The Dude's Guide to Marriage by Darrin and Amie Patrick

"Husbands love your wives."

That snippet from the Bible is not a suggestion. Sadly, many men consider it an impossibility because their wives are so hard to understand. While men and women do communicate differently it does not give license to give up on each other.

In his book, The Dude's Guide to Marriage, Darrin Patrick and his wife Amie, list 10 skills that a man must develop in order to love his wife. While the list is not exhaustive it is a great foundation for any man to build. I found myself nodding in agreement several times while reading this book as I viewed each chapter.

New husbands, seasoned husbands, or those wanting to be husbands would do well to reach this book more than once for the betterment of their marriage and life. I give this book five stars all the way.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

Four Secrets to a Forever Marriage by Michael Letney awith Karen Hardin

Are there secrets to a great marriage?

In his book for secrets to a forever marriage Michael Letney details how he is not the perfect husband but with the four secrets that he has learned he has helped his marriage remain solid through life's difficult times.

The four secrets that he mentions are: transparency, truth, trust, and unity. While there are probably more things that could be used in a marriage what I appreciate about the Four Secrets is that when they are combined and understood they form a great foundation upon which to build a solid marriage.

I will not go into all of the secrets. However, I will focus on thhe one that stood out to me the most; transparency. I have seen a lot of things happen in this world that could have been avoided because of transparency. We are afraid to let people see our faults, especially with loved ones such as a spouse, and as a result we do a great detriment. Marriage needs to be built on trust and one of the ingredients in trust is transparency. If anything ruins the trust then there will be no trust.

As a result, transparency is vital and when I appreciated about the transparency section of this book is its simplicity Letney brings forth why it is so key and I understand why he put it first. One of the areas in which Letney really points out how transparency is critical is in the area of intimacy.

Intimacy is something that is needed in a marriage and it has to be there between a husband and spouse. The perfect way to get that done is through transparency. To be open and to be organic with each other, hiding nothing, and willing to be seen for what someone truly is and not how they want to be perceived. Transparency is not easy which is why many do not engage in it. However, those that do will begin the journey of a lasting marriage.

There are many marriage books out there. Is this one of those marriage books that will be the go to book for every marriage? Probably not.  However it is definitely a book that should be in the arsenal of tools used to make sure that a marriage remain strong and is intimate.

* I receive a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Through a Man's Eyes by Shaunti Feldhahn & Craig Gross

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

I am going to start off with a fact: most men are visual creatures. I think I just heard a "duh" from my audience. While most would agree with that many women do not have an understanding of what that means.

In her book Through a Man's Eyes, Shaunti Feldhahn's goal (with help from Craig Gross) is to help women understand what that means and by doing so, deepen the relationship with her spouse and any male children she may have.

While this book is written for women, I found myself internally proclaiming, "Finally, a woman is trying to explain how God created us."

God made men visual for a reason and Feldhahn explains to her female audience that the men in her life are not weird or pigs; they are men. They struggle with temptations and thoughts and must bring those temptations to God and pray for strength to fight them off.

This yet another book of Feldhahn's that I HIGHLY recommend for any woman, married or single, as a guide on how to love men as visual beings and encourage them to fight the temptation to turn God's design into disaster. 

Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review.

"Marriage is to make us more holy than happy."

While that sounds rather religious and Puritan in sound, Gary Thomas' book Sacred Marriage shows how marriage can make us more like God.

Marriage teaches us to love sacrificially, to humble ourselves, to extend forgiveness, to strive towards a mutual goal (teamwork building), and build character to new a few benefits.

Many go into marriage thinking it will make them happy on some level. Thomas wants couples to enter marriage thinking of how God can use their marriage to honor Him. With that mindset, seeking to serve my spouse is mirroring what Jesus did for us: served us by dying sacrificially.

Would that more marriage partners serve each other by sacrificing. Were that so, divorce may not have gained the ground that it has.

Brave Enough by Nicole Unice

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.

What fear prevents you from doing a particular action? If that fear was eliminated, how soon would you get that action done?

In Brave Enough, Nicole Unice wants women to no longer live in fear but to be bold and free in Christ. Unice challenges her readers to get in the game, not back down from a conflict, know their limits, and be brave daily.

While this book was written primarily to women I found the content to be applicable to more than just the intended audience. Every Christian should feel brave because of the strength that is in Christ. We are brave enough because of who we serve.

Sex Matters by Jonathan McKee

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Sex Matters is a companion book to More Than Just a Talk also by Jonathan McKee. The purpose is to answers questions that may have arisen from his More Than Just a Talk book and expound more what was discussed in More Than Just a Talk.

I found this book to be very helpful in light of his first book on the subject. It is a really short book but answers the most popular questions and gives Biblical answers to those questions.

While intended for parents, I feel that anyone can benefit from the information in this book and its companion book.

Facing the Blitz by Jeff Kemp

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

The Blitz. In football, a blitz occurs when the defense sends as many men as possible to disrupt the offensive play of their opponent. It is designed to confuse, breakdown, and eventually send the opponent into a scramble so that they do not execute their intended goal.

