Bargain E-Book: Mommy Burnout by Dr. Sheryl Ziegler

The ultimate must-read handbook for the modern mother: a practical, and positive tool to help free women from the debilitating notion of being the "perfect mom," filled with funny and all too relatable true-life stories and realistic suggestions to stop the burnout cycle, and protect our kids from the damage burnout can cause.

Moms, do you feel tired? Overwhelmed? Have you continually put off the things you need to do for you? Do you feel like it’s all worth it because your kids are happy? Are you "over" being a mother? If you answered yes to these questions, you’re not alone. Parents today want to create the ideal childhood for their children. Women strive to be the picture-perfect Pinterest mother that looks amazing, hosts the best birthday parties in town, posts the most "liked" photos, and serves delicious, nutritious home-cooked meals in her neat, organized home after ferrying the kids to school and a host of extracurricular activities on time.

This drive, while noble, can also be destructive, causing stress and anxiety that leads to "mommy burnout." Psychologist and family counselor Dr. Sheryl Ziegler is well-versed in the stress that moms face, and the burden of guilt they carry because they often feel like they aren’t doing enough for their kids’ happiness. A mother of three herself, Dr. Z—as she’s affectionately known by her many patients—recognizes and understands that modern moms are all too often plagued by exhaustion, failure, isolation, self-doubt, and a general lack of self-love, and their families are also feeling the effects, too.

Over the last nineteen years working with families and children, Dr. Z has devised a prescriptive program for addressing "mommy burnout"—teaching moms that they can learn to re-energize themselves and still feel good about their families and their lives. In this warm and empathetic guide, she examines this modern epidemic among mothers who put their children’s happiness above their own, and offers empowering, proven solutions for alleviating this condition, saving marriages and keeping kids happy in the process.

File Size: 866 KB
Print Length: 341 pages
Publisher: Dey Street Books; Reprint edition (February 20, 2018)
Publication Date: February 20, 2018
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
Language: English
ASIN: B06ZZLN7BL

Purchase from:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

E-Book Sale: Truth Unchanging by Becky Thompson

Motherhood is often noisy and rarely silent. Learn to hear God speaking above all the noise in these daily devotions that can be completed in five minutes or less.

As moms know, even when there isn't noise around us, there is usually noise within us. The constant to-do lists that spin in our minds, the worry and wonder if we are doing a good job, and the need to stay two steps ahead of our families when we feel two steps behind keeps our minds routinely restless. So when quiet time with God isn't so quiet, and alone time is nearly nonexistent, how does a modern-day momma tune in the voice of the Lord?

With Truth Unchanging, you don't have to wait until you're alone to talk with Jesus. Designed to be read in five minutes or less, each powerful, hope-filled devotion will:

* refocus your heart on the Word of God
* refresh your mind with God's Truth for your life
* revive your spirit as you realize God is speaking to you personally

Truth Unchanging is not just a devotional. It's an opportunity to begin daily conversations with Jesus, the One who has everything we need to take on the days ahead, the One who wants to speak to you right now. Tune in to His voice today.

Purchase for only $1.99 at:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Books-A-Million

Book Review: Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday by Valerie Woerner

Are you a mom who is stressed? Worn out? Grumpy? Those moments come to all of us. In Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday by Valerie Woerner, the author shares some of her trials as a mother and encourages other moms to ignore the world's lies about motherhood and, instead, embrace the energy, joy and peace that can be found in spending purposeful time with God amid the daily chaos that is called motherhood.

Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday will have you smiling. It will have you laughing. There are moments where you'll say to yourself, "Yes, that's just how I feel." In this helpful resource, you'll learn Woerner's story of how she realized she needed to tackle her Grumpy Mom for her and her family's sake. Then she plots out action steps for you to take so you can rein in your Grumpy Mom. Each chapter also has a Bible verse and a prayer.

One of the best pieces of advice for me came in Chapter 4. This chapter discusses worry--something we moms know a lot about. Woerner puts worry (and our need to control things) into the right perspective by reminding the reader that God is the One in control. As she says, "He is able to love my kids better, discipline them better, comfort them better, and counsel them better than I ever could."

Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday reminds the reader to trust in the Lord, spend time in His presence, and be open to His plan for your life. In the fourth section, Woerner talks about connecting to your spouse, your friends, and with God. There are tons of helpful tips here on how to connect in all these relationships. The last section is about thriving--enjoying some breathing room, slowing down, and living in the moment. For me, anyway, this is the hardest part. As Woerner says, however, "...with God's help, we're going to choose peace and joy and fulfillment right in the middle of it."

I truly enjoyed Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday and will hold onto it for future reference. Also available is Fresh Start for Moms: A 31-Day Devotional Journal to Renew Your Joy, which nicely complements Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday.



Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Tyndale Momentum (April 9, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1496435303
ISBN-13: 978-1496435309

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Mailbox Monday - April 1

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Welcome back to Monday. It's April Fools' Day. Any good plans for that?  I just hope no one pranks me. I am so gullible.

Last week I missed blogging here. There were just too many things going on. I had listing appointments; my mother-in-law is with us;  the Lil' Diva had physical therapy for her back because it's really been bothering her; and I had meetings like crazy. Oh.and we saw KISS in Boston on Tuesday. They always put on a good show.

Paul Stanley visits the crowd

I also finished a chapter of my middle grade novel and started the next one. Hopefully the next chapter will be done before writing group meets next week. Changed my hair too!

In my book world, my physical mailbox held two presents:

Then I picked up this Kindle freebie. Young adult contemporary romance isn't my usual fare, but it sounds interesting.

What did your mailbox hold?

Book Review: Raising A Young Modern-Day Princess by Doreen Hanna and Karen Whiting

A book that is both empowering and inspiring, Raising A Young Modern-Day Princess: Growing the Fruit of the Spirit in Your Little Girl is the perfect guide for raising a godly young woman.

Co-authors Doreen Hanna and Karen Whiting share their insights on how parents can instill and nurture virtuous traits in young girls to prepare them for the teenage years. Each chapter is filled with personal stories, Scripture references, activities, and ideas based upon the theme of that chapter.

It was wise to start off the first chapter talking about different personalities. Understanding a child's personality goes a long way in helping a parent know how to interact with that child and gets them to thinking how best to teach them.

I also like how dads were not left behind. There are dad and daughter activities and each chapter winds down with "Dad's Toolbox," which allows the reader to discover "insights on using the appropriate tool to build purpose, value, and strength" in their little girl's life.

This book is an excellent resource to encourage you as the parent of a young girl. I've had two, so I know it's not always sugar and spice and everything nice. I'm only sad that my girls are way beyond this stage now and I won't be able to put this great book into action. I certainly wish Raising A Young Modern-Day Princess was around back then.

Highly recommended!

Pages: 228
Publisher: Focus on the Family
ISBN-10: 1589978668
ISBN-13: 978-1589978669

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Mailbox Monday - Sept 19

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a great weekend. It was a weekend of soccer, a birthday, and work.

Papou (Greek for grandfather) turned 86 on Friday. The family got together to celebrate. Earlier in the week my husband visited Fenway and got a tour of the stadium. He met former Boston Red Sox center fielder Fred Lynn. When he told Lynn that his father was a big fan, Lynn called Papou up and spoke to him for a bit. That's a pretty cool present.

Saturday and Sunday were both losses on the soccer field, but the Lil' Princess played well. Hope her tendinitis doesn't act up too much.

As for book arrivals, it was a great week. Three book review requests came in.

She's ghostwriting a book for a famous author--a recently deceased one. A struggling writer living in Manhattan, Jacy McMasters is the first to admit she's a terrific liar and a screw-up. Then the ghost of the famous novelist JD Balinger asks her to "channel" a follow-up to his classic coming of age book, The Watcher in the Sky. Along with her new boyfriend, a bear of a man who has no patience for mind games, the ghost in Jacy's head forces her to confront a lifetime of secrets—dark secrets. Secrets she's been keeping from herself.

This Advent book contains family devotions that focus on connecting Jesus and the symbols of Christmas. Each day includes a devotional, prayer, questions to discuss, the meaning of a Christmas symbol, and suggested activities to put the scriptures into action. Reproducibles are included to help with the symbol activities.

