Wife for Life: The Power to Succeed in Marriage

This book has honestly changed my mind about getting a divorce from a 16 year marriage. I've gone from about to start the divorce process to being EXCITED and energized about our life ahead together. Unlike my experience with counseling over the couple of years, it doesn't focus solely on fixing issues (which is important but can be depressing work because you're just focusing on the problems) but is much more positive, enlightening and visionary in its approach. It is exactly what I needed at this point. Ramona helps you create your vision of the future while clearly explaining reality (the hit over the head that I needed!) There is plenty of hard work and hard thinking to be done but the warmth of Ramona and the clever way she explains it and how the book is planned to take you through her process makes it POSSIBLE.

This book is enjoyable to read, has incredible insight and beautifully explains a wealth of knowledge on the subject -- while mixing in plenty of inspiration and vision.

Still, I think the impact of her Wife for Life University online workshop (which includes action plans) in conjunction with this book, is what turns all that into something truly magical. Thank you Ramona. If every marriage read this book and took it to heart, the world would be a very different place.

Before reading this book, I was struggling and trying to figure out how to be a good wife. I was doing everything wrong! After reading this book and applying it's principles, I have literally taken a 180 degree turn in my marriage. We can actually communicate now and I have the tools to use throughout the rest of our lives. It's simple really. Men need respect like women need love. Learning that was a huge turning point for me and all the other tools that follow, are truly life changing. Thank you Ramona, for devoting your life to helping women feel empowered to be great wives and see our potential to have "grand marriages".

This book has changed the way I view marriage. It has been key in helping me to better understand my husband and how I can support him as he becomes the best version of himself. It contains specific instructions of ways to make easy, but lasting changes that can transform a marriage. I am trying to put the skills I have learned into practice and seeing wonderful improvements in my own marriage. My husband agrees as well! I highly recommend this book and to get the most out of it I would definitely recommend signing up to take a semester of Wife for Life University.

When I originally read reviews for this book and saw women talking about this changing their lives and saving their marriages, I assumed they were exaggerating. A lot. After reading, I've changed my mind. This book is amazing! It's helpful and also easy to read- funny, engaging, etc. I'll be reading every book Ramona ever writes.
But back to this one. I've always felt like my marriage is good and I'm a pretty great wife but felt guided to this book and I'm so glad I read it. Every single woman who is or will be married needs to read this book. Whether your marriage is happy or struggling; whether you feel like you could use some help being a better companion or you feel like you are awesome and your husband needs to cherish you more, this is the book for you. Seriously. And no, I did not receive a free copy or any compensation for my glowing review/endorsement. If you read this book and get nothing from it then you either weren't paying attention or are in denial. Or you are perfect, have no need for improvement and will be brought up to heaven this very moment. ;)

Amazing book! I definitely recommend it, even if you feel like your marriage is just fine. As I tell my husband, I always rate people or things at a 4 out of 5 or a 9 out of 10 because there is always room for improvement. I think the same is true for marriage. And with that said, you know I think the book is really fantastic since I'm giving it the full 5 stars! Here is a copy of an email I sent to the author: I wanted to say THANK YOU for your amazing book! I got Wife for Life earlier this year and am currently working on my second round of reading it. I think things are pretty good between my husband and myself. In fact, I have always thought I was pretty good at not nagging and being respectful, and he has said the same too, but I'm not so good at the above and beyond part. I was pleasantly surprised when he made a comment about me being so encouraging and supportive of him and how much he appreciated it after I read your book. I think that reading your book was like someone opening the curtain to a window I had never looked out of before...I didn't know I was missing such a beautiful view! I wish someone had told me all of that before I got married! I'm trying to keep up the momentum, praising and being physically affectionate don't come naturally to me, so it takes some work but it definitely seems well worth it since my husband has been so appreciative about it. So THANK YOU! Your happiness and joy just bubble over in your work and I appreciate you sharing it with the world!

This book is unlike any other information I’ve found after months of searching google and reading other marriage help books! It’s like the light at the end of the tunnel!! So happy I found this book, and Ramona, and her Wife for Life principles. She’s transformed my perspective and my marriage for the better! Also, if you love the book, you’ll absolutely love her Wife 4 Life University program. A team of amazing women, including Ramona, really go in depth into all the principles you learn in the book. You won’t regret it!

