This book was wonderful, I bought it after the movie had started to show in theaters. It is a great story! The Love Dare portions are a great idea to try, and I have purchased that book, as a present for my husband and I to do together, to strengthen our already strong marriage! This book is so worth the price, and I recommend it to all!

Every marriage goes through some tough times. In this day and age, most of us accept divorce as acceptable and sometimes expected in a marriage. It is refreshing to read a story that is based on renewing a couple's love for each other and showing the blessings you can reap from forgiveness rather than the continuing hurt of divorce.

This story is realistic. I felt like I was reading about an actual couple who had gone through feelings of separation and written a story about it. They have been married for six years - long enough to know each other well, and to be disgusted with each other. It is interesting to have the viewpoint of both the man and the woman, to be able to put yourself in both of their shoes, so to speak.

I think a lot of spouses go through similar feelings of distance and could relate well to the characters. There is not a lot of drama as you might see in a movie or on TV - not a lot of tension that you feel as you are reading. It is, however, real enough to someone who is going through similar heartaches, similar fights, and similar distances without putting the blame on only one or the other.

I have not read any other Eric Wilson books as of yet, and I have not yet seen the movie, "Fireproof." From this novelization, I can see his talent of fiction writing, adding such lovely descriptions of a fire, of the surroundings in a scene, of a person's thoughts and struggles. I look forward to reading one of his own novels, which I received today!

"Fireproof" can touch lives and encourage married couples to focus their attention back onto each other and to make their marriage fireproof through the One who can bring redemption, love and joy into it.

A quick confession: I've seen this movie three times. I liked it at first; liked it better the second time, by the third viewing I absolutely loved it. So of course I had to read the book.

The book is a good (quick) read, but doesn't quite manage as much tension and conflict as the movie seems to portray. Somehow the essential difficulties loom larger on screen than they do in print. Even so, I enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to "book people" --- there are many of us!

This is a great marriage-saving book because it can help a couple start talking about their issues. I am also reading a related new book (see below) which has a lot of 'straight talk' including about sexual issues.

Lauren Hodge
Apple Valley, CA
I am also reading:
The Soul-Mate Marriage: The Spiritual Journey of Becoming One

I went to the movie and had to have the book. It is wonderfully written. It goes great with the Love Dare book.

This is an excellent book to read. I chose to read the book instead of the movie because of the detail in books. I have nothing bad to say about the book. It was wonderful!

If this movie doesn't make you cry, I don't know what will. It's a great story of the love of two people, but moreover, the love of God. Fireproof is a shining example of how God's forgiveness, grace and adoration for us transcends our relationship with him and invades our relationships with others. Some of the cast members weren't great with acting, but this isn't an A-list flick--the point of the movie is more important. Great story and movie to see with a spouse or significant other.

Caleb is a hero - a hero, that is, to everyone but his wife.

What has happened lately? Things were so great! When did things start
to change? Now his wife wants out - "fine" he thinks. I'll give her
out!! He seems to be the only one doing anything in this marriage
anyway. He never gets any respect from his wife. Doesn't she see all
he pays for and does in their marriage? She just doesn't get it!!
Caleb's thoughts begin to turn to divorce.

When Caleb tells his father that he has been thinking of a divorce,
his father asks him to hold off on the divorce for 40 days. His dad
says that there is a book that he wants Caleb to read -- and follow
what it tells him to do. Out of respect for his father, he honors this
request. The book arrives in the mail - the front cover reads "LOVE
DARE". Caleb starts to read this book "Man, can dad be serious? Why
does he have to do this?" Caleb starts out doing this dare
half-heartedly. He does what he can to get by!! He skips over all
the scripture verses (that's his dad's thing not his), but he does the
practical things mentioned in the book -- nothing more.

Caleb and Katherine get into a huge fight one day. She definitely
wants out and after the fight he is willing to let her go. This "Love
Dare" thing is a joke. He calls his father and informs him that the
dare is off. His father asks if he could just talk to him before he
makes up his mind about anything. Caleb agrees. Caleb's father shares
with him how life can be challenging and how he almost gave up on his
marriage too! Caleb is surprised, but then again knowing his mother,
he isn't. The discussion goes ok until his father starts talking about
his relationship with Jesus. Caleb didn't need a crutch - he didn't
need any help -- thank you very much!! But in a scary way, his father
was starting to make sense. Caleb agrees that the choices he's made
in life have gotten him this far,but it wasn't pretty to look at. What
to do?? This was really tough stuff!