Emulating the format of Raising a Modern-Day Princess, authors Doreen Hanna and Karen Whiting seek to help parents and grandparents cultivate strong relationships and encourage the spiritual formation in their daughters using examples, Bible teaching on the fruit of the Spirit, and a variety of creative activities that are based on Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).

By implementing the ideas in this book, mothers (as well as fathers) will be equipped to understand and guide their daughters through each step of becoming His “princess.” This will include perceiving a daughter’s unique personality and gifts, refining her character through training and discipline, and modeling the attributes of a daughter of the King.

This book is a follow-up to both Raising a Modern-Day Knight (by Robert Lewis) and Raising a Modern-Day Princess by Pam Farrel and Doreen Hanna. While the latter book is aimed at parents of girls ages 12 and up, this book focuses on building the Christian character of younger girls.


Don't know about you, but I am thrilled to see the Christmas books coming out. The only thing that can make my favorite genres better is to have their stories set during Christmas time.

What was in your mailbox last week? Hope you'll share.

Coming in January: Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch

“But everyone else has it.” “If you loved me, you’d get it for me!” When you hear these comments from your kids, it can be tough not to cave. You love your children—don’t you want them to be happy and to fit in?

Kristen Welch knows firsthand it’s not that easy. In fact, she’s found out that when you say yes too often, it’s not only hard on your peace of mind and your wallet—it actually puts your kids at long-term risk. In Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, Kristen shares the ups and downs in her own family’s journey of discovering why it’s healthiest not to give their kids everything. Teaching them the difference between “want” and “need” is the first step in the right direction. With many practical tips and anecdotes, she shares how to help kids become hardworking, fulfilled, and successful adults.

It’s never too late to raise grateful kids. Get ready to cultivate a spirit of genuine appreciation in your family and create a home in which your kids don’t just say—but mean!—“thank you” for everything they have.

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Tyndale Momentum (January 26, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1496405293
ISBN-13: 978-1496405296


Pre-order here!

Kindle Bargain: Baby Bumps by Amy Sprenger

From the author of the award-winning blog Snarky Mommy comes a book that will make every woman who has ever been pregnant pee with laughter (not that that’s hard). Wearing her highest heels and hottest pregnancy jeans, Amy Sprenger marches into her doctor’s office, beverage in hand, ready to finally see whether her baby is a boy or a girl. Sure, sure, this appointment is supposed to be about checking the health of the baby, but everyone who’s ever been there knows it’s really about looking for what lays, or doesn’t lay, between the legs. So when the doctor tells her she has an incompetent cervix, Amy becomes immediately offended on behalf of her reproductive organs. Is that just a politically correct way of saying her cervix sucks?

Unfortunately, as she’s soon to learn, it’s a lot more than that. The only way to keep that baby from falling out on the sidewalk (probably in front of Starbucks) is for her doctor to stitch her cervix closed and for Amy to stay in bed for the next four months. Four months that are carefully detailed in this “memoir.” A memoir that, while basically true, has been embellished with Amy’s signature brand of humor and hilarity.

With more time off than a castoff contestant on "The Bachelor," Amy takes pen to paper and settles in for the ride. But instead of sitting around eating bonbons, she’s popping hypertension drugs to stave off preterm labor. And complications? Oh, she’s got your complications. She’s gut-rehabbing her house. Her mother moves in to care for her. Her husband takes a “mancation” while she’s stuck in the hospital. And every time she has a contraction, she’s convinced it’s The Big One.

Living by the adage that laughter is the best medicine, Amy fumbles her way through a series of sometimes serious and usually embarrassing situations. And just to be clear, using a bedpan qualifies as both serious and embarrassing.

"Amy Sprenger's foray into factual fiction is a hilarious (and sometimes poignant) look at high-risk pregnancy from her view at the end of the bed. Sprenger offers a fresh and funny voice that readers will love!" -- New York Times bestselling author Jen Lancaster

File Size: 1950 KB
Print Length: 207 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1937349446
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Sheffield Publishing Group (September 2, 2015)
Publication Date: September 2, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B014U5MJUE


Purchase here for only 99 cents!

