Just in time for Mother’s Day, I have five book reviews to share for moms who are looking for books that inspire fresh hope.
Giveaway notice! TWO winners will receive copies of both Lies Moms Believe and the companion study! Read on for more details.
Unbound: Finding Freedom from Unrealistic Expectations of Motherhood
Every Sunday, Jamie Sumner hosts a linkup on her blog, and that’s how I’ve come to know bits and pieces of her story as a mom of a special needs child. In Unbound, Jamie tells the full story of how she became a mom through unbelievable trials and heartache while clinging to her faith. I’m grateful she has bravely shared her story with the world.
Jamie is a master wordsmith. Each sentence is carefully crafted and well-written. I love her wry sense of humor, her throwback 1980’s and 1990’s references, and her surprising-yet-spot-on metaphors. The book took me longer to read than expected, since I savored the thousands of word pictures she created. Worth the slower reading speed.
A Wise Memoir Moms Will Enjoy
She writes about infertility in all its heart-wrenching stages, including IVF. I burst into sobs several times, empathizing with her mama heart. I won’t give her story away here…it’s so rich and beautiful, you simply must read it for yourself.
In every chapter of Unbound, Jamie retells the story of a woman from the Bible in her own words. I was impressed with her application of scripture to her memoir, and I gained new perspectives from her insights. She is real and gritty about her faith, and I appreciate her vulnerable honesty rather than candy-coated tomes. Never again will I say trite things to someone struggling with infertility–I’m grateful for Jamie’s lessons.
In terms of style, this is one of the finest books I’ve read in a long time. The story will break your heart and make it soar again. Be sure to have a box of tissues nearby, and enjoy the empathetic ride. Five star book!
Unbound by Jamie Sumner: A well-written, faith-based memoir of infertility and special needs parenting. Click To TweetI received a free preview copy of this book from FaithWords.
The Mom Project: 21 Days to a More Connected Family
Every book I’ve ever read by Kathi Lipp doesn’t disappoint, and this one is par for the course. This book is cram-packed with excellent, practical ideas for connecting with your kids at all ages and stages.
I enjoy all the angles presented in this book. She gives advice to single parents, stepparents, and parents of young children, elementary school aged children, and teens. I also like that my friend Cheri Gregory helped Kathi write each chapter from the four basic child temperaments. So incredibly thorough and helpful!
Idea after idea tumbles out of each chapter. I feel inspired and encouraged by this book. Even though I think I’m a pretty good mom, I can always improve. Now I have a bevy of solid ideas for connecting with my children, just in time for summer break.
Family Connection Ideas for Moms
Kathi includes her signature humor in this book. I had several belly laughs as I read through her mishaps, especially the one on camping (I hate camping too!).
Here is a tiny sample of the many ideas in this wonderful book:
- Family Fun Night variations by age
- Build Your Own Meal nights
- Six Ways to Shower Your Child With Encouragement
- After-School Coffee Breaks
- 10 Ways to Make Your Home a Haven
- Family Service Ideas
- Investing in Your Kid’s Passions
- A Treat Just for Each One of Your Children
- Family Book Discussions
I love these ideas! One I’m applying today is having a tea party with my 9-year-old. She loves to bake, and we both like girly things. I wouldn’t have had this connection idea without the book. Thank you, Kathi!
The Mom Project by Kathi Lipp: Full of practical connection ideas for moms at every parenting stage. Click To TweetNetgalley provided me a free review copy of this book.
Daily Wisdom for the Mommy-to-Be: Everyday Encouragement during Your Pregnancy
This is a sweet, perfect-length devotional for a spiritually-minded pregnant woman. As a mommy-to-be 14 years ago, I would have delighted in this book. Stacey Thureen has written a perfect gift book for the woman you know who is pregnant, no matter how many children she has.
Stacey writes a very brief devotional for each day of the 40 weeks of pregnancy. The short length is ideal for busy moms. I enjoy how Stacey crafts them around issues specific to each trimester.
She also shares many stories of other mommies in her devotionals. When I was pregnant with my first child, I was hungry for pregnancy stories, and this book reminds me of my search. Even though the stories may be fictional, it doesn’t matter, because it feels like you’re receiving pregnancy stories from a community. I think every mommy-to-be finds encouragement from hearing how other women handle pregnancy.