The author, Eric Wilson, had his work cut out for him when he turned
the movie "Fire Proof" into a book. It is a powerful story.
Although I had seen the movie two times before reading the book, it did not spoil the experience for me; it actually filled in the missing pieces the movie didn't cover. The book helped answer the questions I had in my mind while watching the movie. Questions like: How did Catherine and Caleb meet? What was their marriage like before it went bad? It kind of eludes to why their marriage was very strained in the movie, but what did Caleb really think about what he was doing on the internet? How did
Catherine feel about it all? Who was Gavin? This book also includes
pictures from the movie, information on the making of the movie, and
a great letter from Stephen Kendrick about his experience with "Fire
Proof" from his point of view. This book has it all -- it even
includes discussion questions for your book club meeting.

This book takes the movie a little deeper for you with the action,
funny scenes and romance. Eric Wilson does a great job of telling the
rest of the story that the movie didn't have time to tell. I enjoyed
the book so much, I was compelled to do a search for other books that
Eric Wilson has written. Eric has written other novelizations' such
as "Fly Wheel" and "Facing the Giants". Some of his other books
include "Dark to Mortal Eyes", "Expriration Date" and his newest book
"Field of Blood". You'll definitely want to check them out! In Eric's
other books, he is not limited creatively and really comes alive in
his story telling - you definitely won't be disappointed -- I know I
wasn't!!!.


Nora St. Laurent - www.psalm516.blogspot.com

I wasn't able to see the movie and had seen a few clips and the trailer of it. At first the book was diappointing because it IS the movie with exact words, phrases and body movements and gestures. But nevertheless, I could not put the book down! It got better and better as it went on. By the end I was crying. I feel if people see the movie and then read the book it won't be the same, because the book follows the movie exactly and you know what happens next. I do agree that they should have wrapped up the story with the doctor. Too many loose ends there. But in the end you can safely assume she "dumped" him real quick once things were patched up between Caleb and Catherine. I really want to see the movie but will have to wait till it comes out on DVD in Feb. I plan to do the Love Dare and can't wait to get the book in the mail! My marriage is pretty good but I want it to be like Caleb and Catherine's after they reconciled. I'm not looking for a boat or a renewal of our vows but the passion and happiness that Caleb and Catherine had in the end. I highly recommend this book especially for anyone who has not seen the movie. I would also recommend buying the Love Dare book at the same time.

This is an awesome book that tells two stories one about restoring lost love and also finding God and His love! Salvation & Restoration two important issues are resolved in this awesome book!

This movie is a "must see" for every couple in a troubled marriage, for seekers and for Christian couples. Go with an open mind and take a box of Kleenex. Also get the book, "Love Dare" that they use in the movie.

I just loved every aspect--the action, message and inspirational outcome. Many couples will be able to relate to this. It reminded me of one of the stories from our book, Popcorn Miracles.

If you're contemplating a divorce, be sure to see this movie before you make your final decision. Also apply all the steps Caleb took to save his marriage.

Do you think your marriage is nearing to its end.... and you want to save your marriage?
Do you think that you are the only one interested in saving and salvaging your marriage?
Do you think that you have tried enough to save your marriage and your partner does not respond?
Do you think that you are pressured to take all responsibility of saving your marriage?

If the answers are YES.... YES..... YES..... then this is the movie for you...

Instead of joining any workshop on the subject , just see this movie... (IF POSSIBLE ,,,,TOGETHER!)
Best of luck.

Hasit

Eric Wilson
Thomas Nelson, 2008
ISBN: 978-1595547163
Reviewed by Rita Goatley for ReviewYourBook.com, 10/08
5 stars
Thanks for writing this book...

WOW! This book deserves 5 gold stars crusted with precious jewels. Rarely does a book like this come along. I have been told the movie (by the same name) is very good, also. I can hardly wait to see it. It is difficult to give this book justice; it is that good. I was late for work, because I was so caught up in the story. I did not want this book to end. More books of this caliber are needed.
The setting is Albany. Captain Caleb Holt is a firefighter that makes better decisions at work than at home. He lives by the firefighters adage: NEVER LEAVE YOUR PARTNER!! Unfortunately, he leaves the adage at the firehouse instead of bringing it home with him. His life at home with his wife of eight years was constant bickering. She had filed for a divorce. Caleb's father asked him to commit to a 40-day experiment: "The Love Dare." Caleb has to do nice, thoughtful things for his wife everyday for 40 days. At first, his heart was not in it, but once he began to take the challenge seriously, he realized he wanted to save his marriage. He took the challenge past the 40 days.
This is a must read for all couples, even if you have a good marriage. We need to realize that marriage is not disposable. We must take our marriage commitment seriously.
Fireproof is well-written. The characters are endearing. Again, I declare this book a must read!

