Review Date: 1/20/2010

I've read many books on being engaged, being a bride and planning a wedding over the last year and a half. This is definitely on the higher end of the scale for actual advice, insight and humor. The first few pages come off slightly condescending, but once you begin reading further, you realize that brides-to-be run the spectrum of emotions and it's perfectly normal. In addition, it provides some wonderful insights into relationships, whether they be with your significant other, your family or your friends. This is the first book I've read that pointed out that it's natural to be a sad, anxious or upset during your engagement, because you're in a transition time, which is never easy for anyone. The only real complaint I have about this book is that it's geared towards engaged women that have not lived with their fiance before the wedding, and as someone who has, I wish that had been addressed as well, since it's becoming more common. Other than that, this is a wonderful and intelligent book that will help you work through your emotions as you precede with your engagement. I highly recommend it to anyone just engaged, anyone who has been engaged for a while (I found it three months before the wedding and it's still helped!) or even women who have been married in the last year.

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Review Date: 5/5/2009

Helpful Score: 2

This book is broken down into easy to read chapters covering specific topics with key point summaries at the end. The authors have obviously put some effort into their writing. While some information is basic (pay off more than your minimum payment on credit cards, budgeting is a good idea), other information is honestly helpful, especially the chapters on insurance, credit scores (which most people are confused on) and the charts and graphs they use to illustrate why the steps they suggest are necessary. They also have several useful appendixes at the end of the book and some suggested steps to begin. I've read several personal finance books. Most are confusing, full of jargon, or unhelpful for people just starting out. This book follows the KISS principal (keep it simple stupid) and succeeds exceptionally well. I recommend it to anyone starting out and anyone who needs a refresher on the basics.

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Review Date: 3/14/2009

Helpful Score: 4

This is a beautifully written story of a woman's journey to find herself again after the loss of her twenty-five year marriage and her job. Losing them both to her assistant doesn't help. In addition to dealing with her loss, she must struggle to help her two twenty-something children deal with their parent's seperation and father's behavior, as well as caring for her ailing mother. Despite this, this is NOT a depressing book. Rose's feelings are something everyone experiences at some point in their life. But her gradual sense of renewal and purpose is wonderfully written and guarenteed to make you want to stand up and cheer. I have read this book many, many times and loved it every single time, which is the best recommendation I can give it.

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