a promotional insert for national conferences.

For an audio interview with the Eldredges, visit www.christianretailing.com.

For more information, visit www.randomhouse.com/crown/doubledayreligion, or to order, call 800-733-3000.

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