I'll admit I knew little about Fireproof (both the book and the movie) other than the buzz I heard about The Love Dare. Intrigued, I got the book and read it, fully expecting an action-adventure story about a fireman, with his personal life a very small subplot of the book. Instead, the book is mostly about saving a marriage and finding faith, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like quick reads with substance and this novel delivered. Not only that, but it made me think about my own marriage and how important it is to nurture my relationship with my husband and not let it die. Wilson does a great job of not only bringing the conflict between the characters alive but infusing the story with palpable emotion. It speaks to the reader on several levels. Highly recommended.

This is the best book that I have read in a very long time. I would highly recommend it. It is funny, serious and a tearful. It really makes you think. You should love God before you can love anyone else.

Very inspiring.

Of the three novels based on the Kendrick brother's movies, this one is definitely the best. I have not watched Fireproof the movie, so I'm unsure of the differences between the two. I'm assuming, like Facing the Giants, it follows pretty closely to the movie with added descriptions and a filled out story line.

The marriage between Caleb and Catherine Holt appears to be over. Dialogue turns to arguments, hurtful words are thrown about, and tempers run hot in their marriage. Long gone are the days of tenderness and pursuit. They've been replaced with accusations and temptations. When both decide it's time to divorce, Caleb's dad offers his son a challenge that changes not only his attitude, but his life. But is his change enough to win back the heart of his wife?

I'll admit, I haven't been a big fan of the Kendrick brother's movies. I can forgive low budget, but I've really struggled with their theology. It's been way to close to the health and wealth gospel which I do not at all subscribe to. I've also found their previous works to bludgeon the audience with scripture, large sermons, and heavy Baptist teaching. After reading Flywheel this spring, I was more than a little skeptical about picking up another book based on their movies. But, I got it for free, so why not?

There are some pretty good things about the story that I like, but some other aspects that weren't that great. It's still a little to close to the health and wealth teaching than I'm comfortable with, but at least it's not from start to finish. I also found myself really not liking Catherine. While both Caleb and Catherine were victims, it almost felt like we should feel deeply for Catherine. Personally, I found her annoying, but it certainly brought out the need to love everyone regardless. Additionally, I felt like a little bit too much time was spent on Caleb's short comings and not enough on Catherine's faults. They were both human, and both deeply flawed. While I understand the main plot was about Caleb's journey, I felt it was too one sided and almost unfair.

I'm also a little confused as to why it was never outright stated that Caleb had a problem with internet pornography. At least that was the definitely impression I was left with. I don't know why that issue was so tip toed around. Another annoying issue is the fact the relationship between Catherine and Dr. Keller was dropped. It disappeared and it seemed to be an situation that deserved some confrontation and resolution.

There were some very good lessons taught concerning marriage and our views of marriage. Also present was the power of prayer and friendship. Unlike the previous two novels, there weren't any highly questionable interpretations of scripture, which was a very nice change.

I realize with the novels, Wilson is basing them on the movie script, so he doesn't have a lot to work with as far as the over all story line is concerned. I think he nursed about as much as he could from a story whose ending is not particularly realistic. If you're familiar with the Kendrick brother's work, the ending follows the same pattern. There is some good drama, especially with the fire scenes, and I think Wilson does a great job of writing those. With the exception of Catherine, the characters are of the same high quality I've come to expect from Wilson's writing.

Overall, I have mixed feelings. The storyline itself is better than Facing the Giants and Flywheel and the theology is definitely better. However, there's just an unsettling feeling when I read these books. They don't portray the reality of a relationship with God very accurately. While Fireproof was better, it was still idealistic and somewhat fairtaleish.

Unlike Facing the Giants, I did not watch the movie first, so this review is based solely on what I thought about the book as whole and is evaluated as I would any other Christian fiction novel.

