Book Review-The Vacation by T. M. Logan #BookReview @NetGalley #thriller #suspense @TMLoganAuthor #NetGalley @StMartinsPress

The Vacation by T.M. Logan
New Release!

Available Editions
EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781250270771

About The Book:

In The Vacation (Titled The Holiday in the UK) a captivating thriller from T. M. Logan, the bestselling author of Lies and 29 Seconds, four best friends on a dream vacation come face-to-face with an explosive secret.

It was supposed to be the perfect getaway: Kate and her three best friends, spending a week with their families in a luxurious villa in the south of France. Through the decades and the wildly different paths down which life has led them, they’ve stayed closer than ever, and seven days of drinking crisp French wine and laying out under the dazzling Mediterranean sun is the perfect celebration of their friendship. But soon after arriving, Kate discovers an incriminating text on her husband’s cell phone.

A text revealing that he’s having an affair.

And that the other woman is one of her best friends.

But which one?

Trapped in paradise with no one to trust, Kate is determined to find out who has put her marriage—and a lifelong friendship—in jeopardy. But as she closes in on the truth, she realizes that the stakes are higher than she ever imagined. Everyone on the trip has secrets…and someone may be prepared to kill to keep theirs hidden.

Adele’s Review:

5 Stars!

I couldn’t put this book down! The Vacation is T.M. Logan’s third novel, and the second book I’ve read and reviewed and given 5 Stars. His books really are a cut above the rest; with exceptional, tight writing and great characterization, plotting, motivation and pacing. There are many characters in this novel, all integral to the story, and we come to understand each one.

When I reviewed the author’s second book, Lies, I wrote that I would have preferred he’d not done an info dump at the end to resolve the mystery, but woven the resolution into the story. In The Vacation, I was delighted to see the plot lines all unfold at the right times, with each plot point explained right up to the last page. I’m officially a fan.

The Vacation will make a great movie–I’ve heard a deal is in the works. I wish this author the best and will definitely look for future books. Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this novel.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3314035374

Love Is Like A Box of Chocolates #SweetRomance #RomanceReaders #Romance #Anthology #NewRelease #WritersCommunity #WritersLife

Looking for a relaxing read? LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES is a collection of sixteen sweet romance short stories to warm your heart.

Published by Camden Park Press
Edited by Lyn Worthen

Includes “Catch Me” by Adele Downs

“A great collection of sweet, clean romance stories you’re sure to love. They’re each well written and have a different theme… Highly recommend.” 5 Stars! Amazon Review

Here’s a little about the book:

We love sweet romance stories like we love truffles and cordials, toffees and caramels – and when they’re bathed in a decadent coating of rich, creamy chocolate, they’re satisfying, delicious, and we can’t stop with just one. LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES presents sixteen stories that capture both the sweetness and variety of a box of chocolates. Ranging from new loves to rekindled attraction, these stories are filled with sweet meet-cutes, nutty quirks, and the unexpected richness hidden beneath the surface of the characters and their developing relationships. And all wound through with ribbons of chocolate.

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES contains sixteen sweet stories by M. L. Buchman, Katherine L. Evans, Tami Veldura, Cheryl Wright, Adele Downs, Eliza David, Debbie Mumford, Donea Lee Weaver, Jadelynn Asher, Jennie L. Morris, Marianne Bayliss, Meyari McFarland, Michele Dean, Neen Cohen, and Remi Carrington. Edited by Lyn Worthen.

Buy The Book!

Available in both e-book and print formats.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084S7D6NC

Books To Read: https://books2read.com/LoveIsLikeChocolate

Book Review-Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier #BookReview @NetGalley #thriller #suspense @JenniferHillier #NetGalley @MinotaurBooks

New Release!
Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier
Minotaur Books
ISBN 9781250154224

About The Book:

“Unflinching and unforgettable. Little Secrets has everything you want in a thriller” —Riley Sager, New York Times bestselling author of Lock Every Door

Overwhelmed by tragedy, a woman desperately tries to save her marriage in award-winning author Jennifer Hillier’s Little Secrets, a riveting novel of psychological suspense.

All it takes to unravel a life is one little secret…

Marin had the perfect life. Married to her college sweetheart, she owns a chain of upscale hair salons, and Derek runs his own company. They’re admired in their community and are a loving family—until their world falls apart the day their son Sebastian is taken.

