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Yours, till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon

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Enter the remarkable untold love story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon. Charles Spurgeon is esteemed for his writing, preaching, and passion for the Lord. But behind the great man was a great wife—and between the man and wife was a profound marriage. Yours, Till Heaven invites you into the untold love story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon to discover how the bond between this renowned couple helped fuel their lifelong service to the Lord. Discover how Charles and Susie traversed the challenges of loneliness, physical affliction, popularity, controversy, and other trials together with a heavenly vision. Just as the Spurgeons lived their lives as witnesses of Christ, in Yours, Till Heaven their marriage continues to be an example for how all marriages today can remain faithful, loving, and joyful despite the challenges that life may bring. With historical precision and narrative craft, Spurgeon scholar Ray Rhodes Jr. captures the inner-life of this Victorian romance that not only served the Spurgeons in their day, but that can also continue to empower and encourage couples today. For more on the lives of the Spurgeons, find Susie by Ray Rhodes Jr.

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2021

124 people are currently reading
1392 people want to read

About the author

Ray Rhodes Jr.

9 books21 followers
RAY RHODES, JR. serves as founding pastor of Grace Community Church of Dawsonville, GA and as president of Nourished in the Word Ministries. He has served four congregations over three decades of pastoral ministry and for fifteen years, he has led Nourished in the Word. Ray has published several books and holds theological degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.). He is married to Lori and they are blessed with six daughters and four grandchildren. Ray has long been a Spurgeon enthusiast, and his doctoral thesis focused on the marriage and spirituality of Charles and Susannah Spurgeon.

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5 stars
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189 (33%)
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72 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Profile Image for Abbie Lewis.
142 reviews13 followers
February 20, 2021
A lovely book! I so enjoyed seeing their relationship even more and learning from them. I would definitely recommend and I plan on giving for a wedding gift ❤️
Profile Image for Sydney.
476 reviews163 followers
February 18, 2023
Oh my heart.♡ I am so glad to have read this book. I was familiar with C. Spurgeon and his sermons, but not so much about his marriage and personal life beyond the little I had picked up here and there. Charles and Susie's love story is surprisingly romantic, and the letters they wrote to each other put romance novels to shame. Their marriage provides a sweet and touching example of what a Christ-centered romance looks like; they continuously encouraged each other and pointed the other to Christ. They were open in their affection for each other, with Charles even remarking how he was eager to write Susie postcards so that whoever handled them would know of how deeply he loved his wife. Susie called Charles her "most precious treasure." They were not spared trials in their lives, but met them with humility and deep reverence for God.
It was so refreshing to read about a couple so devoted to God and each other... I can't wait to read it again.♡
Profile Image for Dr. David Steele.
Author 8 books264 followers
May 8, 2021
Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Affectionately referred to as the “Prince of Preachers.” Most consider him to be the most influential English-speaking preacher in church history. He is known around the world for his evangelistic zeal and his love for training pastors and planting churches.

Most Christians seem to know all about C.H. Spurgeon. But very few are acquainted with the love story between he and his wife, Susie. Dr. Ray Rhodes introduced Spurgeon’s wife in his outstanding book, Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, Wife of Charles H. Spurgeon. Rhodes picks up where he left off in his latest work, Yours, till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon.

The author sets out to show readers the “depth of Susie’s commitment to Charles and consider how her devotion to him helped to make him the man we admire.” It appears the adage is true, “Behind every good man is a godly woman.” Such is the case with the Spurgeon’s.

The author chronicles the Spurgeon romance, engagement, and marriage. Readers who are unfamiliar with the depth of suffering that both Charles and Susie endured throughout their lives will be humbled and encouraged to see how they navigated thirty-seven years of marriage and managed to grow through every season of adversity. The Spurgeon marriage, while not perfect, is one that should be emulated by every Christian couple.

