What do you think?
Rate this book
Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands
It's no secret that there is a wide emotional gap between men and women. Couples crave love, but don't always know how to express it to their spouse.
LISTS TO LOVE BY FOR BUSY HUSBANDS presents practical insights and step-by-step advice for husbands who want to bridge that gap and improve their marriage. These thirty lists will carry husbands through an entire month of learning to love their wives more deeply--wisdom they will come back to again and again.
- GenresMarriageChristianity
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 3, 2017
16 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Mark Merrill
11 books17 followersMark Merrill is the founder and
president of Family First, a national nonprofit
organization dedicated to helping
people love their families well. He hosts The
Family Minute, a nationally syndicated daily
radio program that reaches over 5,000,000
listeners each day. He also delivers marriage
and parenting wisdom to over 100,000 people
each month through his blog and podcast on
MarkMerrill.com. Mark's new book, Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands and Lists to Love By for Busy Wives, lists out simple steps husbands and wives can follow to get the marriage they want. He is also the author of All Pro Dad—Seven Essentials to Be a Hero to Your Kids. Mark and his wife, Susan, live in Tampa, Florida, and have five children.
president of Family First, a national nonprofit
organization dedicated to helping
people love their families well. He hosts The
Family Minute, a nationally syndicated daily
radio program that reaches over 5,000,000
listeners each day. He also delivers marriage
and parenting wisdom to over 100,000 people
each month through his blog and podcast on
MarkMerrill.com. Mark's new book, Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands and Lists to Love By for Busy Wives, lists out simple steps husbands and wives can follow to get the marriage they want. He is also the author of All Pro Dad—Seven Essentials to Be a Hero to Your Kids. Mark and his wife, Susan, live in Tampa, Florida, and have five children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 29, 2016
Having a successful marriage is hard. What fascinated us in our potential spouse often is found irritating after marriage. Choices are made everyday that lead to improvement or decline in a marriage. How do we know what to do?
The Merrills have been working for twenty years on making marriages better. They have taken their combined experience and an analysis of comments on their posts and created lists. They have developed the format of lists because they can be readily used in our fast paced and complicated lives.
The lists are designed to help us manage our expectations, evaluate how we are doing (using God's standards), and give ways to improve our marriage. The Merrills have found that these areas are ones where people want help.
There are thirty lists so one could be reviewed each day for a month. Readers could also just go to a specific list, wanting to work on a specific area. There are “Taking the Next Step” sections at the end of each chapter containing evaluation questions and action suggestions.
What are on these lists? The first one contains truths, such as, marriage is hard work. The next one contains things to remember, like our marriage vows. Other lists remind us of the power of words, actions to stop doing, unfair expectations we might have of our spouse, what we should expect of our spouse, what we want to hear from our spouse, forgiveness, respectful treatment in public, and much more.
There are two books, one with lists for husbands and the other with lists for wives. The text of both books are generally the same. Each book is written from the viewpoint of the spouse, however, and contains a few gender specific illustrations and issues. What wives would like to hear from their husbands is quite different from what husbands would like to hear from their wives. There is a chapter for husbands on pornography while the corresponding chapter for wives deals with hardening the heart. But the format of the books allow spouses to generally discuss each chapter together.
I like the way these books have been designed. I like the idea of doing a chapter a day for a month, then starting over again. The suggestions for evaluation and action at the end of each chapter are good. Some of the suggestions seem a little contrived, however. I'm not sure I'd appreciate a compliment I received from my spouse knowing it came verbatim from a book.
I recommend these books to couples wanting to tune up their marriage. The books would also make a good anniversary gift. While God is mentioned frequently in these books, there is no use of the Bible so these books would be good for all couples, not just Christians.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The Merrills have been working for twenty years on making marriages better. They have taken their combined experience and an analysis of comments on their posts and created lists. They have developed the format of lists because they can be readily used in our fast paced and complicated lives.
The lists are designed to help us manage our expectations, evaluate how we are doing (using God's standards), and give ways to improve our marriage. The Merrills have found that these areas are ones where people want help.
There are thirty lists so one could be reviewed each day for a month. Readers could also just go to a specific list, wanting to work on a specific area. There are “Taking the Next Step” sections at the end of each chapter containing evaluation questions and action suggestions.
