Why marriage? What is the heartfelt, deep urge to connect that draws couples together? And what is the magical connection that sustains some marriages in an era when so many couples have decided to go their separate ways? Acclaimed author Cathleen Rountree sets out to capture the elusive promise and eternal love in this uplifting collection of intimate conversations with couples who have made it work, creating lifetime partnerships that are both passionate and practical, exciting and deeply committed. Skillfully weaving her own poignant and humorous narrative through the revealing, personal stories of these men and womencouples of many ages and cultures, famous lovers and the couples-next-door - Rountree leads us on a fascinating journey into modern love to discover the promise, sum, and substance of today's happy marriages. Money, sex, work, time, and children: Rountree explores, through insightful and wise observations of her own life and the couples' experiences, the issues that can make and break marriages. And in their own lively, moving, funny, and wise words, these contented couples speak of marriage as a spiritual path and reveal that lifelong love is both a teacher and a healing force in the lives of everyone it touches.