Encouragement for Pregnant Moms
I also like that sometimes she carries a single story over several devotions to dig in a little deeper. Even if a woman picks this book up in her second or third trimester, the devotions are short enough to read through a whole week in one 15- or 20-minute setting. Pregnant women will be uplifted and inspired by the scriptures and devotions in this book.
Stacey’s encouragement is gentle and sincere. Here are examples of the truths Stacey shares:
- To be a mommy-to-be is a high calling. One that demands a lot of time, attention, and responsibility. When you acknowledge Christ’s presence, He is always with you.
- Reflect on who God is, what He has concealed for you in this pregnancy, and what He is letting you see. Commit to trust Him in this process as your body continues to change.
- Whether this pregnancy so far has been a breeze or filled with some bizarre twists and turns, He’s holding you together.
A mommy-to-be who loves Jesus will appreciate this book! Know a newly pregnant mom? This will make an encouraging gift to last through her whole pregnancy.
Daily Wisdom for the Mommy-to-Be: A perfect gift for a newly pregnant mom. Click To TweetNetgalley generously provided me a free review copy of this book.
Lies Moms Believe: (And How the Gospel Refutes Them)
Mom and blogger Rebekah Hargraves is passionate about teaching moms their worth that can only be found in relationship with the one true God. Her viewpoint is strongly grounded in the Bible and I respect her zeal to educate moms about the truth.
She refutes 32 common lies moms believe with thorough scriptural instruction. In your heart of hearts, you may have bought into these lies as a mom:
- Mothering is unimportant work.
- I have to live with mommy guilt.
- I have to be a perfect mom.
- I’m a bad mom.
- “Me” time is selfish.
- I can’t have a clean house while my children are young.
- My life is passing me by.
- My success depends on how my children turns out.
- Children are expensive.
- I need to follow the culture on how to be the best mom I can be.
If you’ve believed any of these lies, you’ll find truth and encouragement in Rebekah’s writing. She applies God’s Word to every one of these lies and kicks down the falsehoods.
If you enjoy a brainy, theology-based read with no fluff, this book is for you. You’ll learn and grow through her teachings. Keep reading to enter the giveaway–TWO winners will receive a copy of this book along with the study guide!
Giveaway! Lies Moms Believe and How the Gospel Refutes Them, Plus Study Guide Click To TweetBlog About Blogger Network provided a free review copy of this book.
Lies Moms Believe: The Companion Bible Study
If you’re struggling with lies about biblical motherhood, this study will help you dig in deep and root out your doubts and insecurities. Rebekah Hargraves leads you through each chapter of Lies Moms Believe with 15 to 20 questions on different Bible verses and personal application questions.
You could use this book in your personal quiet time or for group study. If I was using it for group study, I’d pick a handful of questions to discuss with the group each week. You’ll gain new insight into how Bible truths apply to your life as a mom with this study guide.
Enter below for your chance to win one of two free giveaway bundles!
Thanks goes out to the Blog About Blogger Network for a free review copy of this book.
Giveaway time!
TWO winners will receive copies of both Lies Moms Believe and the companion study!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Open to U.S. residents only. No purchase necessary to enter. All entries will be verified. Entries that do not meet verification requirements will be disqualified. Two winners will be selected from a random drawing. Books will be mailed via USPS on or after May 11, 2018. This contest is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media outlet.
Questions for you:
Which book do you find most intriguing, and why?
Who do you know that will enjoy these books? Will you share this post with them?
If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!
This post may be linked up at #sundaythoughts, #mommymoments, #modestmonday, #inspirememonday, #lmmlinkup, #teaandwordtuesday, #raralinkup, #tellhisstory, #coffeeforyourheart, #sittingamongfriends, #rechargewednesday, #encouragingwordwednesday, #porchstories, #welcomewednesday, #w2wwordfilledwednesday, #momentsofhope, #heartencouragement, #tuneinthursday, #gracemoments, #destinationinspiration, #dancewithjesus, #faithnfriends, #freshmarketfriday, #graceandtruth, and #faithonfire. I love the blogging community and consider these hosts my friends–please visit their sites and encourage them too!
Disclosure: If you purchase a book through the links provided, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support of my writing ministry!
By signing up, you’ll instantly receive the mini book 5 Days to Greater Peace. You’ll also have access to all the encouraging resources in my Library!
* indicates required