What are on these lists? The first one contains truths, such as, marriage is hard work. The next one contains things to remember, like our marriage vows. Other lists remind us of the power of words, actions to stop doing, unfair expectations we might have of our spouse, what we should expect of our spouse, what we want to hear from our spouse, forgiveness, respectful treatment in public, and much more.
There are two books, one with lists for husbands and the other with lists for wives. The text of both books are generally the same. Each book is written from the viewpoint of the spouse, however, and contains a few gender specific illustrations and issues. What wives would like to hear from their husbands is quite different from what husbands would like to hear from their wives. There is a chapter for husbands on pornography while the corresponding chapter for wives deals with hardening the heart. But the format of the books allow spouses to generally discuss each chapter together.
I like the way these books have been designed. I like the idea of doing a chapter a day for a month, then starting over again. The suggestions for evaluation and action at the end of each chapter are good. Some of the suggestions seem a little contrived, however. I'm not sure I'd appreciate a compliment I received from my spouse knowing it came verbatim from a book.
I recommend these books to couples wanting to tune up their marriage. The books would also make a good anniversary gift. While God is mentioned frequently in these books, there is no use of the Bible so these books would be good for all couples, not just Christians.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
January 8, 2017
Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands is a companion book to Lists to Love By for Busy Wives. It presents practical dos and don'ts along with step-by-step advice for husbands who want to improve their marriage. It contains real-life answers and recommendations from a Christian perspective.
Each Lists to Love By book contains thirty lists. I like the way these books have been designed. I like the idea of reading and applying a chapter a day for a month,
The text of both books are generally the same. I think there should be a special if you buy both of them. Each book is written from the viewpoint of the spouse so there is some content that is specific to each gender. For example there is a chapter on pornography for men and a chapter on hardening your heart for women.
Some of the topics I found the most useful were:
The texts to send your spouse.
What he really means when he says this...
Things you should never say to you wife.
How to affair proof your marriage.
They recommend knowing the love language of your spouse which I have found helpful.
It is a fast easy read. You can read it with your spouse to see what resonates with them even if they are not willing to read it. There are questions that you can ask each other to discuss further and learn more about each other, again even if your spouse doesn’t want to read the book they man participate in the questions and discussion.
I received this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
Each Lists to Love By book contains thirty lists. I like the way these books have been designed. I like the idea of reading and applying a chapter a day for a month,
The text of both books are generally the same. I think there should be a special if you buy both of them. Each book is written from the viewpoint of the spouse so there is some content that is specific to each gender. For example there is a chapter on pornography for men and a chapter on hardening your heart for women.
Some of the topics I found the most useful were:
The texts to send your spouse.
What he really means when he says this...
Things you should never say to you wife.
How to affair proof your marriage.
They recommend knowing the love language of your spouse which I have found helpful.
It is a fast easy read. You can read it with your spouse to see what resonates with them even if they are not willing to read it. There are questions that you can ask each other to discuss further and learn more about each other, again even if your spouse doesn’t want to read the book they man participate in the questions and discussion.
I received this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
April 29, 2019
This book is made up with short chapters, and each chapter has an intro about the topic followed by a list of things pertaining to that chapter's topic. There are two companion books, one for the husband and one for the wife, and sometimes the chapters were the same. More often, though, the content was different, so each day that we read this together, my wife and I would read the chapter as we sat by each other, and then we would discuss the topic. I thought that this book led to a lot of great conversations, but my wife only felt so-so about the book.
January 14, 2019
Very helpful, great book!
January 6, 2017
Is one of your New Year's resolutions to improve your marriage? I recently got a chance to review two companion books that may help.
Mark and Susan Merrill understand that couples crave love, but don't always know how to express it to one another which can lead to miscommunication and emotional turmoil.
As the founders of the national non-profit Family First, Mark and Susan wanted to share the practical dos and don’ts along with step-by-step advice based on their own research and experience. Their books, LISTS TO LOVE BY FOR BUSY HUSBANDS and LISTS TO LOVE BY FOR BUSY WIVES, present a collection of lists created for those wanting a more intimate, fulfilling marriage.