A year later, Marin is a shadow of herself. The FBI search has gone cold. The publicity has faded. She and her husband rarely speak. She hires a P.I. to pick up where the police left off, but instead of finding Sebastian, she learns that Derek is having an affair with a younger woman. This discovery sparks Marin back to life. She’s lost her son; she’s not about to lose her husband, too. Kenzie is an enemy with a face, which means this is a problem Marin can fix.

Permanently.

Adele’s Review:

5 Stars!

Little Secrets is a gripping, fast-paced psychological thriller with twisting plot points that kept me turning the pages and guessing the outcome until the very end. Hillier has written a complicated book with a central plot and several subplots with their own story lines. She’s intricately woven the story threads into a uniform whole that brings the tale to a most satisfying conclusion. Great pacing, tight writing, entertaining, and highly recommended.

If you love to read thrillers like I do, don’t miss this one! Loved it! Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this novel.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3127923051

Love Is Like A Box of Chocolates #SweetRomance #Anthology @CamdenParkPress #NewRelease #WritersCommunity #WritersLife

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES – New Release!

Have you ordered your copy?

Published by Camden Park Press
Edited by Lyn Worthen

Includes “Catch Me” by Adele Downs

Here’s a little about the collection:

We love sweet romance stories like we love truffles and cordials, toffees and caramels – and when they’re bathed in a decadent coating of rich, creamy chocolate, they’re satisfying, delicious, and we can’t stop with just one. LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES presents sixteen stories that capture both the sweetness and variety of a box of chocolates. Ranging from new loves to rekindled attraction, these stories are filled with sweet meet-cutes, nutty quirks, and the unexpected richness hidden beneath the surface of the characters and their developing relationships. And all wound through with ribbons of chocolate.

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES contains sixteen sweet stories by M. L. Buchman, Katherine L. Evans, Tami Veldura, Cheryl Wright, Adele Downs, Eliza David, Debbie Mumford, Donea Lee Weaver, Jadelynn Asher, Jennie L. Morris, Marianne Bayliss, Meyari McFarland, Michele Dean, Neen Cohen, and Remi Carrington. Edited by Lyn Worthen.

Buy The Book!

Available in both e-book and print formats.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084S7D6NC

Books To Read: https://books2read.com/LoveIsLikeChocolate

New Release-Love Is Like A Box of Chocolates #SweetRomance #Anthology @CamdenParkPress #WritersCommunity #WritersLife

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES – New Release!

Have you ordered your copy?

Published by Camden Park Press
Edited by Lyn Worthen

Includes “Catch Me” by Adele Downs

Here’s a little about the collection:

We love sweet romance stories like we love truffles and cordials, toffees and caramels – and when they’re bathed in a decadent coating of rich, creamy chocolate, they’re satisfying, delicious, and we can’t stop with just one. LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES presents sixteen stories that capture both the sweetness and variety of a box of chocolates. Ranging from new loves to rekindled attraction, these stories are filled with sweet meet-cutes, nutty quirks, and the unexpected richness hidden beneath the surface of the characters and their developing relationships. And all wound through with ribbons of chocolate.

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES contains sixteen sweet stories by M. L. Buchman, Katherine L. Evans, Tami Veldura, Cheryl Wright, Adele Downs, Eliza David, Debbie Mumford, Donea Lee Weaver, Jadelynn Asher, Jennie L. Morris, Marianne Bayliss, Meyari McFarland, Michele Dean, Neen Cohen, and Remi Carrington. Edited by Lyn Worthen.

Buy The Book!

Available in both e-book and print formats.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084S7D6NC

Books To Read: https://books2read.com/LoveIsLikeChocolate

LOVE and CHOCOLATE #SweetRomance #Anthology @CamdenParkPress #WritersLife #WritersNetwork #WritersCommunity

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES Sweet Romance Anthology is a special new release for me. It contains my first published story since my dear husband of thirty years passed away suddenly in March 2018.

Steve’s death leveled me emotionally. I couldn’t work, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t get through a day without crying. Grief counseling helped and became my focus for many months. Friends and family were lifelines. However, I worried that my creative spirit was gone forever and that my writing career was over. I wondered if I would lose my readers along with the love of my life.

