The Unspoken Rules of Love: What Women Don't Know and Men Don't Tell You

Hammond and Brooks, both seasoned authors and speakers for Christian singles, use a traditional, faith-based approach to help discouraged women find the man of their dreams. Before a woman aims for marriage, they maintain, she needs to be a""whole"" person; this wholeness comes from a strong relationship with God. Biblical quotes and shopping metaphors abound as they advise women on difficult relationship issues, such as avoiding mistreatment and manipulation, letting themselves be pursued rather than taking the lead and even getting in shape, if need be, to ensure they present themselves as healthy and attractive. Hammond and Brooks also touch on the tendency of some women to nag and complain; they urge them to focus on being encouragers, and to embrace their feminine role, which, they claim, has more power than women realize, and is strong enough to""turn a man's heart toward God."" Bottom line? Finding true and lasting love takes time. If a woman wants to get married, she must be patient and wait on God, for""patience allows love... to become the preeminent force in the relationship,"" and God wants to protect her heart and make sure that love doesn't cost her self-esteem or her faith. Though this is the first book in Waterbrook's new line of nonfiction aimed at the Christian African-American market, Hammond's and Brooks's warm advice could appeal to a broader audience.