Book Review: What’s the Deal with Teens and Time Management by Leslie Josel

Tired of rushing to get your teen out of the door on time each morning? Frustrated by last-minute trips to the store to buy supplies for that school project your child has known about for months? Concerned that your teen is simply overwhelmed by all she has to manage? Let What’s the Deal with Teens and Time Management: A Parents’ Guide to Helping Your Teen Succeed by Leslie Josel help.

In less than 100 pages, Josel is able to guide you on how to help your teenage son or daughter get organized and develop the time management skills that will carry them through life. Not only did this book help me to understand how to phrase questions in ways that hone these lifelong skills; it also made me realize that my actions could either encourage or impede my children's progress.

What’s the Deal with Teens and Time Management will provide you with the information you need to make a change in your family's lives. From insight into learning styles, to homework strategies, to dealing with procrastination, to managing distractions and more, Josel offers realistic expert advice and achievable goals for your teen. I firmly believe every family with teens or soon to be teens can benefit from reading this book.

Highly recommended!

ISBN-13:9780990889151
Publisher:People Tested Books
Publication date: 01/29/2015
Pages:88

Purchase at: Amazon/Barnes & Noble

I received a digital copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Guilt Free Motherhood: A 5-Step Guide to Reclaiming Your Time, Health And Well-Being by Amber Khan

Which mother out there hasn't felt guilty at one time or another? I think I've carried around more than my fair share of guilt over the years. In Amber Khan's Guilt Free Motherhood: A 5-Step Guide to Reclaiming Your Time, Health And Well-Being, moms learn how to free themselves from the power guilt has over them.

Khan gets right to it, helping the reader discover what she feels guilty about and letting you know you're not alone. As she acknowledges, times have changed and moms are pulled in more directions than ever before. In Part One, she talks about different things that can make moms feel guilty and overwhelmed--like being unable to say no (something I really struggle with). In Part Two, the reader learns to recognize the "guilt traps" they fall into. From balancing family life and career, to neglecting your health, to over-committing, and more, Khan takes the reader through these traps so the reader can understand what she's dealing with. Then in the final part of the book, Khan provides a 5-Step Guide to help you live a guilt-free life.

The author has kept this book to only 154 pages, so it's easy to read, but still offers a ton of great information. It's not a philosophy where you are expected to totally change your life. It's realistic and will help you learn how to take things one day at a time. The exercises get you thinking how to make this work best for you.

If you're a mom who feels guilty for one reason or another, I believe Guilt Free Motherhood can help.


File Size: 905 KB
Print Length: 154 pages
Publication Date: April 29, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00WY9MZJ4

I received a copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Beach Reads: Vacation Book Update

Vacation has been lovely. We are now in our second week at the Outer Banks. We've managed to avoid sharks; though a news report indicated we missed two guys hauling a shark up onto the beach a few hours before we were there one day.

One of the best parts of vacation is catching up on my reading. I'm almost done with Out of Control: Why Disciplining Your Child Won't Work...And What Will by Shefali Tsabary, PhD. I've also read, My Spouse Wants More Sex Than Me: The 2-Minute Solution for a Happier Marriage by Dr. Ruxandra LeMay, and am currently reading ’89 Walls by Katie Pierson and Guilt Free Motherhood: A 5-Step Guide to Reclaiming Your Time, Health & Well-Being by Amber Kahn.

What have you been reading this month?

First Chapter Review: Out of Control by Shefali Tsabary, PhD

BLURB:  Every parent wants the golden key to raising well-behaved, academically gifted, successful, happy children. Embedded in the collective psyche is the notion that discipline is the cornerstone to achieving these goals. Out of Control offers a never-before-published perspective on why the entire premise of discipline is flawed. Dr. Shefali Tsabary reveals how discipline is a major cause of generations of dysfunction. The author goes to the heart of the problems parents have with children, challenging society’s dependence on discipline, daring readers to let go of fear-based ideologies and replace them with an approach that draws parent and child together. The key is ongoing meaningful connection between parent and child, free from threats, deprivation, punishment, and timeouts — all forms of manipulation. Parents learn how to enter into deep communion with their children, understanding the reasons for a behavior and how to bring out the best in the child. Far from a laissez-faire, anything goes, approach, this is how a child learns responsibility and takes ownership of their life, equipped with character and resilience that flow naturally from within.

