No I am not about to tell anyone as really I have no idea, all I know is that it feels lovely when James says “My wife” and that it is everything I thought it would be and more.
I’m not wearing rose-tinted spectacles though ( nope not even heart-shaped ones) and I know that a relationship takes commitment, compromise and sometimes a lot of blo*dy hard work.
I walked down that ailse and said “I Do”. That means I’m in it for the long haul – even the bumpy bits.
A lady who certainly does know a thing or two about marriage however is the brilliant author Polly Williams who’s forth novel “How To Be Married” is released on the 4th March and is sure to follow the success of “The Rise And Fall Of The Yummy Mummy” , “Good Girl Gone Bad” and a “Bad Brides Tale”.
And guess what….
Rock My Wedding has 10 copies of “How To Be Married” to give away to all you gorgeous book worms out there.
The Obamas have got one. Those parents of four kissing outside the school gates have got one. But how do you get a hot marriage? And, more importantly, what kind of wife do you need to be to make such a marriage work?
Sadie Drew is the world’s worst wife. She only needs to walk into a room to make it untidy. She wears flannel pyjamas in bed. She can’t cook. She’d rather eat her husband’s socks than pair them. But she’s a busy, working mother not a wifebot, and her husband Tom loves her as she is. Until he gets a new, high-pressure job, the power balance flips, and things rapidly start to change.
There are his colleagues’ terrifying uber-wives to entertain. Tom works later and later. Then there are the endless rows, dark secrets from the past that refuse to go away, and the smell of another woman’s perfume on his suit.
Sadie has a choice: risk losing everything or throw herself into her marriage and transform herself into the perfect modern wife…
But what is a perfect wife anyway?
Ahem.
Quite.
We asked Polly a few questions that we thought you guys would find interesting and she really delivered with the answers, take a minute or two to have a peek and absorb the good advice.
Rock My Wedding: “How to be Married” amongst other things details the challenges presented in a marriage, what advice would you give our future brides from your own experiences?
Polly Williams: If you’re one of the lucky ones – I am thankfully – you’ll be more in love with your husband after clocking up a few years of marriage and a baby or two. But you won’t get back that dizzy, weak knees kind of honeymoon love, so enjoy it while it lasts and accept it when it’s gone, or, hopefully, when it’s changed into something deeper and quieter. Those that pine for that old adrenaline fuelled passion often end up looking elsewhere eventually…Don’t do it!
Rock My Wedding: For all of the budding authors amongst us what would you recommend as a starting point for writing your first novel – what percentage of your content is gained from your own home/family life for example?
Polly Williams: Ah, the most important thing to remember about writing novels is the inconvenient truth that you actually have to write them. You can plot, plan, and dream all you like but until you’ve got about 100,000 words smiling back at you on your computer screen you haven’t got a novel. Beyond that I think it’s about finding a story that means something to you. I don’t take real life incidences from my own life – not dramatic enough! – but that said, I definitely wouldn’t have written my first novel, The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy, if I had not had a baby.
Rock My Wedding: What is the most positive response you have received to your books that detail weddings, marriage and family?
Polly Williams: My website received an amazing email last week that brought a tear to my eye. It was a very sincere thank you from a woman whose partner, and father of her child, had strayed. All her friends and family were advising her to leave him but she read The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy and the fictional mother character’s advice to stick with marriage, give it another chance, really moved her. They are now happily united, with a new baby one the way. She said if she hadn’t read that book at that time she wouldn’t have taken him back. Books do matter!
So right Lady. Books certainly do matter.
So then what do you have to do to win one of these beauties….
Simple really, just drop us a comment on this post about a book that has really made a difference to you and why. There is no right or wrong answer, we will just pick names out of a (fancy) RMW hat from everyone that has entered and contact you direct to let you know.
Don’t forget to leave us your correct email address so we can get in touch 
Go check out Polly’s website for more information on all of her best selling page turners.
We heart her.
