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The Marriage Sabbatical
What if you could take a vacation from your marriage? A couple decides to give it a shot in this fun, adventurous novel by Lian Dolan, the popular author of The Sweeney Sisters and Lost and Found in Paris.
After twenty-three years of building careers and raising kids together, Jason and Nicole Elswick are ready for a break from their daily lives. Jason has spent years planning his dream sabbatical—ditching work for a nine-month-long motorcycle trip through South America. Problem is, that’s Jason’s dream, not Nicole’s. After years working retail and parenting in Portland, Nicole craves the sun of the Southwest and the artistic community in Santa Fe, where she wants to learn jewelry design.
A chance encounter at a dinner party presents a surprising—and intriguing—way out of their dilemma. Over a little too much wine, Jason and Nicole’s married neighbors sing the praises of the 500 Mile Rule: their policy of enjoying themselves however they wish—and with whomever they wish—when they’re temporarily far apart. It seems like the perfect solution: nine months pursuing their own adventures—with a bit of don’t-ask-don’t-tell—and then a return to their shared lives. It’ll be a sabbatical from their marriage as well as their day jobs. As Jason bikes his way across a continent and Nicole reclaims the art she’s long neglected, they discover the pleasures and pitfalls of the 500 Mile Rule, confronting temptations of all kinds, uncomfortable truths about themselves, and gaining new perspective on their partnership. But all sabbaticals come to an end…then what?
After twenty-three years of building careers and raising kids together, Jason and Nicole Elswick are ready for a break from their daily lives. Jason has spent years planning his dream sabbatical—ditching work for a nine-month-long motorcycle trip through South America. Problem is, that’s Jason’s dream, not Nicole’s. After years working retail and parenting in Portland, Nicole craves the sun of the Southwest and the artistic community in Santa Fe, where she wants to learn jewelry design.
A chance encounter at a dinner party presents a surprising—and intriguing—way out of their dilemma. Over a little too much wine, Jason and Nicole’s married neighbors sing the praises of the 500 Mile Rule: their policy of enjoying themselves however they wish—and with whomever they wish—when they’re temporarily far apart. It seems like the perfect solution: nine months pursuing their own adventures—with a bit of don’t-ask-don’t-tell—and then a return to their shared lives. It’ll be a sabbatical from their marriage as well as their day jobs. As Jason bikes his way across a continent and Nicole reclaims the art she’s long neglected, they discover the pleasures and pitfalls of the 500 Mile Rule, confronting temptations of all kinds, uncomfortable truths about themselves, and gaining new perspective on their partnership. But all sabbaticals come to an end…then what?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2024
134 people are currently reading
8404 people want to read
About the author
Lian Dolan
9 books861 followersLian Dolan is a podcaster, producer and writer. She is the creator, producer and host of Satellite Sisters, the award-winning podcast she created with her four real sisters. Satellite Sisters began life as a syndicated radio show in 2000 and has been a top-rated podcast since 2009. Satellite Sisters has won 13 Gracie Allen Awards for Excellence in Women’s Media and been featured on The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning and The Oprah Winfrey Show. In 2017, Lian was given the Podcast Pioneer Award by Women in Podcasting.
She is the author of four best-selling novels, The Sweeney Sisters, Helen of Pasadena and Elizabeth the First Wife. Her latest book, Lost and Found in Paris, is out now and is an LA Times Bestseller. She has written regular columns for Pasadena Magazine, O Magazine and Working Mother Magazine.
Lian graduated from Pomona College with a degree in Classics. She lives in Pasadena, California with her husband, Berick Treidler. She has two adult sons and a senior German shepherd.
She is the author of four best-selling novels, The Sweeney Sisters, Helen of Pasadena and Elizabeth the First Wife. Her latest book, Lost and Found in Paris, is out now and is an LA Times Bestseller. She has written regular columns for Pasadena Magazine, O Magazine and Working Mother Magazine.
Lian graduated from Pomona College with a degree in Classics. She lives in Pasadena, California with her husband, Berick Treidler. She has two adult sons and a senior German shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
April 18, 2024
I am big fan of Lian Dolan’s writing and The Marriage Sabbatical was no exception. I really appreciated how honest and real the plot was. Our married couple, Nicole and Jason, are truly your average couple in their mid 40s with kids off to college who decide to take some time apart and rediscover who they are after spending two decades tending to everyone else’s needs but their own. Marriage is hard, and this book is a great reminder of how important it is, in any type of relationship, to not forget to prioritize yourself, and that it’s okay to change and grow over time as an individual. There’s a bit of magic in this story that is so realistic, and I highly recommend anyone in a relationship pick this one up.