COVER: This color scheme is very appealing and soothing. The blended circles appear to signify the connected and harmonious relationship between parent and child.

FIRST CHAPTER: The opening chapter of Out of Control sets the stage for what is to come. In a few pages, the author is able to outline her philosophy on child rearing.

KEEP READING: Definitely. I received this book quite a while ago, but simply haven't been able to sit down with it. Two recent events with my children have made me realize I can't afford to put off reading it any longer. All of us seem to be at the breaking point lately considering our overloaded schedules and medical issues that have cropped up for many in the family. We need our home life to be more peaceful so that we can deal with the other issues better.

This first chapter is designed to quickly outline Dr. Tsabary's philosophy on why discipline doesn't work and get you thinking: Is she right? I look forward to reading more.

Kindle Freebie: Busy Toddler, Happy Mom by Gayle Jervis and Kristen Jervis Cacka

Do you often wish you had more ideas on how to keep your child stimulated at home? Do you find yourself signing up for expensive toddler programs since they give you the confidence that you have provided all that your toddler needs for his developmental growth? Do you wish that your toddler could be more fully engaged in his play so that you have time to do the laundry? Have you purchased activity books to give you more ideas on how to entertain your toddler to discover that they are more appropriate for groups of toddlers at a daycare or for a specialized program?

If you said yes to any of these questions, this book is for you!

Busy Toddler, Happy Mom has been divided into specific chapters that work on specific skills: small motor skills, gross motor skills, arts and crafts, sensory abilities, books and language development. As these activities are introduced, you are also increasing your toddler's math and reading readiness, her vocabulary, her understanding of language, and her understanding of her world.

So here is your chance to use a toddler activity book geared toward you, the parent or grandparent, who wants to engage her toddler in one-on-one learning experiences, while encouraging your toddler’s ability to play independently.


File Size: 340 KB
Print Length: 174 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00BMWEEW0

PURCHASE HERE!

Teaser Tuesdays - March 4

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Most parents find themselves in an endless system of bartering with their children. I call it the "prisoner-warden" approach to parenting, in which the warden is required to closely monitor the child's actions. The child, in the role of prisoner, does something right or wrong. The parent, acting the part of the warden, swoops in to dish out either a reward or a punishment. The prisoner soon becomes dependent on the warden's control to regulate their behavior.

~ Page 2 from Out of Control: Why Disciplining Your Child Doesn't Work...And What Will by Shefali Tsabary, PhD

Mailbox Monday - March 3

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

Crazy, crazy week filled with getting a lot done, but not what I planned. I am also totally engrossed by Pioneer Girl by Bich Minh Ngyuen, so though I should be working, I'm stealing moments to read it.

Last week, three books arrived in my mailbox.

Rick and Abby grew up together, became best friends, and ultimately fell in love. Circumstance tore them apart in their early teens, though, and they went on to lives less idyllic than they dreamed about in those early days. Rick has had a very successful career, but his marriage flat-lined. Abby has a magical daughter, Paige, but Paige's father nearly destroyed Abby's spirit.

Now fate has thrown Rick and Abby together again. In their early thirties, they are more world-weary than they were as kids. But their relationship still shimmers, and they're hungry to make up for lost time. However, Paige, now nine, is not nearly as enthusiastic. She's very protective of the life she's made with her mother and not open to the duo becoming a trio. Meanwhile, Rick has very little experience dealing with kids and doesn't know how to handle Paige. This leaves Abby caught between the two people who matter the most to her. What happens when the life you've dreamed of remains just inches from your grasp?

I've interviewed Steven Manchester in the past at The Book Connection, and I've also reviewed a first chapter of one of his books. This time, I am reviewing the whole thing. It sounds like a great book.

