One Woman's Worldwide Search for the Secrets of a Great Marriage

Like so many, I heard tons of negative things when we announced we were getting married. However, we made a conscious decision to not listen to the nay-sayers. Instead, we choose happiness! We choose love! We choose each other!

repetative & a bit boring. Not sure why the author feels the need to talk about mundane info. example: how she goes into a hotel room and unpacks her bags. Is this info have anything to do with the book??? Also, she seems a bit whiny about this journey she is taking, didn't she choose to take it? Then why does it seem so taxing to her? Like the premise of the book, there are some good pointers but over all, boring.

repetative & a bit boring. Not sure why the author feels the need to talk about mundane info. example: how she goes into a hotel room and unpacks her bags. Is this info have anything to do with the book??? Also, she seems a bit whiny about this journey she is taking, didn't she choose to take it? Then why does it seem so taxing to her? Like the premise of the book, there are some good pointers but over all, boring.

Boring! I couldn't even get through the entire book. I am VERY disappointed in Fawn Weaver as a person as well and call her FRAUD. I say that because before the book even came out to the public I received all these raves about it. She was in my email daily begging people to purchase and even offered a promotional package if you bought like 5 books... So I did. Needless to say, I NEVER received anything accept the books. The offer included a T-shirt and mug. What a waste of money!!!
I was signed up for her blog at the time and once the book was released I never heard from her again.

I bought this book because, after 41 years of marriage, I love the idea of hearing from other couples about their successful marriages. One never stops learning in marriage and we can certainly learn from each other's experienes. However, I found myself skipping whole sections that just went on and on about where the author walked, and what she ate, and how supportive her husband is again and again. I was expecting each chapter to be a story of a different interview. No so. I was disappointed. I would have given it two stars, but I think the idea of the book is excellent, the intention was good, but the execution leaves something to be desired. Still, I'm all for happy marriages! :)

I really wanted to like this book. I really did. But I found myself extremely bored with her over-descriptive style of writing. I found myself saying "who cares" throughout a majority of the book. I just didn't care if her ankle hurt from walking several miles or if she pulled out her souvenir umbrella because it was raining. I'm flabbergasted that this book has been rated so highly. Maybe I'm missing something.

I loved the premise, and was hoping to glean some wisdom from long-time, happily married couples. Yet, I didn't take anything away that would be helpful in my own marriage. I grew tired of her sappy perspective and rolled my eyes through most of the book. Talking about how you 'miss your hubby so much' doesn't tell anyone anything about how to resolve difference, make compromises, or pretty much anything that could be construed as helpful for the wives out there, happy or otherwise. And for the record, I am a happy wife.

I loved this book! It was an easy and interesting read from the start. Fawn has a way of drawing you into her journey, so you feel as if you are with her, which for me was exciting, since I have never visited most of the places she traveled to!

I loved the stories of the marriages, and that the people interviewed were so open and honest... no candy coating... marriage is not always easy, but definitely worth working through the rough times. I also appreciated Fawn's own transparency with her own struggles and her own story.

Happy Wives Club encouraged me not to be complacent in my own marriage. After 30 years it is easy to settle into a routine... Thank you, Fawn!

Fawn means well, but still doesn't speak to husband and wives both about affirming and building each other up. This and other marriage books, needs to give lists of things that tells the husband what he should do to to lift up his wife and respect her and the things that a wife can do to lift up and affirm her husband and respect him. Somewhere, someone has got to write a book that explains things a little simpler and goes right at that message to the couple, without tearing the wife down and putting all the work her. She cannot do everything, people.
No marriage is going to be successful if we keep writing fairytale books that lie on the wives. That's why women don't stay in marriages long, like they used to do. Who wants to do all the work and never be affirmed or appreciated? You all had better write some books to these husbands!