The books are a series of concise lists, things like how to understand your spouse, how to show each other that you love each other, how to resolve conflict. Each list provides a brief explanation of each item on the list, and how it really affects a relationship. The books are relatively short, so they work well for a quick read, a reference point on a particular topic, or for couples to read together. Both books are very similar, with about 90% of the material the same. Each book has one chapter that is completely different, and the explanations are targeted slightly towards different genders, but for the most part, both the husband and wife will get about the same message. The only part of the book I wasn't in total agreement with was the opinion of the authors on physical intimacy; however, nearly all of the topics will be universally appropriate for all marriages.
Mark and Susan Merrill understand that couples crave love, but don't always know how to express it to one another which can lead to miscommunication and emotional turmoil.
As the founders of the national non-profit Family First, Mark and Susan wanted to share the practical dos and don’ts along with step-by-step advice based on their own research and experience. Their books, LISTS TO LOVE BY FOR BUSY HUSBANDS and LISTS TO LOVE BY FOR BUSY WIVES, present a collection of lists created for those wanting a more intimate, fulfilling marriage.
The books are a series of concise lists, things like how to understand your spouse, how to show each other that you love each other, how to resolve conflict. Each list provides a brief explanation of each item on the list, and how it really affects a relationship. The books are relatively short, so they work well for a quick read, a reference point on a particular topic, or for couples to read together. Both books are very similar, with about 90% of the material the same. Each book has one chapter that is completely different, and the explanations are targeted slightly towards different genders, but for the most part, both the husband and wife will get about the same message. The only part of the book I wasn't in total agreement with was the opinion of the authors on physical intimacy; however, nearly all of the topics will be universally appropriate for all marriages.
February 28, 2017
I greatly enjoyed reading this book. It was a fairly quick and easy read, but it packed several punches. Mr. Merrill and his wife, Susan Merrill, both have blogs where they write posts meant to encourage and challenge folks to improve their marriages and their families. In developing these books, they took their most popular posts and, using modern internet analytics and user comments, further developed these lists into these handy books. These "listicles" are easy to read, take only about 10 minutes to read, and would be excellent to read together with one's spouse, prompting great discussions. Nothing terribly profound here, just lots of really good, practical Biblical wisdom. I appreciated the Scripture references, the brief self-evaluations, and the practical application steps. These books would be excellent presents for newlyweds or for those who have been married for decades. Truth never goes out of style, and it's always good to be reminded of the basics of excellent marriages. Thank you, Merrills, for writing these books!
I gratefully received these books as eARCs from the authors, publisher, and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
I gratefully received these books as eARCs from the authors, publisher, and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
December 27, 2016
He says -
Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands and Subtitled Simple Steps to the Marriage You Want, this is the Merrill’s companion book to the similarly titled Lists to Love By for Busy Wives.
Both books are intended to overcome the mate’s past experiences, communication difficulties, unreasonable expectations and fantasies about married life that I think some couples, will find difficult to overcome without structured assistance which a book like this provides.
My wife and I have been together for nearly 28 years and married for just over 27 of them. Obviously, people from different backgrounds and experiences will read a book like this with an eye to improve something else in their relationships than my wife and I would, but there is something very practical in this for both sexes.
From a spiritual standpoint, these books are written for Christians and intended to improve Christian marriages. Even if you are at a different place in your walk than a couple who has been a lifelong Christian, a church leader (as my wife and I are) or a new convert (one or both of you) Lists to Love By will give the reader a sound foundation based on prayer, Scripture reading and observations of life lessons from the culture.
The Merrill’s attention to those things that they focus on in their marriage, and that have made their life’s work so successful is a model for all of us and an inspirational source, even if only one-half of the couple reads their book. This is just my opinion, but if one partner focuses effort on improving the marriage and all that goes into it, the other one should eventually join in on the fun if they are paying enough attention.
She says -
Available on January 3, 2017, the Lists to Love By books from Mark and Susan Merrill were the compilation of their blog posts and organized into 30 lists. Each book can be used as a daily devotional or used as a reference when dealing with a particular subject.
While the wife is reading 7 Truths About Marriage her husband is reading a chapter on the same topic. The best thing is that it's not the same writing. The list itself is the same but the story for the women is from Susan and for the man it's from Mark.