May 21, 2024
I loved the idea of this book more than the book itself. An empty nest couple takes separate vacations for almost a year and during that time, they decide to open their marriage during this time only. Only sex allowed with no feelings. They both found someone they spent a lot of time and had a sexual relationship with them. The book didn’t really focus on those relationships much, only going back in time reliving their marriage.
May 16, 2025
This was my first book by Lian Dolan and I definitely enjoyed it. A married couple with grown children have their own ideas of what they want to do at this point in their lives. They decide to take a marriage sabbatical for nine months. Jason chooses to ride his motorcycle across the country, and Nicole heads to the sun and art in Santa Fe. They also agree that they can have non emotional “relationships” with other people. Then after the time is over, they reconnect.
I enjoyed reading about the very real feelings that this couple experiences. Marriage is not easy and people do change over time, so this couple took it upon themselves to rediscover who they are as individuals. I thought both of these characters felt real and relatable. I loved that we got both of their POV’s and got to see their growth as individuals and as a couple. I loved the descriptions of the settings too. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Thank you to the publisher and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
I enjoyed reading about the very real feelings that this couple experiences. Marriage is not easy and people do change over time, so this couple took it upon themselves to rediscover who they are as individuals. I thought both of these characters felt real and relatable. I loved that we got both of their POV’s and got to see their growth as individuals and as a couple. I loved the descriptions of the settings too. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Thank you to the publisher and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
January 21, 2024
I received an ARC of this book from a Goodreads giveaway and I really enjoyed it!
In a nutshell, a couple who had been married 23 years and now has children in college decides to spend some time apart, pursing their own things. During this time apart they make a "hall pass" kind of deal and also agree to only communicate with each other via weekly emails - basically taking a break from their marriage (but with a deadline). The book is told from alternating perspectives and also includes flashbacks of their relationship. The characters and the challenges in their relationship seemed realistic and I loved the Santa Fe setting.
This seems like it would be a great book club book or buddy read - I would have loved to discuss it with someone while I was reading.
In a nutshell, a couple who had been married 23 years and now has children in college decides to spend some time apart, pursing their own things. During this time apart they make a "hall pass" kind of deal and also agree to only communicate with each other via weekly emails - basically taking a break from their marriage (but with a deadline). The book is told from alternating perspectives and also includes flashbacks of their relationship. The characters and the challenges in their relationship seemed realistic and I loved the Santa Fe setting.
This seems like it would be a great book club book or buddy read - I would have loved to discuss it with someone while I was reading.
March 29, 2024
The idea of taking a vacation from marriage was interesting to me but definitely not something I would consider. But reading about it? Yes, sign me up. I was especially interested after I started and realized that Nicole and Jason were your typical average traditional couple so them trying this experiment was a reach for them. The book takes place over the course of their year apart as Nicole moves to Santa Fe and Jason takes off on an adventure in South America but there were also flashback chapters that gives you insight into their dynamics and the history between them. This would be a great book club pick as there is plenty to discuss. The characters were extremely likeable and even relatable for me and I really enjoyed this one.
August 23, 2023
This book was very well-written. It wasn't exactly what I expected and I loved it all the more for that.
Nicole and Jason have sort of stagnated in their marriage. After so much pandemic togetherness for themselves and their young adult children, Jason thinks using his work sabbatical as a time to motorcycle through Patagonia with his wife is the perfect solution. As the date approaches, Nicole realizes that it's something she just can't do. So she looks into taking a sabbatical of her own...in Santa Fe, learning to silversmith. They would both be gone for nine months. During this time, both of their children are on study abroad programs. One in Australia, the other in Japan. It's a year for everyone to get out on their own and reconnect with themselves. (Or, in the case of the kids, to discover themselves for the first time.)
Both Nicole and Jason are well written and sympathetic characters. Even though they do some out of the ordinary things, the story is so grounded in the reality of mid-life, long term relationships, parenting during the pandemic, and juggling aging parents, that both characters remain likable and real throughout.
Although Nicole and Jason take an unconventional approach to their sagging midlife marriage, this story is ultimately about love, hope, and rediscovery.
Easily one of the best books I've read this year.
Nicole and Jason have sort of stagnated in their marriage. After so much pandemic togetherness for themselves and their young adult children, Jason thinks using his work sabbatical as a time to motorcycle through Patagonia with his wife is the perfect solution. As the date approaches, Nicole realizes that it's something she just can't do. So she looks into taking a sabbatical of her own...in Santa Fe, learning to silversmith. They would both be gone for nine months. During this time, both of their children are on study abroad programs. One in Australia, the other in Japan. It's a year for everyone to get out on their own and reconnect with themselves. (Or, in the case of the kids, to discover themselves for the first time.)
Both Nicole and Jason are well written and sympathetic characters. Even though they do some out of the ordinary things, the story is so grounded in the reality of mid-life, long term relationships, parenting during the pandemic, and juggling aging parents, that both characters remain likable and real throughout.
