UNFAITHFUL: Rebuilding Trust After Infidelity

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. (May)