In life, blitzes happen as well. In his book Facing the Blitz, Jeff Kemp give three strategies for turning life "blitzes" into opportunities to succeed. The three strategies are: Take the Long View, Be Willing to Change, and Reach Out to Others.

These three strategies are then look at more in depth as Kemp shows how they affect all of life. From working from a small vision to a large vision, working on personal growth, to living outside one's self, Kemp show how life's "blitzes" will come and that by taking the right approach what could be a setback can be turned into a celebration. 

13 Women You Should Never Marry by Mary Colbert

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Marriage: the final frontier. He he, okay, all kidding aside, marriage is a wonderful thing. It is a gift from God that should be enjoyed and nurtured.

However, that doesn't mean everyone is at a state to be married. While it is true that no one is perfect, there are some who need to resolve some personal issues before getting married.

In her book, Mary Colbert writes to young men about the types of women they should NOT marry. She gives 13 types of women to avoid and gives names like Trophy Tina, Blinded Brenda, and Nervous Nellie to use as examples of traits these women have. From there, Mrs. Colbert, gives examples of young women who avoid the traits of the "do-not-marrys" instead living a life of God-filled femininity.

I really enjoyed this book as wisdom, packed with humor, was given to educate young men and to raise awareness of whom to consider and who to avoid.  As a married man, I found this very helpful and will use it when the time comes for my sons to court a young lady.

When a Man Loves a Woman by James Ford Jr.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

This little book gives some great advice for a man on how to love his woman. Using Jacob as an example Mr. Ford gives examples of what Jacob did and then how men can learn from his actions.

Topics include: affirming your wife, expressing your affections for your wife, working for your wife, to name a few. What I really appreicate about all the topics is that there are for all stages of life.

That is what is key. This book is something that can be referenced multiples times for maturing men in their marriages. Whether it is used for a men's study or personal study, either way it will benefit all men who read it.

The Uncommon Marriage Adventure by Tony & Lauren Dungy

*I received this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.

This is another title in the "Uncommon" series by Tony Dungy. However, this is different in that it is more a devotional book. Instead of chapters there are days and weeks (example day 1: week two).

The intent is that couples read each day and then apply what they learn. In this sense it is as if the Dungys are mentoring a couple.

This is done by personal life stories, anecdotes, and challenges. I really found the personal element very effective. No marriage is perfect and to hear of those who stayed dedicated during the imperfect times is a great encouragement.

Thus, another great book by the Dungys and one that inspires couples that a great marriage can be obtained.

Uncommon Manhood by Tony Dungy

This little book is filled with some great wisdom and advice from Tony Dungy to men. It highlights matters such as: character, courage, how to treat women, faith, money, career, and more.

Each section is not long but packed with insight and a mentor-like feel that makes this book an easy read but dynamite impression.

Don't wait until Father's Day to get this book. Get it now and give it to the men in your life. You'll be glad you did.

The Christian Lover by Michael A.G. Haykin with Victoria J. Haykin

*I received this book from Reformation Trust in exchange for my honest review.

This book is a collection of letters written by various Christians starting with Martin Luther and ending in the mid 1940's. It is an open look into how marriage influence some great couples and how they viewed their marriage from God.

Each letter, with its unique style, causes an appreciation of marriage that has a lasting impact. Reading Martin Luther, for example, shows how much the reformer valued and loved his wife...as a man. He was a great giant of the faith, yet was humbled by the love of his wife.

This is but a small taste of the letters contained in this book. Others were written in such beautiful language that the poetic genius is to be well appreciated.

I recommend that this book be read by couples to encourage, strengthen, and impassion their marriage. It will challenge men to be better husbands and women to be better wives.

For the men, I found myself thinking, "do I love my wife in this way?". To see great men of the past love their wives so deeply and intimately stirred within me the desire to have the same relationship with my wife. I want to be able to write such words that come from a life of love. Words that have backing; words that have guts.

For the women, it was a challenge to live so that letters could be written to them because their husbands appreciate and love them dearly. A man should not have a hard time expressing himself to his wife when he loves her with all his being. A wife that loves her husband in the same way will allow him to be open and draw forth the expression.

Once again, I recommend this book to all married couples. It will be worth your while to read together and then make your own letters of love.

The Good News About Marriage by Shaunti Feldhahn

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Divorce rate is at 50%. Christians and non-Christians have the same divorce rate. Marriage is barely surviving as couples are not happy.

Most likely you have heard these statements or something similar. Guess what? Shaunti Feldhahn, in her book The Good News About Marriage, has debunked these statements.

By using current research, as well as analyzing previous data, Feldhahn points out that much of the information in the marriage arena is based on conjecture and forecasting; some from 20+ years ago.

That's right. It is not based on fact but on projections and forecasting of the researcher.

The good news. Divorce is closer to 20%, married couples are happier than previously thought, and divorced couples who remarry have about a 30% divorce rate.

Shaunti Feldhahn has done it again. Get this book and see for yourself.

