What was your first impression?

This is a short, attractive looking book with an impressive claim on the
front cover. Inside it looks easy to read with plenty of quotations and
lists of practical suggestions. Each chapter ends with a "60 second
page" summarising it, and for the really rushed there's a "One second
page" summarising the whole book.

What's it about?

On the front cover the subtitle reads "Transform your relationship in
an hour", and that's what the book sets out to do. Rob Frost covers
10 areas which are common areas of difficulty in many marriages. Rather
than give in depth analysis and advice, he uses anecdotes and illustrations
to demonstrate what causes these problems and why. He tackles some of
the many myths surrounding relationships and shows how these can be debunked.
Subjects covered range from poor communication, and conflict resolution
to debt and sex, all approached in a very down to earth and practical way.

This book is aimed at those struggling with marriage, newly weds and almost
weds, and those with a good marriage who just want to make sure it continues
to grow. It's written from a Christian perspective, but this isn't explicit,
so it would be just as suited to a non-Christian couple. Frost's motivation
in writing is to prevent yet more children from being hurt by divorce, but his
book is just as relevant to those without children.

What did you like about it?

I expected this book to be trite, or to be over-simplistic, given
what it sets out to do. However this is far from true. Rob Frost
obviously speaks from a broad experience of helping struggling couples. He
doesn't underplay the pain people go through, or how hard things can sometimes
be to put right. I think in our culture at the moment people are often
too ready to decide that a marriage is "dead" and they should move
on, so I appreciated Frost's commitment to the idea that any marriage can be
helped, if both parties are willing to work at it. I also valued his emphasis
that whatever problem you are struggling with, many others have been there before
and come through it. You are not alone.

What didn't you like?

I would have liked more depth and more detail. Each subject is only
treated briefly. But that's just me. Given that the book deliberately
sets out to be short, snappy and easy to read, it succeeds admirably!

What will you still remember a year from now?

Make the effort to find time to spend together, just talking.
Don't let this get squeezed out.

Who would you recommend this book to? Anyone married! Especially
those who are beginning to feel a little disillusioned and frustrated with married
life.

Can you give us a couple of good quotes from the book?

Over the years I have seen countless couples whose marriage seemed to be
dead decide to fight to keep their family together, and some in that very process
have found a love they thought had gone together.

What many people crave is not somebody to talk to them, but somebody who
will actually listen.

The trouble comes when we want our partner to be somebody they just can't
be.

review by Claire

Buy this book now!