Rick & Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage by Rick Burgess & Bill "Bubba" Bussey

The way Rick and Bubba see it, "marriage wasn't meant to be perfect. It was to teach us how to love an imperfect person perfectly." And it cuts both ways. Their stated goal in writing the book is that you look at your marriage with new eyes. Appreciate what you have.

Although Martha Bolton helped translate Rick and Bubba's radio humor to the page, it still seems aimed mostly at men. Thin-skinned women might even be offended by some of the jokes. The text is a little disjointed as you get to read from Rick, Bubba's, and sometimes even their wives' point of view. Perhaps keeping each chapter to one person might have helped, but even more helpful is the CD included with the book. By listening to the radio program, I was able to get a better handle on each man's personality. And I laughed, no – guffawed, several times while listening.

What I found most refreshing about the book was hearing from two men who love God and their wives and speak reverently about marriage. They clearly love and respect their wives, even if they don't always understand them – and therein lies the abundant source of humor. Sprinkled amidst all the jokes, you'll find some sound advice. I especially appreciated the chapter called "Enemies of the Mate" and the "Top Ten Comebacks for People Who Tell You to Give Up on Your Marriage." This chapter delivers, giving the most guidance as promised in the title – Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage.

Product Details:
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Pap/Com edition (June 2, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1401603998
ISBN-13: 978-1401603991

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A Slow Burn by Mary E. DeMuth

When I hear that a new book by Mary DeMuth has been released, it immediately goes on my wish list. With little time to read these days, I make time to read Mary's books. A Slow Burn is the second in the Defiance Texas Trilogy. I read Daisy Chain and loved it, so I was eager to make my way back to the small Texas town that held so much mystery. The characters burrow their way into your heart, and like real life, their actions are unpredictable. This second book in the trilogy is a beautifully told tale of heartache and hope, all wrapped up in the story of grace. I can hardly wait for the third book!

Product Details:
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; 1 edition (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310278376
ISBN-13: 978-0310278375

To read the review of Daisy Chain, click HERE.
Visit Mary's website: http://www.relevantprose.com/

Seeking Daily the Heart of God by Boyd Bailey

As I began reading Boyd Bailey's book, Seeking Daily the Heart of God, I actually turned to the front to look at the title again. At the top of the book, it says the book is part of a 'Daily Devotional Series.' These devotionals weren't written in the style to which I'd grown accustomed to read or that I write myself. To me, each of the 365 pieces is more like an encouraging, thought-provoking, mini-sermon.

My personal style and one popular in recent years is to convey a scriptural principle through the retelling of everyday events. Mr. Bailey's devotions are more 'old school' – a bit longer, a whole lot deeper, and designed with one intent - to whet your appetite to spend more time with God and His Word. Boyd ably accomplishes his goal. Two of my favorites are "Heaven's Handprints" and "Less Is More."

For a 'Daily Dose" from Boyd Bailey, visit Wisdom Hunters. Visit Family Christian Stores HERE to read a sample chapter.

A Year in the Life of a "Working" Writer - by Ernie Witham

I've been reading Ernie Witham's columns for several years, and love his sense of humor. I looked forward to reading A Year in the Life of a "Working" Writer.

I opened the book, read the first sentence of the first chapter and had to put the book down. Why? I had to find a tissue to wipe my eyes I had laughed so hard. Ernie is that funny. Not only does he bring a different perspective to almost any situation, he does it in a good-natured, self-deprecating, and hilarious way. I also had a lot of fun reading about how he comes up with ideas. His tips for writing would be helpful to writers in all genres. Fun book!

Ernie's Bio: Ernie Witham writes the humor column "Ernie's World" which appears in the Montecito Journal in Montecito, California and is syndicated through Senior Wire News Service. His humor has appeared in many publications and anthologies, including a dozen best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul books. He is the humor workshop leader at the prestigious week long Santa Barbara Writers Conference and has led other workshops in Cape Cod, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Springfield IL. He lives in Santa Barbara, California with his wife and has a large family, many of whom appear in his humor stories. He likes writing "location humor" where he goes to a place or event to find a story.

