Secrets of Great Marriages: Real Truth from Real Couples about Lasting Love

 Secrets of Great Marriages: Real Truth from Real Couples about Lasting Love by Charlie and Linda Bloom (2010) 233 pages

Charlie and Linda Bloom are psychotherapists and relationship counselors who wanted to delve into what makes a marriage great. They began by compiling a list of 100 couples who were together a long time, had high levels of mutual respect, and really enjoyed each other's company, among other traits. They interviewed 54 couples and chose 27 to include in this book. Each couple has their own chapter. The Blooms introduce each couple, but then mostly let the couples speak for themselves.

Each relationship is different, and sometimes what one couple swears by (be honest always, even if that means telling your wife she shouldn't have that dessert) is what another couple indicates to avoid judiciously. But that's real life. It was interesting to hear how so many couples worked to save a marriage that was faltering at some point, and made it stronger than ever.