Effective Communication in Relationships

To maintain a healthy relationship with the partner one has to develop healthy communication. If one wants to be successful then one should try to cooperate at the optimum level. When the needs of both the partners are met together in a shared life then one builds everything beautiful and fulfills many of the dreams and if one is successful in achieving the dreams then obviously develops healthy relationships.

Read more: relationship and friendship tips

Title: Four Friends
Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Four Friends" by Robyn Carr...

Book Description....

"Gerri can't decide what's more devastating: learning her rock-solid marriage has big cracks, or the anger she feels as she tries to repair the damage. Always the anchor for friends and her three angst-ridden teenagers, it's time to look carefully at herself. The journey for Gerri and her family is more than revealing—it's transforming.

Andy doesn't have a great track record with men, and she's come to believe that for her a lasting love is out of reach. When she finds herself attracted to her down-to-earth, ordinary contractor—a man without any of the qualities that usually appeal to her—she questions everything she thought she wanted in life.

Sonja's lifelong pursuit of balance is shattered when her husband declares he's through with her New Age nonsense and walks out. There's no herbal tonic or cleansing ritual that can restore her serenity—or her sanity.

Miraculously, it's BJ, the reserved newcomer to Mill Valley, who steps into their circle and changes everything. The woman with dark secrets opens up to her neighbors, and together they get each other back on track, stronger as individuals and unfaltering as friends."

What I liked about this novel....

This was a beautiful, well absorbing amazing story of four women Gerri, Andy, Sonja and BJ who were all rather a complex bunch as it is discovered that it looks like the whole neighborhood was falling about. You will find one of the ladies are just too perfect( a control freak)...definitely one that made me laugh out loud, another one(new to the neighborhood) who has some dark secrets that has her just wanting to keep to herself, another friend who was working on her second divorce, however, was she the one that goes after and get what she wants in the end?... and then last one seems to be the friend that had it all but did she really? What will happen after she finds out that her husband had had an affair some years ago? So, her marriage isn't as solid as she thought. This was one captivating read about a friendship and with a little of it all showing 'support, tough love, humor, sarcasm' and in the end you get a wonderful well written story. Didn't these women have the perfect lives? What will happen after they discover that some of them didn't have the perfect life after all? Counseling? Now, I will not talk to much about these ladies men other than say they were all some interesting men ...Phil, George, and Bob. You will just have to read "Four Friends' for yourself to see what all is up with them!

This author really gives the reader a story with of these four women's subplots that do combine so smoothly that will give the reader a great description of each of these ladies struggles and realness of the friendships. It's a beautiful read as you will see each of the ladies under go such a life changing experience from 'mental, physical, spiritual awakening where in the end will become even more stronger than they were in the beginning...with issues such as 'menopause, abuse, depression, infidelity, divorce, unfaithful spouses, out of control children, abuse, heartless exes, keeping secrets to new friendships. In the end will these women get the importance of family, companionship and friendships. I will only say to get it all you must pick 'Four Friends' this author.

This is definitely one of those reads that if you are reading or listening to it will keep your attention and you will find it hard to put down until the end. It was quite a interesting read where you see these four strong women find their way from a dark time in their lives. Would I recommend? Yes!

Title: Betty and Veronica
Author: Elena Aitken
Publisher: Ink Blot Communications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Betty and Veronica" by Elena Aitken....

What was this short read about....

"In sickness and in health...that's what best friends are for, right?

When Addison announces she has breast cancer, her best friend Rori knows she'll do whatever it takes to see her through it. Because after all, what's Betty without her Veronica?"

***Please note, this is a short story, not a full length work of fiction.***

What I thought of this read....

This was a very good well written short story that did have a sad ending that can leave you quite sad. This author was able to convey to the reader such a story that will touch you as you read through this story of "Betty and Veronica." One thing is for sure you can't go by the book cover because this story shows the friendship of two women where we find one is healthy and one isn't. This well written story that will touch you in many ways where you will find some humorous parts but then it brings you to a twist to deep sadness in the end. I love how this author brought out the support given by a friend that was so well brought out from the read. This is a easy read that can be read in one setting that will leave you with some thoughts long after the read. Would I recommend? Yes, especially to a survivor, fighters of this disease, nurturers and helpers and the rest of us who may become one ...some day.