Spans history, culture, sources and genres in a wide-ranging analysis of marriage that considers everything from taboos and cultural roles to marital obligations and the experiences of famous couples. By the creators of Women's Letters.

Building a Marriage That Will Last a Lifetime Authors Greg and Erin Smalley open their hearts and share their lives in Before You Plan Your Wedding...Plan Your Marriage so that you can know not only how to build a marriage that will last, but also how to have the kind of marriage where you and your spouse feel safe and honored and valued. When you feel safe, your heart will be open -- and open hearts make for fulfilling, powerful relationships. Find out about the "fear dance" and how to stop dancing it. Discover the two biggest issues that threaten every marriage and how to stop them before they start. Learn what's more important than finding your soul mate and the significance of happiness in your union. As wonderful as a wedding is, it lasts only for a brief time -- yet marriage is meant to last a lifetime. This important book will show you how to plan your marriage before you plan your wedding.

In this delightful book on society's most debated institution, Shobhaa Dé writes about how and why marriages work-or don't. With her usual disregard for rules, she reinvents tradition and challenges old stereotypes, addressing all the issues that are central to most Indian marriages: the saas-bahu conundrum (how to escape the role-trap and enjoy each other), the need for honesty (aren't some secrets better left secret?), the importance of romance (no, expressions of love are not unmanly!), and not any less important, how to recognize the warning signs in a hopeless relationship and run before it's too late. Fun, savvy and, above all, pragmatic, this is the ultimate relationship book for all those who want to make the adventure of marriage last a lifetime.

From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid: Does your marriage need a tune-up, or maybe a complete overhaul? Either way, Marriage by the Book has answers for you. Rick and Rebekah Porterfield draw on over 25 years of marriage ministry experience, as well as their personal experience in restoring their own relationship, to bring you practical, Biblical guidance that makes a real difference. Here's what you'll learn: -The single root problem in all relationships.-The solution to the problem.-How to remove "walls" in your relationship.-How to restore lost love.-How to grow in intimacy.-And more!Look also for The Marriage By The Book Workbook which accompanies this book. Also available right here on Amazon.com.

How do we know when we're ready for marriage? What's the secret to having a great engagement? How can we get married without drowning in debt? Where better to turn for answers than those who have gone before--experts in the area of marriage, relationships, and finance who know from experience what it takes to make the days leading up to the wedding (and the years that follow) a success! How to Know When You're Ready for Marriage--Les and Leslie Parrot Secrets to Having a Great Engagement--David and Claudia Arp Getting Married Without Drowning in Debt--Ron Blue What to Do With Wedding Jitters--Robert and Rosemary Barnes Making Your Wedding More Than a Ceremony--David and Jan Stoop How to Have a Great Wedding Night--Cliff and Joyce Penner Getting Married When Your Parents Don't Approve--John Trent How to Handle the Wedding Bell Blues--H. Norman Wright For Those Getting Married Again--Thom Whiteman After the Honeymoon--Les and Leslie Parrott

Rings. Dress. Cake. You're engaged, and the checklist for the day of your dreams is a mile long. In the who, what, where, and how of planning, the why can be forgotten. Ready to Wed discusses 12 Traits of a thriving marriage and offers a variety of topics to guide and advise those preparing to say, "I do " Learn to: Define a vision statement unique to your marriage. Positively engage conflict to build a foundation of trust and forgiveness. "Leave and cleave," even if you are a child of divorce. Manage expectations--and your in-laws Navigate hot-button issues including, sex and the chore wars. Cope with change, stress, and crisis--especially in your first year. Build a community of support and find mentors. Assess your progress using the Couple Checkup. Loaded with advice, tips, and instructions, this valuable resource is ideal for soon-to-be-newlyweds and those who support them