Although Nicole and Jason take an unconventional approach to their sagging midlife marriage, this story is ultimately about love, hope, and rediscovery.
Easily one of the best books I've read this year.
August 28, 2024
This was a fun read! And was such a unique premise. While I don't have any intention of taking a "marriage sabbatical" of my own, I don't judge anyone for the rules they set for their own relationships. I really loved following alongside Nicole & Jason's year-long sabbatical and witnessing the growth, fun, and new friendships formed.
April 11, 2024
I very much enjoyed this dual POV, mid-life crisis type book wherein a long married couple decides to take a 'gap year' from their marriage and do their own thing, giving each other permission to also sleep with other people during the year. While this plot has been done before (see Last couple standing) and it often ends in a split, this time it helped each person grow individually and realize just how much they truly loved their partner. Great on audio and I think my new fav from Lian Dolan. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
August 24, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Lian Dolan wrote a quick, witty and enjoyable story about a couple married 23 years who take a relationship break—with rules—for one year while the husband travels South America and the wife learns silversmithing in Santa Fe. Going into reading this novel, I expected it to explore the complications of multiple relationships outside of the main one, rather this was a story of what happens when two people decide to take a geographic break to explore their own individual interests. This expectation didn’t change how much I enjoyed this story, rather I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it.
I appreciated how Dolan explored the themes of growth, change, sacrifice, and lack of communication within marriage. I enjoyed watching Jason and Nicole’s journey-how their own experiences impacted their relationship. The most compelling part was Nicole’s personal journey that emerged on how she found herself again as the novel slowly unfolded.
I also enjoyed how this story was told from both spouse’s points-of-view, and at times Dolan meanders into head-hopping and even the point-of-view of other characters.
My only complaint is that there were some chapters that weren’t as interesting as others and I felt those parts could have used more drama to keep the engagement.
In all, I enjoyed this witty story and would recommend for anyone who’s been in a long term marriage/partnership. (Audio)
Lian Dolan wrote a quick, witty and enjoyable story about a couple married 23 years who take a relationship break—with rules—for one year while the husband travels South America and the wife learns silversmithing in Santa Fe. Going into reading this novel, I expected it to explore the complications of multiple relationships outside of the main one, rather this was a story of what happens when two people decide to take a geographic break to explore their own individual interests. This expectation didn’t change how much I enjoyed this story, rather I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it.
I appreciated how Dolan explored the themes of growth, change, sacrifice, and lack of communication within marriage. I enjoyed watching Jason and Nicole’s journey-how their own experiences impacted their relationship. The most compelling part was Nicole’s personal journey that emerged on how she found herself again as the novel slowly unfolded.
I also enjoyed how this story was told from both spouse’s points-of-view, and at times Dolan meanders into head-hopping and even the point-of-view of other characters.
My only complaint is that there were some chapters that weren’t as interesting as others and I felt those parts could have used more drama to keep the engagement.
In all, I enjoyed this witty story and would recommend for anyone who’s been in a long term marriage/partnership. (Audio)
April 28, 2024
My favorite of her books so far!
April 6, 2024
This was an ok read, pretty character driven though. I struggle with character driven books (unless they are TJR). I had a hard time keeping the characters straight for some reason, like I wasn’t able to fully immerse myself into this one and I really didn’t really like or feel connect to any of the characters.
I thought the story would be more…scandalous/spicy, or maybe funny or…I don’t know, I just wasn’t vibing with it at all, sort of bored but also just not on board like I thought I would be for what the book turned out to be. I’m not sure what it was but it gave me the ick. Just wasn’t what I was expecting but to be fair…I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT I WAS EXPECTING. 😂🤣😂
However, I will say the ending was good. I liked how the pacing picked up and how everything came together came together. The sabbatical didn’t give them the thing they thought they were looking for but gave them something else instead. Not jewelry, not a book…but a sense of something else.
I really liked this quote…❤️“The key is that you knew when to let go of one idea and embrace another.”❤️It was perfect in so many ways.
I liked how the bond between the 2 MCs was in its own way sort of renewed in the end….in the car I liked the “I got you” vibe.
Overall, this book wasn’t really my jam. I didn’t care for it. I do think there are a ton of readers this one will appeal to, just, despite what I thought…I am not the right audience for it sadly.
I thought the story would be more…scandalous/spicy, or maybe funny or…I don’t know, I just wasn’t vibing with it at all, sort of bored but also just not on board like I thought I would be for what the book turned out to be. I’m not sure what it was but it gave me the ick. Just wasn’t what I was expecting but to be fair…I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT I WAS EXPECTING. 😂🤣😂
However, I will say the ending was good. I liked how the pacing picked up and how everything came together came together. The sabbatical didn’t give them the thing they thought they were looking for but gave them something else instead. Not jewelry, not a book…but a sense of something else.
