"Yours, Till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon", by Ray Rhodes Jr., will be greatly appreciated by those who enjoy Christian history. The title is taking from the way Charles closed a letter to Susie when he wrote, "Yours, till Heaven, and then" (p. 3). Having heard a lot about Spurgeon and his ministry, it was nice to read about all that his wife contributed to the ministry and how she kept him going through his seasons of melancholy.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I was excited to get this book, but I have to say that it just didn't hold my interest. I was hoping for a love story along the lines of 'Becoming Mrs. Lewis', but this one was a bit dry and just not intriguing.

A wonderful addition to any Spurgeon biography library. Having read Susie, a biography about the life of Susannah Spurgeon by the same author and loving it, I jumped at the chance to read this book that shows the everyday tenderness and care these two had for one another in marriage.

While many people have written about how to have a Christian marriage, few have written a biography about a couple who exemplified it. I loved how this book focused on the little everyday things that showed their affection, even when they were far apart, and Susie had to go even months without seeing him while he was gone on preaching tours. But most of all this book shows two believers united in earthly marriage working towards the glory of God and the increase of His kingdom.

Organized topically rather than chronologically, this book takes the reader through the various ways that they honored God in their marriage, through mutual support, laughter, learning, and their shared eternal focus. A wonderfully inspiring and encouraging read that shows a couple in love with each other and in love with their Savior.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The untold story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon will resonate for all Christian marriages. Told with an unapologetic and oft times heartbreaking honesty, this book reveals the hardships and difficulties of ministry, long distance work lifestyle, illnesses that prohibit as well as the deep love and affection within a godly marriage. They dedicated their lives to the Lord first and then to each other. Much can be learned from these pages.
I found the book to be a little disjointed but that was on purpose I believe. Where one person's life intersects another and timelines are blurred, there will be a seeming disconnect. History and real life living collide in this wonderful book. Inspirational!

Was Charles Spurgeon a good role model as a family man? Would you hold up the marriage of Charles and Susie as one to be immitated? To be truthful, my answer after reading this book is a definite no. He was separated from his wife and children for much of the time, either because he was preaching elsewhere or recovering from some ailment away from home. I was also horrified to read that he did not go home to see his wife even when she was thought to be dying!

I guess that's the sacrifice that giants of faith have to make sometimes when they have work to do.

Granted, his relationship with Susie seemed to be sweet enough. They worked very well as a team, and she did a lot to support his work and emotional wellbeing. You get a lot of endearments and praises for his “wifey” in Spurgeon's letters and that is peppered throughout the book. She did a lot for him, but what about him for her?

Though there were a few enjoyable anecdotes and stories, I did not find this biography about a marriage a particularly compelling one as a whole. The writing also did not flow that well for me.

Having said all that, I still appreciate learning more about Charles and Susie Spurgeon.

This is my honest opinion based on the review copy I received from the publisher.

Going into this I had a casual knowledge of Charles and Susie Spurgeon's relationship and there wasn't much in the book I didn't already know. The writing style didn't really feel like a story, much less a love story.