Ideally, it would make sense after reading your chapters to come together and discuss what you've read. Then you could discuss the "Taking the next step" questions at the end of each chapter. The questions allow you to take what you've just read and put it into use every day.
Ultimately, when reading Lists to Love By it's about how the reader can change to be a better spouse. Reading the book so that you can change your spouse will never work. By changing yourself to be a better husband or wife you make your spouse want to be better as well.
If you click on the book covers below you can order your copies of Lists to Love By for Busy Wives and Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands by Mark and Susan Merrill. It's a great way to keep your marriage healthy, strong, and growing closer each day. It makes a great gift for an engaged couple or for a wedding gift. It also makes a great anniversary gift. But you don't need a special occasion to improve your own relationship.
Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands and Subtitled Simple Steps to the Marriage You Want, this is the Merrill’s companion book to the similarly titled Lists to Love By for Busy Wives.
Both books are intended to overcome the mate’s past experiences, communication difficulties, unreasonable expectations and fantasies about married life that I think some couples, will find difficult to overcome without structured assistance which a book like this provides.
My wife and I have been together for nearly 28 years and married for just over 27 of them. Obviously, people from different backgrounds and experiences will read a book like this with an eye to improve something else in their relationships than my wife and I would, but there is something very practical in this for both sexes.
From a spiritual standpoint, these books are written for Christians and intended to improve Christian marriages. Even if you are at a different place in your walk than a couple who has been a lifelong Christian, a church leader (as my wife and I are) or a new convert (one or both of you) Lists to Love By will give the reader a sound foundation based on prayer, Scripture reading and observations of life lessons from the culture.
The Merrill’s attention to those things that they focus on in their marriage, and that have made their life’s work so successful is a model for all of us and an inspirational source, even if only one-half of the couple reads their book. This is just my opinion, but if one partner focuses effort on improving the marriage and all that goes into it, the other one should eventually join in on the fun if they are paying enough attention.
She says -
Available on January 3, 2017, the Lists to Love By books from Mark and Susan Merrill were the compilation of their blog posts and organized into 30 lists. Each book can be used as a daily devotional or used as a reference when dealing with a particular subject.
While the wife is reading 7 Truths About Marriage her husband is reading a chapter on the same topic. The best thing is that it's not the same writing. The list itself is the same but the story for the women is from Susan and for the man it's from Mark.
Ideally, it would make sense after reading your chapters to come together and discuss what you've read. Then you could discuss the "Taking the next step" questions at the end of each chapter. The questions allow you to take what you've just read and put it into use every day.
Ultimately, when reading Lists to Love By it's about how the reader can change to be a better spouse. Reading the book so that you can change your spouse will never work. By changing yourself to be a better husband or wife you make your spouse want to be better as well.
If you click on the book covers below you can order your copies of Lists to Love By for Busy Wives and Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands by Mark and Susan Merrill. It's a great way to keep your marriage healthy, strong, and growing closer each day. It makes a great gift for an engaged couple or for a wedding gift. It also makes a great anniversary gift. But you don't need a special occasion to improve your own relationship.
December 31, 2016
As a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and eternal optimist, I am always seeking wisdom and advice about the many facets of my life. Lists to Love by for Busy Wives by Mark and Susan Merrill is a insightful book set to be released in January 2017.
It's an easy read with fabulous advice on what wives want from their husbands and how to effectively communicate that to them. But it also guides wives on how husbands interpret that communication--mentally and physically. Married authors Mark and Susan Merrill understand that couples crave love, but don't always know how to express it which often leads to miscommunication and emotional turmoil.
Now, you can't have one without the other. So, the Merrills have also written Lists to Love by for Busy Husbands. I read both and found their advice, based on personal experiences and research, to be eye-opening. Both books provide thirty lists that are practical and thought-provoking. Be sure to obtain both copies set for a January 2017 release to enrich your marriage and bridge the emotional gap that many wives and husbands encounter. Pre-orders are now available.
It's an easy read with fabulous advice on what wives want from their husbands and how to effectively communicate that to them. But it also guides wives on how husbands interpret that communication--mentally and physically. Married authors Mark and Susan Merrill understand that couples crave love, but don't always know how to express it which often leads to miscommunication and emotional turmoil.
