As a feminist, I am most definitely not a fan of Marabel Morgan (to put it VERY mildly). Nevertheless, I must concede that that gal can REALLY cook. I got several of my most favorite recipes from this book. Although I can't remember them all off-hand, I know that the peach pie was one of them -- and, IMHO, that one, alone, was well worth the cost of the hardcover book.

I also remember a humorous passage about substituting leaves from a backyard tree for grape leaves in a Greek recipe -- and eating peanut butter that night .

HIGHLY recommended for the recipes, albeit not the politics. (Ms. Morgan is committed to monogamous marriages, as am I. However, although a Christian who puts Jesus at the head of my home, I, myself, just can't condone expecting women to put themselves aside and always put their husbands first. Nevertheless, if you can skim over those passages, you'll find some mighty fine eating -- and, actually, there are a large number of helpful hints for a happy marriage as well. I just wasn't thrilled to find them in a cookbook, and couldn't stomach the "Hubby is first; I am a lowly second" attitude. But the recipes were worth it -- delectable and easy to prepard.

My grandmother had this cookbook in her collection and it is quite fun to read about how a new bride survives the cooking wars. She shows how culinary skills can bring excitement into marriage and family life.

The funniest part of this book is reading Marabel's notes which are just so down-to-earth.

"Romantic dinners for lovers are one of the sweet pleasures in life, and if you don't initiate one, who will?

Not only does she bring in a romantic aspect to cooking, she also discusses her journey to God and how he can give us joy.

What I did love was her comment:

"No cookbook ever ends. This one will keep changing and growing as long as food and I are both on the same planet."

Marabel started collecting her favorite recipes in order to simplify her life. I have done the same thing and you will be amazed at how fast a book can be created. She encourages all cooks to do the same.

Most of the recipes can be made quite easily and are not too long. The new cook will enjoy learning how to make fluffy rice with chicken broth or make a spice crumb cake, sure to get her husbands attention.

I also found a recipe for "You-Can-Eat-It" dough. Kids can make fun creations and not be in danger if they eat the dough.

Recently, I have seen some of these recipes come back into fashion. Some recipes for gingerbread boys or oatmeal cookies will always be favorites.

What makes this book so unique is the stories Marabel tells. The recipes are a bonus.

Marabel Morgan assumes that a marriage can be "turned around" with the effort of only one person-this is false. No relationship relies of the efforts of just one person-two people must be actively involved. The fact that Mrs. Morgan portrays this book as Christian is false as well. Since when did Jesus ever tell a person to reduce themselves to mere sex kittens (not to mention lying to your husband about his sex appeal!). Mrs. Morgan reduces men to helpless, pathetic victims who should be manipulted. I wasn't aware that manipulation and lying are Christian virtues. Mrs. Morgan needs to give a little more credit to both genders and more importantly to the institution of marriage itself.

Marabel Morgan's advice was like a breath of fresh air. Feeling completely suffocated by a new marriage, a new baby, and no living mother to draw advice from, I needed to hear the message of this book. It doesn't advise women to be doormats. In fact, one of the most impowering section of the book spoke of being as organized as a multi-million dollar company. Stay-at-home moms and wives have tremendous responsibilties that often our society ignores. Accountant, housekeeper, cook, childcare worker, errand runner...a complete balancing act. And yes, your husband does want to come home to a loving wife and a sexy partner. Okay, you don't have to be a greeting Playboy bunny at the door and the Bible does not promote breast augmentation, but the idea of pleasing your mate is a privilage. Because you're organized and stay at home during the day to take care of business there, your family will have time in the evening to bond. Skip the idea of manipulating. Mrs. Morgan doesn't teach that. She simply shares that you will reap benefits naturally because you're more pleasant to live with. Read the book. I loved its basic principles.

I read this book some 18 years ago and it was very refreshing being a newly married mother with small children. I had purchased extra copies to share with other women in my church. And also gave my only copy away I have been looking to purchase other copies to share with a woman ministry. This is a basic guide for How to Do examples you take what you can used and put the others to the side. And watch when you treat your husband with respect and honor how blessed your marriage and relationship will be with him. After all he is the king of his castle and you are the queen. Your marriage and home should be in order and the proper authority should be honored and respected.