Big Book Geek Love
Charlotte xxxx
P.S Competition closes Wednesday 3rd March – Good Luck lovelies!
there is and will probably always be one stand out book for me – the time travellers wife – I adore the book.
it was originally one of the richard and judy book club reads which is why i gave it ago.
i have never fallen for a book in such a strong way. the first time i read it i thought that it was henry that i fell for but reading it again it is actually the love he felt for his wife clare that got me.
i can’t urge everybody enough to read this book.
the film is ok and it made me cry alot but it could never do the book justice.
if you do pick it up, when you read the first chapter please expect to be confused but stick with it as all becomes (slightly more) clear.
Also, pay attention to the dates at the top of each chapter.
think I will go home tonight and start it again!
Pride and Prejudice. I read it as a teenager and again while engaged and it made me realise that no one is perfect but a relationship between two people can be pure perfection!
Jodie Picoult – Picture Perfect.
I had to snooze my alarm every morning for the week I was reading this. The “Just one more page and I’ll go to sleep” effect.
I, maybe like many of you out there, have struggled to understand why a partner might stay / protect / put up with their abusive (emotionally or physically) partner.
This book opened my eyes into the mind of such women and a reason why some don’t just walk out. And helped me to understand and sympathise with a friend who was in an abusive relationship.
A beautiful book with so many lessons to learn on love, friends and life.
Emily
there are many books that i have totally loved and read over and over again but i wouldnt say they made any difference to my life. The one book that stands out that did help me when I was going through a huge amount of stress and even a bit of depression was “the road less travelled” by M.Scott Peck it really gave me hope and made me feel that i wasnt the only one who felt that their life was going out of control and that there were ways to take back the control and be happy it really did help me xxx
Flowers in the Attic by Virginia Andrews. I’ve read that book cover to cover a number of times. It’s not so much about the story but the fact that it was the book that introduced me to the love of reading.
My English teacher, Mr Jukes, gave me this book “Keep it” he said, I took it home and couldn’t put it down. I had obviously read books before this one, but none had ever really grabbed my attention like this one had. I love that I can read and reread it and never grow tired of it.
I also have to agree that the Time Travellers Wife is an excellent book!
Ooooo sounds like a fab read….if I don’t win one i’m gonna buy me one!
I have read many books over the years mainly whilst passing the time sunbathing, some never get finished, some I’ve read more than once but definitely the most memorable was ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’.
I studied this book at Secondary school so it was probably one of the first novels I read which maybe why its memorable to me. But the story of how the children view and understand racism and prejudice as the story goes on I believe gave me my views on the subject, views which I feel very strongly about. No one is lesser or better than anyone else because they’re all people!
If only all the racist and prejudice people in the world could learn something from this book as I did.
Daughters of Shame – Jasvinder Sanghera
I finished reading this book around a month ago and it still makes me stop and think.
I dont think I have ever read a book that made me feel such a wide range of emotions from rage, anger and fear to sympathy and hope for the survivors.
As British Asian brought up in quite a liberal household and being 17 months away from marrying my very English fiance, I couldn’t help but feel tremendously lucky at the way my life had turned out. That I had choices. And freedom.
Its a brilliant book and well worth a read.
I have also read To Kill a Mockingbird (a.mazing); Time Travellers Wife (a.mazing again) and all of Jodie Picoult’s book – which are other ones that always make me stop and think. I love how she handles topics that are difficult and controversial.
MArian Keyes – Rachel’s Holiday – it’s when I fell in love with reading – I remember sitting on my bed as a teenager, listening to All Saints and reading it within a week.