As like most others - I REALLY wanted to like this book. Has a wonderful premise & I thought it was going to be fantastic. She spent way too much time explaining the mundane things over her plate of lasagna in Italy, and how she unpacked her suitcase. She went on tons of interviews with couples and a majority were all the same thing - however, it would've been nice to get more of a story on the couples than her travel experience on the longest flight ever. I agree the commentary about missing her husband got eye rolls from me as well. Really wished I could've enjoyed this book more. Has a very great thought, but just didnt deliver..

This book is the adventures and journey of Fawn Weaver out to discover the secrets to a truly happy marriage.

Opening the pages of the book, I was immediately drawn in to Fawn's descriptions and easy way with words. She wastes no time getting to the heart of things and I was soon swept away with the different places she went, the wives she met and their stories. Along the way, not only do we get to know wives all over the world, but we get to know Fawn and about her relationship with her husband and their own happy marriage. I enjoyed reading about her, her life, and all her hopes and dreams.

Throughout each chapter, each country visited, and each wife interviewed, I was able to take something away about marriage. I learned that every marriage is different, every marriage takes work, and every marriage has it's own unique secret to staying healthy and happy.

In this book, you will both laugh and cry as you are swept up in the stories of women all over their world and read about their secrets to a happy marriage. This book is truly life changing, and I hope it changes the world.

Some favorite quotes from the book:

"Creating a happy marriage begins with choosing the right spouse."

"If you can figure out how to choose happiness in your marriage daily, and stop sweating the small stuff, it'll take ten years off your life."

"Like most complicated things where it's easy to get derailed, their marriage was successful because they mastered the basics. From that mastery they could weather anything."

"Happy marriages are alive and well. The cries of their demise have been highly overrated, and couples happily married do indeed exist."

I absolutely loved this book. I am definitely one of the those women that is surrounded by other women that are unhappy in their relationships. This book was such a breath of fresh air. Not because "the secrets of a happy marriage" are ground breaking or new but just to find out that there are happy women out there and they come from all backgrounds and their roles in their marriage are different and to know there are other women out there just like me. I thought this is a must read for all women who are happy, want to be happy, or just starting out in a marriage. I really believe in the part about protecting the marriage/relationship and being mindful about who you hang around and the effect that they may have (even subconsciously) on your marriage. I recommend this book to every woman I meet who seems like they would benefit. Love love love this book. And it is a very easy and quick read. Not a whole lot of unnecessary wording and fluff.

My Thoughts On The Book: My first marriage lasted over 23 miserable years and finally ended in divorce. I was the one who left. I am now on my 12th year of my second marriage and this book is about where I am now in my life. I am an avid reader, and love self-help books, yet when I chose to review this book I was dreading it. To my joy and amazement I could hardly put it down. I loved this book so much that I have found myself sharing it with friends when we meet for coffee each morning. I have found myself sending snippets to friends who live far away. I have found myself finding friends written within the stories of the book. It was so inspirational and so encouraging. This collection of stories from couples who have been happily married from around the world is something all newlyweds need to have in their personl libraries. Marriage is hard. A happy marriage is even harder. It was eye opening to see that the core elements to having a happy marriage are the same for everyone in the world. It does not matter where we live, who we are, or what we do. I would highly recommend this book and will definitely be sharing this book with newlyweds, friends, and family members! Thank you Thomas Nelson for allowing me to review it! Thank you Fawn Weaver for having the inspiration and insight to write this book and start the Happy Wives Club!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book through Thomas Nelson Publishing Company and Book Sneeze and Booklook Bloggers. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

First I need to explain. I’m not married (wouldn’t be the most shocking bomb ever on this blog?), nor am I getting married anytime soon. So why am I reviewing this book? Well, my friend (hi Charissa!) connected me and I thought it would be a fun read and y’all know how hard it is for me to say no to free books.

Plus, I love the idea of The Happy Wives Club. How often do you hear people only talking about what’s wrong with their husband? Just watch any reality show and you’ll hear plenty. But what if, even though people aren’t perfect, that wasn’t the focus people talked about? Thus The Happy Wives Club was born.

