Book Review & Giveaway: "The Beautiful Wife" by Sandy Ralya

Sometimes a message you really need to hear can be very difficult to hear. However, most things in life that are worth having require work, dedication, and some stretching toward personal growth. I value my marriage very highly, and in a world that takes a "throw away" attitude toward commitment, it's not always easy. When things don't go as perfectly as I envision they should with my husband, it's tempting to blame him. That's exactly when my commitment to walking with Christ must come first and guide my actions, thoughts, and words. I want to be closer to Christ and closer to my husband everyday.

Sandy Ralya knows that marriage isn't always roses and romance. She has written The Beautiful Wife to cover the issues of romance, money, beauty, communication, and physical intimacy.  Through inspirational stories from her own experience and from other Christian women, she faces the tough questions that we're sometimes afraid to ask out loud.  She believes in the power of prayer and community to draw strength from God and each other.  The community can be found at Beautiful Womanhood.

In addition to the book, there is a prayer journal and Mentor's Guide.  The book is best used in a small group setting, but can certainly be read and studied independently.  I personally think the prayer journal is a great idea.  I often work through tough times and tackle spiritual issues through my own prayer journal, so this is a great companion to the book for me.  It's nice to have a place to record my thoughts and to look back on later to see the prayers that God has answered.

Reading the book was like talking to a good friend.  Sandy does not pull any punches, but gets right to the heart of the matter -- our hearts as wives.  What is our true motivation?  Who are we trying to please?  What do we truly treasure in our hearts?  What is our identity as women, wives, and daughters of the King?

I wish I had had this book about 10 years ago.  It's definitely food for thought and I can imagine returning to it again in the future.


Celebrate with Sandy by entering her Kindle Touch Giveaway and coming to her "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party {3/8}!

One beautiful winner will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Touch with Wi-Fi
• The Beautiful Wife By Sandy Ralya
• The Beautiful Wife Prayer Journal and Mentor's Guide

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/7/12. Winner will be announced at Sandy's "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party on 3/8. Sandy will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, prayer journals and a live chat with Sandy for your Bible study or small group!

So grab your copy of The Beautiful Wife and join Sandy and friends on the evening of March 8th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on March 8th!

Be sure to visit the other LitFuse bloggers who are participating in this blog tour.