Now, you can't have one without the other. So, the Merrills have also written Lists to Love by for Busy Husbands. I read both and found their advice, based on personal experiences and research, to be eye-opening. Both books provide thirty lists that are practical and thought-provoking. Be sure to obtain both copies set for a January 2017 release to enrich your marriage and bridge the emotional gap that many wives and husbands encounter. Pre-orders are now available.
September 21, 2016
I really liked this book and it's companion book Lists to Love By for Busy Wives! Each book focused on 30 chapters of the same headings and topic, but each book was directed and explained specifically toward their respective audience. For sone chapters the content was almost the same, for example in both books trust and ways three suggested ways to build trust are the same. On the contrast though while chapter 4 '7 Things husbands/wives should stop doing' were different based on gender. Really these books are so helpful and to the point! I loved that with the table of contents so organized you can skip to just the problem(s) you have and focus on those or read though all of them and benefit either way. This is so practical and helpful! It's easy to read and understand, so I think everyone can relate. Also at the end of each chapter are questions for the husband/wife to check for understanding, apply the chapter or things to ask their spouse to grow or improve the relationship. Great books!
December 6, 2016
I heard about the Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands and Lists to Love By for Busy Wives from the company that was going to release these books. I couldn’t wait to read mine and see if my husband had time to read his. We’ve been married for 16 years now and do lead a busy life. He’s one that loves lists, and I thought these books would be perfect for us. Being a couple that truly cherishes marriage and knows that it was the Lord that made it all happen, makes us want to do all we can to make our marriage stronger and help each other know that we are always there.
In today’s world of failure and displeasure, it takes strong spouses to stand together and fight for their love to each other. Seeing stories on the television about so-and-so being married for 7 days (or whatever) and now having irreconcilable differences (yeah, whatever!) makes me just shake my head. Marriage is not perfect, and it’s not something that will never have trials. If you learn how to work together and build the relationship stronger through a foundation of Jesus, than nothing can make it crumble!
I said from a young age, after seeing many friends have parents that divorced, and seeing it become not so much of a problem in the world as it once was looked down on, really made me vow to only choose one man and stay with him as long as possible! Like a good friend once taught us, a marriage that repairs it’s problems and moves on has a stronger foundation than those that hide them! So true!
These books just give you a bit of information from people who have already been there to help you grow your relationship, as well as you as a person. Being strong in our own beliefs, helps us to be strong for others. They help you to have a conversation, which in today’s world of hurry and then hurry again, some of us rarely have time for. Being able to take a moment and remember why you love your spouse so much, can really help to build your relationship even stronger.
In today’s world of failure and displeasure, it takes strong spouses to stand together and fight for their love to each other. Seeing stories on the television about so-and-so being married for 7 days (or whatever) and now having irreconcilable differences (yeah, whatever!) makes me just shake my head. Marriage is not perfect, and it’s not something that will never have trials. If you learn how to work together and build the relationship stronger through a foundation of Jesus, than nothing can make it crumble!
I said from a young age, after seeing many friends have parents that divorced, and seeing it become not so much of a problem in the world as it once was looked down on, really made me vow to only choose one man and stay with him as long as possible! Like a good friend once taught us, a marriage that repairs it’s problems and moves on has a stronger foundation than those that hide them! So true!
These books just give you a bit of information from people who have already been there to help you grow your relationship, as well as you as a person. Being strong in our own beliefs, helps us to be strong for others. They help you to have a conversation, which in today’s world of hurry and then hurry again, some of us rarely have time for. Being able to take a moment and remember why you love your spouse so much, can really help to build your relationship even stronger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2017
Living in our fast paced society it is very hard to find time to sit down and read a book. However, if you’re a married man I would highly suggest that you find the time to read Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands. It is a quick and easy read that provides practical advice and tips to be a better husband. Every minute spent reading this book is worth it!
January 6, 2017
Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands is must read for newlyweds & seasoned couples. I tend to giggle to myself when people add #relationshipgoals under the comment section when I post a picture of my husband & I on Social Media. No married couple wakes up in the morning and floats over to their spouse on a magical cloud to say Good Morning. I don't care what anyone says but Marriage is work. Some couples have to work harder than others, but it's still work. There are times when couples get complacent in the marriage, and that's when books like List to Love comes in handy.
