Monday, March 14, 2011

Book Tour ~ What's It Like To Be Married To Me?

"What's It Like to Be Married to Me? ...and other dangerous questions" by Linda Dillow


Publisher's Summary:


Women everywhere wonder if there is more to marriage than what they have. Best-Selling author Linda Dillow, helps women shape their marriage by design rather than letting circumstances shape it by default. What's It Like to Be Married to Me? And Other Dangerous Questions, is a book about knowing the difference between having a desire for a better marriage and setting the goal of having a better marriage—as women look in the mirror to see how they can change. Extremely intimate and honest, Dillow shares the best and worst things she has done in her nearly fifty years of marriage, guides women to make their own Marriage Purpose Statement, and leads them into God’s heart for what their marriage could be. 

About the Author:

Linda Dillow is no stranger to publishing and adventure. She's the author of Creative Counterpart, Calm My Anxious Heart, The Blessings Book, Satisfy My Thirsty Soul, and co-author of the Best-Selling book Intimate Issues. Linda and her husband Jody lived in Europe and Asia for 17 years training Christian leaders in closed countries with Biblical Education by Extension, during this time, Linda traveled extensively in Romania, Russia, Hungary, Poland and Asia. She taught women and helped them launch women's ministries. She is a mother of four children, as well as a grandmother.

My Thoughts:

When I first was asked to review this book, in all honesty, I wanted to run the other way.  I mean, the title is one loaded question!  One which I knew I would not like a lot of  the answers to.  But I kept going back to the email and finally in a quick push of the button before I could change my mind, I sent for it.  Again, in all honesty, once I started it I could not put it down.  I could best describe this book as an honest look of where I am as wife and how to live out marriage on a day to day basis.  In my thoughts, attitudes, and actions.  It takes an open, very honest, and very vulnerable look at different areas that may present difficulties in a marriage.  Some of the questions it asks is:
     -What is really important to me?
     -What does it feel like to be my husband?
     -Am I willing to change my attitude?
     -Why do I want to stay mad at you?
And that is just a sampling.

Yes, it is introspective, and yes, it was hard, very hard,  to take a look at the areas where I fall very short (and which, if I continue on being honest here, I knew darn well were issues for me hence, running from it at first).  But what I really liked about this book is how it made very clear that we are only responsible to the Lord for ourselves.  But the author did not leave me feeling totally beat up and bruised with all my wrongs in my face with only things to do in my own strength.  I felt very encouraged in this book with the exercises and constant pointing to the Lord as our Creator, Forgiver, Healer, Strength and Help. I couldn't just read it through.  I had to take notes even though I was trying to get it done for the tour.  I will actually be going back to it and doing the study in back more prayfully and not so quickly.   The study is also geared to do as a women's bible study group.  If your heart's desire is to be a godly wife and you want to draw closer with your husband and you're willing to be vulnerable and honest with yourself then I would say to definitely read this book.

Thanks to Coast to Coast Publicity for providing the book free for review.  The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

The book is available for purchase at Amazon, Christian Book and Family Christian.

2 comments:

Faith said...

Wow!! that IS a loaded title isn't it?? Somehow I think I'd like reading through this though just so maybe I could improve my SELF in my marriage.....marriage is tough work that is for sure....hey Susanne!! YOu should write a post for one of the Marriage Mondays some time...try it! I'd love to read it....(it's hosted by E-mom)

Susanne said...

Faith: That is exactly what this book is about, is improving yourself and walking out marriage day to day, having a good marriage by design not by default, by goal and not by just desire. I think you'd like this book!