The Spurgeon’s modeled a deep love for the gospel, the church, the Word of God, family, and of course - one another. The support they showed throughout their marriage is unrivaled and inspiring. I commend this work wholeheartedly and trust that it will receive a wide readership.
Profile Image for Laura.
439 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2022
The most wholesome love story there ever was! I started reading this book in the Spring and then set it down for some time, ultimately forgetting about it. I am so glad I finished it. Charles and Susannah Spurgeon had a love for one another that really honored God. This book warned my heart.
Profile Image for Keri.
373 reviews35 followers
May 29, 2024
A wonderful sequel to "Susie" - just focused in on Charles and Susannah's romance and marriage (which is what I most was left wanting to know more about after reading the first book!) I want to forever give this out as an engagement / wedding present now... So much to learn from their mutual love, friendship, and ministry.

Not comprehensive, but a great overview of their relationship and points out its strengths and weaknesses along the narrative. Reading it definitely motivates me to continue reading through the massive four volume autobiography Susie helped compile for Charles - though Rhodes points out we can pick up a lot of information about Susie too along the way if we keep our eyes peeled.

A quick audiobook "read" that was inspiring and informative. Recommend for sure!
Profile Image for Amanda Geaney.
536 reviews340 followers
February 3, 2021
I've read a biography of Spurgeon, the story of Spurgeon's friendship with ex-slave Thomas Johnson, and Susie (Ray Rhodes). Yours, Till Heaven adds yet another piece to the overall picture I have in my mind of the Prince of Preachers. Although it's not a "marriage book" per se, their love story provides a fantastic example of fidelity, adoration, and co-laboring for Christ's Kingdom. It was humbling to think of the sacrifices they made for the gospel and how they persevered through fame, controversy, and physical ailments. I know from personal experience what it's like to have other people consume so much of your husband's time and energy and I admire Susie for finding ways to ease her husband's burdens. Similarly, Ray Rhodes lavishes effusive praise on Spurgeon for his ability to recognize and cherish his wife's contributions to his ministry. Undoubtedly, their marriage thrived due to their mutual efforts and God's grace. I believe many will benefit from the Spurgeon's example set out in Yours, Till Heaven.  

Favorite Quotes: 

"Charles didn’t see himself as a helpless victim; instead, he chose to press into Christ via prayer and ministry when he traversed dark valleys. And Susie walked deep into those valleys with him—as far as she could descend while keeping her own footing."

"...marital love is much more substantive than romantic feelings. Such love includes practical ministry—two hearts beating as one in Christ’s service."

"Their marriage was because of the gospel; it was a marriage that was for the gospel, and it was a marriage that wonderfully displayed the gospel as it looked forward to heaven."


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,200 reviews
March 20, 2021
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.
Profile Image for Carrie Brownell.
Author 5 books92 followers
February 5, 2022
This is a very interesting look at the marriage relationship of Charles & Susie Spurgeon. I'm giving it 4 stars and not 5, simply because I didn't find the writing completely skillful. It is clear that Rhodes has a passion for his subject and his enthusiasm and admiration was an endearing attribute of the book and not off-putting (which is a compliment).

I spent the better part of a week reading this and I am glad that I did. It's fun to learn about Spurgeon in light of his personal relationships and his wife was a really remarkable woman in her own right.

Definitely a pleasant read and I would heartily recommend it to others.

Profile Image for Andrew Fendrich.
132 reviews12 followers
February 10, 2023
Many biographies of both Charles and Susie Spurgeon have been written, but this one about their marriage/romance will tug at the heartstrings. My only complaint is, while Rhodes does a great job of retelling how the couple kept their romance alive during the ups and downs of ministry, I would’ve liked to see more of their correspondence to each other—include whole letters, not just snippets of sentences. But otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable read for me and my wife. (Or, "my wifey, my lump of delight," as Charles would say.)
Profile Image for Rocio.
59 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2023
It was encouraging & beautifully told. It brought a great perspective on keeping eternity in sight, while also enjoying and living the life that God has given for His glory sake.
Profile Image for Anna Kilpatrick.
51 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2025
What a lovely union and so utterly inspiring.