‘Friends Like These’ by Danny Wallace. Absolutely, laugh-out-loud funny! I’ve looked daft on the train so many times because I can’t help but snigger at his wisecracks! Also, this story is about reconnecting with your old childhood mates before hitting 30, and I read it in the month before my own 30th, so it prompted me to google and facebook a couple of old friends myself. It was so good to catch up with people who knew you when you shared a love for My Little Pony and the A Team! Lots to reminisce about. Fab book that left me smiling every time I picked it up.
ok for me it has to be “the boy in the striped pyjamas”…a friend told me to read it – not to read the back cover and be prepared for a weekend with a box of tissues. beautifully written, very sad and very very emotional.
its a great book – I urge everyone to read it…
emsx
Without wanting to sound like I’m jumping on the band wagon “Time Traveller’s Wife” has to be my favourite book. The relationship between Claire and Henry is the most beautiful I have ever read. I’ve read it 4 times and it gets better with every read. Even my hubby has read it and its the only “proper” book he has read and loved (I wouldn’t count auto biographies by ex footballers proper reads in my opinion!) I encourage everybody to read it
Mine would have to be “He’s Just Not That Into You” by Greg Behrendt (not the book of the film, one that came out way before it!)
I had spent far too long kissing frogs, and generally having men walk all over me. I had this book recommended to me and it really put the dating world into perspective.
I’ve since met (and married!) my prince, and I couldn’t wish for anything more.
I recommend this to all my friends who are having man troubles!
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini- it is a story of two boys growing up in Afghanistan who have very different lives. It is a fab book and really gives you an insight into life in Afghanistan.
I have to echo “Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”. It was a beautiful but sorrowful story that had me in tears on the tube one morning as soon as a I realised where the story was going.
The story not only reminded me of the book “I am David”, but the feelings I felt when reading it were just like those I felt when I was about 9 years old, sitting in the on the school field with my reading group and feeling completely aghast at the fact that humans could be treated in such a way. “I am David” is a childhood book that will stay with me forever.
Now, adult books – I’d get sacked if I sat here and wrote them all down! It’d take me hours!
I’d have to say the whole Shopaholic series of books by Sophie Kinsella – because they make me LAUGH out loud. I also kind of identified with the main character, Becky Bloomwood quite a lot.
Sophie Kinsella is brilliant at character development and some of the most very personal aspects to the character, I could identify with. I love it when I can relate to characters in books. It makes it more real for me!
The film was rubbish (with Isla Fisher), but the books are amazing.
I’ve read all books in the series, and I’m currently re-reading them. The next book is the one about the wedding. Then after that there’s the one about the baby
The book that changed my life was Willing Slaves by Madeleine Bunting. It gave me the push I needed to take control of my life, opt out of my career in the world of corporate marketing and do something else.
I love so many, but one of the most beautiful books I have read and made me cry lots is the ‘Book thief’ by Markus Zusak I read it in one sitting on holiday and read the last few pages loads of times they are so lovely. Its so cheesy to say, but it made me think about what is really important in life.
One of the first ‘proper’ books I read as a child was ‘The Hobbit’. I was completely transported into another fantasy world which my childhood imagination became immersed in. It probably set up my taste in literature for the rest of my life! Apart from the story itself, it also brings back great memories of reading with my dad as he is a complete Tolkien nut – he got me into Lord of the Rings and even The Silmarillion (blo0dy hard read!) after that, and we’ve ended up being some of those annoying people at the cinema who talk about completely inane details that the films miss out!
‘How to walk in high heels’ – it is the girls guide to everything, including how to wear a hat, how to poach an egg, how to look good in a photo and how to play poker. I must refer to the book a couple of times a month, at least! It’s amazing!
Without a doubt “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini. The only book ever to make me wince, cry and gasp out loud in horror.
It’s a story about life as a young woman in Afghanistan, taken from two points of view. Between Taliban rulings and violent husbands, made me feel unbelievably lucky for my “quiet life”.
It sounds like it should be depressing, but i’m just not doing it justice, it’s a story of hope in a dismal existance, and a truly inspirational read.
Rachel xx
“Anne of Green Gables” by LM Montgomery – I wanted so much to be Anne when I was 11 / 12 years old that I dyed my hair red with the cheapest red dye in the chemist (all I could afford with my pocket money!) and it wouldn’t wash out and looked hideous for months!