I really liked this quote…❤️“The key is that you knew when to let go of one idea and embrace another.”❤️It was perfect in so many ways.
I liked how the bond between the 2 MCs was in its own way sort of renewed in the end….in the car I liked the “I got you” vibe.
Overall, this book wasn’t really my jam. I didn’t care for it. I do think there are a ton of readers this one will appeal to, just, despite what I thought…I am not the right audience for it sadly.
May 14, 2024
A new author with a different type of story for me. - a genuine romance novel between a long married couple. “What - no way!” you say. “Yes way!”
CAUTION: with over 100 reviews and a thoughtful story summary, I don’t think I’m giving much new away. For those who want zero spoilers, you might stop here. For those that already have the gist of the story, I doubt I’ll spoil anything for you, although I am open about the thoughts and feelings involved.
The husband Jason, after 25 yrs of success in the publishing industry has a chance for a year-long sabbatical, and wife Nicole can piggyback on the his year off.
Jason’s idea of a year off varies greatly from Nicole’s. As part of a solid marriage that’s a little frayed, they decide to go separate directions for 9 months. Jason goes on a lifelong adventure of motorcycling in Patagonia and months on the beach surfing in Nicaragua (originally planned with his best friend Charlie who didn’t make it) while writing a novel rather than successfully publishing the works of others. Nicole, originally co-opted in friend Charlie’s place, decides a silversmithing course in Santa Fe is for her.
Although primarily written from Nicole’s perspective, we learn a lot from Jason. This is an “absence makes the heart grow fonder” story. In the end, Jason thinks: “He missed Nic but was grateful she had bailed. He had to make that clear to her when he saw her. She needed to know that her absence was a gift to him.”
Nicole and Jason agreed that 9 months without companionship was a very long time. They’d heard of the 500-Mile Rule and adopted it. Although nervous, they decided: “It’s our marriage. We make the rules. Never had it occurred to her that she could make the rules in any aspect of her life.” Although here they did make a few rules: no children, no STD’s and no falling in love.
When Nicole’s chance came along: “She knew it was foolish, her infatuation, but she hadn’t been foolish in decades and it felt electric.” She cut it off once the prospect of a deeper relationship emerged. The discussion of the ending was pretty funny: ““You know I can’t see you anymore. I mean, I can’t see you naked anymore.” Marcos laughed. “I know. The string of nonsense emojis you sent in response to my You up? text was a dead giveaway. You literally sent me a ghost. You know that’s not how ghosting works, right?””
Jason had a similar experience: “His mind wandered to her broad shoulders, her long legs, the way she moved her hips, the way she caressed his earlobes. He looked back at the contact information she had sent and deleted the thread. Then he deleted her number.”
In Santa Fe, Nicole carved out a temporary but solid life for herself, outside of Jason’s shadow, and thinks: “She’d come all this way to find out what she was good at all along.” and “This was why I came here, she thought. This isn’t a midlife crisis; this is a midlife triumph.”
The sabbatical hadn’t driven them apart, it had brought them together: “They had banked a wealth of emotional equity in twenty-five years and that would sustain them.”
So why did I like this story - because it felt genuine even if a touch fanciful. I thought the reasons for the frayed marriage were realistic and the strength of the relationship solid. The look backs gave depth to the story. The other characters were likeable and to me honest. Each character was unique and special (the way most people are if given the chance) and the author took the time to fill them out. There were solid reasons for the friendships and the marriage to work out and to fail. The sabbatical gave the MC’s the opportunity to step back, take stock, refresh themselves while still struggling with issues. The comfort in Nicole and Jason knowing they had something real and sustainable, with a relationship that could let both of them soar, was a pleasure to read.
5 Lovely Stars
ps: For those with concerns, no cheating and no humiliation. This isn’t erotica, it’s romance - the implied sex is basically fade to black. And for anyone who thinks it’s cheating, a moral breakdown or a desecration of marriage, get over it. It’s a more realistic way to move forward than living by someone else’s “rules”.
CAUTION: with over 100 reviews and a thoughtful story summary, I don’t think I’m giving much new away. For those who want zero spoilers, you might stop here. For those that already have the gist of the story, I doubt I’ll spoil anything for you, although I am open about the thoughts and feelings involved.
The husband Jason, after 25 yrs of success in the publishing industry has a chance for a year-long sabbatical, and wife Nicole can piggyback on the his year off.
Jason’s idea of a year off varies greatly from Nicole’s. As part of a solid marriage that’s a little frayed, they decide to go separate directions for 9 months. Jason goes on a lifelong adventure of motorcycling in Patagonia and months on the beach surfing in Nicaragua (originally planned with his best friend Charlie who didn’t make it) while writing a novel rather than successfully publishing the works of others. Nicole, originally co-opted in friend Charlie’s place, decides a silversmithing course in Santa Fe is for her.
