Recommended Books

for a great life, and great relationships

Learning about the Five Love Languages will likely create a paradigm shift in how you give and receive and understand acts of love.  This newer book, for singles, will help you understand your relationships, past, present and future ones, with an enlightened wisdom. 

If you read any of the Five Love Language books (for couples, for children) you will get the gist, so reading all of them is not particularly necessary, but read at least one of them!!!  I highly recommend them! 

I was trained by John in the "No Jerks" program for which he has gained international acclaim. His program, which I lead, is the basis for this book. 

This book presents his trademarked Relationship Attachment Model (RAM), which breaks down the five dynamic bonding forces that influence a relationship. Van Epp helps you simply and succinctly identify--and break--destructive dating patterns. Most important, he shows you how to recognize "The Right One" when he or she comes along.

"In this practical, playful, yet spiritual guide, Charlotte Davis Kasl, author of the highly successful Finding Joy: 101 Ways to Free
Your Spirit and Dance with Life, shows you what it would
be like to have the ancient wisdom of the Buddha to guide you through the dating process. "

Scott, who grew up in the Lehigh Valley of Pa., has become a personal friend of mine.  I am completely delighted to recommend his book.

In his book, Dr. Scott guides men in how to best use their own unique, masculine traits and skills, especially those that men use best at work, as leaders, problem-solvers, and managers, to be an motivated spouse and lover, resolve differences and be a proactive partner.    Buy this book for all the men in your life!

This book was just released, and is already getting great reviews.  See Scott interviewed on all the major media stations.

The Five Love Languages:
How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate
by Gary Chapman

In The Five Love Languages, you will find a couple's guide to help you work as a team. Before you know it, you'll learn to speak and understand the unique languages of love and effectively express your love as well as feel truly loved in return.

Every couple should read this.  Learn how to easily fill your Love Bank Account.

I was recently trained by Harville and his wife, Helen Hunt, in their new program, "Couplehood as a Spiritual Path".  This book, "Getting the Love You Want" is his classic.  Harville recently appeared (many, many times over the years) on Oprah in one her all-time favorite shows, on how his Imago techniques help heal conflict and hurt in relationships.  Learn about Imago here.

"Here is an extraordinary practical guide to resolving problems, using 16 exercises to enhance communication, stop self-defeating behavior, and achieve mutual emotional satisfaction. With Hendrix's advice, the all-too-common marital power struggle can be gradually transformed into a mutually beneficial process of spiritual and emotional growth "

"John Gottman has revolutionized the study of marriage. Here is the culmination of his life's work. Packed with practical questionnaires and exercises, this book is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential. "

Men are right. The “relationship talk” does not help. Dr. Patricia Love’s and
Dr. Steven Stosny’s How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It
reveals the stunning truth about marital happiness:

Love is not about better communication.
It's about connection.

You'll never get a closer relationship
with your man by talking to him like you
talk to one of your girlfriends.

This "Money Habitudes" deck of cards provides an excellent and fun way for couples to talk about each of your habits and attitudes about money.  Makes an excellent engagement or small, but highly useful wedding gift. 

You'll see in which ways your money values coincide and where they depart.  So, rather than not know or understand your own and your partner's beliefs and habits about money, and then fight about your differences later on, talk now, using these cards as your prompts.

New Couple:
Why the Old Rules Don't Work and What Does
by Maurice Taylor, M.A., and Seana McGee, M.A

Their style is so engaging, and their insights, so enlightening.  I especially appreciate their Ten New Laws of Love.

"Taylor and McGee provide the keys for a deeper understanding of modern partners' "higher order needs" and the tools for their fulfillment within the context of a committed, loving, and honest relationship.

For all couples—living together or married, straight or gay, with children or without—The New Couple offers tools for emotionally and sexually fulfilling relationships that last."

"Kathlyn and Gay Hendricks take on two of the most pressing problems that sap vitality and energy from our committed relationships: how to forge a closer relationship that still allows each partner full creative autonomy, and how to generate the passion and preserve the harmony essential to keeping long-term partnerships alive and blooming. "

I was recently trained by these world-famous authors in their world-renowned, excellent PREP program (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program).

Highly respected researchers in the marriage education field, this book is so readable and offers insights and tools that will help your marriage or relationship succeed and deepen. 

A superb book for Jewish or interfaith couples to understand and learn how their Jewish connection can enhance or strain their marriage.  Offers superb tools and insights for succeeding in a Jewish marriage.

"Fighting for Your Jewish Marriage is a bid to preserve shalom bayit (peace in the home) in the face of rising divorce rates among Jewish and interfaith couples. Written by a team of psychologists and marriage counselors (including Joel Crohn, the author of Mixed Matches, and Howard Markman)..."

My favorite parenting book when my 2 sons were growing up. In fact, I kept 2 copies within easy reach for those moments when I might "lose it".  Builds good communication skills that builds trust and understanding.  Works with spouses too!

I have read excerpts and many, many other articles written by Ken.  He helps you discover your own life purpose and kicks you in the butt enough to move into action.  I recommend anything by Ken.  He's also a phenomenal nature photographer.

I found this book to be highly authentic and personal, and joy-giving!

Charlotte is one of my favorite authors.

by Rhonda Byrne (hardcover)