Then, quite by chance, (or maybe kismet) I read on Facebook about an open call for *sweet romance short story submissions from small independent publisher Camden Park Press, and decided to go back to my desk and try to make the words come. Over the next few weeks I poured myself into writing, revising, and then submitting my story about falling in love at middle age.

To say I was thrilled when editor Lyn Worthen contacted me to say “Catch Me” had been accepted for the romance anthology LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES, and that my story was ‘just what she was looking for’ is an understatement. Despite my struggle with grief and loss, my creativity was revived, and so was I.

I do hope you’ll download a copy of LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES from your favorite online retailer, or order a print copy from Amazon if you prefer paper to e-book. There are sixteen heartwarming, diverse, and entertaining stories in the collection; and any one of them can be read in about an hour. This book is perfect for the beach, quick reads inside waiting rooms or before bed, and also makes the perfect gift for friends and loved ones.

*By the way, in case you were wondering what “sweet” romance means, it’s code for ‘only contains a kiss.’

Buy The Book!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084S7D6NC

Books To Read: https://books2read.com/LoveIsLikeChocolate

Love Is Like A Box of Chocolates #SweetRomance #Anthology @CamdenParkPress #NewRelease

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES – Available now!

Published by Camden Park Press
Edited by Lyn Worthen

Includes “Catch Me” by Adele Downs

Here’s a little about the collection:

We love sweet romance stories like we love truffles and cordials, toffees and caramels – and when they’re bathed in a decadent coating of rich, creamy chocolate, they’re satisfying, delicious, and we can’t stop with just one. LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES presents sixteen stories that capture both the sweetness and variety of a box of chocolates. Ranging from new loves to rekindled attraction, these stories are filled with sweet meet-cutes, nutty quirks, and the unexpected richness hidden beneath the surface of the characters and their developing relationships. And all wound through with ribbons of chocolate.

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES contains sixteen sweet stories by M. L. Buchman, Katherine L. Evans, Tami Veldura, Cheryl Wright, Adele Downs, Eliza David, Debbie Mumford, Donea Lee Weaver, Jadelynn Asher, Jennie L. Morris, Marianne Bayliss, Meyari McFarland, Michele Dean, Neen Cohen, and Remi Carrington. Edited by Lyn Worthen.

Buy The Book!

Available in both e-book and print formats.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084S7D6NC

Books To Read: https://books2read.com/LoveIsLikeChocolate

Cover Reveal! Love Is Like A Box of Chocolates-Anthology Coming 2/14/2020 #CoverReveal #RomanceBooks #Romance @CamdenParkPress

COVER REVEAL!

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES is a collection of deliciously sweet contemporary romances – stories filled with meet-cutes, nutty quirks, and the unexpected richness hidden beneath the surface of the characters and their developing relationships. And chocolate! “Catch Me” by Adele Downs included in the collection.

Release: Feb 14, 2020
Pre-order links: coming soon!

Visit our FB page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/LoveIsLikeChocolate/

And yes, feel free to share!

Book Review-The New Husband by D.J. Palmer #book review #NetGalley #thriller #suspense @djpalmerauthor @StMartinsPress

The New Husband is a riveting thriller about the lies we tell ourselves from D. J. Palmer, the author of Saving Meghan.

About The Book:

Just because you love someone doesn’t mean you know them.

Nina Garrity learned that the hard way after discovering that her missing husband, Glen, had been leading a double life with another woman. But Glen’s gone–presumably drowned while fishing on his boat–so she can’t confront him about the affair or any of his other misdeeds. A year and a half after the accident, Nina considers herself a widow, even though the police never found a body. Following a chance encounter with Simon Fitch, a teacher from her daughter Maggie’s middle school, Nina finds love again and has hopes of putting her shattered life back together.

Simon, a widower still grieving the suicide of his first wife, has found his dream girl in Nina. His charm and affections help break through to a heart hardened by betrayal. Nina’s teenage son, Connor, embraces Simon as the father he wishes his dad could have been, but Maggie sees a far darker side to this new man in their lives. Even Nina’s good friends wonder if Simon is supremely devoted–or dangerously possessive.

But Nina is committed, not only to her soon-to-be new husband but also to resuming her former career as a social worker. Before she can move forward, however, Nina must first clear her conscience that she’s not making another terrible choice in a man. In doing so, she will uncover the shocking truth: the greatest danger to her, and her children, are the lies people tell themselves.

