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Cheers to Eternity: Lessons We've Learned on Dating and Marriage
“A STELLAR BOOK for anyone in a relationship. The book is funny, thoughtful, informative, and very real. . . . Loved reading this book!” —Jimmer Fredette, professional basketball player
“THESE INSPIRING WORDS are lled with so many positive vibes; Al and Ben make you feel that any relationship can be peaches and cream.” —Jon Heder, actor from Blades of Glory and Napoleon Dynamite
“WE love BEING MARRIED!” (We don’t think people say that enough.)
Author of the best seller More than the Tattooed Mormon , Al Carraway and her husband, Ben, remind you that marriage isn’t supposed to be “serious and hard.” A successful marriage is one that you build as a team—emphasizing constant communication, working through hard times together, and (above all) remembering to put God first.
Using a wonderfully open dialogue, the Carraways share the funny, embarrassing, and honest lessons and struggles that have shaped their life together.
Written for singles, newlyweds, and marriage veterans, Cheers to Eternity will help you bring new insights into your relationships, keep life in perspective, and make the rest of your life here and in eternity exciting, amazing, and meaningful.
“THESE INSPIRING WORDS are lled with so many positive vibes; Al and Ben make you feel that any relationship can be peaches and cream.” —Jon Heder, actor from Blades of Glory and Napoleon Dynamite
“WE love BEING MARRIED!” (We don’t think people say that enough.)
Author of the best seller More than the Tattooed Mormon , Al Carraway and her husband, Ben, remind you that marriage isn’t supposed to be “serious and hard.” A successful marriage is one that you build as a team—emphasizing constant communication, working through hard times together, and (above all) remembering to put God first.
Using a wonderfully open dialogue, the Carraways share the funny, embarrassing, and honest lessons and struggles that have shaped their life together.
Written for singles, newlyweds, and marriage veterans, Cheers to Eternity will help you bring new insights into your relationships, keep life in perspective, and make the rest of your life here and in eternity exciting, amazing, and meaningful.
101 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2022
49 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book I think they both did a wounderful job. I'm going to gift this book to my brother who is getting married and buying myself a copy aswell.
January 1, 2018
I think it's great that the Carraways have such a strong marriage (I bet when they talk on the phone they have one of those cute arguments over who will hang up first) but, let's be honest, their marriage is just beginning and it seems kind of prententious for them to be giving marital advice at this stage of their marriage. Everything in the book is common sense and can be found in any book on building a stronger marriage.
IMO they should have waited 20 years (I pray they make it that long) and then their words might carry more wisdom and depth.
IMO they should have waited 20 years (I pray they make it that long) and then their words might carry more wisdom and depth.
December 30, 2021
I needed a tiny glimmer of hope that love does still exist in real life and that marriage is possible. While reading their story, I couldn't help but feel nauseous at how sickeningly adorable Al and Ben's relationship is. I feel like they had a very typical Provo, Utah lightspeed courtship into marriage. Not that they don't work out, Al and Ben have clearly worked out very well. I was particularly taken by Ben's continuous revelation that he needed to focus on school and that he didn't need a job when he wanted one. He felt like he was failing his traditional role as husband and father by letting Al be the breadwinner and provider for a little while. He was required to let down his pride a bit and allow himself to be provided for. That's a humbling experience I think most of my male friends need to have for themselves.
I was also struck by the spirit at a part where Al mentioned she was engaged to someone else before Ben. He broke it off unexpectedly. She was angry and caught off guard because she felt spiritually lead to this man and was confused why it didn't work out. She says, "I all of a sudden doubted my relationship with the spirit --- did I even really know Him? Had I been wrong this whole time. . . I was mad, thinking that my faith and my God were failing me." I have felt very very similar after having a very very similar experience. I felt so spiritually lead to my last relationship. Every time I prayed and asked Heavenly Father if he was the one for me, I felt an intense joy and an immediate peace. I thought that was Him confirming to me, that this was my Prince Charming. So when he unexpectedly ended our relationship, I was devastated, caught off guard, and feeling spiritually betrayed. I was angry at Heavenly Father, feeling like he deceived me, purposefully lead me astray and made me incomprehensibly happy, just to drop me at my peak and watch me drown. I don't know if my situation will end up like Al's and someone else will come along, but I still feel deep in my heart that J is the one for me, and if it is not him, whoever it is better fall out of the sky, because I am done searching. I'm tired, but I'm trying to have faith and trust that God has not left me, but I cannot help but feel abandoned, lied to and left for dead.
