Marriage isn’t a topic I have addressed much here on the blog, except perhaps where it relates to my characters, whose hopes for an idyllic union always seem to be interrupted by major historical events. But even without such turmoil, real-life romance can be tough to keep alive. Today, I am excited to welcome author, speaker and podcast host Jennifer Slattery to my blog to share about her latest release, Recapturing Her Heart, as well as her own story of rekindling romance!
Many years ago, when my husband and I were going through a rough period in our marriage, a counselor encouraged us to regularly “play” together. Especially during times of conflict—when we most felt like pulling away. She said it was then that we’d be most apt to maximize one another’s faults and downplay, ignore, or deny each other’s positive qualities.
In short, we needed to remember why we first fell in love by intentionally seeking out laughter and fun. That decision, begun over twenty years ago, has helped to sustain us through moves, financial hurdles, chronic illness, and numerous literal and figurative storms. This practice, continued in good and hard seasons, has built an unshakable intimacy between, one no crisis could ever dampen.
It’s also led to some pretty fun “date” nights, from playing pickleball at local parks; scouting out hidden picnic locations and small town hardware stores, and diners; attending bucking bull futurities (and playing harmless pranks on extended family) to simple joke-sharing car rides.
Lately, we’ve determined to visit every restaurant in our area, to mark these on a map, and then journal about our experience. Although we’ve lived in this location for over a decade, and have eaten out on numerous occasions, I convinced my husband that we’re beginning at 0. This means we must visit every restaurant, even those we’ve previously frequented.
So far, we’ve only tried three, but I’m already excited to snuggle up beside one another in the living room to read through our journal entries together as we reflect upon the memories, and meals, that have deepened our love and added laughter and joy to our marriage.
What is one way you intentionally bring joy into your most important relationships? How do you capture those moments so that you can reflect upon them again, and again, and again?
I’ll pop my answer into the comments a few hours after this posts, because it’s something my husband and I have had to strategize about too.
Ready to find out a little more about Jennifer’s latest release?
About Recapturing Her Heart:
What she’s always wished for… might be right here at home.
When she loses her job, professional dancer Harper Moore returns to her Texas hometown with one goal in mind—leaving again. But first she needs money for her big move, even if that means working for her ex-boyfriend. CJ Jenkins is certain he can help the single mom and keep his still-bruised heart intact. But as old feelings resurface, can they let go of the past for a new dream together?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
A Review of Recapturing Her Heart, by “Susan” on Goodreads:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Recapturing Her Heart by Jennifer Slattery! Slattery’s newest novel is a well-written, faith-filled, touching romance. It’s a beautiful love story about forgiveness, renewed hope, the importance of family, and what matters most in life. I was engaged from beginning to end and anxious to see a happy outcome for Harper and C J. I also loved the look into the art of chainsaw carving.
If you’re looking for a sweet, clean, romance that is also faith-filled but not preachy, you will love Recapturing Her Heart. You might even find direction on how to seek God and know His will. I’ve enjoyed all of Slattery’s Faith-Inspired novels but I think this one of her best!
About Jennifer:
Jennifer Slattery is a writer, podcast host and speaker who has addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the lead host of the Faith Over Fear podcast and cohost, with four others, of the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. She also maintains devotional blogs found on JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com and is a regular contributor to iBelieve.com. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram, and follow her author page on Amazon. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves playing games with her family, working puzzles, and adventuring with her hilariously fun husband. Contact her through her website to learn more or to book her to speak at your next event:
Aubrey Taylor Books 
I think non-screen-time memories, like going for a hike with no cameras and with cellphones turned off, are the good memories that last.
Recapturing Her Heart sounds good!
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That is such a good point, Priscilla! So often we think we are capturing the memory, but when we’re behind the phone, we lose the ability to be in the moment!
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Thanks again Jennifer! My husband and I have had to strategize about keeping the romance and the fun alive in our marriage as well. Last fall, we began setting aside one evening every weeknight to enjoy dessert together and just talk about the things we never would otherwise. Sometimes, topics of conversation present themselves naturally. Other times we have to draw from a list of “date night” questions online. The other thing we have done is allow ourselves to take advantage of opportunities to have family members watch the kids overnight–or longer. Keeping our marriage a priority does take work–but it is so worth it.
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