For me it has to be ‘Great Expectations’ I studied this book in A-Level English and again for my degree but that still didn’t put me off! Charles Dickens’ characters jump of the page and being brought up in Kent I could really relate to the setting of the story, Pip suffers the ultimate unrequited love at the hands of the cruel Estella but never gives up hope. Anyone who hasn’t read it really must!
Ah this makes me want to read it again….
Defiently – the boy in the striped pyjamas’
even the film is spectacular. The book reached out to me more but I feel the film was also very well directed
Random Acts of Heroic Love by Danny Scheinmann is a fabulous book which I’d thoroughly recommend to instill one’s belief in the power of love. It’s written so well and everyone I’ve recommended it to has enjoyed it too (which isn’t the case with many books I recommend if I’m honest!!!)
It’s one of those books that tells two stories in consecutive chapters and you wonder if and how the two stories meet…very good.
One book I’ve not read but my mum says is one of the best she’s ever read is “We need to talk about Kevin”. Sounds a bit harrowing to me though!!!
Happy reading ladies xx
xxx
Oh dear – world’s worst fiancee over here: “She only needs to walk into a room to make it untidy. She wears flannel pyjamas in bed. She can’t cook.” That. Is. Me!
Such a difficult question, but Over a Thousand Hills I Walk With You (about the Rwandan genocide) was painful to read but absolutely unforgettable.
Just a little sweet story I thought I’d share… I teach English in an extremely challenging secondary school and my year 9s loved reading The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas so much that they actually refused to leave my classroom at the end of the last period on a Friday last term. Literally refused to move. I had to actually call the headteacher to my room to get his permission to allow the class to stay until 5pm so we could finish reading the book. If it worked for 9Y1, it will work for you!
Laura
xxxxx
Gosh such a difficult decision but I am going to have to say ‘The Notebook’ by Nicholas Sparks, which taught me that sometimes following your heart rather than your head can lead to something wonderful.
LoveIndigo x
This is a brilliant post, if only that all the comments on it have given me a whole load of new book ideas! I love reading, just wish I had more time/energy to devote to it. I love it when you get completely absorbed in a book though – one that I’ve read recently that that happened with was ‘One day’ by David Nicholls. I picked it up at the station one day when I had a long wait for a train and ended up loving it – the characterisation is brilliant and I’m still thinking about the two main characters weeks later. ‘Shantaram’ is also fantastic though, especially if you have a long journey anywhere – it’s huge and full of exciting tales! Oooh I love books! xx
The Pact, by Jodie Picoult. First book I ever read that made me literally sob. I had to change my tshirt after I read it, I’d cried so much.
Hannah’s Gift: Lessons from a life fully lived – Maria Housden
Even for a self confessed book worm like me, this really is one unforgettable book. It’s not a book to read unless you are prepared for your emotions to come tumbling out full force, because they will.
It’s easy to see why this story has touched so many lives because it swallows you up and you feel like your there in the moment. Many people brush up against cancer at some point in their lives and I read this book at a time when a family member was facing their own cancer battle, and it really does make you sit up and grab the most from life.
It reminds you that life is precious, and we need to squeeze as much as we can from each day. It reminded me of the simplest of life’s lessons and is a tribute to 3 year old Hannah.
I paid my own tribute by going out and buying my own pair of Red Mary Jane’s!
I can not really name one particular favourite book as I have so many favourites and have been known to re-read many of them time and time again (some esp good ones in just a day!!)
The one book that stick’s in my mind tho is Watermelon by Marian Keyes, because it takes me back to the summer I spent in the South of France with my best friend who’s parents were french and would speak only French to us and that book was my English escape and represents a carefree summer. Just as perfume smells and particular songs take people back to nice memories, this book does that for me!
x
Definitley ‘The Book Thief’ Witty, elegantly written and thought provoking- I couldn’t put it down! x
Wow!