Although primarily written from Nicole’s perspective, we learn a lot from Jason. This is an “absence makes the heart grow fonder” story. In the end, Jason thinks: “He missed Nic but was grateful she had bailed. He had to make that clear to her when he saw her. She needed to know that her absence was a gift to him.”
Nicole and Jason agreed that 9 months without companionship was a very long time. They’d heard of the 500-Mile Rule and adopted it. Although nervous, they decided: “It’s our marriage. We make the rules. Never had it occurred to her that she could make the rules in any aspect of her life.” Although here they did make a few rules: no children, no STD’s and no falling in love.
When Nicole’s chance came along: “She knew it was foolish, her infatuation, but she hadn’t been foolish in decades and it felt electric.” She cut it off once the prospect of a deeper relationship emerged. The discussion of the ending was pretty funny: ““You know I can’t see you anymore. I mean, I can’t see you naked anymore.” Marcos laughed. “I know. The string of nonsense emojis you sent in response to my You up? text was a dead giveaway. You literally sent me a ghost. You know that’s not how ghosting works, right?””
Jason had a similar experience: “His mind wandered to her broad shoulders, her long legs, the way she moved her hips, the way she caressed his earlobes. He looked back at the contact information she had sent and deleted the thread. Then he deleted her number.”
In Santa Fe, Nicole carved out a temporary but solid life for herself, outside of Jason’s shadow, and thinks: “She’d come all this way to find out what she was good at all along.” and “This was why I came here, she thought. This isn’t a midlife crisis; this is a midlife triumph.”
The sabbatical hadn’t driven them apart, it had brought them together: “They had banked a wealth of emotional equity in twenty-five years and that would sustain them.”
So why did I like this story - because it felt genuine even if a touch fanciful. I thought the reasons for the frayed marriage were realistic and the strength of the relationship solid. The look backs gave depth to the story. The other characters were likeable and to me honest. Each character was unique and special (the way most people are if given the chance) and the author took the time to fill them out. There were solid reasons for the friendships and the marriage to work out and to fail. The sabbatical gave the MC’s the opportunity to step back, take stock, refresh themselves while still struggling with issues. The comfort in Nicole and Jason knowing they had something real and sustainable, with a relationship that could let both of them soar, was a pleasure to read.
5 Lovely Stars
ps: For those with concerns, no cheating and no humiliation. This isn’t erotica, it’s romance - the implied sex is basically fade to black. And for anyone who thinks it’s cheating, a moral breakdown or a desecration of marriage, get over it. It’s a more realistic way to move forward than living by someone else’s “rules”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2024
I was intrigued by the premise of this novel after following the author on social media. A middle aged couple, Nicole and Jason, coming out of the pandemic lockdown and facing an empty nest, decide to take separate 9-month sabbaticals without romantic restrictions.
The story is told using dual timelines (to show the couple’s love story) and with dual points of view. The FMC, Nicole was easy for me to relate to and I preferred her storyline. And although I would never want to spend 9 months away from my husband, I appreciated how Nicole and Jason put themselves first. They took time for themselves to discover how they would spend the second half of their lives. They were able to explore their creative sides and find new outlets for their passions. By taking this “selfish” time for themselves, they were able to come out of their sabbaticals with a new commitment to each other.
I listened to the audio version, and the voice actor did a great job, including with different accents. 4⭐️/5
The story is told using dual timelines (to show the couple’s love story) and with dual points of view. The FMC, Nicole was easy for me to relate to and I preferred her storyline. And although I would never want to spend 9 months away from my husband, I appreciated how Nicole and Jason put themselves first. They took time for themselves to discover how they would spend the second half of their lives. They were able to explore their creative sides and find new outlets for their passions. By taking this “selfish” time for themselves, they were able to come out of their sabbaticals with a new commitment to each other.
I listened to the audio version, and the voice actor did a great job, including with different accents. 4⭐️/5
April 29, 2024
A truly enjoyable story of a couple who spend a year apart (on sabbatical) and how the time away from on another changed their relationship forever. Now I want to visit Santa Fe, NM!!
May 28, 2024
Thanks to William Morrow for my copy of The Marriage Sabbatical!
The Marriage Sabbatical had such a unique plot. A couple that has been married for 23 years finds themselves ready for a 9-month trip of a lifetime through South America when Jason has a sabbatical fun work. When his wife Nicole decides this trip is his dream and she wants to learn silversmithing in Santa Fe. They decide to spend the 9 months pursuing their own dreams and include a marriage sabbatical too.
