It's like chicken soup for the mom's soul!
928505
As a new mother of two, I love nothing more than reading about the adventures motherhood. Jill's essays are so relatable, sometimes I feel like she is talking about me! It just shows how many similarities mothers share. What a gift to be able to articulate the way Jill can. Her words flow so easily, it's hard to put the book down. I read it in one sitting, gave it to my mom, and she called that same night after finishing the book as well. We found ourselves relating to Jill's stories as if they were our own!  She covers everything about motherhood in a humorous and poignant way from packing school lunches to sending her last of four children off to Kindergarten. Not to mention donating a kidney to her own father. Her down to earth style makes this book such a fun read, and there is always a lesson to be learned and words of wisdom for people like me...mothers just starting on this awesome journey! Thank you Jill! Satisfying and fulfilling, your book is truly like chicken soup for a mom's soul!
4771359
I love most of the Chicken Soup books, but I bought this with some reluctance since I have a tendency to enjoy stories about interfering, neurotic moms and I suffer a bit from an over-abundance of sweetness in stories about parent-child relationships. However, I was very happy with most of the stories especially the ones about disabled mothers who ignored their handicaps in favor of making wonderful lives for their children. Almost every mom in these stories, disabled or not, shows great love and deep caring for their children when they are young and when they are grown. Some of the children admit that they didn't always appreciate their mothers' sacrifices and only now as adults are beginning to see the great love their moms had for them.

Some of the stories were simpler--basic stuff about moms who read to their children, passed on their love of poetry, or helped a young son learn to ride his bike. They're pleasant stories but not all the kind that really get the tear ducts operating or the heart singing.

There was one story similar to the kind I was hoping for--a mom's obsession with the clothes she felt her daughter should be wearing. This was fairly amusing. I had a mom who was obsessed with my hair, makeup, and clothing and so I do long for more stories about interfering moms--so-called Jewish moms--but of all nationalities. But this type of story is meant for a different type of book. If you buy chicken soup, you have to expect sweetness. The bottom line here is love. The moms here loved their children, showing it in a myriad of ways. A pleasant book which sometimes soars to great heights when you try to imagine moms with great physical challenges who still manage to make their children priorities.
3440131
Like many moms, as soon as my husband and I announced we were expecting our first child, we heard a familiar refrain:  "Children don't come with an instruction manual."  Well, fast-forward a couple of years into being a mama of two little boys, and I realized BEING A MOM didn't come with an instruction manual.

Until now.  Lisa Byrne, from her generous heart and brilliant mind, has crafted a loving guidebook for mamas at whatever stage of mothering.  Instead of the usual parenting advice, she provides well-thought-out, practical steps that each mama can use to take care of herself.  Not in a superficial or self-absorbed way, but in a real-life, honest-to-goodness roadmap back to being healthy, strong, vital, and happy.  Because let's face it, what new mom doesn't at times feel both unbelievably grateful for the gift of her amazing children, and also sometimes frazzled, sleep-deprived, confused, and a bit lost as well?

This may well be my baby shower gift to all expecting mothers for the foreseeable future.  And as for me, my own copy is highlighted and close by to help get me back on track when I need it for at least the next 16 years!

Oh, one more quick note:  I have had the privilege of taking several of Lisa's classes, and thought surely this would all just be a rehash of what we had learned in class. Wrong.  She's managed to take a giant step back and give much more of a bird's eye view of the whole picture of mama self-care, whereas the classes are a chance to roll your sleeves up and get down into the details.  So, if you're part of the WellGroundedLife community, you'll want this book.  And, if you're not yet a part of the community, you'll love the book, and may want to join in the fun!
4208582
This is the second book in the popular GRATITUDE BOOK PROJECT series and again it was a pleasure to read stories about everyday people like myself writing about things that may or may not be everyday events.  This collection of stories are all written around the theme of motherhood and a perfect gift for mom, grandma or a soon to be mom on Mother's Day or other special occasion.  I had a copy sent to my mom last week.  After she received it she emailed me to thank me and said how inspiring it was to read.  So often moms aren't appreciated for all they do - this is a testimonial to the world that life is indeed better because of those special bonds that are formed with our moms.
2284732
Have you ever really, Really, REALLY liked a book that you thought "I might as well highlight the whole book!"? Well, that is me with Desperate! After just seeing the title, I knew I would read this book and am so glad I did. (I was even extra blessed to get to review it!) I've needed a book like this for several years and would highly recommend it to all moms!! We moms may be exhausted and desperate...."But you have a faithful God who loves you and whom I believe will bring you what you need to get through. There is no one answer for everyone, because the Lord works differently in each of our lives, but you need to know that He hasn't forgotten you. He doesn't forget His children, big or little." (from Sarah)

