The Spark: Igniting the Passion, Mystery, and Romance in Your Marriage [Paperback]

Jay Laffoon (Author), Laura Laffoon (Author), Ken Davis (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2008

Intimacy is essential to marriage, but many couples find achieving it to be easier said than done. Jay and Laura Laffoon unravel its mysteries in the humorous and down-to-earth style that has made their marriage conference one of the fastest growing in the country. Countering the popular misconception of intimacy as primarily a sexual issue, they explore five essential facets that need to be in balance for a healthy marriage. Their insights are practical, grounded in Scripture, and augmented by real-life stories drawn from a survey of more than 2,000 married people. Chapter-end discussion questions help readers identify immediate steps they can take to light a fire in their relationship and keep it burning. The Spark is both a fun read and an indispensable guide to strengthening any marriage.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

You can put the spark back in your marriage. Did you realize that knowing the true purpose of marriage can rekindle the fire in your relationship? In The Spark, the founders of one of the country's fastest-growing marriage conferences offer that--and more. Jay and Laura Laffoon tackle the biggest obstacles to intimacy in marriage with an irresistible combination of humor and wisdom. While many people think intimacy is all about sex, the Laffoons identify five facets that are vital to a healthy marriage. Men and women approach intimacy differently, but understanding the differences can result in greater closeness and a deeper appreciation of each other. The Laffoons fearlessly share their own experiences, as well as informative, real-life stories gleaned from their survey of more than two thousand married couples. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter help you develop positive action steps to ignite your marriage and keep the flame burning. Whether you're seeking to better understand your spouse or hoping to recapture lost magic, your relationship can reach another level with this practical guide. "This book should be required reading for every married couple!"--Carol Kent, speaker and author, A New Kind of Normal "If you're ready to gain some serious warmth and light in your home, read this book."--John Trent, president, The Center for StrongFamilies; author, The Blessing and The 2 Degree Difference Jay and Laura Laffoon are gifted and entertaining communicators who have inspired thousands of couples throughout North America through their Celebrate Your Marriage conference. They are the authors of Make Love Everyday and live in Michigan.

About the Author

Jay and Laura Laffoon are gifted and entertaining communicators who have inspired thousands of couples throughout North America through their Celebrate Your Marriage conference. They are authors of Make Love Every Day. The Laffoons live in Alma, Michigan, with their son and daughter.

Product Details

• Paperback: 187 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books; Reprinted edition (January 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801068312
• ISBN-13: 978-0801068317
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,583,010 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spark will help couples build intimacy in every area of their marriage!, February 12, 2008

By 

Pamela A., Moore "Pam" (Luna Pier, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Spark: Igniting the Passion, Mystery, and Romance in Your Marriage (Paperback)

This book is a must have for all married couples! Jay and Laura share beautifully on how to make marriage fun, exciting and more intimate.

I was especially intrigued by the five facets of intimacy. Learning how to develop each facet to it's fullest and bringing them all together is something my husband Dan and I are taking enjoyment in.

Whether you are a newlywed or have been married for years, you will find this book filled with wisdom along with fun stories that everyone can relate to. Buy this book, read it, put it to practice, you won't be sorry!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spark will help you appreciate, celebrate and rejoice in your marriage!, January 31, 2008

By 

Kevin A. Decker "Relationship Author, Educato... (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Spark: Igniting the Passion, Mystery, and Romance in Your Marriage (Paperback)

In my work as a Marriage Coach, Motivational Speaker and Inside Romance Success show host I read a lot of books about people, their motivations, and their relationships. "The Spark: Igniting the Passion, Mystery, and Romance in Your Marriage" by Jay and Laura Laffoon is an engaging, fun, and personal journey to a healthy marriage. It's an excellent marriage and relationship book and I give it an A+.

The Laffoons surveyed over 2,000 married people to discover their beliefs about intimacy. They also conducted in-depth surveys with nearly 100 people about the issues affecting intimacy. Jay and Laura have used their training, experience, and the results of their extensive research to author a book that provides practical solutions that you can implement to help you update, improve, and enhance your marriage.

They set the stage for talking about marriage with the most unique engagement story I've ever read. When I shared it with my wife she laughed out loud. Jay and Laura's view on marriage and relationship priorities, and where kids fall on the priority list, is one that every parent should hear.

Jay and Laura's message and lessons are focused around 5 areas of intimacy;

- Social Intimacy,

- Mental Intimacy,

- Emotional Intimacy,

- Physical Intimacy, and

- Spiritual Intimacy.

The information provided for each Intimacy area includes lists of the attractors and detractors to that Intimacy. Where appropriate, chapters end with reflection and discussion questions to reinforce learning and help you into action.

Finally, Jay and Laura give us tips for putting this all together in our marriages.

I highly recommend you get a copy of "The Spark: Igniting the Passion, Mystery, and Romance in Your Marriage" by Jay and Laura Laffoon whether you're single, engaged, or married. It will prepare you for a great relationship that lasts a lifetime.

Kevin Decker, www.getROR.com