In Fawn Weaver’s already New York Times best selling book (I feel like it hit the list 12 seconds after it was released. No lie.) The Happy Wives Club, Fawn travels around the world talking with couples about their secret to being happily married.

There’s honesty throughout the pages, whether from the author sharing her fears, couples recovering from mistakes they’ve made or tales from authentic relationships. I loved how honest Fawn was about her background, her life and what she’s learned up to this point.

The book includes tastes of her adventures around the world (which helped me to appreciate the different women from different cultures!) and the lessons learned. It’s amazing how different cultures, different backgrounds, different faiths can all have the same pieces of wisdom for marriage. Things like respect, trust and laughter to name a few. There must be something to it right?

One of the many reasons I enjoyed this book, is it’s a book of stories. Of people’s lives. Of hope. Of love. So it’s a book for anyone really. If you’ve been married 50 years, just got engaged or marriage isn’t even on your radar, it’s a book of people’s lives that will inspire.

Have you heard of The Happy Wives Club? If you’re married, what would you add is a secret to being a happy wife/husband?

(Thank you to the author and Thomas Nelson for the copy in exchange for my honest review).

Originally posted at: [...]

I really enjoyed reading Mrs Weavers book ‘The Happy Wives Club’. This book is not a how to book, but experiences and stories from couples all over the world on how they have kept their marriages happy.

There is so much negativity on television and in the world today about marriage. I hear women say all the time “that’s just like a man” or “that is marriage”. If you are not careful you can buy into the same thoughts.

In all the countries that Mrs Weaver traveled to and talked to couples the theme throughout seemed to be that ‘happiness is a choice’ and ‘divorce was not part of the equation’.

While reading each chapter I found myself comparing my marriage to all the couples. This book made me look at my relationship with my husband in a new light.

At the end of the book Mrs Weaver list 12 Secrets of a Great Marriage, and a Note to Newlyweds. I think out of all 12 Secrets that she list I think trust, respect and laughter are the most important.

I recommend this book to men, women, married couples and those thinking of marriage. You will enjoy reading others experiences and secrets. This book will make you smile, and possible look at marriage in a new light.

*I received a free copy of this book from the BookLook Bloggers program on behalf of the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This book seems to have good intentions, but doesn't deliver what I was hoping to read. There isn't much content to discuss, therefore, I wouldn't recommend this for a book club or small group.
Most of the points that are made are no brainers. Some of the content can be dangerous for a young wife that may be struggling. At one point the statement is made by one of the couples that she interviews that they don't think marriage should be work. It should be easy. Yes, I do agree that there should be easy times, but there absolutely will be tough times. The Bible makes it clear that we will have trouble in this world. Our marriage are not immune to troubles. I think that a huge point was missed by not talking about working through tough times and relying on the Lord most in those times. These times are when the glory of God is made evident in our lives. I'm glad that I didn't read this book when I was just starting out in marriage and it was tough, because reading that it should feel easy would have been detrimental to my marriage.

Overall, it is an okay book, but I found myself waiting for her to get to "the good part" which never happened.

I recently reviewed a book by Fawn Weaver called "Happy Wives Club". The story is about a lady that realizes she seems to only hear other ladies that are miserable in their relationships. She became annoyed that all these wives complained about their marriages. She thought that there had to be happy wives out there, they just needed to be found. So she went all over the world to talk to women that were in happy relationships and asked these women what they thought it took to make a happy marriage. She notices that a lot of the core characteristics these women mention are universal, despite having different religions, upbringings, etc.