I thought this book had some great points and reminders to anyone who is married, getting married, trying to prepare for marriage, or struggling with getting along with their partner.

I enjoyed the stories that helped bring the whole purpose to focus and understanding, I enjoyed the break down in sections and points.

I posted a picture of this book on Facebook and had a friend (not married) tell me that they read it after seeing the picture she was interested and read it and LOVED IT! She then later told me that she liked it so much that she told some of her other friends to read it!

It's a quick and easy way to remind ourselves as women who we are in our roles along side our spouse and how we can help build the relationship as we understand our role and who men are in general. It clarifies truth versus myth which is a great thing in todays world of living off so much stigma and tradition.

Overall if you need a better understanding of how to be a better person in your marriage then this would be a great read.

As a modern and independent-minded young(ish) woman, I was a little turned off by the title of this book. I thought it would be uncomfortably traditional, and while there is some advice in here that feels like what your wise grandmother might share, there's plenty more than that... and nothing wrong with marriage advice from a happily-married grandmother, anyway!

This book is something you should read and re-read. I got the audio so that I can listen to Ramona read it herself, as she puts a great deal of emotion into the personal reflections within. For me, this was a part of my lessons in Wife for Life University, which has been a truly affirming experience for someone like me who has been struggling to have a good marriage without a good sense of what that really looked like. Ramona's advice has helped both ground me in more realistic expectations of what a loving marriage should look like and what I would do to create one, and inspire me as to the grand possibilities of a marriage in which I would feel joined to a loving, supportive partner, knowing we were fulfilling one another.

If you like what you read in this book, do check out the class. The support of other women going through similar challenges has been essential for me in making the gains I have to a much happier, stronger, and more joyful marriage.

Wife For Life is the perfect marriage of those time tested, old fashioned ideas, to the best modern research on successful relationships!  Ramona not only shares with, but inspires the reader to gain the skills, insights, and keys necessary to build joyful, fulfilling relationships.

Firstly, and most important, Ramona's book is an amazing tool for personal enrichment for any woman in any stage of life.  She begins by teaching the importance of a woman building a healthy, joyful relationship with herself, which then branches out to an understanding of the men and boys in her life and ultimately, a better quality in all her relationships. 

This single book can eliminate the frustrating quest through that sea of the "good, the bad and the ugly" of relationship/marriage books out there.  As a dedicated, hopeful and passionate believer in relationship success, and in behalf of women everywhere, Ramona Zabriskie has climbed high to stand on the shoulders of giants. She references the best relationship books, the top experts, and the latest research. 

Maybe without realizing it, the author helps the modern woman discover just how successful a correct (and historical) feminism can be, and the power a woman holds, as opposed to the more modern and bitter styles of feminism futilely embraced more recently in history.

As you will discover in the book, Ramona's own marriage and family relationships come at the cost of dedicated, continued hard (and fun) work.  She truly sets the bar high, and her countless hours of research and dedicated mentoring are what make it possible for other women to trumphantly and confidently reach that bar too. Her book shows the way for many other struggling women on how to succeed in marriage.

Ramona holds even more clout with readers since she personally has painfully and successfully hoed her way through a totally failed relationship, and by making one little key choice, followed by many more little choice, she lifted her marriage above the ashes and ruin, emerging like a Golden Phoenix; an enduring, fresh and youthful relationship even today, years later. 

Wife for Life really should be the first book to turn to. Then, when you need a gift, it is perfect for any woman: the single woman, the newly wed, or the one celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary. With this book as a stand alone, or coupled with the classes and personal mentoring offered at ramonazabriskie dot com, a reader can experience a truely personal transformation to make their life and relationships simply grand.

The power of understanding - that is what Wife for Life gives you. Ramona gives a wealth of understanding - understanding your husband, understanding yourself, and understanding the WHY's behind all the what's and how's of marriage. That is what's so powerful. You can find lots of other books that will tell you what to do in marriage and how to do it, but they don't explain WHY. Ramona tells you WHY you and your husband are they way you are, WHY you do the things you do, and WHY the principles discussed in the book to build a lasting marriage work. That knowledge changes your perspective and gives you hope, vision, and a desire to build the grand marriage you want. It's possible! And the best part - it's for everyone, no matter how torn or wonderfully great your marriage is right now! I feel I have a great marriage and reading this book made me realize why it is that way - what I'm doing RIGHT in my marriage! (That's also hard to find in other books.) It also made me realize that there's MORE, and who doesn't want more of something good! If I listed all the chapters that spoke directly to me, I'd end up listing every single one! And some I have referred to and reread multiple times! Wife for Life took my sister's marriage from the brink of divorce to a happy, loving relationship. It really is for every woman! Highly, highly, highly recommend!!