“According to Charles, the happiest of couples are those who ‘are so blended, so engrafted on one stem, that their old age presents a lovely attachment, a common sympathy, by which its infirmities are greatly alleviated, and its burdens are transformed into fresh bonds of love.’ He mused: ‘So happy a union of will, sentiment, thought, and heart exists between them, that the two streams of their lives have washed away the dividing bank, and run on as one broad current of united existence till their common joy falls into the ocean of eternal felicity.’"
85 reviews
March 27, 2023
Awesome book about the Spurgeons' marriage. Well researched and well written. Emphasizes different aspects of the marriage, showing their love, devotion and care for each other in their diseases, their creative ways of showing affection, their devotion even as Charles could be gone for weeks at a time, and how they together deliberately used the resources they had to serve others.
Profile Image for Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders).
533 reviews278 followers
May 13, 2024
This book would be especially encouraging for ministry couples, but I found it to be so compelling and example for my own practical and daily life. As it examines the Christ-centered marriage of Charles and Susie, ‘Yours, Till Heaven’ is a book & a love story that can truly bolster any marriage seeking to grow stronger together as they grow closer to Christ.

Charles & Susie’s marriage is unique to them, but the pattern is one to be emulated in Christian couples today. By reading this book, which is organized thematically, you will meet a couple who weathered various challenges in their walk - from separation, to physical sickness, to tragedy, to controversy- but did so in a way that honored Christ and deepened their love for each other. You will be encouraged and spurred on to pursue and love your spouse “till heaven, and then.”

Thank you to @moodypublishers for a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Profile Image for Julie Schiewe.
8 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2022
I loved everything about this book. It is a rare privilege to get such a detailed look into another’s marriage enough to rejoice in their deep love for one another and ache at the many trials they faced together. The reader is gifted with both a detailed biography of the Spurgeons and a model of the marks of a God-honoring marriage. I would recommend this to anyone!
Profile Image for Samantha.
72 reviews6 followers
Read
July 11, 2025
A sweet love story and excellent example of how a Christian marriage ought to be.
Profile Image for Lauren Byrum.
20 reviews
July 17, 2025
Five stars for the Spurgeons and their love of Jesus, three stars for the writing.

Overall, this was an encouraging biography about Charles, Susie, and their marriage—prior to reading, I didn’t understand the breadth of their ministries or how much they partnered together in gospel work. Reading this made me realize I’d like to read through some of his sermons in the future too.

Rhodes’ writing felt a bit hagiographic at times, making me wonder if he was downplaying certain things such as Charles being away from home frequently. For linear thinkers, the outline of the book may also be frustrating because he jumps around a lot in the timeline of their relationship.
Profile Image for Kenoa Gallion.
14 reviews4 followers
January 15, 2022
Gave a sweet look into the marriage of Charles & Susie. As somebody who didn’t know much about Spurgeon, it was fun to learn about his story and I feel like this gives some context for his ministry. I think it could be good read for those who know a lot about Spurgeon and those who don’t. It surely could be a good read for any married couples.
Profile Image for Emily K.
107 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2022
Such a great book. It was wonderful to read about such a Godly marriage. Their marriage and the stories in this book will inspire you.
5 reviews
August 28, 2023
One of the most unique biographies I have ever read as it focuses on a relationship rather than a person. This book has been an immense encouragement to me in my marriage and Christian walk. I savored every paragraph and re-read many of them. I finished “Yours, Til Heaven”today and am so sad my journey through its inspiring pages has concluded.
14 reviews
May 27, 2021
A historical and biographical love story of Charles and Susannah Spurgeon, written in a thematic rather than chronological approach is how Ray Rhodes Jr. describes his style in this book.With this easy and captivating delivery, the reader can get a deeper look into the life and marriage of Charles and Susannah Spurgeon. This book could be considered a companion to his previous book Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon; Wife of Charles Spurgeon; or it could be a standalone book. I read this as a standalone book.

