Must-have book for married couples
926800
I recently received a free copy of "Couples Who Pray: The Most Intimate Act Between a Man and a Woman," from Thomas Nelson Publishers (in exchange for this honest review) and I must say, I was impressed.

When I first received the book, I'll admit, I was skeptical. I know you're not supposed to judge a book by it's cover, but I can't help myself...and this book looked boring. However, I decided in order to write a review, I needed to read it, so I opened it up with trepidation and began to read.

What I found was exciting. This book is a great motivator for people to begin praying. For those who pray together a lot already, I can't say this would be beneficial. However, for what I believe is the majority of couples who don't pray together consistently, this book is a breath of fresh air.

I actually compare it to Dave Ramsey's books with respect to the motivational factor and the ability to apply the principles easily (NOT in writing style, however). The book contains research, real-life stories, scripture, and enough appendices to help anyone through the process of taking their 40-day prayer challenge (which is the main emphasis of this book).

I would encourage any couple to pick this up, in particular those who feel like their marriage could use a pick-me-up. This is a solid, biblically-based how-to book that has the potential to completely transform a marriage.
4833449
I have recently read I Do! I Do! and have to say this is a must read for newly married couples and couples married for a long time. This book is easy to understand and full of useful information for all couples.
4497253
In today's fast paced life, it is so easy to neglect our spousal relationship and find ourselves merely tolerating each other. This book challenges the couples intimacy with God and each other and gives tools to make changes.

The Dillows' and Pintus' have done an excellent job of interspersing testimonies with the Word of God,putting " feet" to the Scriptures, so to speak. I highly recommend this book for all married couples. It is also an excellent tool for small groups(2-3 couples) for an in-home church or neighborhood study. If you follow their suggestions you will change the course of history and the legacy that you leave your children.
4266190
Gary Chapman explains the importance and dynamics of communication in healthy marriages. Now Youre Speaking My Language is full of simple, yet profound advice useful to couples at every level of their marriage journey. Whether you are struggling in your marriage or feel completely satisfied, newly married or have been married for years, this book is completely worth your time and energy to invest in your relationship. Many couples will benefit from the shift in thinking from contract marriages to covenant marriages and how these two views of marriage impact marital satisfaction and expectations.

In the past several years of working with pre-marital and married couples I see over and over again the need for solid communication skills in marriage. This new resource is one of the most helpful in avoiding and correcting poor and even destructive patterns of communication that many couples are simply unaware of. I especially like Chapman's integration of self-awareness and self-disclosure in this work which are paramount to creating and enhancing communication skills. I especially enjoyed the levels of communication that Chapman unpacks in this book.

Chapman's focus on intimacy is much broader than many other marriage books that I have read as well and clearly illustrates the varied aspects of intimacy. I could relate to many of the examples that Chapman uses in this book and his solutions for a more open and intimate marriage relationship. My wife and I have been reading this book together over the last month and have enjoyed our discussion of it and the application points that are in most cases immediately applicable and helpful to do.

NOTE: I received this book from the publisher in order to read it and offer a fair and unbiased review.
3794667
Excellent book.  Highly recommend for married couples just starting out, and those who have been married for a while.
3514439
AHHHMAZING book! This book outlined a lot of serious issues in several marriages that I know of. My husband & I communicate well but there were still areas of this book that could improve our marriage. The concepts are backed with research & professionals in the field but never did it feel dry or textbook-y. I talked to a woman at work about it & she read the first chapter on Amazon then bought one for herself & her SIL. Actually, I think about 6 of my friends have bought this book;)
1519211
I bought this book many years ago and gave it away so I had to purchase another copy. The workbooks that go with it are also wonderful. I use this book for teaching on marriage (I am a pastor), and my husband and I used this book prior to our marriage (we were both previously married). The information in this book is very accurate and helpful in avoiding future problems in your marriage - my husband and I have referred back to its information many times. You won't go wrong in purchasing this book.
4555281
This is the best marriage advice/how-to/information/inspiring book I have ever read. It's not a typical 'here's how to fix it quick book'. In fact it's not that at all.

Ramona shares so much background of what builds a grand marriage now and throughout your life with your husband. Some of those steps are quick and easy to implement, others may take longer to implement or get in a good practice of, it really depends on where you are at and where you are coming from.

Which is what adds to how personal her words are as you read and learn and discover all that this book is offering. She intertwines personal experience, she was days from court to be divorced in her first years of marriage, with scientifically proven facts about men and women's lives that make for a very interesting and informative read. I really liked how she adds the facts and it's very easy to read, not like your in a textbook for course work on marriage.

One of the greatest things is that it's a book just for me, my husband doesn't have to read it, but we both are enjoying the benefits. Learning how to respond instead of react and knowing more about his processing has definitely improved our communication. And I feel much more secure with myself in taking care of myself and my needs knowing that it will in turn benefit our relationship.

There are many tools that you can use right now if you picked it up today and started reading. You would feel the positive result in your life almost instantly. Other tools she presents are ones that you will continuously grow in as you live your life with your husband learning from each other and becoming better individuals, resulting in a more positive and grand relationship.

It will be the book you will forever compare all other marriage books to, (if you even choose to read any others after this)and no other books will come close. It's that different and that wonderful.

Get it today and then come back and get one for all your lady friends, that's what I'm going to do.
3774997
Recently, I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of "In Love Forever," and I knew it was a must-have for my bookshelf. Cary and Wendy Valentine have written an extraordinary book filled with genuine advice, and their approach to improving a relationship goes beyond the obvious "talk to each other." This is a book written from the honest heartfelt perspective of real married people.