Loved this book! I have a happy marriage, but there's always room for improvement! Also, it's great to see practical ideas to offer suggestions to women whose husband is not quite the ideal man like mine...because really I'm "cheating" by having the perfect spouse.
The advice actually can relate to all our relationships really. Kindness, encouragement, love. How is it that those that deserve to be cherished most we sometimes treat with a total lack of courtesy? "Wife for Life" is a great reminder that anything of value requires some sacrifice to achieve.
Bought copies for all my daughters and daughters-in-law too.

Reading Wife for Life has probably saved my marriage. After owning the book for a year and reading only to the 3rd chapter, I finally bought the audio version on Audible.com. Now, I look forward to time in the car alone so I can listen to the audio. I will probably always remember the minute I sat in the car, waiting for one of my children and listening to chapter 13 of the book. (It's titled Dream Breaker Road. The chapters fall differently in the audio.) I sat, completely stunned and listened as she described me! The way I have responded to my husband over nearly 18 years was specifically and clearly laid out in 9 steps! I instantly felt two things. One, if she could describe my chosen path so perfectly, then I must not be alone in responding this way to my "imperfect" husband, and two, I knew instantly that she had likely just saved my marriage from a complete life of misery or worse, eventual divorce. I realized I had in recent weeks advanced to the final step, step 9! Our oldest is 17 and the youngest is 7. We so much life and marriage ahead of us and here I was at the end of "Dream Breaker Road"! Thank goodness I sill had so much more to listen to because at that moment I wondered what I needed to do to "get off the road" and start down a new path. I am grateful Ramona Zabriskie has shared with us her knowledge and experience. She is a voice of inspiration in a world that indicates that a new marriage may be the better than working on the one we have. Thank you Ramona! You have changed my marriage by changing me and showing me that there is another way.

As a husband, I never expected that I would enjoy reading a book about marriage. However, when I started reading "Wife for Life" I just couldn't put it down. Since I have dyslexia, I have never really enjoyed reading books. However, this book captured my attention from the start. I enjoyed reading about how men typically behave in relationships, because we are men. I was truly interested to find out if my actions and reactions within my own marriage, and also in my other relationships, like my mom, sister, boss, co-workers etc... are typical compared to other men. The male perceptions given in "Wife For Life" are spot on as far as my own feelings go. I have recommended this book to my friends, both married and single, because it outlines and gives guidance in building a "grand" relationship for any couple. I loved the chapter titled "Teaching Your Knight to Knit," because it illustrates how to inspire your spouse. Reading "Wife For Life" helped me understand why I act and react the way that I do in my marriage. I loved how Mrs. Zabriskie shared so much about her husband and the stories of their marital journey. Ramona's style of writing is very easy for me to follow and understand. I really enjoyed this book and have shared priciples from it in different situations at work and at church. I'm anxiously waiting for the book Mrs. Zabriskie is writing specifically for husbands, but until then, I will continue to review and enjoy "Wife for Life" for it's sound principles and grand advice. My sincere thanks to Ramona Zabriskie for helping my wife on the road to a "grand marriage". Our first 20 years have been great and our next 20+ years will be grand! =)

This is the best marriage advice/how-to/information/inspiring book I have ever read. It's not a typical 'here's how to fix it quick book'. In fact it's not that at all.

Ramona shares so much background of what builds a grand marriage now and throughout your life with your husband. Some of those steps are quick and easy to implement, others may take longer to implement or get in a good practice of, it really depends on where you are at and where you are coming from.

Which is what adds to how personal her words are as you read and learn and discover all that this book is offering. She intertwines personal experience, she was days from court to be divorced in her first years of marriage, with scientifically proven facts about men and women's lives that make for a very interesting and informative read. I really liked how she adds the facts and it's very easy to read, not like your in a textbook for course work on marriage.

