Don’t Get Engaged (Until You Read This Book) is a work of non-fiction specializing in dating and relationship advice, and was penned by author Laura Nielson Denke. Written for adults due to its frank discussion of all mature relationship aspects, this handy and informative guidebook attempts to clear some of the murky waters of the pre-marital relationship stage so that couples can make it work long term. Such aspects of the book include questionnaires and advice on answering them, so as to avoid issues of trying to please the other person or manipulate them, with a view to achieving a candid overall view of their compatibility together.

For those who feel that compromise and commonality are important aspects of their relationship, this book will certainly help them to determine if those factors truly exist in the person they hope to stay with long term. That’s not to say, however, that failed questionnaires would spell total doom and gloom for a couple because author Laura Neilson Denke does a great job with her candid counseling advice on how to settle differences that may arise and treat them honestly and with respect. The work itself is extremely well formatted for clarity and practical ease of use, and the narration style keeps things friendly and relaxed, but with the authority of a writer who really knows what they’re talking about. Overall, Don’t Get Engaged (Until You Read This Book) is a really interesting and fulfilling way to check in on pre-marital life before the next step.

As many couples celebrate their engagement, their first priority is planning a wedding day to remember. However, with the divorce rate so high, can they be truly certain the love they share is enough to sustain a happy long-lasting marriage? Don't Get Engaged (Until You Read This Book) by Laura Nielson Denke is a guide for all couples and takes you through the four essential steps to find out the truth. As you work through each step, you will face difficult questions about yourself and your future life partner. Discover if you share the same values about family and life. How do you plan on dealing with problems with extended family or changes in circumstances as you get older? How will you resolve any conflict so it does not damage your marriage? Can you compromise where both of you are happy? At the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of who you are, what you are searching for in a partner, and if you have found them.

Laura Nielson Denke has exceptional knowledge regarding relationships. She leaves no issue or dilemma unscrutinized. This is definitely not a book for the lazy; you are made to work through each amazing step. The questionnaires are detailed but very interesting as they will reveal a great deal about a person's values and beliefs. You will learn a great deal about yourself and what you require in a partner. The guide also deals with issues such as children, finances, and culture. The author realizes that people and situations change over the years but gives you the necessary skills to deal with problems as they arise. There is even a senior section which I thought was excellent as well as the section on overcoming past experiences, so they are not an obstacle in your new relationship. I loved the personality quiz! You will be amazed by what you learn about yourself when you complete this. There is even a journal at the end so you can complete the four steps perfectly.

Don't Get Engaged (Until You Read This Book) by Laura Nielson Denke is a non-fiction guide on marriage and relationships. Written by a professional therapist and marriage counselor, this book discusses pre-marital counseling before taking the decision to get married and encourages couples to do the pre-engagement therapy themselves. The book is organized into four main sections: Who are you?, How are your people skills?, Where have you been and where are you going?, What about health, finances, and integrity? Each of these sections contains many questionnaires that couples should do together as well as alone on topics ranging from finances, past relationship history, sexual compatibility, religion and spirituality, family background and cultural differences, health and illness, conflict resolution and compromise, personal "love language", and much more. There is also a section for seniors in the book and issues that are most relevant to people marrying at later stages in life.

Don't Get Engaged (Until You Read This Book) is a great resource and absolutely useful to anyone looking to enter into a marriage. The book provides plenty of self-surveys and questionnaires that couples can do, which I thought was very useful. Laura writes very concisely and to the point and covers most of the most common issues that lead to divorce. With divorce rapidly on the rise, pre-marital counseling and even prenups are almost a necessity in the modern world. I also liked the section on red flags mentioned in the appendix. Overall this is a must-read book for people of any age looking to get married.

The relationship survivor tools in Laura Nielson Denke’s non-fiction book Don’t Get Engaged (Until You Read This Book) are vital, especially in the modern age that we find ourselves in currently. Complete with questions that may surprise or seem reasonable to be asked of couples, Don’t Get Engaged isn’t just a relationship saver, it’s ultimately a lifesaver. You could be working out the kinks of where you are right now with someone, or finding out that the paths you are both on are not workable. Denke relates several real-life situations with her patients to help solidify why the questions throughout the book are so important.

Laura Nielson Denke’s Don’t Get Engaged (Until You Read This Book) caught my eye immediately. If anyone were to know how to go about keeping someone on the right path, it is a therapist; there would be no one better. Even though I’m single at the moment, the information was so spot-on in places that I can’t wait to fill out the questionnaires with a partner when I do find someone. Keep this book in mind for family and friends in your life who are getting engaged. Perhaps even make an anonymous gift on their doorstep with it, as some newly engaged couples might at first feel as though their love is being questioned, which wouldn’t be the case at all. If you can play any small part in saving a loved one from misery and heartache years down the road, it’s always worth it.