The book gives an overview of their timeline in history and then breaks down various themes into ten chapters. As a pastor’s wife, the relationship between the “Prince of Preachers” and his wife has always been of interest to me. I often am reminded of a quote by Susannah that states, “She wisely reasoned that my chosen husband was no ordinary man, that his whole life was absolutely dedicated to God and His service, and that I must never, never hinder him by trying to put myself first in his heart.” (quoted from Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon; Wife of Charles Spurgeon) I have tried to keep these words in my heart as I help and encourage my husband in ministry. I enjoyed seeing parallels in my marriage through reading about some of their interactions and referrals to each other.

My favorite chapter in the book would be chapter three. It highlights their relationship with ministry well. It showed their sacrifices and support of each other in their ministry positions. The chapter even sheds some light on how far this went on Susannah’s part (being deathly ill but urging Charles to stay and preach at Plymouth). One thing I appreciated, Rhodes proposes that while some decisions between the two may not always be understood in today’s context, it is fair to keep in mind the time they lived in and with the care they had for each other that their decisions weren’t taken lightly. It was as if Rhodes knew the reader’s natural reaction to the detailed history he tells.

Another aspect I liked about The book was the large amount of references and quotes from their letters between the two, poems written, and even photos of places and documents. I think this added a nice layer to the overall reading experience.

All in all, I would recommend this book. I would guide married Christian couples towards this book for encouragement and examples of a godly marriage. Any history buff or anyone generally interested in the Spurgeons would find this as a great resource as well. I look forward to checking out Rhodes’ other works to see some overlap and connection between the two.

This book is readily available from any major book retailer. (Links below)

* I received this book free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. *
Profile Image for Renee Young.
204 reviews21 followers
May 29, 2021
Two years ago I read ‘Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon’ (you can find the review under #readRENEEread) And while I enjoyed that book immensely, ‘Yours, till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon’ far out performed that book in every way and exceeded all my grandest expectations.

Not only did this book beautifully depict the lives of Charles and Susie as individuals, but Rhodes also masterfully tells a love story between two people who were committed to displaying the gospel in their marriage. Charles loved Susie “more than life itself” (171). Susie was instrumental in Charles’ ministry and provided much needed respite for him in the abundant throes of life. “Susie’s remedy for her beleaguered husband was to refill his heart with glorious truths about God” (117).

I laughed. I cried. I nodded my head more than a few times. Most strikingly so, I was left in awe of God—his faithfulness, his sovereign workings for his good pleasure in sickness, pain, longing, heartache, loss, and love. Rhodes’ scholarly work is evident in his extensive bibliography, and there is no lack of input within this book from the Spurgeons themselves. What I particularly enjoyed about this book was the writing style in which Rhodes employs. This book is thematic over chronologic; and that is a massive strength. Though this is biographical in nature, this reads much more like you are reminiscing on old friends’ lives; and Rhodes ends each chapter in such a way that it flawlessly flows into the next.

Walking through the lives and love of C.H & S Spurgeon encouraged me to pursue holiness, remain steadfast as a pastor’s wife, encourage the body of Christ, keep reading good books, labor in love for my pastor husband, continue in raising my children in godliness, look upward in the many trials of life, and to follow my Saviour wherever he leads. I 5-star recommend you read this book as soon as it is humanly possible.
Profile Image for Caryn Block.
169 reviews31 followers
May 23, 2023
Such a beautiful, beautiful love story! I can't wait to meet them in Heaven one day.
Profile Image for Kate Brown.
32 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2021
I was so happy to receive a copy of this book to review. I immensely enjoyed Rhodes’ first book, Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, so when I saw they were forming a launch team for his newest book, I made sure to be a part of it!
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This book was such a blessing to read in many ways. First, I enjoyed the style of writing because it made the book very engaging and easy to read. That’s something that can be hard to find in biographies sometimes!