From the opening pages, I knew that the Valentines had my best interest at heart. They shared personal stories and intimate conversations in ways that are honest and sometimes heart wrenching. Although I have been happily married to my wonderful husband for nearly nine years, the tips for staying "juicy" are good reminders that we can choose every day to live joyously. I especially enjoyed the tips about learning how to listen better (and the "sexting" ideas were awesome).

Whether you're single or married, happy or not, there is much to learn in this straightforward no-nonsense approach. Since reading it, I find myself flirting more with my husband during the day, and we send more little "I love you" emails and texts, which have deepened our intimate spark. If you follow the steps, take your time, and are honest and open with one another, you'll discover just how this amazing couple managed to resurrect a divorce-prone marriage. This is a real gift and a joy to read.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
1118492
I've been married for a little over two years and I'm determined to not be one of those people with a stale relationship or another statistic. This book helps you to look at your marriage differently: open yourself up to conversations, to examine what you think/feel/believe about your marriage and the dreams attached to it, learning about the 80/20 rule (one of my favorite aspects of this book), they talk about intimacy(everyone should read at least that chapter alone), action, and so much more.

The authors are real. They don't sugar coat anything. They tell you that their approach is going to be life changing, but you'll have to expect some setbacks as you change your approach to your relationship/marriage. I was pleased to find that as I went through the book, some of what I believe/practice is included in this book, such as the Radical Action part of the book.

This book has a place in every young couple's lives, on the shelves of marriage counselors and therapists, or for anyone who is looking at ways to strengthen and improve their relationship.
763275
If you haven't had any success with traditional marriage therapy, this is the book for you and your spouse!  You will gain understanding beyond belief when you take hold of the principals in this life-changing book.  Guaranteed.  It saved our marriage.
3435702
My husband and I have been married going-on-three-years. I know, ancient. We have a great marriage. It's not perfect (neither of us are), but we've grown a lot and worked through things together. We understand each other better now, and we try to make sure we're fighting for each other, not with each other.

Even though we're blessed to be in our relationship and for it to be so strong already, I'm always trying to learn new ways I can better serve my husband. Because I love him. I thoroughly enjoyed Shelia's To Love, To Honor, and To Vacuum so when I had the opportunity to review her newest book Nine Thoughts that can Change Your Marriage, I jumped on it.

What Shelia does in this book is very important. She gives you the tools you need to change your marriage. A change starts with you. Oh, she doesn't ignore the reality that your husband may be at fault, but she shows that by changing how you think in 9 areas, you can make a difference in your marriage regardless of if he changes or not.

It sounds lofty, but here's the lovely part: each thought Shelia makes totally actionable.

Take her first thought, as an example: My husband is my neighbor.

Here are her action steps:

How well do you know your husband? Every day for the next two weeks, ask your husband something new about him - and share something about yourself.
Show your husband he is your priority. Put on makeup for him, greet him at the door, or kiss him before you kiss anybody else.
Tell your husband daily why you love him.
Make confession part of your prayer life every day - and apologize whenever you feel an inkling that you have done wrong.
Practice random acts of kindness. Choose two to three from pages 28-30 to make into habits.
Now, the books is not just a list of thoughts and action steps. Shelia takes time to talk about each point and really make them applicable, candidly sharing her experiences and how these thoughts and actions helped turn her marriage from one of frustration to one of fun.

This is a great book regardless of if you feel you and your husband are at odds. My husband and I have already worked through some of this in our time together. When I read why and how Shelia recommended going about some of these suggestions, I really felt validated that my husband and I were doing a good job of working together.

But that's not enough.

I want to make sure I don't let things stagnate, and I found this book full of practical suggestions to make sure I'm taking care of my husband and our marriage, which, after my relationship with God, is my top priority ... and the best gift I can give to our children.

Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.
2450893
One of the best marriage books I've ever read!  We've been married for over 25 years, and teach marriage classes. I'd say every person needs to read this one.
4022081
I've actually seen the authors live and read their other works, including "The New Intimacy" (another great book for couples). Their writing is creative, spot-on, funny, and amazingly insightful. Engaged couples are blessed to have this practical and soulfull guide as a trusty ally in starting off right. Worth every penny. Get it to the next stressed-out groom and bride you know.
1833818
How I wish I could have read this book 30 years ago before I got married. The mistakes that I made, and their consequences, have become very clear to me, and (more importantly) so has the path to some much-needed improvement. So many of this book's main points ring true for me. If my children were considering marriage, I would tell them to read it, and to have their spouses-to-be read it too. The book is refreshingly free of worn-out, unsubstantiated dogma. The many real-life examples of couples' interactions, both positive and negative, are highly instructive and clearly illustrate the points that the author is trying to make.
4535918
My husband and I read this book together and we loved it. I have recommended it to everyone and brought additional copies for other couples. It is helpful in any stage of marriage.
4874228
Where was this book 21 years ago when I got married?? It can be hard to write openly about sex without saying too much. Dr. Jones managed to educate without being too explicit in this book, and in the process, she gave Christian couples a tremendous gift. Many Christian girls grow up hearing that sex is bad and something to avoid; it can be hard to change that emotional mindset once the wedding vows have been said. Dr. Jones teaches us that our sexuality is a divine gift, and it is something that God gave us to bring us closer to our spouses.  She also understands that good sex begins with good communication. In order for me to have "good loving," I must be honest with myself and with my husband.

This book is not a list of things to do. It is informational; she gives examples of common issues, ideas on how to strengthen your marriage,and the freedom to be creative in our own marriages to communicate and decide what will work best for us. Dr. Jones gave me information, made me think, and never once made me feel uncomfortable. I closed the cover with concrete ideas on how to strengthen my marriage. I highly recommend it to every Christian couple; whether you are newlyweds or have been married for 50 years, you will learn something new that will help strengthen your marriage!