At first, I wasn't really liking this book, but I kept on reading and I'm so glad I did. This was almost a second chance romance between a couple and I loved seeing them fall in love again. I liked the emails and seeing both of their points through their adventures. It took me a little to like Nicole as a character but I loved seeing her grow and this book makes me want to go to Santa Fe now!
The idea of a marriage sabbatical is so interesting and I can see this being a great book club book or one that you want to discuss with friends, especially around the 500 mile rule. I really ended up loving this book and I can't wait to talk more with friends about it.
The Marriage Sabbatical came out this week - April 2nd.
The Marriage Sabbatical had such a unique plot. A couple that has been married for 23 years finds themselves ready for a 9-month trip of a lifetime through South America when Jason has a sabbatical fun work. When his wife Nicole decides this trip is his dream and she wants to learn silversmithing in Santa Fe. They decide to spend the 9 months pursuing their own dreams and include a marriage sabbatical too.
At first, I wasn't really liking this book, but I kept on reading and I'm so glad I did. This was almost a second chance romance between a couple and I loved seeing them fall in love again. I liked the emails and seeing both of their points through their adventures. It took me a little to like Nicole as a character but I loved seeing her grow and this book makes me want to go to Santa Fe now!
The idea of a marriage sabbatical is so interesting and I can see this being a great book club book or one that you want to discuss with friends, especially around the 500 mile rule. I really ended up loving this book and I can't wait to talk more with friends about it.
The Marriage Sabbatical came out this week - April 2nd.
August 4, 2023
This was a very lovely novel about a couple who take an opportunity to live apart for several months while they explore their own needs and desires. Despite Nicole and Jason planning a very rigorous trip together, Nicole realizes that motorcycle travel through Patagonia is not something she can do. Instead, she opts for a silversmithing class in Santa Fe. It is there that she finds friends and comes to grips with her true talents.
During these months apart, they have agreed that sex with others is an acceptable option. Tge author takes the reader through their experiences, and really pulls tge reader into tge lives of these two very likable people.
I must admit to loving the travel portions, including Santa Fe, which brought me on the trips with Nicole and Jason.
This is a well written novel that leaves a tremendous amount of material for book groups to discuss. A really enjoyable novel!
Thank you Netgalley for this charming book.
During these months apart, they have agreed that sex with others is an acceptable option. Tge author takes the reader through their experiences, and really pulls tge reader into tge lives of these two very likable people.
I must admit to loving the travel portions, including Santa Fe, which brought me on the trips with Nicole and Jason.
This is a well written novel that leaves a tremendous amount of material for book groups to discuss. A really enjoyable novel!
Thank you Netgalley for this charming book.
September 3, 2024
3 stars. Many thanks for the ARC I received in a Goodreads giveaway. Publication date: June 2024.
Whether it's sleeping on separate beds or in separate bedrooms, seeing a therapist, pursuing new hobbies or passions, or taking a marriage sabbatical, couples have been doing one strategy or another to keep their relationships alive while also prioritizing themselves as separate individuals. Lian Dolan's The Marriage Sabbatical is a modern, fictional take of navigating the marriage slump.
What I like about this novel is that it's thought-provoking and written well, alternating between the couple, Nicole and Jason's perspectives. The Santa Fe settings are wonderfully described - I have never been and I really want to go after reading this book! I gave it 3 stars and not more, as some of the chapters that were dragging with too many unrelated details and the ending was rather predictable.
Whether it's sleeping on separate beds or in separate bedrooms, seeing a therapist, pursuing new hobbies or passions, or taking a marriage sabbatical, couples have been doing one strategy or another to keep their relationships alive while also prioritizing themselves as separate individuals. Lian Dolan's The Marriage Sabbatical is a modern, fictional take of navigating the marriage slump.
What I like about this novel is that it's thought-provoking and written well, alternating between the couple, Nicole and Jason's perspectives. The Santa Fe settings are wonderfully described - I have never been and I really want to go after reading this book! I gave it 3 stars and not more, as some of the chapters that were dragging with too many unrelated details and the ending was rather predictable.
September 3, 2024
one star i’m sorry 😭, however i’m a new mexico loving girl and it’s so rare to find books that take place in NM, so it gets an extra star for that. the book was a rec from my mom’s friend and we picked it up bc of it’s inclusion of NM, but it fell SO short. the main character was so pick me and there was no real plot or didn’t make up for no plot with good imagery as some books do!!!!
this is a white woman’s new mexico bruh 😭 naming your only Indigenous character Billie-Jo is WILD. don’t set your book somewhere if you’re not gonna include the state’s history/culture/ and literal community 😩😩
this is a white woman’s new mexico bruh 😭 naming your only Indigenous character Billie-Jo is WILD. don’t set your book somewhere if you’re not gonna include the state’s history/culture/ and literal community 😩😩
October 15, 2023
Another book about an open relationship between a husband and wife experiencing a midlife crisis. I was hoping that the couple would do something different, but it's a tired trope of a deeply-committed couple who will weather anything, despite going against what makes their relationship special. It's a fantasy that married couples may be interested in, but there's something tired in this one that feels twee and forgettable.
Review copy access provided by the publisher.
Review copy access provided by the publisher.
April 20, 2024
A cute idea, but the execution didn't speak to me. Too shallow to really connect and be fun.
And I'm so bored with the "oh, everyone I've ever known or met is so much better than me" from the clearly gifted people - or anyone. Get over that, it's incredibly tiresome.
And I'm so bored with the "oh, everyone I've ever known or met is so much better than me" from the clearly gifted people - or anyone. Get over that, it's incredibly tiresome.
August 23, 2024
The idea of this story was great. I was excited to read it. I don’t think the flashback chapters were necessary, I feel like it should have focused more on what was happening currently. I think a lot happened in the book but it was kinda just.. blah.
April 8, 2024
I had this on my list as recommended reading. It should have been a DNF.
May 1, 2024
I wanted to love this, it just didn't do it for me.
November 3, 2024
The name had so much promise but I didn’t feel that the book has depth.
April 10, 2025
Lian Dolan, the Author of “The Marriage Sabbatical” has written a delightful, entertaining and captivating novel. Wow!, Lian Dolan, I am ready to pack my bags and head to Santa Fe. I love your descriptions of the homes, stores, shops, designs, and food. I love the adventure and unique premise for this book. The many Genres are : Marriage and Divorce, Women’s Action and Adventure, Friendship Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Literature, Chick Lit, and Women’s Fiction.
Lian Dolan vividly describes the magnificent scenery, and the colorful and dramatic characters in this well written book. The characters are complicated, complex, quirky, and adventurous. Jason and Nicole Elswick are married with two college age children. Jason and Nicole have been planning Jason’s dream sabbatical. Jason has dreamed of a nine month sabbatical on motorcycle trip through South America. At times they would be roughing it. After some thought Nicole realizes that this has not been her dream. She would rather go to Santa Fe and learn jewelry design. After visiting neighbors, both Jason and Nicole decide to have a “Marriage Sabbatical”, and follow their own dreams. Some rules are added, and not only will it be a sabbatical from their jobs, but their marriage as well. As long as they are 500 miles away from each other, they will follow the no ask, don’t tell rule.
I enjoyed everything in this novel, and loved the adventures that both follow. Do you think that married couples can have a “sabbatical”? I highly recommend this intriguing novel!
Lian Dolan vividly describes the magnificent scenery, and the colorful and dramatic characters in this well written book. The characters are complicated, complex, quirky, and adventurous. Jason and Nicole Elswick are married with two college age children. Jason and Nicole have been planning Jason’s dream sabbatical. Jason has dreamed of a nine month sabbatical on motorcycle trip through South America. At times they would be roughing it. After some thought Nicole realizes that this has not been her dream. She would rather go to Santa Fe and learn jewelry design. After visiting neighbors, both Jason and Nicole decide to have a “Marriage Sabbatical”, and follow their own dreams. Some rules are added, and not only will it be a sabbatical from their jobs, but their marriage as well. As long as they are 500 miles away from each other, they will follow the no ask, don’t tell rule.
I enjoyed everything in this novel, and loved the adventures that both follow. Do you think that married couples can have a “sabbatical”? I highly recommend this intriguing novel!
April 12, 2024
I went into this novel with an open mind- who wouldn’t want to put their lives on hold for 9 months to pursue a creative hobby?
Jason and Nicole have been married for 23 years and are in a rut. When both of their kids study abroad for a year, Jason arranges for he and Nicole to spend 9 months traveling in South America. After the death of his best friend, Jason is living the YOLO life. But Nicole is feeling this too and wants to do her own passion- making jewelry in Santa Fe. They decide it could be a good idea to take a break from each other… and their marriage. They institute a 500 mile rule; it’s okay to be with someone else as long as they are more than 500 miles away and no babies are made.
I love the idea of taking a break to follow your dreams, but the break from their marriage just made me so sad. I also don’t understand how they both just abandoned their kids? I studied abroad for a full year when I was in college and I loved to call or Skype my parents with tales of my travels. They barely speak to their kids!
I did like how the book ended with everyone meeting up on a trip to the Philippines. This book was definitely entertaining, but I can see how some people might be turned off by the authorized cheating.
Thank you @williammorrowbooks for gifted ebook. The Marriage Sabbatical is out now.
Jason and Nicole have been married for 23 years and are in a rut. When both of their kids study abroad for a year, Jason arranges for he and Nicole to spend 9 months traveling in South America. After the death of his best friend, Jason is living the YOLO life. But Nicole is feeling this too and wants to do her own passion- making jewelry in Santa Fe. They decide it could be a good idea to take a break from each other… and their marriage. They institute a 500 mile rule; it’s okay to be with someone else as long as they are more than 500 miles away and no babies are made.
