Best Friends for Life: An Extraordinary New Approach to Dating, Courtship and Marriage--for Parents and their Teens [Paperback]

Michael Phillips (Author), Judy Phillips (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1997

This unique approach to dating, courtship, and marriage offers young people a new strategy in finding lifetime mates. Ages 17 and up.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael Phillips is one of the premier fiction authors publishing in the Christian marketplace. He has authored more than fifty books, with total sales exceeding five million copies. He's also the editor of the popular GEORGE MACDONALD CLASSICS series.

Phillips owns and operates a Christian bookstore on the West Coast. He and his wife, Judy, have three grown sons and make their home in Eureka, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (April 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155661943X
• ISBN-13: 978-1556619434
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #372,058 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In 1970, while students at Humboldt State University, Mike and Judy Phillips began what would become the One Way BookShop as a small, informal source of Christian books and materials for their fellow students. Over the next two decades God prospered those small beginnings, and now the bookstore is a thriving part of the Humboldt County Christian community.

Mike's first published book was about his wife's pregnancy and the birth of their twin sons. After several more nonfiction titles, Mike undertook a lifelong dream to renew the popularity of Scottish writer George MacDonald, whose teachings had been central to Mike and Judy's spiritual growth. Mike began editing some of MacDonald's lengthy novels, heavy with Scottish brogue, into shorter and more readable editions, with some of the work being done right at the bookstore counter between customers.

Through the years, God has continued to guide Mike in the production of books emphasizing strong spiritual values and unforgettable characters. In addition to being best sellers in Christian bookstores all across the country, Mike's books have been offered through several book clubs, have been translated into a number of foreign languages, and have been published in over 120 editions in all, with sales of over 3 million. Mike is today recognized as one of the Christian bookselling industry's most prolific and versatile authors.

Family is very important to Mike. He and his wife, Judy, have taught their three sons, Patrick, Robin, and Gregory, at home throughout their education. Home schooling enables the family to frequently accompany Mike in his work-related travels.

It has always been Mike's desire in his writing that all who read his books will find a closer and more real walk with God through the characters and stories. Both he and Judy enjoy responses from readers and find great encouragement from the letters they receive.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Foundation of friendship, January 1, 2003

By 

BlessedCP (United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Best Friends for Life: An Extraordinary New Approach to Dating, Courtship and Marriage--for Parents and their Teens (Paperback)

I loved this book because it gave valuable insights to what a successful marriage looks like. Truly the key is having a marriage based on friendship and honesty; add to that Christ-centered and committment and you have the "secret" to a productive marriage. I enjoyed following the stories of various couples and how their relationships developed. I had my teenage daughter read the book as well; she gained insight on choices people make, the consequence of compromise and the value of developing friendship. I also recomend Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book with a thought-provoking perspective!, May 11, 2000

By 

Gretchen Acheson "a farmer's wife" (The Little Pink House) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best Friends for Life: An Extraordinary New Approach to Dating, Courtship and Marriage--for Parents and their Teens (Paperback)

I just finished reading this book, after hearing much about it for years. I was very impressed! It was really, really good. The Phillips have a great perspective on marriage preparation. I really appreciated their extreme emphasis on character, as well as the parents' role in courtship. I wished they would have talked more about how emotional purity was supposed to enter in, however. I was a bit confused on that point, as they encouraged "breaking up" after a couple was totally in love, if they didn't think the marriage was God's will. Though I'm still in the thinking process regarding the plan of "apprenticeship engagement" they outline--it's so radical, it takes a while to get used to :) --I think it *is* a good thing worth considering. I've been committed to waiting instead of dating for three years now, and am an active proponent of it. I've read many, many books on courtship, and the Phillips' is now one of my favorites, especially on character and marriage preparation. This book is highly recommended for all who believe in some form of waiting instead of dating, and want God's will in their love life! (I'd recommend Josh Harris' book I Kissed Dating Goodbye first, though, if you're new to the concept of not dating.)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very helpful book., November 5, 2001

By 

Chelle (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best Friends for Life: An Extraordinary New Approach to Dating, Courtship and Marriage--for Parents and their Teens (Paperback)

Well I read this book about a year ago and I am still using the lessons I learned from it. If you are looking for a book about courting and insight into character, read this one. I did not find this book to be dull in the least. It's an informative book and its purpose is not to "entertain". I found the ideas very interesting and went through the book rather quickly. I love this book and would recommend it to just about anyone(and I have).