Hey Beginner Wife: Practical Tips and Heartfelt Advice to Help You Have a Happy Marriage

by Michelle Lentz

I’ll let you in on a little Other women don’t have perfect husbands; they’ve simply learned how to enjoy the husbands they have! So whether you’re married and feeling stuck, hope to tie the knot and want to get off on the right foot, or are just looking for some supplemental guidance to maintain the solid foundation you and your spouse have created, this book will give you the practical tools and mindset to make your marriage happy, healthy, empowering, and eternal.

In this book I share what worked for me, where I missed the mark (so you don’t have to), and how establishing and sharing a core set of values with my husband not only influenced my early years of becoming a wife, but also how I balanced that role with being a mother of six children. I’ve devoted each chapter to the critical characteristics that I’ve found to be essential to a happy marriage. And the best part is that each of these characteristics is available to you if you’re willing to do the work.

Many women find love, and most make it to the altar. But then what? Saying “I do” is far from guaranteeing a lifetime of happiness. We repeatedly hear that marriage requires work, thoughtfulness, flexibility, evolution, and above all, a commitment. But how to navigate life’s inevitable (and current) challenges with grace, respect, strength, and love is something most of us were not shown how to do.

So if you’re a woman who wants to prepare for a marriage she doesn’t have yet, and then carry the honeymoon phase through to the very end, this book is for you. If you’re a woman looking to thrive in your marriage, and gain the tools to consistently support and elevate each other through all of life’s seasons, this book is for you. If you're a woman who wants to be intentional about actually enjoying---not resenting--- your husband and your marriage, then this book is for you. Welcome!” ---from the Introduction

Genres: Relationships

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

Reviews

[Kennedy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I follow @heybeginnerwife on instagram, so I knew I wanted to support her and get this book. Her knowledge is so helpful. And I am so happy to invest into my marriage. It's amazing how I can relate to every single thought process and reaction she had as a young wife then she says "that's what's not to do" LOL. I'm gonna gift this book to every bride I know!

[JH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got engaged in October of 2023 and married in September of 2024. I’ve been following Michelle since I got engaged & have always loved her perspective and advice. I just finished the book and absolutely loved it. I even shared all the sections I highlighted with my husband at the end of each day. Since finishing the book, I hear her words & advice in the back of my mind as I navigate the first year of our marriage. I grew up in a home filled with divorce that grew into a blended home with very conditional contract marriages. This book was the honest, heartfelt guide to marriage I needed as a new wife. I really appreciate Michelle pouring her heart & experience into it. I can’t wait for her next book! ❤️

[Shelbi Lafferty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!
Solid advice! At some points I felt she had old school viewpoints, but after reflecting almost everything she said I agreed with! A lot of her perspectives and advice is really relatable and applicable to my life right now, so it was definitely a book that is helping me grow in my marriage! I would def recommend to anyone engaged or newly married! She writes in a way that is really easy to read and doesn’t feel like a textbook or lecture, more like advice from a wise mom/mentor.

[Lauren Nishi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew I would enjoy her book because I’ve been following her content for some time! I will recommend this to all the new brides.

One reason why I couldn’t give all five stars is just how sometimes I feel it veers from being a book for “beginner wives” to singles who are still waiting. I feel she could have found a way to bring it back to her main focus.

But that being said, ladies who are considering marriage would be able to enjoy it too!

[Emily Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10! Some of the best marriage advice I’ve received from a Christian woman with years of wisdom!

[Arianna Cortez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am getting married in a few months, I am so grateful to have come across Hey Beginner Wife by Michelle. This book is an absolute gem, offering much more than the typical "do's and don'ts" of marriage advice. What sets Michelle apart is her refreshing perspective: she recognizes that women naturally possess unique skills and gifts, and rather than dictating how to "fix" or "change" ourselves, she encourages us to embrace and harness those qualities in our relationships.

The book is incredibly insightful, with real-life narratives woven throughout, providing practical and relatable examples. Michelle’s approach isn’t just about marriage; it’s about learning to love and support your partner in the best way possible, using what you already have within you. It’s gentle, and full of wisdom that anyone—whether married or not—can benefit from.