Product Details:
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Daniel & Daniel Pub (September 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1564744876
ISBN-13: 978-1564744876

Read more about Ernie, his books, and his latest columns at Ernie's World.

Find Your Strongest Life by Marcus Buckingham

What does it mean to 'have it all'? In the introduction to Find Your Strongest Life, Marcus Buckingham gives his definition and shares his 'secret' to living a strong life. In Part 1, he identifies reasons woman aren't living lives to their fullest potential. In Part 2, you'll start to learn how to live, not just a strong life, but your strongest life, what that will look like, and identify the role you were born to play with advice on finding your own strengths and then work with what you've got. Part 3 consists of 'Strong Life Tactics" for different types of relationships. At the end of every chapter is a section called "What to Take Away from this Chapter" with a list to help the reader review and contemplate the information. Many self-help books give a set formula. The Strong Life Test makes this book helpful for women in all kinds of roles with advice customized for each type of woman. I like the methodical way Buckingham lays out prevalent problems and then shares solutions step by step.

What I don't like is the absence of the true source of strength – a relationship with Jesus Christ. I'm surprised Thomas Nelson published this book. If you're looking for a Christian perspective, it is noticeably absent here. The author advises women to find their own strengths, and while that advice may be good, it is far from complete. Where is the advice to find your God-given strengths while relying on Him to help you live your best life?

If you're looking for an analytical approach to your role as a woman, you might find that Mr. Buckingham's book has merit, but if you're looking for a spiritually uplifting approach, keep looking.

Product Details:
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 29, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400202361
ISBN-13: 978-1400202362

Preview the book.

Have a New Husband by Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman

The title of the book seemed simplistic. And besides - a lot of women like their husbands. But for those wives whose marriages are less than what they bargained for, this is a quick read with a lot of practical advice. Filled with personal and funny anecdotes, Dr. Leman,  a psychologist, begins by saying, "There's a mistaken notion in society today that equality means 'sameness." Yes, men and women are equal, but one thing I'm positively sure of: they are not the same."

From that point on, Dr. Leman gives insights about how a man thinks, feels, and even how his relationship with his mother will impact his relationship with his wife. Very interesting stuff!

The chapter for each day has lists such as: Rules to Live By, How to Think Differently, and a list for 'What to Do' each day. Each chapter has an "Ask Dr. Leman" Q & A with real-life dilemmas and practical solutions.

Dr. Kevin is down to earth and quite straightforward with his advice. If your marriage could use some tweaking and you appreciate advice given with a healthy dose of humor, you'll find this book helpful and enjoyable.

Product Details:
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719123
ISBN-13: 978-0800719128
 
Available October 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
 
About Dr. Kevin Leman:

An internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker, Dr. Kevin Leman has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and commonsense psychology.

The New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of Have a New Kid by Friday and The Birth Order Book has made hundreds of house calls for radio and television programs, including FOX & Friends, The View, Fox’s The Morning Show, Today, Oprah, CBS’s The Early Show, Janet Parshall’s America, Live with Regis Philbin, CNN’s American Morning, Life Today with James Robison, and Focus on the Family. Dr. Leman has served as a contributing family psychologist to Good Morning America.

Dr. Leman is also the founder and president of Couples of Promise, an organization designed and committed to helping couples remain happily married. He is a founding faculty member of iQuestions.com.


Dr. Leman’s professional affiliations include the American Psychological Association, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, the National Register of Health Services Providers in Psychology, and the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology.

In 1993, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award of North Park University in Chicago. In 2003, he received from the University of Arizona the highest award that a university can extend to its own: the Alumni Achievement Award.


Dr. Leman attended North Park University. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona, where he later earned his master’s and doctorate degrees. Originally from Williamsville, New York, he and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They have five children and two grandchildren.