But if this little book has taught me anything, it's that God's hand is in everything, even if we can't currently see it. He is there, He is listening. And He will answer our prayers on His terms and His timing, but He will answer them. I'm trying to be patient and have faith. It is so hard and I'm allergic to patience, but I am trying. Thank you for the uplifting message Al and Ben. 4/5 stars.
I was also struck by the spirit at a part where Al mentioned she was engaged to someone else before Ben. He broke it off unexpectedly. She was angry and caught off guard because she felt spiritually lead to this man and was confused why it didn't work out. She says, "I all of a sudden doubted my relationship with the spirit --- did I even really know Him? Had I been wrong this whole time. . . I was mad, thinking that my faith and my God were failing me." I have felt very very similar after having a very very similar experience. I felt so spiritually lead to my last relationship. Every time I prayed and asked Heavenly Father if he was the one for me, I felt an intense joy and an immediate peace. I thought that was Him confirming to me, that this was my Prince Charming. So when he unexpectedly ended our relationship, I was devastated, caught off guard, and feeling spiritually betrayed. I was angry at Heavenly Father, feeling like he deceived me, purposefully lead me astray and made me incomprehensibly happy, just to drop me at my peak and watch me drown. I don't know if my situation will end up like Al's and someone else will come along, but I still feel deep in my heart that J is the one for me, and if it is not him, whoever it is better fall out of the sky, because I am done searching. I'm tired, but I'm trying to have faith and trust that God has not left me, but I cannot help but feel abandoned, lied to and left for dead.
But if this little book has taught me anything, it's that God's hand is in everything, even if we can't currently see it. He is there, He is listening. And He will answer our prayers on His terms and His timing, but He will answer them. I'm trying to be patient and have faith. It is so hard and I'm allergic to patience, but I am trying. Thank you for the uplifting message Al and Ben. 4/5 stars.
October 12, 2018
Before I read the book I read reviews that stated this book was only a good book for dating/engaged/early married couples.
While I can see where that is coming from and do agree this could be a great resource for those groups, I think there are great reminders in here for those that have been married longer as well. Out of the mouths of 'babes', right? The newness in their marriage, I feel, keeps their suggestions pure and simple. And we know that out of small and simple things, great things can be brought to pass!
They aren't professional marriage counselors, but they offer basic ideas that can strengthen a marriage no matter how long you've been together. It is obvious they have a genuine love for each other and for God.
While I can see where that is coming from and do agree this could be a great resource for those groups, I think there are great reminders in here for those that have been married longer as well. Out of the mouths of 'babes', right? The newness in their marriage, I feel, keeps their suggestions pure and simple. And we know that out of small and simple things, great things can be brought to pass!
They aren't professional marriage counselors, but they offer basic ideas that can strengthen a marriage no matter how long you've been together. It is obvious they have a genuine love for each other and for God.
July 26, 2019
Cute book that had some good reminders in it. I LOVE being married. Best decision ever!
July 28, 2024
Good book with good advice.
It’s not the kind of marriage & dating books that will change everything. It’s very personal and not always backed up by research and facts. That’s okay, it’s a quick and enjoyable read, instead of being a clinical sorta read.
It’s not the kind of marriage & dating books that will change everything. It’s very personal and not always backed up by research and facts. That’s okay, it’s a quick and enjoyable read, instead of being a clinical sorta read.
September 6, 2017
This book is so much fun! It's not often that you read a non-fiction book and can't keep yourself from smiling, but this is that kind of book!
I love the way it's written. The first section is just a conversation between the two authors, husband and wife Ben and Al. And they are hilarious! They talk about pretty much everything from their backgrounds to how they met to how they get over their arguments. I love how they are just so honest and open about everything. Even if it's a topic that embarrasses them, they still talk about it in an open way.
After their conversations, they talk about specific topics in each of the following
chapters. I loved each of the chapters and learned a lot. Here's the chapter titles: It's Not About You; Communication; Always Have Time for Love; God's Will; Do Hard Things Together; God First, Bro; and Not Taking Things So Seriously.
I loved that I personally learned things from each and every chapter. I loved that they included not only their personal stories and ways they learned each of the lessons they learned, but they also use personal stories from other couples and they are discreet and tasteful about it.
This book is not a very long one, it is really an enjoyable read. I'm pretty sure it took me under an hour to read the whole thing, but it really resonated with me. I know I'm thinking of ways that I can take the lessons that Al and Ben have learned and apply them in my own life and marriage.
Thanks to Al and Ben for opening up their lives and allowing us a peek inside! Check this one out, you'll love it as much as I did! And I just had to include the pictures they sent me of themselves, because aren't they just adorable!
I love the way it's written. The first section is just a conversation between the two authors, husband and wife Ben and Al. And they are hilarious! They talk about pretty much everything from their backgrounds to how they met to how they get over their arguments. I love how they are just so honest and open about everything. Even if it's a topic that embarrasses them, they still talk about it in an open way.
After their conversations, they talk about specific topics in each of the following
chapters. I loved each of the chapters and learned a lot. Here's the chapter titles: It's Not About You; Communication; Always Have Time for Love; God's Will; Do Hard Things Together; God First, Bro; and Not Taking Things So Seriously.
I loved that I personally learned things from each and every chapter. I loved that they included not only their personal stories and ways they learned each of the lessons they learned, but they also use personal stories from other couples and they are discreet and tasteful about it.
This book is not a very long one, it is really an enjoyable read. I'm pretty sure it took me under an hour to read the whole thing, but it really resonated with me. I know I'm thinking of ways that I can take the lessons that Al and Ben have learned and apply them in my own life and marriage.
Thanks to Al and Ben for opening up their lives and allowing us a peek inside! Check this one out, you'll love it as much as I did! And I just had to include the pictures they sent me of themselves, because aren't they just adorable!
June 20, 2020
I am a fan of Al Carraway, so I hope not to sound overly critical in this review. I can see why other reviews talked about how this book is good/useful/helpful for couples who are dating/engaged/newly-married. The advice is kept simple and fairly rosy. It sometimes comes across painting an overly rosy view of what marriage is "supposed to" look like: "Life is hard; marriage shouldn't be hard." Ow, that hurt! I'm sorry Al, but as someone who has had to work hard for my marriage relationship for nearly 39 years, that "piece of wisdom" stung! Not helpful, since the truth of the matter is that relationships take effort - consistent, constant & often hard work, to grow & to last. She didn't shy away from talking about how important spending time & making the relationship a priority are, but she made it all sound like fun & games.
I listened to this book at a great time to hit the reset button, to remember fundamental truths of cherishing your partner, so I am grateful for the simple reminders of how to help your spouse feel loved & appreciated. If you've been married a long time, you might have to try not to roll your eyes at how gushy this book comes across at times, but all in all, a great reminder of principles that can help establish a great partnership in a marriage relationship.
I listened to this book at a great time to hit the reset button, to remember fundamental truths of cherishing your partner, so I am grateful for the simple reminders of how to help your spouse feel loved & appreciated. If you've been married a long time, you might have to try not to roll your eyes at how gushy this book comes across at times, but all in all, a great reminder of principles that can help establish a great partnership in a marriage relationship.
March 22, 2019
Al always does such a great job on her books. When I read this book it was like I was in an interview with her and her husband Ben as they shared their insights, thoughts, experiences, etc. The whole thing is centered around not only your relationship with your significant other but with God as well and being able to keep both in the loop as you live life. They included quotes from general authorities that aligned with the advice and experiences given. It was definitely an enjoyable read, I was able to read it in one day. I had a hard time putting it down because it just sucked you in and made you want to read more, I was definitely sad when it was over. I would recommend this book to anyone who is seriously dating and looking for an eternal partner or couples who are planning on getting married or are already married. This would definitely benefit you and your relationship.
March 25, 2022
This book was both entertaining and I thought the authors had some good things to say about dating and marriage. It was a helpful additional to my self-education on those subjects. A lot of their advice and observations about dating and marriage are very practical, realistic, and down-to-earth. I appreciated that. They are talking about real relationships between real people in the real world, rather than talking about marriage as a theory. I also enjoyed and learned some good things from their personal story. I liked that they were honest and open about both the amazing and difficult parts of dating and marriage, without glossing over the lousy and hard bits, and yet the overall tone is still very positive and optimistic as opposed to the doom and gloom about failed marriages. Good stuff.
August 4, 2020
I really love Al. Her spunk and natural optimism is just uplifting and fun to read. It was cute reading about Al and Ben's relationship- I loved reading about their dating years and some of their rituals as a married couple. There were some good reminders in here for me, and some things that definitely helped me to reflect.
I think this book would be the perfect gift for an engaged or newlywed couple, or even a single young adult. A lot of things are not really new information, and there was definitely some advice that would be really great for a dating couple in particular. Having been married almost 10 years, I feel there wasn't anything super groundbreaking, but again, still an uplifting read and there were some good reminders in there for me.
I think this book would be the perfect gift for an engaged or newlywed couple, or even a single young adult. A lot of things are not really new information, and there was definitely some advice that would be really great for a dating couple in particular. Having been married almost 10 years, I feel there wasn't anything super groundbreaking, but again, still an uplifting read and there were some good reminders in there for me.
January 1, 2018
Before this book I hadn’t read much written by Al Fox Carraway, nor have I ever heard her speak. This book will be more meaningful to someone who already knows and follows her, but for me I had to get used to her style of writing/speaking. There were several small pieces of advice and scripture references that I could appreciate, and just reading this made me more mindful of improving my relationship with my husband, but I do feel that this book will be more beneficial to a newlywed, or an unmarried person.
If you’re looking for a quick, light read with insights into another young couple’s marriage (and you already are a fan of Al) go ahead, read, and enjoy. But don’t expect “therapy” or anything backed by extensive research.
If you’re looking for a quick, light read with insights into another young couple’s marriage (and you already are a fan of Al) go ahead, read, and enjoy. But don’t expect “therapy” or anything backed by extensive research.
May 29, 2019
A fun quick book to read and one with some good advice and reminders about relationships and marriage. I have previously read Al's first book and have followed her a bit on social media. She is such a fascinating person! It is easy to believe that what Al and Ben write about in this book is truly how their relationship really is. I love this quote from their book, "Because it's life that should be hard, not marriage. It's marriage that should make the hard things in life easier because you have each other and because you have God."
November 27, 2017
This is a quick engaging read. I love the conversational nature of the book and Al and Ben share many interesting anecdotes to illustrate the principles they are trying to communicate. I loved the emphasis they shared on the temple, but each section of the book was helpful and a great reminder about not taking for granted the little (and big) things that when done frequently help make a marriage great.
February 9, 2018
I would not say Al Carraway is an amazing writer. But she is real and she’s so passionate that you just about can’t help but be touched by the things she shares. This book is just full of real, honest, deeply-heartfelt advice about having a meaningful relationship with your spouse. It’s simple stuff really, but it’s the simple things that both make a big difference and get forgotten. I’d say it would be a good book as a gift for newlyweds.
March 12, 2018
I've got to say that this book has something for everyone. Even though I am not married, nor seriously dating someone I found this book very insightful. It had plenty of great advice for marriage and most importantly things to consider before marriage. I also found the lesson on communication to be able to be applied to any type of relationship. Loved this book, I'd read anything that Al or Ben wrote.
March 19, 2018
This book was a good reminder to put God and my husband first. It is easy to slip into the routine of taking care of kids and just going through the little things in life. But it is a good reminder of priorities. I was a smidge annoyed when they acted like the "perfect" couple. They had been married only 4 years and wrote like they had it all figured out. It wasn't a big thing but it just bugged me a bit. But really, it was good advice and reminders!
April 5, 2018
Hope
I am a YSA of divorced parents. This book gave me hope for a happy marriage. Having been old enough to understand my parents divorce, it has been hard for me to believe that it was possible for me to have a strong happy marriage, Ben and Al were honest, positive, and hopeful about their marriage and all marriages. I loved it! So so single, dating or married people should definitely read this book!
I am a YSA of divorced parents. This book gave me hope for a happy marriage. Having been old enough to understand my parents divorce, it has been hard for me to believe that it was possible for me to have a strong happy marriage, Ben and Al were honest, positive, and hopeful about their marriage and all marriages. I loved it! So so single, dating or married people should definitely read this book!
May 19, 2020
I love Al’s books, she puts her heart on the line as she writes and you can feel it. I love how she reminds us of God’s love.
My sister got me “Cheers to Eternity” shortly before I got married to my husband. My favorite part was ‘Lesson Two; Communication’ (see pg 61) I loved hearing about Al and Ben’s perspective on how to communicate with your spouse. Great read if you are looking for and inspirational or religious based book.
My sister got me “Cheers to Eternity” shortly before I got married to my husband. My favorite part was ‘Lesson Two; Communication’ (see pg 61) I loved hearing about Al and Ben’s perspective on how to communicate with your spouse. Great read if you are looking for and inspirational or religious based book.
June 12, 2020
Well this was super cute! Super fast, fun read. I totally agreed with everything said in this book. Nothing they said was mind blowing new but they were all great reminders of ways to strengthen your marriage. I love how they tied in gospel principals, scriptures and quotes from our apostles. My favorite chapter was on accepting God’s will that really resonated with me. I highlighted lots in that section. I’m glad I bought this book so I can read it again!
April 8, 2021
4.5 stars. I really like how the book is from both the husband and wife’s perspectives. There are some really great ideas on how to improve and have a great marriage. There are also some ideas that only apply to couples who are newly married, or don’t have kids (i.e. doing all errands together like grocery shopping). Overall I thought it was a great book, and would recommend it to dating, engaged, and newly married couples.
April 20, 2025
My fiancé and I read this together and really enjoyed it as we prepare to get sealed in the temple this year. I really appreciate the conversations it sparked between us in what our expectations are and goals! The only reason it’s not getting 5 stars is it feels like they paint their marriage out to be unrealistically perfect, but who knows, maybe my fiancé and I will have a picture perfect marriage too haha!
October 22, 2017
This was a really cute book. It's fun to see how other people see the importance of marriage, God and learning together. I don't know much about Ben, so it was cool to get to know him a little at the beginning of the book.
They share the same love I have for the Temple so the last chapter of the book was my very favorite. Cute and fun read!
They share the same love I have for the Temple so the last chapter of the book was my very favorite. Cute and fun read!
March 6, 2018
Not really any “new” info on improving your marriage, but it was a sweet easy read. Al was married just a few days after my husband and I were so it was fun to hear them talk about their marriage and I felt like we have experienced similar things. An uplifting book that encouraged me to improve my marriage.
October 23, 2018
LOVE this book! Al and Ben are hilarious but also so REAL! I started reading this into my third year of marriage and it has opened my eyes as well as comforted me in where my relationship is at. You don't have to be married or even in a relationship to read this, it is for anyone at any stage in their life! Definitely a book I will give as a gift to my friends though.
January 17, 2021
This is an awesome book. Al married Ben who grew up in our WVC neighborhood. My husband helped "raise" him. They are an amazing couple and such good examples. It was so fun to listen to the audio because they read it themselves, together and it felt like spending time with them. :) There were a lot of laughs as they described some of their challenges. Loved hearing about their perspective on their lives to this point.
They have excellent advice for all couples. I highly recommend!
They have excellent advice for all couples. I highly recommend!
September 22, 2024
I really liked this book. I’m a bit of an enthusiast when it comes to bettering relationships and marriages.
While there are scriptures and prophets referenced, I wish (especially at the beginning of the book, but truthfully all throughout) that there had been more scriptural citations to support the truths that they taught.
Overall though, it was a good and easy read.
While there are scriptures and prophets referenced, I wish (especially at the beginning of the book, but truthfully all throughout) that there had been more scriptural citations to support the truths that they taught.
Overall though, it was a good and easy read.
September 21, 2017
Quick and insightful read
I love how the book is very conversational. Al and Ben are both very relatable and have great insight to what has worked in their marraige. I can't wait to apply some of their ideas into my marraige.
I love how the book is very conversational. Al and Ben are both very relatable and have great insight to what has worked in their marraige. I can't wait to apply some of their ideas into my marraige.
October 15, 2017
Excellent insight to every aspect of dating, engagement, and marriage. I loved that it was a conversation between both the authors. Highly recommend for anyone single, dating, engaged, or married.
January 17, 2018
This book is a must read!! Whether you have been married forever, engaged, just starting a relationship or even single. An amazing insight to having a marriage that isn’t hard and makes you a team.
I loved this book.
I loved this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews