Romantic Reads

The Conscious Bride by Sheryl Paul (New Harbinger Publications, 2000, $12.95). Bridal counselor Sheryl Paul shares the stories of a diverse group of women to give brides-to-be the rundown on what to expect from engagement to post-honeymoon bliss. See how women in other cultures and traditions view marriage and weddings and how that compares with your experience.

The Toaster Broke, So We’re Getting Married by Pamela Holm (MacAdam/Cage, 2002, $22) is a memoir about the author’s second marriage. A divorced single mother, Holm surprises even herself when she gets caught up in the tulle and lace world of the American wedding. Woven throughout are Holm’s reflections on love, happiness, and commitment.

What Happy Couples Do: Belly Button Fuzz and Bare-Chested Hugs—The Loving Little Rituals of Romance by Carol Bruess and Anna Kudak (Fairview Press, 2008, $14.95) is a compilation of stories from more than fifty couples about the little love rituals that keep them committed. Rituals range from the sweet to the silly but ultimately help keep love alive.