Personally, I really enjoyed this book. I am a sucker for any book about love. I'm a hopeless romantic. Although I've read countless relationship books, this one was refreshing. I love the beautiful imagery she uses. I know it sounds corny, but she really does make you feel like you're traveling with her to these gorgeous countries. The book offers so much great advice. I think every relationship needs to be maintained and I'm glad to have these tips to use in my own marriage. It's also heartwarming to be reminded that all humans have a basic yearning for love and companionship, all over the world. One of the things in the book she said that really stuck with me was, "you can either feed negative thoughts or you can starve the suckers." That resonates so much with me. If I have a bad day, I'm guilty of seeing everything in a negative light. This quote reminds me that it's a choice to be negative. It's a choice to be unhappy.

I definitely will be (and already have been) recommending this book to everyone, whet here they're single or in a relationship because of all the great advice. If it isn't relevant to your love life today, it will at some point. It's just one of those books that will always stick with you, that you'll be reminded of throughout your life.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a complementary gift in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Being a Member of the Happy Wives Club website, it was only natural for me to volunteer for BookLook to receive it's first book by the founder, Fawn Weaver. I counted it a great blessing to find the website to be able to interact with other wives who cherish their marriages and adore their spouses. Especially now-a-days when almost everything we hear from the media is negative in regards to the sacredness of God's Law. Fawn had a mission, she decided to go on a worldwide search to find the secrets to a great marriage and what she found was hundreds of women who were happy to share their personal experiences. There is a wealth of wisdom included in this true account.

For me, as a Christian wife who loves her lot in life, Fawn's movement brought me such joy in knowing there are others who feel like I do and that I am not alone. Included in this book is the 12 secrets of a Great marriage, to name a few aspects...Respect; Trust; Belief in God; Laughter is the best medicine and keep outside interests. This book confirms that true love still exists and that when we abide by God's expectations, we are truly content. Not only do I recommend this fine book but also the website.

Fed up with negative attitudes towards marriage in the media and popular culture, and portrayals of “desperate”, cheating, or otherwise miserable wives as the norm, Fawn Weaver set out both to prove that happy, lasting marriages are far more common than we’re led to believe and to help couples capture the basic secrets to building a strong marriage themselves.

I loved this book! As a happily married woman myself, I frequently share the author’s frustration over the pervasive attitude that married people are miserable or cheating (and if they aren’t now, they will be soon). It was deeply refreshing to hear the stories of incredibly diverse and very successful couples, and I felt like positive energy and encouragement just radiated out of these pages – a rare find! The “secrets” the author finds along the way are not rocket science, that’s part of the point. Building a good marriage isn’t complicated, it just requires choosing to hold to (and live out) core principles every day. Weaver does an excellent job of illustrating how those same principles play out across very different personalities and marriages, and makes them very accessible to readers.

The Happy Wives Club Discover the Best Marriage Secrets from the World’s Happiest Wives held some surprises to this reviewer.

Surprise number one; The author is a business woman who can write! It’s a research book but it’s not boring, especially if you are married, interested in being married or wish you had known how to stay successfully married! This is a well-written account of one woman’s travels to find happy couples and learn how they built their successful marriages.

I had “liked” The Happy Wives Club on facebook over a year ago, delighted to support the founder and author, Fawn Weaver’s, idea that it’s important to let the world know that there are a lot of happy wives in the world. And there ARE a lot of happy wives in the world, if the 688,000 members of THWC are any indication.

The book reads a little like a travel diary as the reader listens in on Fawns’ interviews with happily married couples across more than six continents and eighteen cities. Readers also get to vicariously enjoy the scenery, the food and the glamor of Fawn’s jet setting lifestyle as they read.

And, therein lies the books weakness (Surprise number two). As a successful businesswoman, Fawn has been married for more than ten years and is childless (although she and her husband want children…now). Her interviews with happily married couples are helpful because her research reveals that the secrets to a happy marriage are the same in spite of cultural differences! Good to know.

However, this wife of thirty-three years believes that Mrs. Weaver overlooked some crucial couples in her research. What about those couples who have endured years of misery and come out on the other side, happy and more committed? What about those who haven’t had successful careers and have, perhaps endured great poverty and struggle? What about those with more than two children?

