Where was this book years ago?! LOL Dan and I have cycled in and out of being home together 24/7 for big chunks at a time since about 1997. He has been a band director in a public school and, until this past summer, he has been home for 10 to 12 weeks every summer. This summer the school district moved to a year round schedule. After a great deal of prayer and research we decided that it was time to exit the public school and he has been able to retire with a full retirement package.

Since March I have left my job, Dan has retired, and we have decided to focus fully on our English church so we are no longer a part of the Korean church we were in for about 6 years. All of that means we are home together a great deal more than we were before.

He has taken a part time job at a local Christian school and is teaching Bible and starting a new band program for them. I have not seen him more happy about going to work. It has also given him a great deal more time to be at church and it has opened up ministry opportunities for our people on a greater scale. God is doing a work, folks, and we are grateful for His provision and the opportunity to be a part of this work.

Now is the perfect time to test the information sin this book! I believe books like this come to us just when we need them. This book really hit home with me. As we transition into a “semi retirement” stage of our lives this book addresses issues that we are dealing with right now. The authors use Biblical principles, humor and their own personal stories to show us ways to refocus and readjust our lives to thrive in a new phase of life as a married couple. They address our words and actions… showing grace and mercy to those around us and giving practical ways to work as a team rather than pushing each other away. They are definitely speaking from a place of experience. This book is not just for the retiring, though. If you have found yourself and your spouse home more because of a new “work from home” situation, a military spouse returning home, or unemployment due to recent circumstances this can be a great encouragement to you. It has changed how I view our new situation and how I respond to my husband.

I really loved the writing style and the format of the chapters with Cynthia sharing and then Becky sharing. They also include a variety of other short vignettes from other people who have faced this situation in their own lives. I highly recommend this book. It is a great resource as you find your way into a new normal in your own home.

If you would like to learn more about Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby you can click through to their personal websites. They have both been speakers at women’s and writing events. They both have written fiction and other nonfiction books, as well. I would definitely consider their ministries to be Titus 2 style ministries as they encourage women of all ages through a variety of life experiences as they walk with Christ.

I was thrilled to be part of this blog tour. I received the book for free and was under no obligation to give a positive review. I did, however, love the book and will be recommending it to all my friends and family who might need the encouragement found within the pages of this book.