I wholeheartedly recommend Hey Beginner Wife to women of all stages in life. Whether you’re newly engaged, married, or just seeking personal growth in relationships, this book will give you the tools and confidence to love your significant other in the best, most authentic way possible.

[Skye Cubit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed Michelle on Instagram for quite some time, so when she announced that she was releasing a book, I immediately knew I wanted it, no I needed it. Her advice has always been SO personable, and she talks about her own thought processes - which are sometimes a LOL moment because most marriage books shy away from the real thoughts you have, and almost make them seem taboo - she is SO incredibly relatable, and she was an amazing way of making you feel comfortable enough to bring your walls down to accept advice. Most marriage books just give surface level advice, basically a “you’re doing this wrong, and here’s how to fix it” - not this book. Michelle talks about the real emotions, skills etc that women posess, and she encourages us to embrace these qualities in relationships, and offers practical steps to improve yourself, your marriage and your family. As a brand new, first time mom, this book was aligning hand in hand with the experiences I was going through, and I will definitely be re-reading this book many times.

This book may be called ‘Hey Beginner Wife’, but I’d honestly recommend this book to any woman in any season of life. It is so full of wisdom that anyone, single, engaged, married or not could relate to.

[Amy Hossler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey, Beginner Wife is an absolute gem—a treasure chest of practical, insightful wisdom straight from Michelle's heart and personal journey! This book will transform the way any woman approaches, dreams about, or embraces the role of wife. Michelle’s authenticity, humor, and relatability make her advice not only easy to digest but also truly empowering. She shows us how to make the experience of being a wife not just meaningful but incredibly joyful and powerful! Whether you're engaged, a seasoned wife, or simply dreaming of what it could be like, Hey, Beginner Wife is an absolute must-read. It's engaging, relatable, and packed with practical insights that will speak to women at every stage of life. Honestly, there are very few books I’d recommend to every woman I know—but this is one of them! Thank you, Michelle, for sharing this incredible gift with the world!

[Ann Dreyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Michelle's book is like sitting in your living room in your coziest sweats, curled up with a cup of coffee, and having a chat with your wisest girlfriend. She provides wisdom, advice, and relatable stories in such a sweet, non-judgmental manner. I would add another subtitle to this book, calling it, "Hey Beginner (and Experienced) Wife". I have been married for over 40 years, and I still learned a lot from her. I truly wish I had been given this book before I got married. There is no doubt we would have had an easier time trying to figure out how to be married, if I had known a lot of these concepts. This book is for newlyweds, longtime married couples, women who are in dating relationships, and women who look forward to having a be strong marriage someday. Get a copy for all the women in your life!

[Laina Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book while on traveling for a weekend getaway with my husband, and I’m so glad I did. Even though the book’s target audience is for “beginner” wives, this book is packed with advice for all wives. Michelle’s calming, joyful, confident voice shines on every page. Her words of wisdom are illustrated with relatable and inspiring stories, and she intertwines research (great resources). Reading the book helped me recalibrate for my weekend with my husband. As a parent, I appreciated the later chapters talking about the marriage being the center of the family. I hope to see a parenting book next.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fabulous! It should automatically be included in the marriage preparation process. Whether you’re preparing for marriage, or you have been married for twenty years, Michelle’s insight and guidance makes you feel like you’re sitting down for hot cocoa with your mom by the fire. She is the kind of mom and mentor that every young girl dreams of having. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get a taste of her PHENOMENAL advice. But this book for yourself, and for every engaged/married woman you know!

[Harmony Lebsack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!! I've followed Michelle for a while on Instagram, and not only does she provide great insight on your own personal healing, but also how you can begin to heal your relationship and marriage.

In this book, Michelle imparts such Godly wisdom and encourages you as a woman so you are stronger in your partnership with your husband. I appreciate that she says the hard things that are so incredibly necessary to have a healthy and holy marriage, but in the most loving and gentle way.

Truly a great read no matter how long you've been married!

[Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible book. Incredible, approachable advice for anyone who hopes to get married. Michelle's voice is sincere and helpful. Her tone is kind, fun, and respectful towards the reader. She is succinct and tactful in her writing, and conveys her points prudently. Her advice is timeless and indispensable and she speaks from wisdom and experience, and seeks to glorify God and all He has done for her and her marriage, while remaining approachable to anyone. A MUST READ for wives of all ages, regardless of how long they've been married.