Sally Clarkson, an older mom, became a mentor for Sarah Mae, a younger mom, and now they are joining forces to minister to other moms. At the beginning of each chapter they share a letter from Sarah and then Sally's response to it. Next they each share very honestly and beautifully from their heart. And don't worry; We are not given a new to-do-list, but instead understanding and encouragement...

"I came to realize over the years that the forming of their souls was a hard, long-distance race. In retrospect I can now see how it has become an essential part of my spiritual service of worship to God. He entrusted these precious souls into my hands. The work of motherhood was the way He wanted me to serve and love Him...In order to stay the course, we mothers must see the nurturing of our children as a spiritual call in order to have integrity in our own Christian lives." (from Sally)

The book is divided into three sections -- 1: The Dream Life...Altered, 2: Getting Real About Mama-hood, and 3: The Redeeming -- with chapters breaking topics down. At the end of each chapter is "Your Turn" with verses, questions, suggested activity and even a video. Then at the end of the book is a question and answer with Sally Clarkson.

Now, go get a copy for you and a few more to share with your mommy friends!! :)

Disclosure: I received this ebook free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
3990388
I felt like Tracy was reading my mind sometimes with this book! It's a great easy read for any mom. Light-hearted and funny
4457007
At a time when Moms seem to be consistently competing with one another, this book is a breath of fresh air!  No more "one-upping" and no more feeling inferior... just an honest look at parenting and family life that will change not only how we look at ourselves but how we look at all the Moms around us.  We are surrounded by a community of women who have the opportunity to support one another, but only if we tell the truth.  Parenting is hard.  We are doing the best we can. And not one of us is perfect!

Jill Savage has provided a book that overflows with wisdom and will encourage any woman in the midst of raising her family.  Loaded with stories and ideas, No More Perfect Moms helped me to accept my mistakes, my weaknesses and strengths,  and extend that acceptance to others.

I highly recommend this book to any woman who is ready to realize that life with our families is not about seeking perfection.  It has nothing to do with perfect bodies, perfect homes or even perfect meals.  In fact, it has nothing to do with perfection at all.  Jill says, "While we're pursuing perfection, we're missing out on the most precious parts of life."  How true this is!
I am thankful for a book that helps me to embrace my life, imperfections and all!
2124164
I bought this book last week and have already been so blessed by it. I love that it is geared toward homeschooling moms as I resonate with so much of what Durenda writes. It's like she spent the day with me and my kids! Ha! I am so thankful for her wisdom and years of experience and how she uses them to speak into younger woman's lives. We need more women like her! I also really appreciate her honesty and vulnerability in sharing these amazing nuggets of truth. I read her first book and listen to her podcasts weekly. They are always such an encouragement to me. If you are a mom and don't have a lot of time, and need some daily encouragement and wisdom to start out your day, you need to get this book!
1936399
Moms, you will love this book by Wendy Hagen! This young mother of three will keep you laughing and nodding your head in agreement as you compare her crazy, messy stories of motherhood with your own. Truly, only other moms can appreciate(?) this stage of life that is just as full of joys as it is bodily fluids.

Reading Wendy's book is like reading a long e-mail from one of your best girlfriends. She spills out all the frustrations of mothering babies and toddlers with both humor and grace (both of which moms REALLY need!). But Wendy also brings encouragement and wisdom to the matter, giving practical tips on how to take care of yourself and your marriage during this hectic time of life.

