Experienced therapist and stepmother Katz advises those (re)marrying with children. Her message is simple: settle for less than perfect, and you will be happier. Katz explores the myths of supposedly ideal blended families, in which all children happily accept new family structures, and adults are all on great terms, eagerly spending time with one another . . . Because of many examples drawn from her therapeutic work, readers will likely identify themselves in these pages and come away with new ideas for reducing conflict in their homes.

Booklist

This is the book every remarried couple with children needs to read. Rachelle Katz explains why nearly two thirds of all second marriages ultimately fail, then gives readers the knowledge and tools they need to avoid becoming a statistic. If you've realized that love might not be enough and you're looking to create a rock-solid relationship--regardless of how complicated your stepfamily situation seems--The Happy Stepcouple is for you.

Brenda Ockun, Founder and Publisher, StepMom Magazine, StepMomMagazine.com

The Happy Stepcouple tackles head on the challenges facing stepfamilies. Packed with practical advice, case examples, exercises, it provides readers with a toolbox of skills to repair and enhance their relationships. Highly recommended.

Robert Taibbi, LCSW, author of "Doing Couple Therapy: Craft & Creativity in Work with Intimate Partners"

Filled with relatable stories and evidence-based strategies, The Happy Stepcouple is a comprehensive guide to transforming your relationship. As a psychotherapist and a stepmom herself, Katz offers a unique perspective on the biggest challenges facing stepcouples. Katz provides practical steps that you and your partner can take to improve your relationship. A real game-changer for stepcouples and their stepfamilies!

Elizabeth Mosaidis, Author of "The Stepmom Project"

Creating a happy, thriving stepfamily can take real work. As Rachelle Katz shows in The Happy Stepcouple, many of the common, practical challenges are complicated by unrealistic expectations for stepfamily bliss, differences in the emotional attachment style of the adults, and communication habits that can undermine love and security just when it's needed most. Viewing the stepcouple relationship through an attachment theory lens, the Happy Stepcouple helps partners manage the emotions, expectations and influences that can threaten harmony at home. Based on Katz's own experience as a stepmother, her work counseling other stepmothers in her psychotherapy practice, and primary research, The Happy Stepcouple is a valuable tool for married and living-together partners with children from previous relationships, who find themselves struggling for more agreement, security and joy.

Wendy Paris, Author of "Splitopia: Dispatches from Today's Good Divorce and How to Part Well"

The Happy Stepcouple is packed with practical and realistic solutions, helpful exercises for stepcouples, and so much more. I highly recommend you buy it, read it, and share it with a stepcouple.

Bobbi Wilcox, Author, Registered Psychotherapist, and President of Blended Families United