One of the greatest things is that it's a book just for me, my husband doesn't have to read it, but we both are enjoying the benefits. Learning how to respond instead of react and knowing more about his processing has definitely improved our communication. And I feel much more secure with myself in taking care of myself and my needs knowing that it will in turn benefit our relationship.

There are many tools that you can use right now if you picked it up today and started reading. You would feel the positive result in your life almost instantly. Other tools she presents are ones that you will continuously grow in as you live your life with your husband learning from each other and becoming better individuals, resulting in a more positive and grand relationship.

It will be the book you will forever compare all other marriage books to, (if you even choose to read any others after this)and no other books will come close. It's that different and that wonderful.

Get it today and then come back and get one for all your lady friends, that's what I'm going to do.

An empowering read! With stories and examples, an extensive amount of marriage research, and her own enthusiasm for empowering women, Ramona focuses on the positive opportunities of being a modern day woman. She raises the bar for marriage higher than any other marriage book on the market, and gives you the education and hope to achieve this kind of marriage yourself. I'm a Marriage, Family, Human Development graduate from BYU and I've read several marriage books. This is BY FAR the best. I'm so impressed with the amount of time and research Ramona put into writing it and preparing to write it. And I love hearing her own voice in the audiobook as she reads it with so much energy and passion. I feel uplifted and encouraged (unlike the beating I felt I received from Dr. Laura's book, which I did like, mostly, but could only handle reading a chapter at a time). :) I feel Ramona's love and hope shine through to me personally. It's beautiful, just beautifully done.

Having read only the first few pages of numerous other self help type books on marriage in the past and subsequently 'switching off', I was perhaps hesitant in reading Wife for Life. Was this book going to be a reincarnation of all those other non engaging books? Boy was I wrong!!

The book is beautifully written. Written in the style of a novel to keep the reader captivated but at the same time radiating truth to enlighten and empower the reader.

Ramona shares intimate and personal experiences right from the onset and immediately her concepts felt relevant but also became tangible to me and I was eager to try out her ideas.

At the time of first reading this book I was sadly separating from my husband of 9 years and divorce had been seriously discussed. Having still a tiny portion of hope I was recommended this book by a dear friend.

After reading only the first four chapters I experienced what I can only describe as a 'light bulb' moment. My whole perspective changed and the realisation that I as the wife had the power to redirect my marriage and change things for the better was inspiring.

Ramona cannot promise that this book will save your marriage, but I can say it saved mine!! No more divorce proceedings for us!

I didn't have to wait to read the whole book to make Ramona's concepts work in my marriage. Start the change in your marriage from the minute you read the first words. Watch how, if you apply the principles, your marriage and you as a woman can transform into something/someone you never thought possible.

I've read several books on relationships over the years, but this one absolutely nails the dynamics of marital discord. The books is highly entertaining, yet filled with much wisdom about the dynamics of a marriage. I've seen entirely too many marriages where the partners sit and blame each other. Ramona makes an excellent case against helplessness, and outlines specifics on how a wife can take charge and change the situation with or without the cooperation of a husband. I can't wait until her book for guys is published!

A dear friend of mine recommended this book to me, and bought me an e-copy. After reading the first chapter, (I prefer to read when there's an actual book in my hands), I purchased the softcover book and started reading. Not only is Ramona's book beautifully written, but it is filled with pearls of wisdom about marriage and relationships. Having been married for eleven years, and really struggling to understand my husband (and why I reacted the way I did to him), I finally understand what drives him, what his fears are and what brings us closer together. And it helped me understand myself better, too—why I think the way I do and react the way I do. Ramona is spot on with so many things and it helped improve my marriage greatly. I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who is in a committed relationship or to anyone who might be considering it!

I LOVE this book!! I love everything about this book! It's written as a friend to friend talk, the advice is insightful, wise, heartfelt, easy to understand and put into use. Wife for Life is empowering, uplifting. It's about making good, better; making better, grand and making grand, eternal. It's a guide to a partnership, helping you to understand that other half and to build up not just him, but yourself as well. I can not WAIT for Romona's next book...hurry, hurry, hurry!!! I believe if we all read this book before and during our marriages, there would be ALOT less divorce! Thank you Romona!!! Truly a wonderful guide!

