If you weren’t one of the winners of Rose House from last week (see below) click over to the giveaway at 5 Minutes for Books and enter again, through Tuesday.

Today I (Jennifer) am happy to announce a guest contributor. Melissa is one of the founding contributors over at 5 Minutes for Books.

Melissa has been captivated by books for as long as she can remember. She resides in Virginia, and at her blog, Breath of Life.

In today’s economy, many American families are having to tighten their belts, slash their spending, and learn to survive on less. Being frugal is now chic. The media seems to be hopping on the bandwagon, with hundreds of books promising to pave the way to financial security. At first glance, Learning to Live Financially Free: Hard-Earned Wisdom for Saving Your Marriage & Your Money might seem no different from the multitude of “get yourself out of debt” offerings.

Trust me, it is.

As the subtitle, “Hard Earned Wisdom for Saving Your Marriage & Your Money” suggests, Curt and Marybeth Whalen have been there. They share honestly their struggle with money, and their battle to change their poor spending habits and win financial freedom. Each gives a personal own account of how they found themselves $95,000 in debt, and what drove them to realize change was necessary no matter the cost.

The Whalens’ solution may seem backwards to the world but proves that God’s economy, which may not make sense, is completely different than man’s. They are quick to give God the glory for delivering them from their staggering debt in just four years. On one income. With six children.

Each chapter ends with Scripture, discussion questions, and a plan of action. The book also includes great resources and ideas to cut spending, find contentment, and learn to control your finances (rather than having your finances control you). It’s not a “feel-good” read, but is a Biblically sound handbook for those who are ready to commit to change and the hard work that it entails.

Whether you are thousands of dollars in debt, or simply want to experience freedom from the pressures of money so you can use it to glorify God, Learning to Live Financially Free: Hard-Earned Wisdom for Saving Your Marriage & Your Money is a book worth reading.

We have one copy to give away (U.S. shipping addresses only, please). If you’d like to win, leave a comment below. If you want to make it interesting, tell us where you struggle most in your spending.

We’ll announce the winner in next week’s column.

The winners of Rose House are #63 JD, #139 Heather C., #10 jennsquared

And remember, if you didn’t win click over to the giveaway at 5 Minutes for Books and enter again, through Tuesday.

Written by 5 Minutes for Books contributing reviewer Melissa