I chose to review this book through the Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program because my husband and I have just recently decided to make a point of going on more dates – at the very least, we’ve committed to going on one monthly date.
I also chose the book because I saw “GARY CHAPMAN” splashed across the cover of the book, and I am a huge fan of the Love Language books by Chapman. I was a bit surprised to find that the book is NOT written by Chapman, but instead by a bloke named Randy Southern. Chapman only wrote the intro. Southern isn’t even mentioned on the cover, you only see his name on the inside cover. Kind of lame and misleading in my opinion – but regardless of the marketing trickery, I would still have been interested in this book from the title and concept along. So anyway! On with the review!
About the Book
Book description from Amazon.com:
We know we should do it. We talk about it and acknowledge the benefits; yet most couples find praying together is somewhat awkward, intimidating, or something we lack the time for. It’s time to experience a breath of fresh air… in prayer.
52 Uncommon Dates ignites a prayerful and playful connection in a way that feels natural for couples to schedule and relate to real life. Fun, creative, and spiritually engaging, this powerful resource will revive the relational, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of your relationship, one date at a time.
Hmmm. Very interesting. We just signed up to do a class at a local church that is much like this. They actually provide childcare while you go out on your date, after they offer you 30 minutes talk about a marriage tool. We live fifty bagillion miles away from family, so we are pretty pumped about dating again. We go on dates maybe 6 or 7 times per year. Yeah. I know. That sounds sad. Such is the life of the constantly moving all over the country types. Meanwhile, our part of Cali is starting to turn brown again. 🙁 Is yours?
Now THAT sounds awesome.. the cost of child care is honestly our biggest hurdle when it comes to date nights. I was looking into MOPS at a local church because I’d heard that they provide something similar.. ugh! Something as simple as “go on a date” shouldn’t require months of advance planning, amiright?! lol
This sounds like a great book
I will check it on store
Me and my hubby should read it
XO
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Oh no!!! Seems like they could have come up with some better ideas. Love you honesty with these reviews.
Great review! This sounds like a book that looks more useful and fun than it actually is. I have done most of those dates too! And I would not invite the local firemen over for pancakes lol!
xo,
Jessica
http://www.fortheloveofbubbly.com
Yeah, I read some of these chapters with a seriously raised eyebrow.. I’m all up for a challenge, but REALLY?? lol!
What a fun post! I enjoyed reading it!
Have a great week ahead!
xo from italy,
Sonia Verardo
http://www.trenchcollection.com
Thanks Gingi for another very realistic book review. I totally agree that once a week date night ain’t gonna happen, not when babysitting costs start at $10 bucks an hour! We went to a movie, that’s the most wild date we went on, Ha. And we usually take the kids. That’s just how boring I am.
Hubby and I used to go on TONS of dates, so we’re really feeling the date drought. But with babysitting being so costly, we’re kind of stuck! I’m seriously aching for some kids free dates and SOON…
That does sound like a good concept, maybe a good starting point to get some ideas…
I want to have some more date nights
the only thing I can think of right now – is my old boss gave me some tickets to a whale watch and we went on that – I think we were still dating, not married – and it was cool 🙂
Now THAT is cool.. I’ve only been whale watching once, and I got some AMAZING photos.. it’s something I’ve been dying to do again! <3
Lol inviting over the local fire department would be so awkward!!!
DAISYPERSON | BEAUTY BLOG
Right!?!?!?
Great review! I laughed a lot on this one. But, yes, get out with your husband at least once a month – especially with the baby. So important for connecting and great conversation.
Yes, it’s quickly becoming a priority!! For the first time in ages we have quit being sickeningly romantic! *gasp* Gotta get on top of that…
Great review I really need to start reading again x
Florals&Smiles
Twitter
I don’t even remember about the uncommon dates)) But it was interesting to read others comments)
I’ll read more about that book!
http://www.stripesnvibes.com
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My husband and I are super boring. We mostly stay in and watch TV, invite friends over for dinner parties and games, or go out for drinks from time to time. Any time we want to do something more exciting, we make it a family affair and bring our daughter. Even then, we stick to typical things like picnics, bike rides, carnivals, beach days and camping.
I bet a book like this would be good for us!
Haha, that doesn’t sound boring at all!! <3
Invite the fire department over for pancakes? Lol! That sounds great for me, but my husband would not be happy at all. 😉
Training for a marathon together does sound romantic to me. My hubby and I work out together often and I love running with him. It gives us an hour of just us, no phones, no music, no other people, it’s the best way to have a great conversation.
Thanks for the review my friend. You and your husband should definitely carve out at least two dates a month, and no talking about the kids! 🙂
My husband and I are lucky if we managed one date night a month. LOL! But even back when we’re dating, we love a good home cooked meal and a movie. I guess we’re just one of those boring couples. LOL!
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
amazing book, sounds very great
I wish you an happy day
fashion blogger Pamela Soluri
Invite your in-laws out for an outing?? Um, what?? Some other good ideas though, but I know that there is now way that 52 alone dates a year would happen. My husband and I are lucky to slip one in a month and that is an optimistic goal for us!
Yeah, the book lost me with the in law suggestion. 😉
HA! Or if by in-laws, they meant HIS in-laws. I can deal with my own parents.
I love the idea… but i have to agree that it is unlikely that you’d be able to keep up the pace of doing this every week. It’s more of a “pull the book off the shelf and get some ideas” kind of a thing.
We aren’t very creative with our dates – we should be now that our boys are older. I think it is especially to date and take time for ourselves now that we are so close to becoming just a couple again!!!
Yeah, I’d imagine that’s just as big a transition as having children the first time!!
That’s weird that they hid the author’s name. Misleading!
We are big on uncommon dates! We went down the street to see Bruce Hornsby play live. We had front row seats.
After that, we got ice cream.
Yeah, I hate when authors names are tucked away.. but giving a big name as decoy is just misleading. Bad Christian publishing company! BAD!
I love your opening when you say “my husband and I have just recently decided to make a point of going on more dates – at the very least, we’ve committed to going on one monthly date.”
That is such a good idea to have your shared time together, and it needn’t be a glamorous meal, visit to the cinema, it could be just a lovely walk together, picnic together. Have fun ……
All the best Jan
Yeah, for our first date, we’re planning a simple little hike on a local trail. ^_^
I one day hope to go on an elephant safari date with my hubs, but it’s gonna take a lot of convincing!
Thanks for the excellent review. My honey and I aren’t a new couple, but we tend to go on the same dates when we do go out (but we usually enjoy them, so maybe there’s something to be said for our lack of creativity…).
First I don’t like when someone lures you in to buy something with someone else’s name… and second if training for a marathon in one… that would take up most of your time, when would you have time for other dates… lol
I do think when you are dating or married, it is super important to take time together doing new things or just spending alone time together reconnecting… good review Gingi xox
Yeah, the misdirection in authors was enough to put me in a bad mood for the book, haha. And yes, I absolutely agree, it is SO important!!
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