Studies reveal that couples who were on the brink of divorce but stayed married considered themselves happily married three or more years later! Sometimes, commitment to marriage is really all it takes.

As the reader gets to know Fawn a bit through her writing, Fawn shares some of her worries and insecurities about the effect that a child might have on her husband’s relationship. Her questions often probed couples to find out how they “shared” responsibilities. She continually highlights equal sharing and partnership in the married couples she interviews. Because Fawn is a Christian, I found this approach to be a bit disheartening. Foundational to a Christian marriage is knowing that it is a covenant before God regardless of whether or not the responsibilities are equally shared. A shared-and-equal marriage will work until a child or two is brought into the equation and, then, that shaky foundation crumbles.

As the mother of eight children I wanted to tell Fawn that some marriages create a mini-nation where equal sharing becomes an impossibility. I wanted to tell her that for many years, outsiders looking into our family would have seen two exhausted parents just trying to make ends meet. During those hard years, those same outsiders couldn’t see the respect and esteem that were growing in both my husband and I (he, because he saw me transformed by the hard work of motherhood and I, because I saw him develop a strong work ethic to support the children of our marriage). There was no equality or sharing during those years…just survival.

I wanted to tell Fawn that there is something so much richer and deeper and more wonderful than an equal marriage with constant companionship. It is the knowledge that your marriage is building something far greater than best-friends-in-love.

That’s what I feel Fawn missed in her research. Not all happy couples are happy the whole time and many have endured long years of struggle but an understanding of the covenant of marriage causes it to endure.

Fawn’s observations of couples all over the world makes the book fun to read. In the course of her travels, Fawn delights the reader by sharing the wisdom she learns from happy and successful people all over the world.

the happy wives club

Fawn Weaver is an American black woman and rightly recognizes that black marriages are in trouble. Her research is encouraging to women of any color and nationality because the secrets to a great marriage are the same across all cultures.

I do recommend this book, I just don’t know if I would give it to anyone going through a really tough time in their marriage.

Happy Wives Club: One Woman's Worldwide Search for the Secrets of a Great Marriage was this past week and I was pleasantly surprised. "Fawn Weaver was a happily married woman running a successful business--and then something happened. Maybe it was divorce rate reports on the evening news, The Real Housewives of Orange County, or any daytime talk show where husbands and wives dramatically reveal their betrayals. Everywhere she looked, Fawn saw negative portrayals of marriage dominating the airwaves and dooming everyone to failure". So she created a club where Happy wives gather, support and share stories. Some of these stories will melt your heart, have you grabbing for tissues or barrel over in laughter. I have to say any writer that can get all of those emotions out of me in a book that only has 272 pages deserves a gold star! Fawn is an amazing writer and if she is anything like her writings in person I bet she is just a good of a friend, wife and supporter. After reading this book I went onto her Facebook page and wrote some of my comments and feelings. I was only half way through the book at the time and she responded, can you imagine?? This book REALLY surprised me because I really tend to stay away from the "Self-help" section but I am so glad I went out of my comfort zone because it really impacted me as a person. I would recommend this to beginners and would appeal to many readers.
Funny, witty and down right a great read.
My rating for this book is ★★★★★! 

In an effort to combat the negativity our society often associates with marriage, Fawn Weaver sets out on a "worldwide search for the secrets of a great marriage," and she succeeds. She is passionate about marriage and obviously in love with her husband. In her travels she receives timeless wisdom and reminders that are not earth-shattering. They are important, and our modern culture of "me" tends to neglect them. Two of these universal ideas are to respect and trust your spouse.

Anyone who is married or plans to marry should read this book. Yes, it's that good without being preachy or overdone. Reading Weaver's story is like having coffee with a friend. It is comfortable, informative, and easy-going with dashes of history included about the areas she visits. I enjoyed the entire book and marked many pages to refer to later for their wisdom.

