Many first-time visitors to the site ask me huge open-ended questions like, “How do I save my marriage?” and “Do you have any advice?” and “What should I do?” My knee-jerk reaction is to suggest, “Read my book Project: Happily Ever After. Then let me know your specific questions when you are done.”
But that just seems too self serving, which is why I never do it.
Plus I know some of you are on very tight budgets. Maybe you can’t afford to buy the book. I get that.
Still most of what I would suggest to any person with any random marriage problem is contained within the pages of that book. It’s it’s not there, it’s on the blog. If it’s not on the blog, it will be soon.
So here’s what I’m going to do.
I’m giving away 10 signed copies of Project: Happily Ever After to the first 10 people who comment on this post and tell me why they want one for free. The rules are as follows:
1. You will only get one free copy. Even if you comment 10 times in a row, you will still only get one book.
2. In other words, 10 different copies will be going to 10 different people. No one will get more than one copy no matter how much kissing up they do.
3. If you somehow trick me by pretending to be two different people and you succeed in winning two or more books, I will unleash bad Karma on your butt. And I will also spank it.
4. You must use an active and functional email address when you comment, and this must be an address that you actually read and respond to. This address does not have to be public (other people will not see it). But it has to work because that’s how I will notify you that you won the book. If you do not respond to this notification within 24 hours, I will move down the list and pick the next person.
5. I will be mailing the books at my cost via the good old fashioned US Postal book rate. That means it might take a while to get to you depending on where you live. I will not be mailing books express, overnight, or by any other rush service.
6. If you’ve already purchased a book, you can still enter. Just give the one you win to a friend. Or you can give your gently used one to a friend or your local library and keep the new signed one for yourself. Or you can keep both and buy even more and build a tower out of them. Actually if you buy 20+ copies and build a PHEA tower, that would make me very happy. Please send me a photo of that. I’ll post it here on the site.
7. It’s not required, but I would appreciate it if all 10 winners wrote reviews online (like on amazon or Barnes and Noble or Good Reads). If you leave a review on amazon, I’d appreciate it if you mention how generous I am. There is a reviewer there who thinks I am the most selfish person in the world. I do not know why.
8. It’s not required, but I would also appreciate it if all 10 winners would tell a friend about the book, write something on Facebook and Twitter about the book, choose the book for their book club, and do other nice things like that. It’s harder than any non-author could ever imagine to sell a book. I need all the help I can get.
9. Also not required, but I would love if you all took photos of yourself, your spouse and PHEA while standing in front of various romantic locations. I want to post those to the blog.
On your mark. Get set. Go!
Note: If you have purchased a copy of PHEA and would like me to sign it, send me a SASE along with the name you would like me to write in the book. I will sign a book plate for you to insert in your copy. IMPORTANT: You do not have to send the actual book to make this happen. The book plates are awesome. They are artistically designed to look great on the inside cover of the book. Trust me. You will want to marry your book after you get one of these book plates. Send your SASE to Alisa Bowman PO Box 583, Emmaus PA 18049.
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{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }
I’d like to have a copy for free, because between working forty plus hours a week and dealing with a three year old who’s decided that sleeping through the night is for babies, I just don’t have the time to get to a bookstore. Also, given that I’m overworked and overtired, I’m desperately in need of some help making sure my marriage doesn’t go under. So to speak.
I’d love a copy of the book! I already bought it for my e-reader but would love to have a hard copy for my husband to read (I’m very protective of my Nook and his string of broken iPods has proven that he can’t be trusted with electronic devices). Thank you!!
I would love a copy of this book as I’m a single mom who is going through a divorce and would love some insight and help into how to have a successful marriage in the future.
I’ve been following the blog and have been dying for a copy of the book! My husband is a full-time student with two part-time jobs on top of that. I have a full-time job that overlaps with his shift changes. We never see each other, and I’m starting to feel like we’re roommates, not a married couple. I would love to read this book, but with our crazy work schedules and his tuition payments, it’s not been in the budget. Though I put a hold on it at my public library, I’d much prefer a super sweet signed copy!
Would love a copy of the book–I always enjoy your advice and tips, and would love a chance to read the rest of the story.
I’d like to have a copy of your book.
My wife and I just celebrated our 10th Anniversary this past 7th. While we don’t have any major issues in our marriage we are of the belief that great marriages don’t just happen you need to work at them. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to constantly think about ways to keep our marriage strong.
Hi Alisa!! YAY! Thank you for doing this! I would love a copy of the book because you are a great writer and SO HONEST! i want to hear it from someone who is not afraid to share the good the bad and the ugly!