Good story, deals with very difficult marriage issues, more about love and marriage, than about mystery or action which the title might lead you to believe. It made me cry and laugh which says a lot about the authors ability to connect you with the characters. It encouraged me to fire proof my marriage.

Fireman Caleb Holt puts his life on the line every day to save others. Despite his hard work ethic and dedication to his job, the flames that were once so evident in his marriage have begun to sizzle out. After eight years of mediocrity and disappointment Catherine Holt has filed for divorce. Caleb now comes to a crossroads where he must decide between giving up and staying to fight for the woman he loves. Searching for answers, Caleb reaches out to his father never anticipating how his life will soon change. Caleb is now ready to set out on the ultimate dare to fight for his marriage like his has never fought for anything before.

Firpeproof is the third collaboration between novelist Eric Wilson and filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick (the team behind Facing the Giants and Flywheel). As with the previous film projects, Eric Wilson does a masterful job of taking a screenplay and transforming it into a fantastic story with inspiring characters and a challenging message.

We live in a society where the marriage relationship is not appreciated or taken very seriously. The easy thing to do when things get difficult is to divorce, and we see this pattern played out over and over again for so many couples. Fireproof is a story written to challenge our culture's perspective on marriage. Yes, we get some great action sequences and suspenseful moments throughout, but the heart of this story is found in Caleb's resolve to save his marriage and fight for the woman he loves.

Eric Wilson brings this struggle to life throughout the pages, drawing us deeper into Caleb and Catherine's problems. I really appreciate the way that neither Caleb nor Catherine is shouldered with the blame, rather we see how both are equally responsible for the plight they are in. Wilson takes us into the depths of Caleb's struggle with purity and the darkness that resides there. Our glimpses of Catherine's flirtations with infidelity are eye-opening and equally as frightening.

Fireproof is certainly different than the suspense/supernatural thrillers we've come to expect from Eric Wilson. However, in many ways this may be one of the most important messages Wilson has tackled in his writing career. This story has the potential to change the way our culture looks at marriage and it is my sincere hope and prayer that this novel and the film will work together to do just that. My hat's off to Eric Wilson and The Kendrick Brothers for treating us with yet another soul stirring reminder of what is truly important and what it takes to fight for it.

In case nobody has noticed, Eric Wilson is getting pretty good! Ok, cut through it already, he's better than most. So much so that Alex and Stephen Kendrick trust him with screenplays that they wrote, and Eric was chosen to do the novelization. In my opinion, that's great! Let's just say that with "Fireproof," Eric Wilson decides to turn up the heat.

Who would not want to be in the shoes (or boots) of Caleb Holt? He's a man's man, he's in charge, and he's one of the youngest to be promoted to Captain. He's a hard working firefighter. There is no doubt you'll see his name in the papers, maybe on the evening news. The man's a hero. But with all due respect, you'd better convince Catherine that. Who's Catherine? That would be Caleb's wife. They fell in love once upon a time, and now are preparing for the easiest way to go separate ways. The idea of communication, let alone eye contact between these two is nothing short of eruption in the home. And the marriage looks to go up in smoke.

But Caleb's dad isn't about to give up so quickly, and he dares him. He dares Caleb Holt with a 40 day commitment called, "The Love Dare." And what Caleb thought he knew about love is about to reach a whole new level. The stakes are going to be high. The question is, how badly does Caleb want this marriage to survive? Does he love his wife just as badly as he loves fighting a fire?

This is a movie I've looked forward to, and after reading this, even more so! Eric Wilson shines with this effort. He knows how to keep a reader's attention. And he knows how to make it special. And I give a special thanks to Eric Wilson. Thank you!

Eric Wilson does it again with his newest novelization of a Kendrick brothers movie. I cant compare this to the movie as I have not seen it yet(but after reading the book I cant wait to see it). The book is about Captain Caleb Holt, an Albany Georgia firefighter who risks his life daily to put out fires and to save lives but it seems that the fire in his 7-yr marriage seems to be going out. His wife says that she doesnt love him and all they do is yell at each other. When Calebs father tells him to give it 40 days and to take the Love Dare, he decides to give it one more go. A great story with great characters. I highly recommend reading the book if you have seen the movie or even if you havent. The only thing though is if you read the book before seeing the movie you may be a little disappointed as Eric Wilson adds a lot of back story and character devolpment that is not in the movie. My wife has also started reading the book and she loves it so far. Again a great book by a great author.