Adele’s Review:

4.5 Stars!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The novel did what it was supposed to do—kept me turning the pages to see what happened next—creating thrilling entertainment from the first pages to the last.

I wanted the protagonist, Nina, to be smarter and more cautious about allowing a new man into her life and home and the home of her children, but there would have been no story if she’d done that, right? The New Husband is another cautionary tale about what can happen when otherwise smart, capable women ignore their instincts and good common sense and give the benefit of doubt to someone they barely know. Worse, when they take the word of a man over that of their child(ren) and side with him. When we ignore our instincts and our children’s feelings and perspectives, we invite monsters like Simon into our world. A chilling thought.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this book. I definitely recommend The New Husband for an adrenaline-filled experience.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3104860441

Goodbye, My Love #Grief #Bereavement #LoveandLoss

Please excuse my silence. I haven’t posted much to social media the past few months, talked to my readers about my books, or started writing a new novel. How could I? My loving, sweet and kind husband of thirty years passed away suddenly in March and I’m devastated. My career has been put on hold while I grieve. At the same time, I’m packing boxes for the move from my family home in Pennsylvania to a little house for one in Delaware.

I hope you will be here when I return.

Best–Adele

Discover First Chapters FREE on InstaFreebie

Real Love. Beyond Price.

Would you like to read the full first chapter of my contemporary romance novel LUXURY MODEL WIFE – FREE?

Here’s the link to the DISCOVER NEW READS Anthology, Part One, available at InstaFreebie.  LUXURY MODEL WIFE is Lucky Number 7 of 34 first chapters in the anthology. Part Two with more free chapters will be offered next month. Enjoy!

https://www.instafreebie.com/free/9dbTl

“Adele Downs’ LUXURY MODEL WIFE is a great read. This book is so good I couldn’t put it down.”  5 Stars! Kim~ Danielle’s Domain Reviews

“I’d make some space on your ‘Keeper’ shelf if I were you.”
5 Stars! Cuddles Please Blog

Buy the Book!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0HZM1O

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/666885

All Romance eBooks Staff Pick! LUXURY MODEL WIFE by Adele Downs

I’m excited to announce that LUXURY MODEL WIFE is an All Romance eBooks Staff Pick!

The early reviews have also been wonderful.

“I’d make some space on your ‘Keeper’ shelf if I were you.” 5 Stars! Cuddles Please Blog

Have you picked up your copy?

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-luxurymodelwife-2098925-177.html

http://www.arecafe.com/books/sheris-pick-luxury-model-wife-adele-downs/

Also available at Amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0HZM1O

Interview with Adele Downs at Karen’s Book Bench

Visit Karen’s Book Bench where Karen Docter interviews yours truly, Adele Downs, on October 3 and then spotlights LUXURY MODEL WIFE on October 5. I’ll be giving away a Starbucks gift card to one lucky commenter. Stop by!

FOLLOW my Amazon Author Central page for extra chances to win.

Buy LUXURY MODEL WIFE

Amazon

All Romance eBooks

Smashwords

Celebrate LUXURY MODEL WIFE at Romance Lives Forever #RLFblog

Romance Lives Forever is celebrating LUXURY MODEL WIFE and I hope you’ll visit and share the news! Please follow the link below and Tweet, share on Facebook, Triberr, or your other favorite social media.

http://romancelivesforever.blogspot.com/2016/09/downs.html

Thank you! See you there!

Buy LUXURY MODEL WIFE on Amazon!

Have you picked up your copy? Available in both ebook and print.

Outstanding 5 Star Reviews – LUXURY MODEL WIFE

Book bloggers are posting outstanding reviews of LUXURY MODEL WIFE on social media, Amazon, and Goodreads and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Here’s a sample of the reviews, so far:

“Ms. Downs writes with such passion and it comes across in her characters, settings, and dialogue. She knows how to pull a reader in and doesn’t let go.” 5 Stars! ~Harlie’s Books

“Luxury Model Wife is a contemporary romance filled with action, romance and suspense. Once again, Adele has created an amazing love story filled with some amazing and complex characters. It is so good and I could not put it down.” 5 Stars! ~ Girl With Pen

“This is a very good romance between two equals. I liked that very much instead of one being richer or more powerful than the other.” 5 Stars! ~ Cathy Writes Romance

“Adele Downs’ ‘Luxury Model Wife’ is a great read. (She) made me believe in love after loss. This book was so good I couldn’t put it down. 5 Stars!  ~Danielle’s Domain (Kim)

Buy The Book!