TOTALLY DESPERATE MOM is a quick, easy read (very important for busy moms, who may only have time to read while in the bathroom or while cooking dinner)--one that will hold your attention and make you smile. You'll appreciate this realistic approach to what life is really like in "the motherhood." Moms, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. And if you know a mom-to-be, give her a copy of it, too, because she'll want to know she's not alone when she's in the midst of "the Black Hole"! Now you're curious, aren't you?
3032365
Wow! Beginning to end, an awesome, intimate, super-funny, amazing account of one mother's "journey" to trust her own (and her children's) intuition. I've never read anything like it. The author wrote a book that inspires each mother to think of her own way and her own truth, instead of so many books out there that tell parents how to "handle," "train," "manage," and "tame" their kids. FINALLY, breath of FRESH AIR! BTW, I checked out her great website [...]  and it's well worth the visit! Enjoy!
3268777
I would give this book a million stars if I could. Heidi's heart is to start a movement of women back to God and I think that is exactly what God is doing through her. I have never read a book that I connected so well with as a mother. I am a young momma and desire to be #momstrong throughout this journey of motherhood. I highly recommend this book if you are a mother with a pulse. It will inspire and encourage you!!!
935610
There are hundreds of preachy, boring, "I'm-the-best-Mom-ever" blogs out there today.  Ronda's blog is written genuinely and honestly.  She captures the day to day life of a mother with such authenticity that the reader immediately connects.  To have a book holding her best blogs on hand to re-read as many times as I need--fantastic! After reading Go Unleashed! you too will notice, that Ronda Doherty is an excellent mom.  Her life is family-centered and she ENJOYS her life by laughing at all its blunders and bumps.  She doesn't spend all the time, energy, and money so many other moms do just trying to keep up.  She embraces the cards that have been dealt with humor, sarcasm, and reality.  We all could learn a thing or two about the true mom Mrs. D is! Bring on Volume 2!!
2425085
I am on the 'other side'. My 8 children are mostly grown. But oh how I remember those days of frustration, fear, guilt, EXHAUSTION and complete loneliness. Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson speak to every mother in our culture today. We live our lives in isolation and feel like we are the only ones struggling, the only ones messing up, the only ones who can't handle today. Desperate shows how common these feelings are and how community with older godly women can help.

This is not a How To book, it is a book to touch the soul and heart of a mom. It will make you cry as you read and think, "OH MY GOODNESS! That's ME!" To know that someone else feels your anguish offers great comfort and relief.

I love how each chapter ends with some real questions and suggestions - both to the young mom and the older woman and how she can effectively reach out and BE that source of help to the young moms around her.

I've been mentoring women for many years and even still, this book was encouraging and refreshing. It offers a breath of fresh air for women who desperately need to breathe! I highly recommend this book.

*I received a free copy of this book for my HONEST review. But I would have purchased it anyway. (for some reason Amazon thinks IL is Israel...it's really not.)
624990
You know how you feel after having lunch with your best friend? You feel "gotten," affirmed, connected and inspired. That's how you will feel reading Ali Katz's terrific book, "Hot Mess to Mindful Mom." In her no-BS, straight-forward way, she quickly feels like an old friend who is there for you and cheering you on to find the balance she has achieved despite her share of life's challenges. The short chapters and range of easy suggestions make this a go-to resource for anyone who is seeking more peace in their life. It really doesn't have to be hard and Ali shows us the way.
3285924
Rebecca Barlow Jordan has crafted a wonderful devotional for moms which would be a great start to any day. The entries are short but full of truth and encouragement. I especially loved it when Rebecca shared stories from her own life and revealed the challenges and struggles she lived through (and grew through) as a mother. Pick one of these up for you and a friend. It's small enough to go in your glovebox, so you can read it while you're waiting to pick up the kids from sports or music practice. :)
676828
I love Melanie's blog so had been looking forward to this release. SGE did not disappoint!  If you're looking for "12 steps" to be a better mom, skip it.  But if you want to be INSPIRED to embrace life as a woman of faith, with all its ups & downs, then don't miss this gem. I found myself laughing out loud (no, seriously) & then shedding a few tears only a few paragraphs later at the simple but heart-deep truths Melanie shares.  I loved it.  Even though it's hard to put down - for those who are still in the trenches with a lot of "interruptions" in their day - it's an easy put down/pick up-where-you-left-off kind of book.  SGE is a GREAT gift idea for women of any age - or for yourself! :)
1219831
Grateful for Amy's words of honesty, humor, and grace as she shares about her experience and unmet expectations as a mom. Amy is a woman who loves God and loves others so well, who welcomes God's grace in her life and pours that grace toward others. As a newlywed with no kiddos (yet) I couldn't help but soak up Amy's words of truth and encouragement for the realities of motherhood and the strength needed for that special season. This book is the PERFECT holiday gift for all the mommas you know. Be encouraged and uplifted while you laugh and relate to Amy's stories of motherhood, marriage, and ministry!