Here are a few gems:
(paraphrased from p. 73) Since you have two different people who have come together, each has to do his part in finding solutions to come together. This makes love a daily problem, and you continue to build your marriage everyday.
(p. 143) "[He does] kind gestures for no reason."
(p. 160) "Rather than just thinking about me, [we each] consider us."

Go ahead and read it. This is not a self-help or advice book, but a compilation of lessons in love.

5 out of 5 stars!

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book from Booksneeze.com in exchange for my honest review.

The Happy Wives Club is more than just stories about the secrets to a happy marriage. It’s about Fawn’s own journey in her marriage as she seeks to make it even better. She opens up herself to her readers by allowing them to see the good and the bad. One of the things that I love about her journey throughout the book is how she is always looking to God for answers and then seeing what she needs to do to make herself better. She doesn’t place judgement on her husband. Instead, she praises him and lifts him up.

Throughout the book, I found myself nodding in agreement as she brought me into the lives of many different couples. My heart ached for Fawn as she worked through some difficult struggles in her life. Yes, I felt like I was there with her as she went from country to country. Her eye for detail made the places, individuals, and stories come to life. Her passion for happy, loving marriage filled the pages with hope.

Even though this book does contain recipes for a successful marriage, it’s not a self-help, how-to book. No, it’s a story of love, life, faith, and happiness. I encourage you to take the journey with Fawn to discover and reaffirm that marriage can be a fulfilling, lifetime adventure.

Disclosure: I received an ARC copy of the above mentioned book from the publisher to help facilitate the writing of a frank and honest review. A positive review is not expected nor is it guaranteed. All opinions are my own.

In an age of seemingly constant attacks on marriage today, this book was a wonderful breath of fresh air. It was interesting to read through each individual woman's story and see her marriage through her words. The stories weren't all happy, happy, happy. In fact most of them had struggles, but the difference was the way they allowed those struggles to make them better and stronger.

It was fascinating to read about women across the world that loved being married. There were stories from places that you kind of get the impression that they just exist and stay married because that's just what you do. But that wasn't the case. They intentionally worked at being happily married.

The main thing that I took away from this book was that we shouldn't believe the lie that being married and being happy could not go together. It can and it does. If you are happily married you are going to enjoy reading about others that share your joy. If you are unhappily married I think this book will be encouraging to you that with a little work and a change in attitude can make all the difference.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

I found the Happy Wives Club once while surfing online and liked them on Facebook and thought the website was a great resource for women looking to have happy marriages. Then I lost the site and hadn't been back in quite some time. Recently, I was given the opportunity from BookLook Bloggers to review a book by Fawn Weaver about the Happy Wives Club. It was a story about one woman's worldwide search for the secrets of a great marriage. I went to her website and laughed at how life works and that I found her site again.

The first few chapters talked about how Fawn created her club and the reason behind the idea. She wanted to provide a resource for women to support each other and help figure out how to keep a loving relationship going. Her journey began in her state of California and she met with an elderly woman that she had only met via the internet. She was cautious at first with her meeting. I know exactly how she feels as sometimes I do home visits for my Nursing career or Client meetings and I don't know the people, but I press on and meet them. I'm always thankful for how kind and nice everyone has been.

The Happy Wives Club is the story of Fawn Weaver, an authentic, optimistic wife from Southern California. I fell in love with Fawn within minutes of starting to read the book. Her personality is infectious and easy to relate with. When she described her anxiety and excitement of starting the Happy Wives Club on page six, it was as if she was reading my journal from 2012 when I decided to start Wife.Mother.Teacher.

Once you have met Fawn and learn about her passion and drive in creating the Happy Wives Club, she takes you around the world to learn the stories of women who have experienced what it means to be a "Happy Wife" in the "real world."

