FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.

This was an important book. It provides support for first responders and their families. It promoted solid, Bible-based marital advice. And it encouraged the reader to continue helping people even when it’s hard.

Sadly, there was a double-standard on swearing. On the one hand, it was claimed that “There is zero point in having foul language come out of your mouth. It doesn’t make you look smart, it doesn’t make your point come across any better than appropriate words.” But on the other, it was said that “Sometimes I know these words just come out or it happens, and that’s not the profanity I am talking about.” However, according to the Bible, “no foul language” should come out of our mouths (Ephesians 4:29 HCSB). It doesn’t say that it’s conditional on what we’re feeling or experiencing, so this line was definitely disappointing.

It felt like at least a fourth of the book talked about needing a break from one’s kids. This was very difficult for me to understand, as I grew up in a home where my parents never complained about raising my sister and me and never whined about needing a break from us. They treasured having us and wanted to spend as much time with us as their respective jobs allowed. To have so much of the book focus on this aspect really broke my heart.

There were so many quotable moments! Here are just a few of the lines that caught my attention.

“when we stop comparing, we start to appreciate”

“I felt this pull that I wanted to do more, I wanted more from church. This is what God was stirring in me, I felt this emptiness that needed to be filled.”

“Surrendering your life to Jesus doesn’t mean all of your problems and trials will go away and that you will be filled with prosperity, wealth, and all the riches that you desire. That is the prosperity gospel preached by false teachers and is completely opposite of what Jesus taught.”

“I sought after the one person that I knew could give me peace, Jesus.”

“The only thing that lasts is the Word of God and His promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Content: replacement expletives, replacement profanity, crude sexual terms, gambling references, drugs

As a newly married first responder wife, this book spoke to me. I enjoyed reading Rachel's prospective most of all. I think she gives a lot of relevant information and real life stories to make her point. I thought this was an overall good read and I would recommend it to others who live the 10 Code life.