Sex Lives of Wives: Reigniting the Passion (Hardcover)

by Holly H. Hollenbeck (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"A former attorney and a mother of two, Hollenbeck offers a refreshing look at a sometimes tired topic: the sexual possibilities of a marriage or long-term relationship. Instead of the standard how-to manual, she provides women who are tired of habitual or obligatory sex with a discourse of why-why committed partners may become bored in the bedroom, why women owe it to themselves and their mates to seek passion and excitement continually, and why married sex can and should be mind-blowing. Using the extended metaphor of a journey, Hollenbeck invites readers to join her and the half-dozen thirty- to fifty-something women she profiles in becoming "passion seekers." She recommends what attitudes to take and what emotional baggage to leave behind, how to plan a fantastic journey of passion, and what sexual destinations women should consider visiting with their partners. Good for ideas and motivation for increasing "that feels great!" moments in any marriage bed; recommended." -- Erica L. Foley, Flint P.L., MI for Library Journal, August 2006, Volume 131, No. 13.

"Every generation there is a book which opens a new level of understanding in the sexuality field. In 2006, Sex Lives of Wives is that book. This informal book has the crucially important role of helping women find their own sexual voice, with a special emphasis on playfulness and passion." -- Barry W. McCarthy, Ph.D., (Washington Psychological Center, P.C. -- Washington D.C.), renowned sex expert and author of Rekindling Desire.

"Holly Hollenbeck has treated a subject near and dear to all of us with sensitivity and humor. You will feel a friend is talking with you over coffee! Every couple will benefit from the insights and wisdom in this book!" -- Susan Page, marriage guru, former campus minister, and author of Why Talking is Not Enough: Eight Loving Actions That Will Transform Your Marriage.

"Interesting, motivating, and sometimes provocative, this book reveals real-life stories, ideas and tips that we can all learn from in our efforts to keep passion a priority in our marriages." -- Gay Hendricks, Ph.D., co-author, with Dr. Kathlyn Hendricks, of Conscious Loving and Spirit-Centered Relationships (bestselling author and co-author of 25 books).

"The emotional journeys of these women make an inspiring and fascinating read!" -- Jo Beverley, bestselling historical romance novelist, author of recent The Rogue's Return and To Rescue a Rogue.

Product Description
Just what are married women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s doing to keep the passion alive in their marriages? In her search to answer that question for herself, Holly Hollenbeck put together a "Passion Seekers" support group. The women shared stories about the missing passion in their marriages and ways they've found to fight bedroom boredom.

In SEX LIVES OF WIVES, Holly shares what she's learned about the creative lengths to which women will go to find the missing passion. She offers advice to help women reignite the sexual relationship with their husbands--from using role-playing and erotic literature to finding exotic vacation destinations and adventures couples can share. The wives in this book have shared their wisdom from lessons learned, sometimes the hard way. It will inspire women everywhere to embark on their own passion quest, form their own support groups, and most important, make passion a priority.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Springboard Press (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821258087
• ISBN-13: 978-0821258088
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #748,829 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Desperate Husbands, September 17, 2006

By	Married Guy (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

Finally, someone nailed it.

It's easy to say that "your family" is the most important thing in your life. But many, many people are happy to put the daily management of kids ahead of the romantic relationship between husband and wife. And as the husband-wife relationship deteriorates from neglect, the family is at risk. This book offers an accessible, user-friendly way for couples to re-energize their romantic relationship and reinforce the stability of their family.

Every psychologist will tell you that unmet needs drive emotions, and emotions drive behavior. The author gently points out how husbands and wives can better meet each other's needs, and shows that anyone can make their marriage stronger.

This is a messy but critical topic, and Hollenbeck deftly navigates the minefield of sex, intimacy, emotions, self-worth, and family stability. A must for any couple who are looking to recharge their marriage.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From the male side, September 12, 2006

By	G. Fink - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Information is power. The power to love and be loved. Holly has captured my interest in some of the ways women think. After many years of marriage it is never to late to learn. Thoughtful insight as how to bring back that sexual fire that we had before the kids, mortgage and career building. I found that it is still there, we just need to work at it a little (or a lot in some cases).
Holly's book in not only a life's lesson for women, but also for men.
Thanks for the memories!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hopeful and helpful, December 18, 2006

By	S. D. Haltzman (Rhode Island) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Holly Hollenbeck is a marvelous storyteller. She brings the stories of married women to life with respect for the complexities of modern day wife-hood, and a challenge to women to get back in touch with the passion that day-to-day life sometimes robs us of. Holly has brought together important research and common sense ideas to help women form a new way of thinking about how to connect with their husbands.
I was concerned about the chapters that discuss alternative lifestyles, including swinging and affairs. I'm not a big fan of partner swapping, and I abhor infidelity, so I was interested in seeing where this would go. I think the basic message that came out here--even though it made me uneasy--was that the power of connecting with your partner trumps the immediate gratification of having a fling with others.
Ultimately the book challenges women (and men) to think differently about how to get passion in their lives. And I'm all for that!