She travels across cultural boundaries to get the inside look at marriages done right. You discover the keys to a successful, healthy, happy marriage no matter where you live. That's probably my favorite part of this book... you realize you're not alone in this thing called marriage. Your triumphs and battles are the same triumphs and battles experienced by women of all ages, locations & life experiences.

Where she sealed the deal...

Her first interview was with Sandy, and it was during that second chapter of the book that I was hooked. As Sandy confessed her despair in having not died along side her beloved husband - I was crying out of complete understanding. So many times I've told friends or family that this is my 'plan,' I have no desire to live without the love of my life, and am praying with every speck inside me that I get to leave this amazing world behind alongside the man of my dreams, rather than spend a day without him. This was only page seventeen for crying out loud, and I was literally, crying out loud. From this point forward I literally couldn't put the book down and read the entire thing before going to bed that night!

Fawn has the ability to 'speak you you' through her book in a way that makes her feel like your best girl friend. I've read my fair share of marriage non-fiction books since getting married, but never have I read a book that has moved me like this one did. Her book is not an advice column or list of ideas for new wives, but yet without ever saying so, it is. Fawn manages to open your eyes to wisdom you weren't expecting, in a way that is non-confrontational and charismatic. Much like sitting around the living room with your grandparents telling stories as a child, she manages to bring worldwide love to life.

An absolute must read for any woman that desires to be a true, life long member of the "Happy Wives Club."
Check out my full review & giveaway at: [...]

Happy Wives Club: One Woman's Worldwide Search for the Secrets of a Great Marriage by Fawn Weaver features interviews with women across six continents about what it takes to have a loving and long lasting marriage.

This book is truly inspiring as it shows women and couples who have gone through just about every type of marital challenge yet come out of it together and still in love with and loving their husbands.

The book isn't meant to be a self-help book, but it is inspirational. It's also amazing that no matter where around the world, there are happy marriages and some sage advice from all sorts of different people.

The book is difficult to put down and it's easy to read the whole thing in one sitting. It would be a lovely bridal shower gift.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for writing an honest review. I received no other compensation.

Fawn does a good job of talking about positive marriages and entertains us with her travel stories. I give her a lot of credit for thinking "positively" and forming an organization of a one million happy wives.

The short-coming of the book is that Fawn does not deal with some of the realities of life. Most people are not as nice and committed to each other as she and her husband. Most people have strong conflicting feelings that cannot be worked out by "looking into each other's eyes." Examples of problems that people face in marriage are different views: on how to spend money, how to parent their children, what to do about past insecurities, different views on how to spend time. For example, one partner may love golf at home with his golf buddies and the other partner loves to travel. Good marriage partners work out their differences, but Faun makes it sound like all you have to do is talk about it. In the real world, many couples grow in different directions and don't stay together.

Fawn took such a creative route with writing this book. The travel, the sites, the scenes, the families, the marriages... such a creative blend of people and thoughts and stories all applying to happy marriages. I love how she beautifully writes the stories in a way that keeps you laughing, reading and reflecting. The book will encourage you and challenge you to have a happy marriage. A happy marriage that is built on hard work, laughter, communication and so much more. Fawn spent the time digging into marriages all over the world and the reader reaps the benefits of lessons learned, stories told and relationships built. This is a marriage book that both spouses will actually WANT to read! And, not only read, but learn from and apply in their lives.

Fawn doesn't just offer the secrets of happy couples, she takes you on a journey. A journey through cultures and beauty and food. But also through the personal stories of couples who have weathered many storms in their marriage. This is not a how to book.

It's informative, yes. But it's an expedition, a quest to find those couples who've been married 25+ years, and tap into their lifelong marriage secrets.

With her detailed conversations and descriptive sights, you will feel like Fawn has packed you into her suitcase with her.

If you’re wanting to keep (or find) that spark in your marriage, let Fawn inspire you through her book.

*I was given a free copy of Happy Wives Club in exchange for my honest review.