LUXURY MODEL WIFE is available at these fine online retailers in both ebook and print formats.

Amazon

All Romance eBooks

Smashwords

Praise For LUXURY MODEL WIFE – Releasing 9/20/16

Early reviews of LUXURY MODEL WIFE are overwhelmingly positive. I’m thrilled!

I hope you’ll download a copy of LUXURY MODEL WIFE on release day, or order a copy in print, and celebrate September 20 with me!

Find books by Adele Downs on Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/Adele-Downs/e/B00G1RRS60

NATURALLY YOURS Featured at Choosy Bookworm!

NATURALLY YOURS is the Featured Book at Choosy Bookworm! To qualify for a feature a book must have overwhelmingly positive reviews, and readers say they love NATURALLY YOURS! A contemporary romance novella available for $2.99 at Amazon and everywhere ebooks are sold. Buy The Book on Amazon!

NEW! BAKE, LOVE, WRITE Author Cookbook

NEW RELEASE! I’m pleased to be part of BAKE, LOVE, WRITE the multi-author cookbook edited by Lois Winston.

Available in digital format for .99 and also available in paperback!

About Bake, Love, Write:

What do most authors have in common, no matter what genre they write? They love desserts. Sweets sustain them through pending deadlines and take the sting out of crushing rejection letters and nasty reviews. They also often celebrate their successes—selling a book, winning a writing award, making a bestseller list, or receiving a fabulous review—with decadent indulgences. And when authors chat with each other, they often talk about their writing and their lives. Recipes. Writing. Relationships. In this cookbook 105 authors not only share their favorite recipes for fabulous cakes, pies, cookies, candy, and more, they also share the best advice they’ve ever received on love and writing.

Authors include: Brenda Novak, Lois Winston, Debra Holland, Dale Mayer, Shelley Noble, Caridad Pineiro, Diana Orgain, Lisa Verge Higgins, Lynn Cahoon, Jasmine Haynes, Jan Carol, Meg Bellamy, Bobbi Chukran, Melissa Keir, Amy Gamet, Kristy Tate, Terry Shames, Barbara Phinney, Kitsy Clare, Raine English, Cathryn Cade, Haley Whitehall, Shilpa Mudiganti, Melinda Curtis, Jessa Slade, Jill Blake, Daryl Devore, Molly MacRae, Elizabeth Rose, Helena Fairfax, Lourdes Venard, Jessica Aspen, Maegan Beaumont, Kay Kendall, Elizabeth John, Victoria Adams, Cyndi Pauwels, Alice Loweecey, June Shaw, Donnell Ann Bell, T. Michelle Nelson, Nina Milton, Pam DeVoe, Skye Taylor, Conda V. Douglas, Pepper Phillips, Judy Alter, Cadence Denton, Lesley Diehl, Erin Farwell, Regan Walker, Kaye Spencer, Barbara Monajem, Kathleen Kaska, Catherine Kean, Rose Anderson, Suzie Tullett, Deborah Hughes, Cynthia Luhrs, Judy Baker, Alicia Dean, Leslie Langtry, Janis Susan May, Mitzi Flyte, Ruby Merritt, Renee D. Field, Kathryn Quick, Susan Cory, Judy Penz Sheluk, Kay Manis, Kathryn Jane, Debra Goldstein, E. Ayers, Chantilly White, Sloan McBride, Triss Stein, Ana Morgan, Adele Downs, L.C. Giroux, Pamela Aares, Nancy Warren, Barbara Lohr, J.J. Cook, Lynn Reynolds, Cori Arnold, B.V. Lawson, Lynn Franklin, M.L. Guida, Irene Peterson, Sue Viders, Liese Sherwood-Fabre, Susan Santangelo, Sheila Seabrook, Elaine Charton, Sharleen Scott, Kathy Bennett, Jody Payne, Reggi Allder, Ashlyn Chase, Beverley Bateman, Susan Lohrer, Donis Casey, Barbara Leavy, Stacy Juba, Karen Rose Smith.