[Taylor Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part of this book were the practical tips. I would read one and then apply it same day and it would work! It was easy to see myself in Michelle’s stories because they were so relatable and real. I gifted this to a friend as an engagement present and she’s already seen so much value before the wedding. Recommend to anyone who is dating, engaged, newly married, or even been married for a while. Anyone could benefit from the advice of Michelle!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michelle's strength is in the fact that she writes very practically and doesn't assume knowledge of the basics: What is an apology? What does respectful conduct look like? What is a covenant?

The biggest weakness is that she stays in the realm of common grace advice and doesn't center her advice on gospel grace. This advice will still help but ultimately leaves readers crushed without power to obey Christ from the heart.

[Haley Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very, very simple writing, but great advice. I am quite glad that I read this book. There are so many minor issues that married people allow to spiral - and I’ve learned some great ways to avoid them entirely, and how to keep our already good habits going.

After reading one chapter about respect and how important it normally is for husbands, I turned to my fiancé and asked, “Do you feel like I respect you?” He said, “Oh yes. And do you feel loved?” Good stuff guys

[Allison Kibler · Rating 5 out of 5]

After following Michelle for some time now on IG, I purchased her new book. I would definitely recommend to anyone with hopes to be married until death do you part. :) You can tell through this book that Michelle is genuine and kind, but also real and down to earth. This book would be a great gift to a newly engaged friend.

[Estelle Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book! Highly recommend this. Some books can feel like they're telling me everything I'm doing wrong, but this book honestly feels like I'm sitting and drinking coffee with someone who just wants to share their wisdom and insight to marriage. I will absolutely read this book many times throughout my life because I'm sure I'll learn something new each time.

[Hannah Somerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very insightful and Holy Spirit led. I was in tears by the end of this book. Beautifully written about marriage, and I love how in her advice she gave biblical standpoints and views on marriage. Each chapter consists of its own little subject on marriage and pretty much do’s and don’ts, areas of growth, how to show gratitude, so much more! I HIGHLY recommend.

[Gabrielle Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed this author on social media for years. I adore her! She is so kind and encouraging in the way she communicates hard truths. Read it before you choose who you want to marry. And read it again once you’re married. Nothing is ground breaking, but just some good practical applications as a wife and mother.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely practical and helpful! Michelle is full of wisdom and she makes it easy and fun to read. I’ve benefitted from this book so much and would recommend it to any woman, whether married or preparing for marriage!

[Susie Klassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful that I‘ve found Michelle’s Instagram Account. I have already learned so much from her trough Instagram and I was able to read a few chapters from her new Hey Beginner Wife Book and it was so good.

[Joy Rosenbarker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the book. I gleaned so much wisdom and insight from it as a wife who’s been married for 4 years now. I would definitely recommend this to any girl/woman who’s single with a desire to get married someday, engaged, newly married or have been married for several years.

[Julianne Carmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman is so wise! I aim to surround myself with accounts of Christian, married women who are older than me on Instagram and she is one of the first I stumbled across (@heybeginnerwife). Such practical and helpful advice - truly an example of the older women teaching the younger!!

[Kristina Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

michelle is a very interesting lady. even the slightly controversial things she says, upon reflection, are not wrong.

read it, take it with a grain of salt but keep your heart open to be surprised by what you find to be correct even if your initial reaction is "no!"

[Julie Baumgardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! So much practical wisdom for couples beginning their marriage journey. Definitely a good read!!!

[Ashley Horta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got married in November and so glad I started the year with this book. I love all of Michelle’s very practical advice and how she approaches each topic with grace. Most importantly, I’m glad she stayed true to her faith and addressed how her relationship with God has been pivotal for a strong marriage. Thank you for your authenticity, Michelle!

[Emily Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic advice for young (and old!) wives! I highly recommend to any wife who wants to improve their marriage.

[Leah Gillette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it so much! Felt like I was talking to a friend the whole time. Would definitely recommend to any wife!!

[Kristen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book! Uplifting, joyful, and AWESOME ADVICE for the already-married or hope-to-be married woman. 5 stars!