Ramona Zabriskie's beautifully crafted words are engaging and inspirational. This is truly the best book I have ever read on female - male relations. It has completely changed my perspective. She has helped me understand better the guy's point of view and what I can do to make my dreams come true! It has given me great hope that life-long, loving, thriving, exciting, fulfilling, marriage is possible.

I absolutely loved this book. As a marriage and family therapist, I can say that this is the best and most helpful book on marriage that I have ever read. It gives a solid explanation of typical dynamics in marriage and gives specific suggestions on how to improve a marriage relationship. The author gives personal examples of the principles she teaches in the book, which makes the book enjoyable and easy to read. Very few, if any, marriage books lift and inspire like this book does. I would highly recommend it to any married woman or any woman considering marriage. This book has reminded me of why I am happy to be married and inspired me to build an even stronger marriage. This book will change lives.

In Ramona's book, marriage is a grand adventure! Instead of focusing on fixing conflicts, she focuses on building up the marriage to be something to truly dream for and live for and cherish.
I had an eye-opening experience as I read about how much power a woman can have for good or bad. Ramona demonstrated in her book how to eliminate habits that commonly alienate husbands from their wives. But further she shows how a wife can truly become her husband's intimate companion and wife for life!

I absolutely loved this book. As a marriage and family therapist, I can say that this is the best and most helpful book on marriage that I have ever read. It gives a solid explanation of typical dynamics in marriage and gives specific suggestions on how to improve a marriage relationship. The author gives personal examples of the principles she teaches in the book, which makes the book enjoyable and easy to read. Very few, if any, marriage books lift and inspire like this book does. I would highly recommend it to any married woman or any woman considering marriage. This book has reminded me of why I am happy to be married and inspired me to build an even stronger marriage. This book will change lives.

In Ramona's book, marriage is a grand adventure! Instead of focusing on fixing conflicts, she focuses on building up the marriage to be something to truly dream for and live for and cherish.
I had an eye-opening experience as I read about how much power a woman can have for good or bad. Ramona demonstrated in her book how to eliminate habits that commonly alienate husbands from their wives. But further she shows how a wife can truly become her husband's intimate companion and wife for life!

I thought this book had some great ideas that would certainly improve any marriage, if applied. However, I did not give this book five stars because I felt that the author occasionally used female stereotypes that I simply could not relate with. Overall, a good read.

This book would be great for engaged women, or newlyweds. I think someone just starting a marriage might benefit from the book. I didn't really enjoy her style of writing. It seemed a bit scattered. The concepts are useful, especially the chapter on the Crazy Ladies. I think we can all see ourselves in some of these Ladies, which can help us to stop and think about how we interact with our husbands.

Thank you Ramona Zabriskie for coming with me on our family vacation through my kindle earphones! I have loved the audio edition of Wife for life. It was exciting to listen to the thought provoking stories, experiences, knowledge And lessons learned through Ramona's fun loving expression. I've read Wife for Life a few times before and each time I do I learn something new. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!! And I'm proud to say I'm a wife for life striving everyday for a grand Marriage.

What a beautifully written guide to marriage! Ramona wittily describes how each of us as women go about potentially undermining what we want most and then shows us how to get down to the business of building our great marriage and living our dreams. I have been so inspired by her words and grateful that in this time of my husband's job loss I am more prepared to be his support and intimate as we move forward together; able to face whatever life has to throw at us as a team. Thank you, "Wife for Life"!

Full of hope and wisdom. It really helped me understand myself and men better, gave me clarity about what it is I am really wanting from marriage, and the tools towards how to get it. Will be getting all my sisters and friends to read it!

This book is life changing. I feel empowered to protect my marriage. My change in perspective has caused a 180 degree flip in how I see my husband. Wife for Life University has helped provide support so I can persist in continuing to improve our marriage.

Wife for Life is an inspiring book that every engaged or married couple needs to read! If you have a great marriage this book will make it better and if you think your marriage is over, this book could help save it. It is beautifully written and I know the author is was inspired. Men and women alike will enjoy and benefit from this book!

Every relationship has its challenges. I would like to know the best way to do my part. keeping things interesting is important. Mrs. Zabriske has done an absolutely amazing job with this book. I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE.