title: Sex Lives of Wives: Reigniting the Passion
author:  Holly H. Hollenbeck 
description: "A former attorney and a mother of two, Hollenbeck offers a refreshing look at a sometimes tired topic: the sexual possibilities of a marriage or long-term relationship. Instead of the standard how-to manual, she provides women who are tired of habitual or obligatory sex with a discourse of why-why committed partners may become bored in the bedroom, why women owe it to themselves and their mates to seek passion and excitement continually, and why married sex can and should be mind-blowing. Using the extended metaphor of a journey, Hollenbeck invites readers to join her and the half-dozen thirty- to fifty-something women she profiles in becoming "passion seekers." She recommends what attitudes to take and what emotional baggage to leave behind, how to plan a fantastic journey of passion, and what sexual destinations women should consider visiting with their partners. Good for ideas and motivation for increasing "that feels great!" moments in any marriage bed; recommended." -- <i>Erica L. Foley, Flint P.L., MI for Library Journal, August 2006, Volume 131, No. 13. </i><br /><br />"Every generation there is a book which opens a new level of understanding in the sexuality field. In 2006, Sex Lives of Wives is that book. This informal book has the crucially important role of helping women find their own sexual voice, with a special emphasis on playfulness and passion." -- <i>Barry W. McCarthy, Ph.D., (Washington Psychological Center, P.C. -- Washington D.C.), renowned sex expert and author of Rekindling Desire.</i><br /><br />"Holly Hollenbeck has treated a subject near and dear to all of us with sensitivity and humor. You will feel a friend is talking with you over coffee! Every couple will benefit from the insights and wisdom in this book!" -- <i>Susan Page, marriage guru, former campus minister, and author of Why Talking is Not Enough: Eight Loving Actions That Will Transform Your Marriage.</i><br /><br />"Interesting, motivating, and sometimes provocative, this book reveals real-life stories, ideas and tips that we can all learn from in our efforts to keep passion a priority in our marriages." -- <i>Gay Hendricks, Ph.D., co-author, with Dr. Kathlyn Hendricks, of Conscious Loving and Spirit-Centered Relationships (bestselling author and co-author of 25 books).</i><br /><br />"The emotional journeys of these women make an inspiring and fascinating read!" -- <i>Jo Beverley, bestselling historical romance novelist, author of recent The Rogue's Return and To Rescue a Rogue.</i>
zlib_text: **A History of the Wife**
  
   **Marilyn Yalom**
  
  ![](Images/image00299.jpeg)
  
  For my girlfriends—all wives, at one time or another.
  
  Becky, Carole, Cathy, Cynthia, Diane, Helen, Jean, Lia, Margi, Mary, Minerva,
  Myra, Phyllis, Stina, Sue B., Sue G., Vida
  
  **Contents**
  
  Acknowledgments
  
    
  
  Introduction
  
  Is the Wife an Endangered Species?
  
    
  
  One
  
  Wives in the Ancient World: Biblical, Greek, and Roman Models
  
  Two
  
  Wives in Medieval Europe, 1100–1500
  
  Theee
  
  Protestant Wives in Germany, England, and America, 1500–1700
  
  Four
  
  Republican Wives in America and France
  
  Five
  
  Victorian Wives on Both Sides of the Atlantic
  
  Six
  
  Victorian Wives on the American Frontier
  
  Seven
  
  The Woman Question and the New Woman
  
  Eight
  
  Sex, Contraception, and Abortion in the United States, 1840–1940
  
  Nine
  
  Wives, War, and Work, 1940–1950
  
  Ten
  
  Toward the New Wife, 1950–2000
  
    
  
  Notes
  
  Credits and Permissions
  
  Searchable Terms
  
  About the Author
  
  Praise
  
  Other Books by Marilyn Yalom
  
  Copyright
  
  About the Publishe