I would love to have your book! I have been scouring your site reading since I found it. Hubby and I have been struggling lately. He’s a trucker and we have 3 kids so time for us has been hard to make. We are trying to work through things together and every bit of information helps put us in the right direction. With a family of 5, I have to budget carefully to build my book collection and my local library has a hold list longer than I am tall. So I have no idea when I will be able to get my hands on it.
I would love a copy of your book. As my husband and I, parents to one toddler, near our 13th anniversary, we’ve found it difficult to stay connected for a variety of reasons. I know I really need to work on me in order to make things better, and I think your book will really help. This giveaway is very generous of you! Thank you!
I’m not married yet, but your site is always interesting and wise. I’d say more but I don’t want to miss spot #10…
My sister and I have both been wanting to read your book as we are encouraging each other to work on our marriages. We are both new mothers and find that focusing on our marriages is something that now takes more effort. A free copy would be great but if I do not comment in time, we will wait until our library has a copy. Thank you!
Well that was fast. Okay, we’ve got our winners I believe.
I’d love a copy of the book. I just started my blog on being newly married (and all the things “they” don’t tell you before tying the knot). My goal is to honestly share what it’s really like and what I’m learning along the way. I keep seeing tweets about your book. I’m super curious about it, and I would be thrilled to blog, tweet and review it!
The book is awesome. You won’t be disappointed!
&*^%*&$*&^$*%*^%#^%#. An hour too late.
I’m so glad you are doing this Alisa. I’m going to be buying your book (borrowed it from the library) and giving it to a friend whom I know would benefit from your sound wisdom and advice. Congrats to the winners!
You’ve had a multitude of fantastic tips and tricks on your blog so I can only imagine what could be gained from reading and sharing the book.
I know it’s already past the 10 comment limit, but just wanted to mention that I wanted the book because quite frankly, you’ve been a major inspiration for keeping my marriage alive. My wife and I have been separated for 3 years and I’ve read every relationship book I could find from our local library to help our situation. My wife is on the shy side and won’t open up how she feels. The books give me a window into what she might be thinking and has helped tremendously. What also helps is your humor, yet serious take on many of the relationship issues that, if not taken care of, will destroy a marriage.
I’ve been an avid reader of the site for awhile and it has helped my in more ways than I could ever describe. Your story really is an inspiration for those who think that marriage is something worth putting the effort in to. My wife’s biggest reason for staying away is that she doesn’t “feel” in love with me. And your posts have helped me to understand what that means and for that I am grateful.
Well, it looks like I’ve missed the first 10, but for giggles, I’m really interested in your book for a number of reasons. First, since I’ve begun reading your blog a month or so ago – and I’ll admit I’m not reading particularly closely all the time – I’ve tried to put a few things into practice that have been mentioned. I’ve noticed some changes in my marriage (little subtle things) and I feel better about some of my behaviour in the context of my relationship. I’d like to work on that. My husband and I really adore each other but we have a few bad habits and I’m working on mine. Because while I know in my heart we’ll be together forever, I’d like forever to be happier and more peaceful.
The other reason is that I teach a prenatal class and in it I address the marital relationship in the year after children. Most of my material has come from Gottman, but I’m always looking for ways to improve my content and hence the lives of the parents who I work with.
Oh darn! Hope the girls who won enjoy it:)
I would love to be able to receive a free copy of your book, I found your health blogs on Mcall.com and enjoyed them so much I decided to find out more about you. I read your facebook posts all the time and they really help me with the way i think about things in my relationship, and its become very helpful. Ive been meaning to get a copy, and it hasn’t happened yet. I have a book from about 30 years ago that ive been trying to read on relationship advice, but i feel like it might be easier for me to read yours, because from your blogs, i know i can understand you, possibly better =) if everyday posts you write, helps me, this book may just be life changing… its funny that i found this possible free book, right when i was venting about my relationship. It feels like fate!
I would like to receive your book because I want to read it!!! I’ve been wanting to read it for a few months now. So, not much of a story but….my husband and I have brought two children into our marriage. And, to say the least, it’s been difficult. But….we are pulling through one day at a time.
Well, I almost feel silly entering this because I am not married. I cam close once and have had my fair share of serious relationships. I enter BECAUSE I am not married. Working with clients/students to re-connect with their authenticity, often they are struggling in their marriage. I love reading your blog because it shares insight and confirmation to what I am saying/teaching. However, it would also be nice to read your book before recommending it. However, AZ has been particularly hard hit by the economy and my business is just starting to rebuild after a tough 2 years. So…um, pretty please, pick me and I will pay it forward in many, many ways
… I just got the email notification.