I'm scheduled to review this one in a couple of weeks. Hopefully I can finish it before I need to post.

As a straight-A student with a budding romance and loyal best friend, M.T.’s life seems as apple-pie American as her blondish hair and pale skin. But M.T. hides two facts to the contrary: her full name of Monserrat Thalia and her status as an undocumented immigrant.

But it’s harder to hide now that M.T.’s a senior. Her school’s National Honor Society wants her to plan their trip abroad, her best friend won’t stop bugging her to get her driver’s license, and all everyone talks about is where they want to go to college. M.T. is pretty sure she can’t go to college, and with high school ending and her family life unraveling, she’s staring down a future that just seems empty. In the end, M.T. will need to trust herself and others to stake a claim in the life that she wants.

Author Maria E. Andreu draws from her personal experience as a (formerly) undocumented immigrant to explore an issue that affects over one million children in the U.S. But while the subject matter is timely, it is M.T.’s sharp, darkly funny voice and longing for a future that makes this story universally poignant.

This is a book I'll be reviewing here at The Busy Mom's Daily.

Every parent wants the golden key to raising well-behaved, academically gifted, successful, happy children. Embedded in the collective psyche is the notion that discipline is the cornerstone to achieving these goals. Out of Control offers a never-before-published perspective on why the entire premise of discipline is flawed. Dr. Shefali Tsabary reveals how discipline is a major cause of generations of dysfunction. The author goes to the heart of the problems parents have with children, challenging society’s dependence on discipline, daring readers to let go of fear-based ideologies and replace them with an approach that draws parent and child together. The key is ongoing meaningful connection between parent and child, free from threats, deprivation, punishment, and timeouts — all forms of manipulation. Parents learn how to enter into deep communion with their children, understanding the reasons for a behavior and how to bring out the best in the child. Far from a laissez-faire, anything goes, approach, this is how a child learns responsibility and takes ownership of their life, equipped with character and resilience that flow naturally from within.

I was a good girl and didn't download any free books last week.

What was in your mailbox?

Interview with Author Kersten Campbell and Giveaway at Linda Weaver Clarke's Blog

My friend, Linda Weaver Clarke is up to her tricks again. This week she has a fabulous international giveaway that every mother I know will want to enter. I really should keep it under wraps so I can win this book, but I know even if I don't win, I'm picking up a copy of Confessions of a Completely (In)sane Mother.

"Confessions is a book full of humor stories about life with five kids and a mother who is far from perfect. In fact, that's why I wrote the book, so that women would be inspired to relax and enjoy motherhood and realize that nobody is perfect. I hoped it would inspire them to laugh at the little disasters that happen every day in family life. The message is: Just do your best, enjoy your family, and rely on the Savior to make up the difference."

Now, I'm sure not a perfect mother. My kids will eagerly tell you that. But I really like the message this book shares. It's something I try to remind myself of every day.

So, how can you enter to win a copy of Confessions of a Completely (In)sane Mother? Visit Linda Weaver Clarke's blog and leave a comment with your email address.

This contest ends on July 26th, so hurry on over. Wait, I take that back. Stay away so my chances of winning the book are increased!



Kersten Campbell has always loved books and chocolate doughnuts. When she was a young girl her parents had her hearing tested because she would be so involved in reading a book that she couldn't hear what was going on in the outside world. There was nothing they could do about the chocolate doughnuts.

She grew up in Wisconsin until she turned sixteen, when her family moved to Boise, Idaho. When she protested the move, her father said, "Don't worry, you'll probably find some nice Mormon boy to marry."

Confused, Kersten replied, "What's a Mormon?"

She soon found out, and joined the LDS church at age twenty-one. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Idaho in English Literature and has written many articles and stories for church publications and other magazines. When not writing, she enjoys reading, painting, family history research, playing the clarinet in a city band, playing with children, and eating chocolate doughnuts. She is currently working on more humor essays, a young adult fiction novel, and a spiritual book about motherhood.

She and that "nice Mormon boy," live in Washington with their five beautiful children.

Visit Kristen online at http://www.kerstencampbell.com/index.html.