Buy the book in paperback on Amazon

Buy a digital copy for .99 on Amazon

Buy a digital copy for .99 from B&N

Buy a digital copy for .99 on Kobo

Buy a digital copy for .99 on iTunes

SANTA TO THE RESCUE Release Day! CONTEST!

It’s Release Day! Release Day! Release Day!

Celebrating SANTA TO THE RESCUE by Adele Downs

It’s Christmas and I’m giving away prizes!

Lots of ways to win!

I hope you’ll join me to celebrate the release of my fun and flirty firefighter Christmas romance SANTA TO THE RESCUE from Entangled Publishing!

In addition to my personal blog, here’s where you can find me today: Curling Up With A Good Book, Romance Books 4 Us, and Liz Kelly’s Bad Girls Book Club. The complete blog tour list is posted on my SANTA TO THE RESCUE Contests and Blog Tour Page.

Stops for Monday, November 11:

• CURLING UP WITH A GOOD BOOK  (Psssst! Beth, the blog owner, gave the story a 5 Star review! )
• ROMANCE BOOKS 4 US
• LIZ KELLY BAD GIRLS BOOK CLUB

Leave comments throughout the tour and be automatically entered to win firefighter themed prizes. The more you post, the more you increase your chances to win. Triple your chances by sharing my posts on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, and other social media! Just let me know you’ve posted to social media when you comment and I’ll be glad to shower you with extra opportunities to win free gifts. USA and Canada residents please. Multiple winners selected.

If you buy SANTA TO THE RESCUE, my .99 fun and flirty contemporary firefighter romance novella, I would greatly appreciate you taking a few minutes to post a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and/or Goodreads.

Looking for an inexpensive, fun gift? Send an extra copy of SANTA TO THE RESCUE to friends or family for only .99 by pressing the Gift button on your e-book retailer’s order page.

Thank you! I hope you enjoy the story!

The Secret to Lasting Love

When people learn that my husband and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, and that we’re still happily married, their eyes grow wide. They offer hearty congratulations and tell us how impressed they are with our accomplishment. Single men and women say they hope to share our success one day. Couples just starting out want to know our secret. Other longtime marrieds give us a wink and a knowing smile. They learned the secret years ago.

In a society where long-term marriage has become an anomaly, friends and strangers want to know what makes our relationship work. So many marriages fail, even when the couple loves one other. What’s the magic glue that keeps ours together? The simple but crucial answer is: mutual respect. If a couple resolves to treat each other with kindness and consideration, no matter the circumstances, for better or worse, in sickness and health, love is bound to last.

My husband and I put our marriage first. Everything else comes next—kids, who are the product of our marriage; careers, extended family, friends, interests, and hobbies. Though our children, work, and extended family members often need our undivided attention, my husband and I still make time every day to reconnect. When we’re overwhelmed by the demands of daily responsibilities, we don’t look elsewhere for relief. We recharge with one another. Finding a few quiet moments to talk, and frequent laughter, are bullets to the external stressors that can destroy intimacy.

Despite the love we share, our twenty-five years together have not always been easy. Like most couples, we’ve had problems. We’ve faced financial challenges, career disappointments, issues with our kids, the needs of aging parents, debilitating illnesses, and life-threatening health crisis. Yet, through it all, we leaned on one another for support. Even during our darkest moments, when we didn’t feel particularly loving or lovable, we clung to each other anyway. Small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness carried us through the tough times and made the good times that followed better.

Putting the marriage first means we care about how our behavior affects our partner. We don’t snipe at one another, fight dirty, undermine or belittle each other, cheat, lie, or compete against the other. We form a united front when dealing with our kids. We celebrate each other’s successes. Forgive each other’s faults and failures. When we disagree, we work out our differences without resentment. Neither of us engages in behaviors that will hurt the other or jeopardize the relationship. Over the years, that means we’ve learned to trust. We give each other space, knowing that space will never be compromised or taken for granted.

A successful marriage needs compatibility, mutual respect, and commitment to make love last. Marital fulfillment led us to our Silver Anniversary celebration and will lead us into our Golden years. As I look ahead, a lifetime of love seems possible. What better ending for a romance author than Happily Ever After? It’s the ending we wish for everyone.

~Best, Adele Downs

Do you have a perspective on marriage you’d like to share? Please do so in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you!   

***

The Secret To Lasting Love ©Adele Downs 2013

Photograph copyright Adele Downs 2013