Sunday we featured Sandy Ralya’s post “Why I Wrote the Beautiful Wife” in our On Reading column. Check it out for insight into what the book and the active work of marriage mentoring means to her.
I had the opportunity to preview The Beautiful Wife as well as The Beautiful Wife Prayer Journal and The Beautiful Wife Mentor’s Guide.
I have not completed the entire book, nor have I had the opportunity to use the prayer journal or the mentor’s guide, but here’s what I have appreciated so far. Sandy Ralya’s style is straightforward and simple. She draws you in with her honesty about her personal experience, girds her teaching with scripture, and then issues challenges and action steps at the end of each chapter. There is a “First Steps” section to move towards change, and a “Reflections” section to encourage deeper thinking and also accountability or sharing with a friend.
Being transparent about the ups and downs of marriage with close friends has helped me weather those storms. Hearing about struggles or victories that my friends have had has encouraged me, as I hope my honesty encourages them.
Ralya’s vision of a community of support around the issue of marriage is not just words. She’s lived it, and you can tell when you read her book.
This book covers it all: taking care of yourself, keeping the mystery alive, sex, communication, money, work. Find out more about who the beautiful wife is at Sandy’s guest post about why she wrote The Beautiful Wife.
The Prayer Journal is more a workbook or a journal than what I’d think of as a prayer journal, and I can’t wait to record my journey in it. It gives practical steps to take to improve your marriage, and allows you to document your progress.
Please leave a comment here if you’d like to win a copy of the book. It’s open to U.S. and Canadian shipping addresses. We’ll announce the winner in our 3/7 giveaway column. The giveaway is closed.
Check out the blog tour page to find out even more about Sandy’s testimony and how you can enter to win a Kindle.
- The winner of the Lovesick giveaway is #5, Carol Wong
- The winner of the Home Front audiobook is #15, Staci A.
Don’t miss a thing: Check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed or video reviews on YouTube. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter or on Facebook.
Jennifer Donovan has been a beautiful wife (or at least a wife) for 19 years. She blogs about life with her husband and two kids at Snapshot.
Kristin D says
Being newly engaged, this book definitely caught my eye – I would love to win it!
anne says
Many thanks for this lovely giveaway.
Barbara H. says
Sounds interesting!
Carrie, Reading to Know says
Yup! This one caught my attention the other day and I’m very curious about it. Would love to win a copy!
Margaret says
Sounds like a great book! Thank you!
Margaret
singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com
Beth says
This sounds like an excellent book!
tennille says
Nice looking book
Cindi says
My husband and I are dealing with an empty nest and other problems…This books sounds wonderful!
Many thanks, Cindi
Beth says
I would VERY much like to win a copy of this; I’ve been married long enough (25 years!) that it would be wonderful to see what I might be doing right, and what more I could do better. 🙂
Natalia says
Nice book!
Jennifer says
You won! Please reply to this email notification with your shipping info.
Jennifer
John says
Would like to win.
Jessica T says
This looks amazing!
Julie says
Sounds like a good book!
Liz says
Thank you for the review and giveaway.
Beth C says
Such a pretty book! I’d love to be entered.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Susan says
Sounds good! Thanks for the chance to enter!
Krista says
I probably really need this book… 😛
Angela says
This book looks so interesting!
Pam Pierson says
Married for 27 years and the team effort is always a work in progress.
Would love to read this book!
Alison S. says
I’m adding this book to my list even if I don’t win it. I think I need to read it!