*really sad*
Here is my submission anyways:
I would absolutely LOVE to have a free copy of your book. I’m really strapped for cash (unemployed) and the relationship with my boyfriend has been a little rocky (communication issues, different views on certain things, etc). We’ve read and tried out a few of your exercises and they have helped a lot. I’ve been following your blog for over a year and believe your book would be a great help. Thank you. <3
I would love a copy of the book, I just recieved the e-mail, looks as though there is a huge time lapse in when I get it and others. I have told many of my friends about the website, so hopefully I have helped grow the site, your advice is invaluable.
I keep talking about the book to everyone around me as we drown in higher rates of divorce. It’d be nice to be able to lend or give a copy away with my preaching!
Ah too late I wanted one for my husband we are seperated and I read the book but he hasnt and I think he should guess I wil have to buy it
So cool that you are doing this Alisa!
I think it is so cool that you’re doing this, too. This is very generous and I’m sure it will help a lot of people. I’m not commenting to win (10 people beat me to it, that’s okay, though, I’ve already bought 2 copies of your book, and will get more as more of my friends get later into their marriages), but I did especially like the part of the post about “releasing bad karma on your butt, and spanking it.” That’s funny and creative!
Goodluck to EVERYONE here!
Have a great week!
Many Blessings,
-Sarah Liz
If you ever decide to give more than 10 copies, please feel free to include me on the list. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to respond before now due to work.
Thanks for presenting us with this fantastic opportunity.
With Warm Regards,
Jason “Flynn” Kemp
Just got the email and I’m already after the 28th person … Oh well, congratulations to the winners =)
I would love to have your book because even after 21 years with my husband, I know there is a lot I don’t know and would love to learn, and I love reading your blog so much that I know the book would be awesome to have.
OH – and it’s the birthday of my oldest child – she’s 20 – so it might be good for her to read BEFORE getting married, LOL
Have a great week everyone and congratulations to all winners !
So far I have dearly loved your blog and loved the advice you have for those of us in marriages that are sometimes in trouble!! I would love a free copy. My husband and I are retired and on a fixed income and both of us are not well. We have been married over 43 years but some of those years have been rocky to say the least! My daughter and her husband is really struggling in their marriage and this book would be a life savor not only for us but also for them! My daughter is on the brink of a nervous breakdown and is so angry at the world, all symptoms of a marriage being on the rocks BIG TIME!! Your book would be a healing balm to her soul and to the soul of her husband. Marriage is meant for a lifetime and your book could help this marriage to heal. So please would you consider sending us a copy. Please?
Phooey – just rec’d the email as well! Great idea to give books away. I continually struggle with what exactly is the def’n of a “happily ever after” marriage. I’ll attend 3 weddings this year – two of which are 2nd marriages due to infidelity. It just makes you stop and think – wait – you already said these things to another person a few years ago! What happened? Will that happen to me? And on and on. I swear one’s mind is your worse enemy. Anyway – congrats to the winners!
I would LOVE a copy of your book!! I have had your website as one of my favorites since I saw you on the Today Show. I however, like most of the other contestants, am on a tighter than tight budget!! My husband is an offensive coordinator for a Texas high school team in Texas. We have a son that will be 6 years old in July and our triplets just turned 4 in April (two boys and a girl). That’s right, I said triplets, and yes that is only 21 months apart!!
My husband accepted this position at our current school 3 years ago when the triplets were 18 months old and my life was turned upside down. We moved away from both sets of grandparents, to a smaller than small town. Having 6 people on a teacher’s salary, away from our support system, a husband that is never home, more of a father to the football boys than his own kids, and basically going insane with the kids in the house (never imagined being a stay at home mother), our marriage is heading down a slippery slope.
This summer is our 10year anniversary and this is not what I had dreamed of 10 years ago for my family. I am in deperate need of any kind of advice, books, or support that I can get. Hoping we can be one of your Happily Ever After success stories!!
Sincerely,
Amy
Wow– I really wasn’t expecting such a huge response. You all blew me away. I didn’t realize so many people were reading the blog so religiously. So many of you are so quiet most of the time! So I’ve decided to expand the giveaway. I’m going to give away all the books I have in my personal stash. I think that’s about 20 books. I’m doing this, in part, because I want to help as many people as possible. But I also want to include some of ya’ll who read this blog on email and therefore have a delay in your post notification, which isn’t fair to you as someone pointed it. I’m a little bad at math and also at organization. I’m slowly notifying people that I’m sending them a book. If you are in the running to get one, you will hear from me by email in a day or so. Then if all goes well, I’ll do another giveaway in December when the paperback is released.