Second, I found this book to be a blessing because of the way it challenged me and caused me to reflect upon my own life. My husband is a pastor of a small church in Pennsylvania, and we are in the throes of the little years in regards to our family life. Often times, my attention is occupied with the kids and tasks around the home, which is something I really enjoy and keeps me very busy. Sometimes, Matt will ask for thoughts, opinions, or feedback on his sermon he’s writing that week. Before reading this book, a lot of times I’d kind of brush off the questions because I don’t always feel knowledgeable enough to give feedback, or I’d be busy with something else and not give his question much thought. After reading this book, I’ve been challenged to change the way I think about Matt’s requests for feedback. Susie Spurgeon often spent time studying with Charles as he prepared his sermons or wrote yet another book, and Charles greatly valued his wife’s thoughts and feedback on what he wrote and she was a major encouragement and support to him as he sought to minister to his congregation and pastors around the world. I’ve been challenged to encourage and support my husband in this same way when he asks for my thoughts and feedback. Wives, regardless of whether your husband is in ministry or not, the example of Susie Spurgeon can help us all learn more how to practically live out the scriptural command to honor, respect, and love our husbands.

Pick up this book and be encouraged by this husband and wife and their relationship! It was joy to read and a great gospel reminder of what godly marriages are to be!
Profile Image for Rachael.
731 reviews
February 28, 2021
I fly through fiction, but I like to savor non fiction. I enjoyed seeing the quotes from one spouse to another all combined into one book. If you are a voracious reader of Spurgeon then some of this may not be new. However, having two sides of a love story told in their own words is precious. A combination of letters, books, and friends quotes combine to give a good example of what a Godly marriage should be. Neither Charles nor Susie were perfect, and they both try to name and overcome their weaknesses together. They both suffered through health issues, but they encouraged each other as they walked this journey with the Lord. Their time apart was difficult, yet it strengthened them both. I really enjoyed the realistic approach of this book.

I would really recommend this book as a wedding gift, anniversary gift, or a gift for someone who enjoys Spurgeon.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Laura Thigpen.
31 reviews6 followers
October 5, 2021
Beautiful story! I’m so glad this book was written on the marriage of Charles and Susie Spurgeon.

The author has another book on Susie, a biography, which he recommends his readers to pick up for more on specifics he doesn’t delve into regarding her life. However, there were some areas he would have better served his readers, especially those unfamiliar with Susie’s story, by giving just a little more context.
Profile Image for Suzanne Elyse.
211 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2025
While I found this book very encouraging and even convicting, editorially it could have been a lot tighter. Was quite repetitive in parts. Also would have appreciated some criticism— Spurgeon was an impressive man and tireless worker for the cause of Christ but he essentially worked himself to death. He spent months apart from his wife every year to recover his health in the south of France leaving Susie up in London to carry on alone and that just kind of stinks for her.
Profile Image for Breann Moore.
55 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2021
This was an beautiful story of the marriage of Charles and Susie Spurgeon. I remarked to my husband, “why do Christian women even need to read fictitious love stories when there are lovely true ones right under our noses?”
This has helped me come to hold Charles and Susie in a high regard for a martial example.
Absolutely wonderful!
Profile Image for Emily.
17 reviews
Read
November 3, 2025
I love a good biography! This one was unexpected, but captured my attention (I listened to the audiobook) and I enjoyed their story! I always appreciate a biographer who shows the good, bad, hard, and in between in their subject’s life, and I feel that this biographer did just that.
Profile Image for Drew Miller.
56 reviews8 followers
February 24, 2021
Yours Till Heaven was a delight. I am encouraged and exhorted by the way Charles loved his wife. This book has short chapters and is well written, making it an easy recommendation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews

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