I love the idea of taking a break to follow your dreams, but the break from their marriage just made me so sad. I also don’t understand how they both just abandoned their kids? I studied abroad for a full year when I was in college and I loved to call or Skype my parents with tales of my travels. They barely speak to their kids!
I did like how the book ended with everyone meeting up on a trip to the Philippines. This book was definitely entertaining, but I can see how some people might be turned off by the authorized cheating.
Thank you @williammorrowbooks for gifted ebook. The Marriage Sabbatical is out now.
March 18, 2024
The Marriage Sabbatical is a fresh story with unexpected twists and turns throughout.
As a fan of Dolan's writing, I knew it would be well-written but otherwise, I didn't know what to expect when I opened the book. A marriage sabbatical is an amusing idea; the story could take so many possible directions, and the one it did was as surprising as it was satisfying.
The story introduces a married couple with a newly empty nest.
They are about to embark on a sabbatical trip together when the wife decides she doesn't actually want to subject herself to her husband's extreme dream trip. She sets out on her own adventure, but not before the two craft some unconventional ground rules for the long separation. Jason jets to Patagonia and Nicole journeys to Santa Fe.
The book tells the story from both Nicole's and Jason's perspectives on two disparate sabbaticals.
Two separate intriguing paths leave the reader to wonder if the paths lead back to each other.
Thank you #williammorrowbooks and #netgalley and #LianDolan for the ARC of this book
As a fan of Dolan's writing, I knew it would be well-written but otherwise, I didn't know what to expect when I opened the book. A marriage sabbatical is an amusing idea; the story could take so many possible directions, and the one it did was as surprising as it was satisfying.
The story introduces a married couple with a newly empty nest.
They are about to embark on a sabbatical trip together when the wife decides she doesn't actually want to subject herself to her husband's extreme dream trip. She sets out on her own adventure, but not before the two craft some unconventional ground rules for the long separation. Jason jets to Patagonia and Nicole journeys to Santa Fe.
The book tells the story from both Nicole's and Jason's perspectives on two disparate sabbaticals.
Two separate intriguing paths leave the reader to wonder if the paths lead back to each other.
Thank you #williammorrowbooks and #netgalley and #LianDolan for the ARC of this book
April 17, 2024
Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @williammorrowbooks for the gifted copy of The Marriage Sabbatical!
This book came at the perfect time when I needed a light, engaging, and fun read. Yes, it explores the idea of taking a break from a marriage and opening it for a short time, which could end up being a heavy topic. Instead, the tone was escapist - as if Elin Hilderbrand and Eat Pray Love had a book baby, complete with excellent sense of place and sumptuous writing about food. I now desperately want to visit Santa Fe and I appreciated the pretty spot-on Pacific Northwest descriptions of my neck of the woods. I do feel as if this novel will mostly resonate with the Gen X crowd, very niche music/pop culture references and midlife situations - ailing parents, menopause, empty nest, etc. So your mileage may vary.
This is the first novel I have read by Dolan and I definitely will pick up another, perhaps for summer reading!
This book came at the perfect time when I needed a light, engaging, and fun read. Yes, it explores the idea of taking a break from a marriage and opening it for a short time, which could end up being a heavy topic. Instead, the tone was escapist - as if Elin Hilderbrand and Eat Pray Love had a book baby, complete with excellent sense of place and sumptuous writing about food. I now desperately want to visit Santa Fe and I appreciated the pretty spot-on Pacific Northwest descriptions of my neck of the woods. I do feel as if this novel will mostly resonate with the Gen X crowd, very niche music/pop culture references and midlife situations - ailing parents, menopause, empty nest, etc. So your mileage may vary.
This is the first novel I have read by Dolan and I definitely will pick up another, perhaps for summer reading!
December 9, 2024
I really enjoyed the Sweeney Sisters and was definitely intrigued by the premise of this book. I am at a similar stage in life as the couple in the novel and found their explorations of themselves as individuals to be a really fascinating journey. I definitely resonated more with Nicole’s story in Santa Fe as she kind of shed the mom/wife kind of martyr persona and came into her own. I loved the idea of how she realized that her talent in retail and marketing was indeed a true talent. I think often, when women are naturally good at something, they tend to blow it off and detract from their gifts instead of embracing them. The flashbacks from the earlier part of the marriage and courtship also were a good backdrop to the story. This is a very quiet book that could have been a kind of depressing look at midlife. Instead, I thought it was a joyful look at life as an empty nester and decades long marriage when the choice to be together as a couple is not exactly that- a choice not necessarily an obligation.
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