Thank you so much!! I read your blog regularly but never comment. I follow you on FB for daily inspiration. I don’t think you know how much you are helping people. Like I commented above, I entered into a marriage where both of us already had children. And, it’s been quite a difficult road. Finding you has made me think I should document my journey. I, too, would like to give people hope like you have given so many of us. Keep doing what you are doing!! And, thank you!!
I see I am a little late to be in the free books.
Can I just have the last part of #3? :0)
Keep up the good work!
Hi,
Just now sitting down to read mail. I think this is great that you are giving away your book. I have your book at this time and found it helpful and at times made me chuckle. Alot of things I can relate to. Thank you for writing it.
Donna
I’d love a copy! I love your site and can’t wait to read the book!
I would love to have a copy of your book. My husband & I are having major issues. We have been married for 13 yrs and have 4 kids, 10 yrs, 9 yrs, 3 yrs, & 14 months. My husband is a stay at home dad & I work. We are on a limited budget & I think your book can help us. I suggested counseling but he doesn’t think we need it, he thinks I’m the problem. We are on a limited budget. Please consider sending me a copy of your book, thank you.
I’d like a sign copy of one of your book because I’d like to live ‘happily ever after’. We’ve been married for 12 years this coming July and I’d love to share this book with hubby on our anniversary or anytime this year. We’ve had many ups and downs, just like the hills on the area we got married, my in-laws backyard. We have 3 kids who are still lucky to have us together and I’d love to keep it that way for a long, long time.
Thanks for your great advice. Once in a while I send it to my husband by email. He won’t subscribe (yet) but if I win the book he might be convinced. Anyways, good luck to everyone!
Drats – missed the freebie here! I’ve been trying to save up for this book since January but money doesn’t come easy to us. This site really helped to save my relationship when I thought there was no chance left and we’re working our way out but could still use a little help.
On the off chance you still have books, I would like to have one. My marriage needs it because in the middle of vacation, I was so frustrated with my husband that I actually googled “divorce after vacation” to see how oftern people divorce after vacations. I stumbled upon your website and identified with you immediately, Although I have not planned my husband’s funeral, I have certainly thought (at times) my life would be better if he were dead because at least I’d have the life insurance money. We have two young children anything we can do to save money helps.
I’m sure the free copies are all gone, but I thought I’d do a virgin comment post anyway.
I don’t know how many male readers you have. If I’m the only one, so be it, I like what you have to say.
I left my abusive marriage over 4 years ago and am doing the single dad of 3 kids thing now. Don’t feel bad for me, some marriages can not (and should not) be saved, and I truly think mine was one of those. In any case, I’ve taken control back of my life over the past 4 years to rebuild my life from the inside out. I’ve used many resources, and a few of them I consider treasures. Your blog is one of them.
Even though I’m single now, and not even dating (those of you who have a partner, be glad you don’t have to experience what a freak show the adult singles world can be), your ideas have mostly resonated strongly with the things I’ve learned along my own journey, and I can only hope will serve me well whenever my next relationship happens. Even if that doesn’t happen, my children certainly need all the relationship education they can get because it’s so lacking in general except for those who have diligently sought, and found it in places like this.
So, while I’d love a free signed copy of your book, I bow to the “you snooze you lose” reality that they’re all gone and I’ll just give you a virtual hug for caring to give away the copies that you did.
Keep the good stuff flowing!
I’d love a free copy of your book. Your blog is one of the only blogs that I could actually relate to (and yes, I was literally planning my life after the “funeral”) about my troubled marriage. We did end up separating, but we worked hard to get back together and we’re still working hard.
Hmmmm.. I’m tempted to be two different people but you can keep the book & just get to the spanking…..HA!!!! Just kidding.
I see I missed this post. DARN!!!!…..lol I will just have to wait until the next giveaway
Somebody thinks your selfish? Geez… Get real whoever you are. Our loving Alisa is one of the most giving people you will ever meet. Now if she will just give me that spanking….lol I crack me up
Keep on Rockin Alisa
Ron
wow I guess I am late as well. Hopefully next time!!
Hi everyone–
So books have been mailed in waves. I think I have accidentally missed a few people though. If you were among the first 25 people to respond here (just count the comments to see) and you never got an email notification from me, could you please email me? I don’t want to accidentally miss anyone just because I’m not the most organized person. Email is: alisa@alisabowman.com. Thanks!