My favorite books for cultivating a mutually fulfilling, life-long relationship

Why are we passionate about this?

We are a couple with a combined 70 years worth of relationship experience. We certainly know ‘what not to do.’ What makes us relationship experts is having a relationship that is as exciting today (after more than 6 years together) as it was from day one! We never argue, we have tremendous passion, we never name-call, we show 100% respect every day, and we have 100% connectivity. This does not mean we don’t have disagreements. It means we handle them without arguing. Since experiencing a relationship we never imagined was possible, we want to share with others how to get it and keep it ongoing.


We wrote...

Book cover of The Island

What is our book about?

Experiencing a near-perfect relationship is not by chance. It’s not by luck. It is by design. Imagine ‘YOU’ in a near-perfect relationship. 

The Island speaks through true examples. Find out how to keep your partner drawn to you for life. Design your future with this book as your guide.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Love, Sex and Staying Warm: Keeping the Flame Alive

Julie A. Mullen and Mike D. Rodgers Jr. Why did I love this book?

I love how this book gives unexpected anecdotes!

This was a really refreshing read with great insight. From one chapter to the next, it kind of jumps all over the map of relationship situations. Although that may sound chaotic, I found it exciting to be surprised by what the next chapter would reveal.

I read this one annually, as it is quite entertaining.

By Neil Rosenthal,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Love, Sex and Staying Warm as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Syndicated relationship advice columnist Neil Rosenthal will guide you to learn the most important skills required in order for you to have a closer, more intimate and more passionate relationship. Using stories from thousands of readers who have written to him for advice, along with quizzes, couple's exercises and an extensive series of recommendations, you will improve your relationship skills and abilities, including: what to do if you've grown apart communicating when you are hurt or angry overcoming trust issues improving your communication as a couple examining whether you are sabotaging your relationship exploring how worthy you feel of being…


Book cover of Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples

Julie A. Mullen and Mike D. Rodgers Jr. Why did I love this book?

I was intrigued by the ideas about why we chose our partners in the first place. I discovered ways to have more compatibility in relationships. This book opened my mind to aspects I had not considered before. Those realizations caused positive shifts in behavior.

And… I had a much better understanding of why my partner approached things the way he did.

By Harville Hendrix, Helen Lakelly Hunt,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Getting the Love You Want as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In Getting the Love You Want, Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen Hunt offer the relationship skills that have helped millions of couples replace confrontation and criticism with a process of mutual support that facilitates healing and growth at any stage of a relationship. This extraordinary practical guide describes the revolutionary technique that combines a number of disciplines - including the behavioural sciences, depth psychology, social learning theory, Gestalt therapy, and interpersonal neurosciences, among others - to create a program that transforms conflict into creative tension that deepens connection and renews passion.

In a new forward and chapter, Hendrix and…


Book cover of Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love

Julie A. Mullen and Mike D. Rodgers Jr. Why did I love this book?

I love how this book presents several different types of couples. I also really appreciate the shared, true conversations between couples. It brings some of the most challenging relationship hurdles to the forefront with an explanation of how to navigate through them.

Since reading this book, I am confident that I at least know what direction to go in when things come up. 

By Sue Johnson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hold Me Tight as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Developed over 20 years ago and practiced all over the world, Emotionally Focused Therapy has been heralded by Time magazine and the New York Times as one of the only types of therapy to actually work. Couples who practice EFT see a 75% success rate (compared to 30% for other forms of relationship therapy). EFT focuses on the emotional connection of every relationship by de-escalating conflict, creating a safe emotional connection, and strengthening bonds between partners. Now in paperback, HOLD ME TIGHT introduces readers to EFT and illustrates a program they can use in their own relationships. Part I introduces…


Book cover of The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts

Julie A. Mullen and Mike D. Rodgers Jr. Why did I love this book?

I love how this book has caused a shift in societal thinking!

Now, I don’t have to feel misunderstood by my partner for not having the same ideas about how love should be received. This book gives the explanation as to why what he needs to feel loved may be different than what I need to feel loved; what a huge relief this is!

What’s even better is that I now know what is the best kind of love for him to receive!

By Gary Chapman,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The 5 Love Languages as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Over 20 million copies sold!

A perennial New York Times bestseller for over a decade!

Falling in love is easy. Staying in love—that’s the challenge. How can you keep your relationship fresh and growing amid the demands, conflicts, and just plain boredom of everyday life?

In the #1 New York Times international bestseller The 5 Love Languages, you’ll discover the secret that has transformed millions of relationships worldwide. Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, Dr. Gary Chapman’s proven approach to showing and receiving love will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your partner—starting today.

The…


Book cover of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

Julie A. Mullen and Mike D. Rodgers Jr. Why did I love this book?

I can sum this one up plain and simple. My big takeaway from this book is the same message as the love languages when the author talks about the ‘platinum rule.’ Yes!

This is where he writes about ‘treating others how they want to be treated,’ as opposed to the well-known ‘golden rule’…treating others as you would want them to treat you. This makes perfect sense to me. It has everything to do with their love language…not imposing ours on them! 

By Mark Manson,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New York Times Bestseller In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be "positive" all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people. For decades, we've been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. "F**k positivity," Mark Manson says. "Let's be honest, shit is f**ked and we have to live with it." In his wildly popular Internet blog, Manson doesn't sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is-a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today.…


You might also like...

Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story

By Amy Q. Barker,

Book cover of Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story

Amy Q. Barker Author Of Lap Baby

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Avid reader Nature lover Park ranger wanna be Best Nana ever

Amy's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

A contemporary romance novel about second chances, love in the workplace, and balancing single parenthood with a career. Bailey Grant and Fox Goodman have given up on love. They’re working hard, they’re raising kids—romance is the last thing on their minds. Until they get seated next to each other on a flight and realize they have more in common than just the company where they work.

But can a VP date the CEO? How will they make it work? Wait and see how sparks fly in this uplifting, feel-good, dual-narrative romantic read!

Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story

By Amy Q. Barker,

What is this book about?

Bailey
Even from afar, you could feel it: the man's ever-present, effortless charm, looks, and for lack of a better word, swagger.
Everyone—and by everyone, I meant every female at Havelin—had speculated about his personal life. We all knew he had two sons, but what about a wife?
Not that I cared.
I was VP of Quality, a widow, and a mother raising two teenage daughters. Love was the last thing on my mind.

Fox
She was staggeringly beautiful.
And she didn’t know it. Not even in the slightest. Not a clue.
I’d never felt like this before.
Even more…


5 book lists we think you will like!

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