“[This] is a book I would cherish and I believe it is one that students would eagerly read. ... These editors are leaders in the field and they are at the top of their game. .... It is in fact an act of generosity to the field. ... I would purchase it and ... recommend it to colleagues and ... require it as essential reading." – Thomas Bradbury, UCLA, USA “This book, given its unique approach to linking theories with empirical applications, has the potential to become a central reference work [and] a valuable teaching tool. … One of the frustrations I have with teaching ... family theories ... is the “disconnect” between ... the theoretical approaches in the current graduate level texts and the empirical research. ... This text ... would fit well with my approach." – David Eggebeen, Pennsylvania State University, USA “A book of this type has been long time coming! ... [It] does a tremendous job in getting the students to see the value and utility of theory in the research process. ... This manuscript captures many timely issues that are not included in other handbooks. ... This book will succeed in the marketplace, especially in programs emphasizing the study of families and their dynamics. I could also see many clinicians and therapeutic offices/programs benefiting from this book. ... It is appropriate for the graduate as well as undergraduate student. ... [The] authors of [the] chapters ... are “the” researchers ... in the field.” – Laura KM Donorfio, University of Connecticut, USA“The book will be a huge success. …. I strongly believe that it will address a scholarly niche that is wide open. …. It will get used in Family Studies courses. Libraries and scholars will buy it. It will provide a very different take on the role of theory in research. … Students will learn how theories work by seeing first how they have been used to explain phenomena. ... I believe it will have a significant contribution to the field. ... [The] contributing authors ... reads like a who’s who in the field.” – Joe F. Pittman, Auburn University, USA“[This book] contributes significantly to the field. … It should inspire scholars to advance their theoretical contributions and thus foster better theorizing in the … field. Graduate students should fine the book particularly helpful. … [The] chapters I reviewed are written in a clear and engaging manner. … I would … recommend [it] to … students and other family professionals.” Charles B. Hennon, Miami University, USA“[This] … book … is needed … to illustrate … links between theory and research … to move the field forward … and … to overcome some of the limitations of textbooks/handbooks currently in use. … The editors … are eminent researchers in the field and have … assembled a list of … authors that are at the top of their … area of specialization. I would very much welcome this handbook and use it in my graduate family theories course.”- Sylvia Niehuis, Texas Tech University, USA