I’ve just sat down and read all of these comments – what a brilliant post if only to provoke such a great list of reads for me to delve into over the coming months!
I’m also very inspired and flattered that we have such a clearly intelligent and thoughtful readership.
Thank you all for helping to make Rock My Wedding what it is, and keep entering if you haven’t already!
PS… Some of mine:
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – Louis de Bernier
Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchell (although I’m a closet fan of the trashy sequel!)
The Twilight Saga – Stephanie Meyer
Life isn’t all Ha Ha Hee Hee – Myra Syal
The Joy Luck Club – Amy Tan
Behind the Scenes at the Museum – Kate Atkinson
And when I was a child – The Mallory Towers series!
Great post….and some ideas for some new reads!
I loved Alice Sebbold’s,…. Lovely Bones, looking forward to seeing the film. And also, a brilliant author is Maggie O’Farrell, my favourite being After You’d Gone. I’ve read both these books a number of times now.
Also, can’t beat a bit of Marian Keyes…this charming man made me laugh out loud!! Feathery Stroker…..genius!!
xxxx
I’ve adored this post- I’m a total bookworm and have found 2 new tomes with which to wile away the hours thanks to the lovely RMW readers!
Given the fact I take 7 books on a 7 day holiday and that the Waterstones ’3 for 2′ promo is more like a ’12 for 4′ promo for me, I thought it would be too hard for me to pick my favourite…and I was right! Managed to narrow it down to a top 3 though!
In order…
1. Wuthering Heights. The worst ‘love story’ ever written, but the most compelling, beautiful and heartbreaking story I’ve ever read.
2. The Girl in Times Square. A nice chunky holiday read that was surprisingly thought provoking, with complex characters and a gorgeous plot.
3. The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud. A real heartstring-puller, similar to The Lovely Bones, but less traumatic!
I know I’ve waffled but I live for a good story, and I would love if it just one more person read one of these stunning books!
x
Without doubt, P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern. Teaches you to enjoy and treasure every day with the ones we love. The film makes me cry buckets
x
Probably not one many people have heard of but it The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg. Its a spiritual book and its kept me grounded I often go back and flick through a chapter when I need reminding what lifes all about.
I have to agree with Sophie…P.S I love you! Just so beautiful…and it makes me sob too!
OMG I love this post – being a librarian, books are my job and to see so many people write about what book changed their life is so great. If I was to list all my favourite books this post would be huge, I have narrowed it down to 4 at the moment but as I currently have 6 books on my bedside table to read this list could change next week.
1 – Never let me go by Kazuo Ishiguro. This books is amazing, it makes you question what you would do if you lived in a world like that.
2 – Catcher in the Rye – J. D Sallinger. I love this book and read it at least twice a year.
3 – On the Road – Jack Kerouc. This book makes me want to tour America (which im doing for my honeymoon)
4 – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time – Mark Haddon. Such a good read.
The book that changed my live was Matilda by Roald Dahl. It was the first book I ever bought ( with a book token I had won from my local library) It totally captured my imagination and started my life long love of books.
xx
Great post!
There are so many books that I have read at different periods of my life that spark different emotions and memories… But I have to go with The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. I was instantly hooked and couldn’t put them down! I am now re-reading them and I have to say they are even better the second time around!
White Oleander by Janet Fitch… all I will say is read it, incredible!
xx
The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans is my all-time favourite novel. (Don’t watch the film- it doesn’t do it justice!) Horses, growing up, a gorgeous love story, tears at the end… It was probably the first ‘grown-up’ book I read aged 12 (I don’t mean that in a rude way- although there is a sex scene which had me blushing!) and once finished I went straight back to the beginning and read it all over again. Actually I might dig it out now…
Ok Do NOT laugh! The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. I can still to this day exactly remember how it felt to have my mum sat on my bed reading it to me. I was in another world with her with me, and it truely was the most special book to us. It was mother/daughter time at its best.