This book was AWESOME!!!! I have been married for almost 17 years in February to the love of my life, we were married young and being only 38 and married for all these years is like a complete WOW to a lot of people, but since we have GOD in our daily lives that's the only thing that has kept us together and yes we are HAPPY, so I am apart if the HAPPY WIVES CLUB!

With so many families falling by the waste side its so wonderful to read a book like this. This was a well written book each chapter, every country that she visited, and every wife she interviewed I clearly was able to take something away about marriage. Hey lets keep it clear every marriage is different, it also takes work, and has its own genuine secret to staying healthy and happy. I can vouch for that something that works for my marriage might not for yours.

All I can say is if your planning on getting married, have been married for 1 yr or 50 yrs you will benefit from this blessed book. I would highly recommend this book to all wives.

I give this book 5 stars *****

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I love many things about Happy Wives Club book - but one thing that stands out is its unique style. Fawn Weaver is not even trying to give marriage advice. And It's not even about the interviewees either (though their stories are what makes this book epic) Fawn takes us on a her own personal journey, her own challenges, questions. It's some of these personal reflections and honesty that helps you reflect and look at your own marriage, your own fears and challenges.

If you want a book that will nourish, lift up, encourage, equip, inspire, challenge and cheer you towards a stronger marriage, you need to pick up this book. This is not one woman's perspective but but sage advice from couples who've been married 20+ years, from different cultures and nations. Pick it today! :)

Happy Wives Club is part travel journal and part inspirational interviews. Not only did I enjoy reading what Fawn discovers about great marriages, but I also enjoyed reading about her travels. She writes, "[Rome's] antiquity isn't just enshrined in some climate-controlled museum. It's everywhere: in the crumbling stucco walls of nearly every building, the labyrinthine streets, the imposing perimeter walls of the Vatican." She explores the Museum of Broken Hearts (Yes, it's a real museum!) in Zagreb, Croatia, endures the pounding rain in Quezon City, Philippines, and discovers an amazing love story in Perth, Australia.

My favorite chapter of the book takes place in Croatia. Fawn describes her interview in Zagreb as a "divine appointment," and she learns much more than she bargained for about marriage and having children within a marriage. It's not a secret; having children does change your relationship with your spouse. Zeljka's explanation of how love is like a candle explains perfectly how children fit into a happy marriage. Just as a flame can go from candle to candle without diminishing, so love can spread as a family grows.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Fawn's travels and the people she encountered along the way while trying to find the secrets to a happy marriage. Turns out most of them span land, cultural and language barriers, which may just be why they work!

No matter what stage of marriage you're in (engaged, newlywed, or empty nesters) I'm sure you'll glean something from Fawn's interviews and insights to use to make your marriage stronger and be a happy wife also.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.

It started with a blog, [...]. Fawn Weaver was fed up with the pervasive negativity surrounding marriage in today's culture. So in protest, she started a blog dedicated to women who love being married and celebrating their happy relationships. Almost as a dare, her career as an author was born. Her first task, traveling to 12 countries across six continents to tell the stories of women (and men) who have not only survived marriage, but have discovered the secrets to marital bliss through the decades. Weaver's book, Happy Wives Club, is self-help, meets Reader's Digest, meets travel book with her wealth of attained relationship advice, anecdotes of love and family, and colorful depictions of each city and culture she experiences. Talk about a dream job - who doesn't want to travel the world, meet new people, and experience different cultures?

The book is an enjoyable read with an albeit obvious summary at the end containing Weaver's 12 secrets to a happy marriage. (Spoiler alert: here comes the cliff notes version!) Respect, trust, common faith, laughter, retain personal identity and interests, share a daily ritual, date your spouse, support each other, be best friends, nurture your marriage, divorce is not an option, and choose your friends wisely. But there are also two bonus over-arching themes in the book: happiness is a choice, and a happy marriage keeps you young. And although I've given the secrets away, this is still worth the read!

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <[...]> book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”