I appreciated this book and the author’s transparency, practical advice and Biblical wisdom. It’s very light hearted and easy to read with a ton of applications and prayers.
Though written with the knowledge that women not yet married will likely read this book seeking information and advice, it does go into a fair amount of detail and I’m not sure I’d recommend it beyond the first chapter to that audience.
There is a chapter about abuse that is a potential trigger, but I appreciated that it was acknowledged.

It took me a while to pick this one up to read. I requested it due to the topic, but then delayed reading it because for this conservative reader, I needed a bit more courage. Now I wished I've read it sooner and would highly recommend it for married women.

It's kind of like the game of chess. The queen, which stands right next to the king, is the most powerful piece on the board. You are the queen. You are the best and most important "piece" in his life. You have the ability to build him up or tear him down.

This author was bold by tackling a topic most people avoid to talk about, but should be talked more about with married couples. As an unmarried women, I knew sex before marriage was wrong, however, we are never told we may enjoy sex when married. And yes, sometimes we don't want to hear it, but sex is important for a thriving marriage - it was intended by God for marriage and to be enjoyed.

Even when we don't "feel" crazy in love, we "act" in love, which allows us to work through our struggles more quickly.

And it is not just about sex, but also other factors which affects your marriage which will have an influence on your intimacy.

There was a few things the author said I'm not 100% convinced I agree with, but most of it was again eye opening.

A woman will feel most fulfilled when she loves fully and completely. Your marriage is your journey, your adventure, your romantic tale. You craft your love story.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.*

This book cracked me up! Who doesn't want sex advice from a pastor's wife?
This book has real life fantasies of everyday women, but also has step by step instructions about sex. This book wasn't just all about crazy sex, but also small things you can do to keep your relationship romantic. I would highly recommend to a bunch of friends - and I loved the weekly challenge in each chapter.

Not enough Christians talk about sex! But Lucille Williams does. In her book, she unpacks misconceptions and hang ups a lot of Christian women face when it comes to sex and marriage. While a lot of the book is geared to women who stay at home (and the euphemisms are cringe-worthy) this is a good counter to a lot of purity culture/abstinence taught to most women.

Easy, and informational read from a Christian author! You don't find that now and days and it was refreshing. It was funny and light hearted. It is for anyone who is about to be married, just married, or been married for a long time. The book is so relaxed its like talking to your best friend.

Full humor and honesty, Lucille Williams tackles the topic of sexuality that is so important to us Christians because it is linked with intimacy -- with others, ourselves and God-- but is also such a taboo.

This would be a good book for girls with questions. You know, the ones she googles then deletes from her history? Young, newly married girls have enough struggle with everything else. This would be good advice for them.
Also sound Christian marriage advice about a difficult topic.

I kinda got this book by mistake. Truly! Decided to read it... Loved how the author addresses the subject of SEX within a Christian Marriage as well as touches on lots more.. Yep! SEX!!! Now I’m blushing! This will be a book I recommend or give to brides to be at their bridal shower with the recommendation to read at least Part 1! All those “True Love Waits” brides who would love to ask certain questions but would die of embarrassment... this book is for you! The book has 12 Secret Sex Missions, an Ask Him section, What he wants you to know... there is a Resource List of books and websites at the back of the book.

3.5 stars

I have read a few marriage books and I quite liked this one. Lucille Williams manages to turn a very intimate topic into a fun read. Her book is well-structured and it contains testimonials from herself and other couples, short messages from husbands, and a weekly “challenge” after every chapter (which I though was a cool idea) besides the main text.

It is a book full of practical advice but what makes it special is the approach it takes. Instead of only explaining what to change in the bedroom, it also tackles issues at its core and suggests changes in the reader’s heart (i.e. attitude) that will make a difference in their relationship and in the bedroom. So, you get hands-on advice in both areas, the heart and the bed.

The thing I personally did not like was the long list of expressions the author is using instead of just saying “sex” or “intercourse” to spice up her book. I mean, sure, you can say “fun in bed” or “horizontal hokeypokey” or “amorous congress”. But, to be honest, I want “baking the lasagna” to mean “baking the lasagna” and not have a long list of normal every day expressions be connected to sex. Other than that, it’s a great book.