Dear Son by David Bruskas

Dave Bruskas had a son whom he had for what seemed like a brief moment. His son died due to a congenital heart defect shorty after birth. In remembrance of the short time he had with his son, he wrote letters about lessons he would have taught, character traits he hoped to see developed, and a foundation upon which to build his legacy.

Each letter in the book is accompanied by a challenge as to why the letter was written. In these challenges, Bruskas points out potential areas of concern for young men but also goals that should be pursued as a man, husband, father, and Christian.

Areas such as providing, being a good citizen, leading, and others are all brought together in an effort to show just how power and amazing a man can be. Yet, this does not mean that responsibility is to be ignored.

On the contrary, Bruskas points out that responsibility is what separates the boys from the men. As such, he continuously edifies the male audience reading his book to embrace the responsibility given to him at whatever time in life he is. It is be embracing this responsibility that God blesses and uses because God knows this man can be trusted.

I LOVED this book. As a father of a five month old son I saw many traits I want to pass to my son but realizing that it must be done by example. I was so challenged by this book that I lent it to my father so that he can use it when mentoring men whom he exhorts.

Click on the image to see a video of Dear Son. It will be worth your time.

Uncommon Marriage by Tony & Lauren Dungy

The Dungys have done something that many married couples do not do: they opened up their lives to their readers. From successes and struggles, to disagreements and understandings, the Dungys book will give insight into the journey of their marriage.

It started with Tony, as a football player, being introduced to Lauren, who felt football players were ego-driven athletes, and from there realizing that there is more to people than our perceptions.

They found the differences in each other became a balancing of sorts in areas where each was not gifted. Those differences would be needed as several moves, possible job opportunities not coming through, and adoption of children (one with special needs) would push, strain, and test the their relationship and marriage.

However, through it all, the Dungys held firm to this foundational truth: God is in control of our lives. When all seemed to unravel they would pray. When things did not make sense: prayer. When guidance was needed the asked God for direction.

Their story is one of triumph, not because they had continuous victory but because they sought God and kept going through His strength. This book will be a great encouragement to those married couples in whatever area of life they may be. I highly recommend this book (preview 1st chapter here)

Real Men Don't Text by Ruthie & Michael Dean

 Take a good look at the title. Yes, you read that right. Now, I have an idea what you may be thinking, "What? Men don't text...at all." Before assumptions are made let me assure you that the authors are not forbidding men from texting.

What they are saying is that a real man should conduct most of his romantic relationship in person. If a man is texting a woman as the majority means of communication the authors hate to break it to you but "he's not interested in you."

Throughout the book, the authors give anecdotal, and personal, information on why a man should step up and call a woman to arrange a date.

Michael & Ruthie Dean

For example, a man who calls a woman to ask her out is showing that she is worth his time. Why? Because, unlike text messages, he is will to hear and be heard by the woman he is seeking. Text messages are quick and impersonal. Ladies, do you want an impersonal man? Say no to a text invite and inform him to call, i.e. MAN UP!

I found this book to be funny and insightful. I have told my young men's Sunday School class to ask a woman out properly and to see a book with a similar mindset is very encouraging. Thus, those of us in the technologically-connected world would do well to take a page from the old school mentality: call on the phone.

The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages by Shaunti Feldhahn

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

Having a happy marriage is the thing of Hollywood, right? Such things only exist in the imaginations of men and women and will never materialize. It is the carrot before the mule. This is what we are led to believe. Yet, this need not be. Great, happy marriages are possible and Shaunti Feldhahn has some surprising secrets of how it may be done.

In her book, Feldhahn tells stories and gives research that points to secrets that build the foundation leading to a highly, happy marriage. From attitude and perception, to physical and emotional closeness, Feldhahn gives ample evidence that the best marriage can be obtained by all if couples take to heart the secrets discussed.

I really appreciate that the book is not long. There is no psychological language but rather simply, easy-to-understand dialogue. In this way, just about anyone can read the information and see how he/she can apply it to his/her situation.

Once again, Shaunti Feldhahn has written a fabulous book that deserves to be in your library. If you don't have it yet, plan on getting it. It will be worth your time and money.

Making Happy by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrot

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Worthy Publishing.

Is it possible to have a happy marriage? It sure it but only in the movies, right? What if it was proven that happiness can be cultivated? Drs. Les & Leslie Parrot have done just that.

In their new book, the Parrots give research on how being happy is more about making active choices to be happy than it is about circumstances making one happy.

Whether it is counting your current blessing, trying something new like dancing, cooking, or hiking, celebrating each other, serving, or dreaming, the Parrots show that it is the memories that make a marriage happy.

From there, the Parrots give a three week study guide on how to improve/increase the “happy factor” in a marriage. While not easy, the effort put forth should draw a couple closer together which in turn will up the happiness in a marriage.

I really enjoyed the wisdom that came in the form of simplicity. It is often the little things combined that are the most potent and this book is no different. I was challenged to make an effort in the little areas of life so that my marriage will be one of happiness and growth.

I would suggest that soon to be married, or recently married couples read this book so that a strong foundation can be laid. This should lead to a happy marriage and ideally one that does not have a lot of history to overcome because the little things were neglected.