How We Love, Expanded Edition: Discover Your Love Style, Enhance Your Marriage by Milan Yerkovich & Kay Yerkovich

Did you know the last fight you had with your spouse began long before you even met?

Are you tired of falling into frustrating relational patterns in your marriage? Do you and your spouse fight about the same things again and again?

Relationship experts Milan and Kay Yerkovich explain why the ways you and your spouse relate to each other go back to before you even met. Drawing on the powerful tool of attachment theory, Milan and Kay explore how your childhood created an "intimacy imprint" that affects your marriage today. Their stories and practical ideas help you:

* identify your personal love style 

* understand how your early life impacts you and your spouse 

* break free from painful patterns that keep you stuck 

* find healing for the source of conflict, not just the symptoms 

* create the close, nourishing relationship you dream about

Revised throughout with all-new material, additional visual diagrams, and a revised accompanying workbook, this expanded edition of How We Love will bring vibrant life to your marriage. Are you ready for a new journey of love?

AMAZON-http://amzn.to/2ig4ZvM

MY THOUGHTS:

3/5 STARS

I went into this one thinking I'd find insight on how to strengthen an already strong marriage. Sadly, this one just opened up old wounds and made me feel cold inside. It had great information, but I think it focused way too much energy on the childhood influence of marriage. I agree and understand that where we come from and how we're raised plays a strong role in relationships, but I was hoping for more of a "now approach". I wanted tips on what works, what doesn't and also tips on how we can spice up the romance and spark up conversation. This one kind of counseled you out of a problem, rather than helping you prevent one....

I think people having troubles in their marriage will appreciate this read, but for me, it just didn't work. I'd still recommend it, but go into it seeking help, not guidance. 

A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

The unrequited love of the girl next door is the centerpiece of this fiercely funny, yet heart-breaking debut novel.

Fifteen-year-old Matt Wainwright is in turmoil. He can’t tell his lifelong best friend, Tabby, how he really feels about her; his promising basketball skills are being overshadowed by his attitude on the court, and the only place he feels normal is in English class, where he can express his inner thoughts in quirky poems and essays. Matt is desperately hoping that Tabby will reciprocate his feelings; but then Tabby starts dating Liam Branson, senior basketball star and all-around great guy. Losing Tabby to Branson is bad enough; but, as Matt soon discovers, he’s close to losing everything that matters most to him. 

Humorous and heart-wrenching, A Short History of the Girl Next Door is perfect for readers who fell in love with All the Bright Places' Finch or Stargirl’s Leo. 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/2fSORmN 

MY THOUGHTS:

4/5 STARS

Oh goodness, I'm not even sure how to approach this review. I made assumptions from the cover and short synopsis, but boy was I wrong. This read wasn't at all bright times, it was sad shades of grey with bursts of color. It was shadows with hints of sunlight. It was happiness with secrets and grief.

Marty and Tabby are two of the most well wrote characters I've ever read about. They were developed in such an intricate manner and their relationship was one of a kind. They had a connection that went deeper than high school crushes. They leaned on, confided in, and loved one another. They grew up together and formed a bond like no other. Matt may have felt something different than she did, but both knew that what they had was quite special.

The twist about 3/4 the way through left me a tad bewildered. I'm pretty sure as I read those words, my jaw fell to the ground. I wanted it all to be a dream, but I learned to appreciate it. I saw the inspiration and growth laced within the words and I found myself more immersed in the unknown. I saw the story in a new light and found hope in tragedy.

My initial thoughts were that this was a messy story with wild emotions and teenage jealousy, but looking back I see a rich story with deep characters and awesome life lessons. I definitely recommend it to readers of all ages and genders.