Oh, did I mention the author is a pastor’s wife? Yep, that’s right. If you think pastors, or wives, or Christians don't have fun in bed, Lucille Williams is going to prove you wrong.

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting book! I appreciated Lucille's sense of humor and her candid nature during the book - her willingness to broach the difficult topic of intimacy in marriage was appreciated. However, I just couldn't connect with the style of this book. It may resonate with some readers but it just wasn't for me.

There were definitely parts of this book that resonated with me. But there were other areas that felt quite shallow, or like the author truly didn’t understand all marriages. I felt like she came from a healthy marriage, and didn’t take into account relationships that may have struggled with infidelity or betrayal. I read books about marriage, specifically Christian based marriage books that take the approach of “the woman is made to serve the man and support the man.” I went away feeling like I want to be that kind of a wife, but I am also working through some pretty big trust issues that bring in some hard obstacles. I also felt like the author also addressed a lot of this towards relationships where the husband’s sex drive is more voracious than the wives. I wish she had addressed a bit more about nontypical relationships where the wife might have a stronger libido than her husband, and how we can approach that without feeling rejected.

The humor and lighthearted approach was enjoyable, and much of what she reminded me of was helpful. I guess I just wanted to identify with what the author said a little more.

I was hesitant to read this simply because of the title and because I've been lazy in my marriage. This book was funny, informative, and very helpful. Williams does a job acting as a girlfriend holding your hand but also delivering blunt truths. I highly recommend this book to any couples struggling, looking to spice things up, or just simply needing a little change.

It is so hard to find a good Christian book about intimacy and relationships with spouses. Williams’ book is like chatting with a close girlfriend. It is a must read for all women, especially those who suffer from sexual abuse and body image issues.

Lucille Williams' The Intimacy You Crave does not pull any punches about sex in the marital context. She outlines the barriers that both men and women face when getting intimate with their spouses. including body image, sexual abuse and the elephant in most Christian rooms, "godly and non -sexual" are synonyms. She tackles these often misunderstood topic with plenty of anecdotes and quips from married men and women with huge doses of humour. Williams also quotes numerous relationship experts that will provide readers with a running reading list after you complete reading this title. This book would be a great bridal shower gift for both men and women.

I really wanted to like this book, but the religious aspect was just so in your face that I couldn't get past the first couple of chapters. I knew it was written by a pastor's wife, so was expecting some religious references, but full on bible quotes was just too much for me. I did like the style of writing, however, so if you are religious, you will probably enjoy it.

This author has a writing style that keeps you engaged and comfortable. This is an uncomfortable topic or at least it can be but the author injected humor tactfully and appropriately. I found myself chuckling and shaking my head. I love her list of alternate phrases for sex.
This book isn't only for the married, it's a great resource for the engaged or any woman thinking about marriage. Granted you won't be able to use the book to the fullest but it will be very helpful for what's coming.
The book is interactive. You don't just read. No!!!! At the end of each chapter are two "activities" to help you really use and get the most out of the book.
The are even a few chapters looking at the man's perspective. This book covers quite a few areas in 12 chapters. The tone is wonderful and makes you feel like you're having a conversation with a good friend. Laugh out loud moments included.

Laugh out loud. Love her approach. Great advice- author feels as if she is your friend. Laugh out loud moments and moments of tears.

This book is really good. It's like carrying on a conversation with a friend. She covers all kinds of issues in marriage, and does it with a sense of humor. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Truth Time. I based this book solely on the cover. I didn't even read the title or what it was about. I was hungry when I was looking for books to read, and this one had pancakes on the cover. PANCAKES! Imagine my shock when I started reading this book and found out what it was about.
This book discusses a very important concept of marriage. While it contains a wide variety (in my opinion, too many) euphemisms for sex, the one constant message is that it is vital to a healthy, happy marriage, as God intended. Every topic discussed may not apply to you, but there are sure to be topics covered that you will be glad you read.
I would recommend this book to those who have not married yet, as well as to those who have been married any length of time.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a free digital version of this book to review!

Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 4
Pace: 5
Enjoyability: 4
Insightfulness: 4
Ease of Reading: 5

Overall rating: 4 out of 5