The founders of the national non-profit Family First, Mark and Susan Merrill, gives readers step-by-step advice based on their research and experience. Before you open your mouth to say - "I don't take advice when it comes to my marriage." Think again!
I was surprised that my husband was receptive when it came to reading this book. I was prepared to read it myself and then do some exercises with him. He read this book first and then I read it after him. We also have a copy of Lists to Love By for Busy Wives. I read that too.
Even though we believed we knew each other like the back of our hands - we were able to learn more things about each other.
There are 30 lists to love by which includes: 7 Truths of Marriage, 3 Things to Remember About Marriage, 5 Ways to Woo Your Wife in the Bedroom and much more. Taking the Next Step is the discussion section where you and your spouse and take turns answering a question. This was a fascinating exercise to do together. You can read this book in one sitting, but I would suggest taking your time with this read. Either way, you will benefit from reading this book.
I highly recommend this book!
The founders of the national non-profit Family First, Mark and Susan Merrill, gives readers step-by-step advice based on their research and experience. Before you open your mouth to say - "I don't take advice when it comes to my marriage." Think again!
I was surprised that my husband was receptive when it came to reading this book. I was prepared to read it myself and then do some exercises with him. He read this book first and then I read it after him. We also have a copy of Lists to Love By for Busy Wives. I read that too.
Even though we believed we knew each other like the back of our hands - we were able to learn more things about each other.
There are 30 lists to love by which includes: 7 Truths of Marriage, 3 Things to Remember About Marriage, 5 Ways to Woo Your Wife in the Bedroom and much more. Taking the Next Step is the discussion section where you and your spouse and take turns answering a question. This was a fascinating exercise to do together. You can read this book in one sitting, but I would suggest taking your time with this read. Either way, you will benefit from reading this book.
I highly recommend this book!
January 4, 2017
Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands: Simple Steps to the Marriage You Want is a book with practical marriage advice by Mark and Susan Merrill. The author covers topics such as the importance of marriage, using encouraging words, having fair expectations, (not) hardening your heart, forgiving, and understanding yourself. The chapters are written in paragraph format, but they include helpful lists. For example, Chapter 16 (or List 16) is called “8 Expectations for a Great Marriage” and includes eight things to expect during your marriage, such as expecting to disagree and expecting to be annoyed – with each of these expectations explained with a paragraph.
Some of the chapters are more serious than others, such as “6 Things to Do When You’re Lonely in Marriage,” while others have more of a fun feel, such as “10 Texts to Send to Your Wife in the Next Ten Days.” Though everyone is bound to find some advice they do not like in a marriage book, the authors do deliver sound, sensible advice. The end of each chapter offers relevant discussion questions.
The title says that the book is geared for busy husbands – and the good thing about the book is that it really is geared for busy people! If you’re having a busy day, this is the kind of marriage book that you could easily pick up for a few minutes and reflect on.
*I received this book for review*
Some of the chapters are more serious than others, such as “6 Things to Do When You’re Lonely in Marriage,” while others have more of a fun feel, such as “10 Texts to Send to Your Wife in the Next Ten Days.” Though everyone is bound to find some advice they do not like in a marriage book, the authors do deliver sound, sensible advice. The end of each chapter offers relevant discussion questions.
The title says that the book is geared for busy husbands – and the good thing about the book is that it really is geared for busy people! If you’re having a busy day, this is the kind of marriage book that you could easily pick up for a few minutes and reflect on.
*I received this book for review*
December 8, 2016
This book is articulate and original when it comes to helping couples to strengthen their marriages. It has so much information but it isn't information overload like so many self help books. It talks to you on your level not over your head. It first gives you instructions the ways to do the book and then the book begins. You first learn the 7 truths about marriage and then at the end of that they ask you some serious questions. Those questions are very poignant to your marriage - and boy do you start thinking about it. Then the second chapter you are given more lists with explanations for each steps etc, then again the questions after and by the end of the book you feel like you have truly touched so deep into your marriage and that you have grown together in GOD, and love and respect and oh so much more for each other. This is such a wonderful growing book and so worth the read. I received a copy of this book from Hachette to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2016
So, I read this book first and found it so resourceful. I really got unique perspective that really made me consider the other foot. I think many men will connect with the perspective Mark has that will help guys want to strengthen their relationships. The chapters were broken down by lists that were comprehensible and I strongly encourage as he suggest to communicate with you significant other your thoughts based on the theme of the chapter. He really speaks to you guys out there and it's such a great way to connect with someone who understands. Much of what he says will resonate with you and hopefully help strengthen your relationships with your wife.
