The Walk Out Woman: When Your Heart Is Empty and Your Dreams Are Lost

I was thinking of walking out on my 25 plus years of marriage. This book helped me see all the good reasons to stay. It doesn't tell you not to leave, but helps you think through all the consequences of your choices.

Although I am a Christian, I have not come across many outstanding Christian books on marriage. I tend to find their views unrealistic, sugarcoated, or stereotypical, and their advice either biased or impossible to follow. (Is everything really going to get better if you just decide to submit to your husband more?!) This book exceeded my expectations. First, it has a correct, realistic view on humanity - us Christians are not exempt from sinning or immune to temptations, we also face disappointments, and struggle in our married lives. Read the excellent chapter "The Fantasy of Something Better": it shows you how anyone can start having secret yearnings about that kind, gentle man in the next pew, but also how flawed and dangerous those fantasies can be, and how to redirect your thoughts and actions. Second, the book is compassionate and helpful without enabling victim mentality. It keeps you accountable for what you and your husband have or have not done for your marriage, but without judgment and guilt-tripping. If this is not a true expression of God's grace, I don't know what is! Third, the advice offered in the book is both plentiful, realistic and applicable. I can't overemphasize the word "realistic". The authors don't promise a magical overnight solution to your problems but the insights and encouragement offered will help you see what is wrong with your marriage and how you can start working on it. If you are feeling restless and disappointed in your marriage, I highly recommend this book. Even if you don't have any major problems, this book is worth reading and learning from.

Although this book was primarily written for women who are thinking of leaving their marriage, it is also a book that will help keep your marriage strong and vibrant whether you are newlyweds or a couple celebrating your fortieth anniversary. There are suggestions for activities and conversation at the end of each chapter. Read it alone or even better, read it as a couple. Both men and women have written commenting on how much the book has helped their marriage. Chapter 4, "What Happened to the Good Times," Chapter 10, "Different Walls," Chapter 14, "The Fantasy of Something Better," and Chapter 17, "Dreaming New Dreams" are especially important if your marriage is hurting. Neil Clark Warren, founder of eharmony.com, has endorsed the book with this comment: For any man who wants to love his wife more deeply--and for any woman who is dying to be loved that way. The book offers wise and gentle advice to restore hope to your marriage. You'll discover proven methods for how you can move toward each other rather than away, build up instead of tear down, and find love rather than lose it. God's blessings for you as your read it.

"This book comes highly recommended by me for all married couples. No matter what stage your are in your marriage, this book has great potential to keep you on track. Read this book to help you understand and avoid possible mistakes in your marriage walk, even if you are not aware of existing problems. It can help you recognize the value of what's really there, good or bad. Both of the authors wisdom come from many years of counseling. They are very well grounded in the topic they write about, presenting many original stories, as well as the wisdom they have learned from their own successful marriages. This book is very well written and laid out. It is possible to read just about any chapter that interests you without having to read the book from beginning to end first."

Despite the title and picture on the front (woman walking away), this book encourages you to stay in your marriage and fix what's broken. It has 17 chapters, all worth your reading. I got the most out of 1) chap 6: the Downside of Divorce; 2) chap 9: This Lady has the Blues; 3) chap 10: Different Walls; and 4) chap 5: Take Care of Yourself. I've given this book to all my very best friends, regardless of the state of their marriage. This Christian book has much to offer for both young & old marriages. Reading it can only improve your marriage and your own sanity!! My husband liked the book too and insisted on doing the exercises. It's not a big put-down on the male race but a loving, Christian based guide to improving your relationship with your best friend. Add this to your shopping cart. You will not be disappointed!!