The Marriage Sabbatical

A Novel

By: Lian Dolan

Narrated by: Stacey Glemboski

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?

©2024 Lian Dolan (P)2024 HarperCollins Publisher

Best book of the summer so far

Fresh voice and story line. Loved the characters and the settings. Plus there was a happy ending after all.

Interesting Storyline

The overall story was good and I enjoyed the narrator. It took me awhile to get engaged in the story. I enjoyed it and enjoy Lian’s books.

Great for peeps in 40ish club

This book has a great build to the story. A couple who are a bit stuck. They find an unconventional way to get through it. Quite by accident.❤️

Change of pace can be good for a marriage

I loved this book. From the first page I was engaged I could hardly wait to see how it ended.

So clever, I couldn't stop listening.

With a title like this, I very curious. Lian Dolan did wonder job weaving through the lives of the characters. Nicole and Jason felt like real people. There are many tender sexy sides rather than obscene and X rated and it made all the difference. I am sure to buy Dolan's next novel.

More Than a Romance

Marriage Sabbatical is for everyone who has wondered what a "year off" from real life could be. This book hooked me in from the first paragraph. While the title sounded improbable, the characters and plot were perfectly believable. I was rooting for all the characters including the the little dog, Bardot! Take the time to listen, and then think about what you can do - that fits with your morals - to add a spark to your life. Maybe a month off, a solo vacation, a new class, or something else will give you just what you need!

Real characters I felt I knew

Beautifully written! I hated to see it end. Each character, each detail was so real. The story was amazing.