February 28, 2017
A series of lists for men to consider in terms of becoming better husbands.
The author provides 30 short, easy-to-read lists on various themes to explore: how to be more understanding, how to be flirty, and so on and so forth. Each list also has some reflections and questions in terms of how to apply them to the relationship.
Nothing terribly earth-shattering in here that can't be found in other books on relationships, but if you're looking for basic, short, and easily implemented, it's good.
**--galley received as part of early review program
The author provides 30 short, easy-to-read lists on various themes to explore: how to be more understanding, how to be flirty, and so on and so forth. Each list also has some reflections and questions in terms of how to apply them to the relationship.
Nothing terribly earth-shattering in here that can't be found in other books on relationships, but if you're looking for basic, short, and easily implemented, it's good.
**--galley received as part of early review program
December 5, 2016
I really liked this book! Being a list person, I found the 30 lists practical and not overwhelming. I would recommend this book to any couple hoping to improve their marriage a day at a time. Mark and Susan really hone in on how to make realistic improvements to the most important relationship in your life. As I read, I could easily picture their everyday issues, and it gave me hope for overcoming my marriage problems in the future.
December 9, 2016
Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands is a GREAT read! Mark and Susan Merrill cover material that is extremely applicable to relationships, specifically between husband and wife. I appreciate the real, concise and easy to read material and format. The Lists to Love by For Busy Husbands and Lists to Love by for Busy Wives are must reads for all married couples, no matter how long they have been together!!
December 22, 2016
Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands is a great read. This informative book is written in an easy to read and apply one day at a time format. Whether you have been married one day or many years, I believe every reader can take away easy and practical tips to help in their own marriage. I particularly loved the Taking the Next Step Action at the end of each chapter. I would highly recommend this book!
Read
December 6, 2016it seems like Mark Merrill wrote about every conceivable marriage relationship angle in Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands. It’s helping me go deeper in my marriage with straight forward lists that provide a step-by-step guide to deeper and more meaningful conversations. The lists help me bring expression to my deep love and appreciation for my wife, Leslie Dawn Gray.
December 16, 2016
I started reading this on a recent flight and it drew me in from the beginning. You can tell this is written by a husband who is striving to be the best he can be for his wife. And it is written so practically. A great read whether you are engaged, newly married or a seasoned pro who is looking to inject new life into his marriage.
December 2, 2016
Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands and its companion book Lists to Love By for Busy Wives are very concise and easy-reads. They have helped improve my communication with my husband immensely.
May 2, 2017
*** Note this book was read by my husband and me. Then his thoughts were written by me and edited.
I want to start off by saying that this is one version of the list to love by series, there is one for men that you can read my review for. I really love the covers of both of these books. I am unsure if FaithWorks sells them as a set but they should. If you are a Christian and married, you both need to read this book, cover to cover.
One of the best parts of these books is that these books don't take a crazy amount of time to read, and they are very casual to read. The are filled with some of the most creative as well as practical ways for each spouse to improve their relationship, with small everyday steps.
The lists are really meant to make us evaluate exactly what we are doing, how we are communicating and manage our expectations. There are thirty different lists in this book. You could do one every day for a month, do one every week for a while, or devour it all in one day. My favorite part of the book is "Taking the Next Steps" which happens at the each chapter that contains questions that are to evaluate and create action.
The only thing I really disagreed with about this book was the issue or opinion of the authors on the topic of physical intimacy. I am not really sure this was the book that needed to talk about intimacy between husbands. This was just a small issue for me though.
Some of the most interesting topics I read about were:
- The texts to send your spouse.
- How to affair-proof your marriage.
- 7 truths about Marriage
- 5 ways to use body language to connect
I would recommend these books to any couples wanting to tune up their marriage. The books would also make a good wedding or anniversary gift.
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for my honest and completely unbiased review. All thoughts are my own.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews