Simple Loving 5-Copy Prepack

Following her popular Simple Living Guide, a massive compendium based on her newsletter Simple Living Journal, Luhrs presents a more focused book that artfully applies the principles of the simplicity movement to cultivating loving relationships. She aims to guide readers in making ""soul connections,"" first by uncovering the inner self that's often masked by outward life, then by focusing on another individual and other important matters. Reducing clutter, creating a sanctuary at home and establishing rituals, she explains, can help foster this growth. Employing a style similar to that of her bestselling earlier book, Luhrs sprinkles the pages with quotations from a range of inspirational sources and specific steps for connecting with a partner. She also provides some wonderful extras, like suggestions for holding a green (ecologically sound) wedding, other ceremonies to mark commitment and pages of well-chosen resources, mostly books, for further contemplation. The heart of the book lies in the steps to simplicity, depicted by in-depth stories of couples who represent examples of dedicated partnerships. The profiled pairs tend to be in the vanguard of New Ageish livingDfor example, Stephen and Ondrea Levine, authors of Embracing the Beloved; the McDowells, herbalists and authors of The Sanctuary GardenDbut each couple presents an original lesson that may inspire readers. Snapshots add a folksy dimension and may reinforce in readers the possibility of true connection between real people. Rarely has the rationale for living simply been presented in such an attractive style; Luhrs's book seems ideally poised for healthy, bestselling life. Agent, Theresa Park, Sanford and Greenberger Associates. 10-city tour. (July)