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The Stories We Keep: A Novel of Motherhood, Mental Health & Hope
Jenna Cartwright has run away from her family in a desperate bid to save—or end—her life.
Driven to despair by debilitating depression, loneliness, and anxiety, Jenna makes a panic-driven decision to leave her husband and young children behind.
Upon fleeing to her hometown of Asher, Alabama, Jenna searches for help from the generations of women she loves most. As she learns their long-held stories, Jenna struggles to untangle her own thoughts and emotions, while also grappling with the impossible decision of what comes next.
Can she find the strength and courage to return to her family, heal her soul, and form her own life-saving sisterhood? Or will she remain a hopeless runaway mother, trapped by a longing for an irreversible escape?
A heart-felt novel exploring motherhood, mental health, and the redeeming power of storytelling, sisterhood, and grace.
Driven to despair by debilitating depression, loneliness, and anxiety, Jenna makes a panic-driven decision to leave her husband and young children behind.
Upon fleeing to her hometown of Asher, Alabama, Jenna searches for help from the generations of women she loves most. As she learns their long-held stories, Jenna struggles to untangle her own thoughts and emotions, while also grappling with the impossible decision of what comes next.
Can she find the strength and courage to return to her family, heal her soul, and form her own life-saving sisterhood? Or will she remain a hopeless runaway mother, trapped by a longing for an irreversible escape?
A heart-felt novel exploring motherhood, mental health, and the redeeming power of storytelling, sisterhood, and grace.
- GenresFictionPsychology
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2023
86 people are currently reading
1524 people want to read
About the author
Shawna Holly
2 books77 followersShawna Holly is an Okie who now lives outside of San Antonio, Texas, with her husband and three young kids.
Prior to venturing into fiction writing, she served in the U.S. Air Force, worked as a government contractor, wrote a hyper-local blog focused on the beautiful Texas Hill Country, and owned a boutique web design and digital marketing firm (not all at once, of course).
When not writing, editing, publishing, or marketing, she can likely be found napping, over-caffeinating, taxiing her kids around town, procrastinating, or cheering at the baseball field.
Keep in touch at shawnaholly.com.
Prior to venturing into fiction writing, she served in the U.S. Air Force, worked as a government contractor, wrote a hyper-local blog focused on the beautiful Texas Hill Country, and owned a boutique web design and digital marketing firm (not all at once, of course).
When not writing, editing, publishing, or marketing, she can likely be found napping, over-caffeinating, taxiing her kids around town, procrastinating, or cheering at the baseball field.
Keep in touch at shawnaholly.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 13, 2023
It is so painful to remember the truly difficult times of being a young wife and mother. Main character, Jenna, finds herself drowning in guilt and depression and discovers hope in the form of stories from women friends and a marvelous older friend. On top of that, Jenna has an incredible husband who is supportive, discerning and patient. Wonderful book, especially from a new author. Yay!
My thanks to the author, Shawna Holly, for my electronic copy of this book, which I received through a Goodreads Giveaway.
My thanks to the author, Shawna Holly, for my electronic copy of this book, which I received through a Goodreads Giveaway.
June 7, 2023
Well, I wrote it, so.... ;-)
June 13, 2023
This was a beautiful story about the twists turns up and downs about motherhood sister hood and the honor between women
March 14, 2024
I read this book which I found through SnagDragons. At first I was bracing for a sad story. Then things changed and I really felt for all the characters and how we really don’t talk about difficult emotions. I was not sad, I was more a mix of emotions. I was completely feeling what each character felt as if they were sitting next to me having a conversation rather than being words on a page. Without spoiling too much, I am glad that Jenna found a way to not only help herself with her story but those of others. I know this book is a work of fiction but this feels so realistic in the end I realized how we all have stories we never tell and how important it is to find a way to share your story. It is not a book of sadness but rather to know you aren’t alone.
June 6, 2023
Held my attention from first page to last
July 15, 2023
This story of a young mother will pull your heartstrings while making you cry, cheer, rage... all the emotions! If you have ever wanted to run away from the struggles of motherhood... this novel is for you. If you've ever felt alone in struggling as a wife, mother, daughter... this novel is for you. I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this novel, and immediately after finishing I knew I had to order a copy to support this debut author.
May 14, 2023
I loved every second of this book. I cried, I LOL’d, and I couldn’t put it down. Beautifully written and touching. Thank you Shawna Holly for tackling such a sensitive subject in such a beautiful way. GiGi was without a doubt my favorite. She reminded me of my own Gma who is also a badass southern woman.
April 18, 2023
Wonderfully written, 100% relatable and a feel good story. I couldn’t put this one down!
June 14, 2023
I want to just run away! How many times have you said it out loud or quietly screamed it in your mind?
Well that's exactly what our protagonist in The Stories We Keep ruminates on every single day. This recurring wish may start with marriage, then grows exponentially with each child. For Jenna, this feels like fighting a losing battle. Motherhood will do that to you. Have you ever played the game where you compare yourself with all the "perfect" mothers you see, only to fail miserably. Afterall you are the worst, most inadequate monster of a mother ever to exist.
Jenna has repeated this scenario so much that she is convinced that no one could find her worth. Least of all herself. It takes a leap of surrender and great sacrifice for her to find what's at the root of all these conflicting emotions. It's only when she begins to hear voices of home that she realizes she is not alone. She is certainly not the first mama or wife to feel so greatly overwhelmed.
Told like a Southern Gothic, this novel will have you nodding your head and perhaps shedding a tear or two as you feel Jenna's story merging with yours. It will have you wishing you had deep southern roots to help you find your way home.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Stories We Keep: A Novel of Motherhood, Mental Health & Hope
Well that's exactly what our protagonist in The Stories We Keep ruminates on every single day. This recurring wish may start with marriage, then grows exponentially with each child. For Jenna, this feels like fighting a losing battle. Motherhood will do that to you. Have you ever played the game where you compare yourself with all the "perfect" mothers you see, only to fail miserably. Afterall you are the worst, most inadequate monster of a mother ever to exist.
Jenna has repeated this scenario so much that she is convinced that no one could find her worth. Least of all herself. It takes a leap of surrender and great sacrifice for her to find what's at the root of all these conflicting emotions. It's only when she begins to hear voices of home that she realizes she is not alone. She is certainly not the first mama or wife to feel so greatly overwhelmed.
Told like a Southern Gothic, this novel will have you nodding your head and perhaps shedding a tear or two as you feel Jenna's story merging with yours. It will have you wishing you had deep southern roots to help you find your way home.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Stories We Keep: A Novel of Motherhood, Mental Health & Hope
June 6, 2023
This book is a must-read for all moms. You will resonate on some level, to some degree, with almost every character in the book. You will say, “yes! So it’s not just me,” more than once. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. And you’ll be ready to find your tribe by the end!
Jenna, the main character, brings to light some raw, real aspects of motherhood most of us didn’t even know existed until we are in the throes ourselves. I love how this book sheds light on the difficult aspects of motherhood that I think so many feel like they need to hide. And, I don’t want to ruin the book for you (because you absolutely need to read it if you’re a mom or plan on becoming a mom), but I love how the author uses other women to dive deeper into this topic and to show how we can all get through it together!
Jenna, the main character, brings to light some raw, real aspects of motherhood most of us didn’t even know existed until we are in the throes ourselves. I love how this book sheds light on the difficult aspects of motherhood that I think so many feel like they need to hide. And, I don’t want to ruin the book for you (because you absolutely need to read it if you’re a mom or plan on becoming a mom), but I love how the author uses other women to dive deeper into this topic and to show how we can all get through it together!
July 5, 2023
"The Stories we Keep" by Shawna Holly is a powerful and emotional novel that explores the experiences and hidden stories of women. It centers around the main character, Jenna Cartwright, who goes on a journey of self-discovery, enlightenment, and eventual understanding. The book delves into the silent turmoil, struggle, and strength inherent in many women's lives.
The story begins as Jenna panics, leaves her family and instinctively runs to her hometown of Asher, Alabama. Her return to her hometown becomes a source of solace and support, where she finds tears, laughter, weakness and strength. This return home acts as a catalyst for Jenna's personal growth and allows her to confront her own story as well as develop an appreciation for those women that shaped her earlier years.
The novel emphasizes the importance of sharing our stories and breaking the silence that often surrounds women's experiences. Through Jenna's journey, the book highlights the commonality of women's experiences and the potential for healing and empowerment that comes from opening up and connecting with others.
This book resonated deeply with me and touched on personal chords. It was a prompt to reflect on my own experiences and question why women often keep their stories hidden. The emotional impact of the book has lingered with me long after I finished reading it, leaving a lasting impression on my heart.
The story begins as Jenna panics, leaves her family and instinctively runs to her hometown of Asher, Alabama. Her return to her hometown becomes a source of solace and support, where she finds tears, laughter, weakness and strength. This return home acts as a catalyst for Jenna's personal growth and allows her to confront her own story as well as develop an appreciation for those women that shaped her earlier years.
The novel emphasizes the importance of sharing our stories and breaking the silence that often surrounds women's experiences. Through Jenna's journey, the book highlights the commonality of women's experiences and the potential for healing and empowerment that comes from opening up and connecting with others.
This book resonated deeply with me and touched on personal chords. It was a prompt to reflect on my own experiences and question why women often keep their stories hidden. The emotional impact of the book has lingered with me long after I finished reading it, leaving a lasting impression on my heart.
December 20, 2023
ATTN: Shawna Holly
How dare you? How dare you break my heart into many pieces and leave me sobbing over and over again? Rude.
I spent chapter after chapter in fits of tears that blurred my vision, forcing me to wipe my eyes just to see how you would destroy me next. Aunt Kitty's chapter is what truly did me in, sending me into full sobs, and caused me to text my mother in the middle of the night to say how much I love her and appreciate all that she has done for me and my siblings before I was able to continue.
Lastly, Shawna, I want to thank you for the very last chapter. I still had tears in my eyes, but you did not let me close the book sobbing, and for that I express my deepest gratitude.
I will be purchasing my own copy at the end of the year as I close out my 2023 reading challenge.
I would recommend this book to not just mothers, but every woman on this planet. I am not a mother, and have never experienced pregnancy, yet this book shattered me. Yet another amazing debut novel to come out of 2023. Not many books I've read this year have made me feel to the level that The Stories We Keep did.
Before I even had a chance to start reading, I have to give major props to Holly for her use of content warnings and the playlist that she curated for the story. Since this is a new release, I did not see a playlist already created, so I have made one that you can find on Spotify by simply searching the name of the book. I played it every time I opened the pages, and while I tend to avoid music with lyrics when reading, it works for The Stories We Keep.
As always, I mark down quotes I feel are important to convey the emotion of the story, though there may be some spoilage ahead, so proceed with caution. It turns out there are so many quotable lines that need to be acknowledged.
TW -depression-
"It's never occurred to me before how much the transition from the dark days to the good is just like that--terrifying and deadly one moment, to checking the mail and washing the mud-covered cars the next. . . Suddenly, I'm very aware of how much life resembles the sun-shower: It can be so beautiful and bright, but still, there's rain." (page 12 and 16)
TW -postpartum depression-
"'Mama, are you sick too?' Ryan asks. / 'No, honey. I'm just tired today.' / 'Oh, will you play a game with me, then?' / 'Not right now, Ryan. Maybe later.' Without protest, he turns from me and goes right back to crashing cars together with Noah. There's guilt for not pulling myself together enough to sit on the edge of the sofa and play with him, but just as quickly as the feeling comes, it goes. See? He doesn't need me. They have each other." (page 39) --Absolutely devastating.
TW -pregnancy loss-
"'I was killing myself slowly, not with pills or a knife, but by driving myself out of my mind and body with grief.' . . . ' Your pig-headed grandmother saved my life and I hated her for it. I didn't want to live. I didn't want to walk this earth without my baby, but she made me do it anyway.' . . . 'I was never blessed with another baby, but every child I see somehow becomes my child. I am a mother with no one to call my own, so they all become my own.'" (page 173,174,177)
"My heart aches. How much of what I've felt and gone through could have been avoided if someone had told me I wasn't alone? How much of what Mama or Gloria felt could have been avoided if someone would've told them their story? Why do we do this to ourselves? Why don't we just talk to each other?" (page 205)
TW -loss of a spouse-
"'I never suffered from thoughts of suicide or felt like I couldn't go on. I was in a high-functioning state of depression, too focused on keeping things "normal" for the kids to allow those kinds of thoughts. If I didn't have them to worry about, or if I didn't have Kitty and Charlie here, I'm sure my story would have ended up quite different.'" (page 227)
"I cry not only for this goodbye, but also for all the others. I cry over their stories, my story, and even for those of women I don't know and will never meet. I cry for the universal unfairness of it all--and with a heart which desires nothing more than to let every single person in the world know they're not alone." (page 245)
TW -suicidal ideation-
"How many will not survive it? How many will come as close as I did to a fateful meeting with a power pole or other tantalizing form of perceived instant release?" (page 298)
"'I think I handle it better now, but that all feels like a change in what's visible on the outside. On the inside, I'm still screaming--praying for relief; a chance to get away from it all.' . . . One thing I've learned from all of this is that I'm presented with dozens of choices every day, and I don't always do the right thing. . . there are times when I choose anger, frustration, or belittlement as a response." (page 300,302)
TW -death and grief-
"She's gone. She's really gone. My heart is heavy and broken. She saved my life. Did she know how thankful I was? Did I tell her enough? . . . I can't do this. I can't bury her. I can't lose my friend. But she's already gone." (page 317)
How dare you? How dare you break my heart into many pieces and leave me sobbing over and over again? Rude.
I spent chapter after chapter in fits of tears that blurred my vision, forcing me to wipe my eyes just to see how you would destroy me next. Aunt Kitty's chapter is what truly did me in, sending me into full sobs, and caused me to text my mother in the middle of the night to say how much I love her and appreciate all that she has done for me and my siblings before I was able to continue.
Lastly, Shawna, I want to thank you for the very last chapter. I still had tears in my eyes, but you did not let me close the book sobbing, and for that I express my deepest gratitude.
I will be purchasing my own copy at the end of the year as I close out my 2023 reading challenge.
I would recommend this book to not just mothers, but every woman on this planet. I am not a mother, and have never experienced pregnancy, yet this book shattered me. Yet another amazing debut novel to come out of 2023. Not many books I've read this year have made me feel to the level that The Stories We Keep did.
Before I even had a chance to start reading, I have to give major props to Holly for her use of content warnings and the playlist that she curated for the story. Since this is a new release, I did not see a playlist already created, so I have made one that you can find on Spotify by simply searching the name of the book. I played it every time I opened the pages, and while I tend to avoid music with lyrics when reading, it works for The Stories We Keep.
As always, I mark down quotes I feel are important to convey the emotion of the story, though there may be some spoilage ahead, so proceed with caution. It turns out there are so many quotable lines that need to be acknowledged.
TW -depression-
"It's never occurred to me before how much the transition from the dark days to the good is just like that--terrifying and deadly one moment, to checking the mail and washing the mud-covered cars the next. . . Suddenly, I'm very aware of how much life resembles the sun-shower: It can be so beautiful and bright, but still, there's rain." (page 12 and 16)
TW -postpartum depression-
"'Mama, are you sick too?' Ryan asks. / 'No, honey. I'm just tired today.' / 'Oh, will you play a game with me, then?' / 'Not right now, Ryan. Maybe later.' Without protest, he turns from me and goes right back to crashing cars together with Noah. There's guilt for not pulling myself together enough to sit on the edge of the sofa and play with him, but just as quickly as the feeling comes, it goes. See? He doesn't need me. They have each other." (page 39) --Absolutely devastating.
TW -pregnancy loss-
"'I was killing myself slowly, not with pills or a knife, but by driving myself out of my mind and body with grief.' . . . ' Your pig-headed grandmother saved my life and I hated her for it. I didn't want to live. I didn't want to walk this earth without my baby, but she made me do it anyway.' . . . 'I was never blessed with another baby, but every child I see somehow becomes my child. I am a mother with no one to call my own, so they all become my own.'" (page 173,174,177)
"My heart aches. How much of what I've felt and gone through could have been avoided if someone had told me I wasn't alone? How much of what Mama or Gloria felt could have been avoided if someone would've told them their story? Why do we do this to ourselves? Why don't we just talk to each other?" (page 205)
TW -loss of a spouse-
"'I never suffered from thoughts of suicide or felt like I couldn't go on. I was in a high-functioning state of depression, too focused on keeping things "normal" for the kids to allow those kinds of thoughts. If I didn't have them to worry about, or if I didn't have Kitty and Charlie here, I'm sure my story would have ended up quite different.'" (page 227)
"I cry not only for this goodbye, but also for all the others. I cry over their stories, my story, and even for those of women I don't know and will never meet. I cry for the universal unfairness of it all--and with a heart which desires nothing more than to let every single person in the world know they're not alone." (page 245)
TW -suicidal ideation-
"How many will not survive it? How many will come as close as I did to a fateful meeting with a power pole or other tantalizing form of perceived instant release?" (page 298)
"'I think I handle it better now, but that all feels like a change in what's visible on the outside. On the inside, I'm still screaming--praying for relief; a chance to get away from it all.' . . . One thing I've learned from all of this is that I'm presented with dozens of choices every day, and I don't always do the right thing. . . there are times when I choose anger, frustration, or belittlement as a response." (page 300,302)
TW -death and grief-
"She's gone. She's really gone. My heart is heavy and broken. She saved my life. Did she know how thankful I was? Did I tell her enough? . . . I can't do this. I can't bury her. I can't lose my friend. But she's already gone." (page 317)
September 15, 2023
The stories we keep is a novel about motherhood, sisterhood and the relationship between women.
The novel was beautifully written and was easy to follow. A lovely novel that I highly recommend.
💖 Thank you to vorious readers only for my ebook copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
The novel was beautifully written and was easy to follow. A lovely novel that I highly recommend.
💖 Thank you to vorious readers only for my ebook copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
June 26, 2023
Interesting and fascinating story!! I will be looking forward to more books from this author.
August 23, 2023
Every mum of young children should read this.
This is a story about women, about the struggles a mother can face, about the empowering love from the support of others who have been there.
If you've ever struggled with your identity since having children, or if you like books about friendship, or women lifting up other women, then this book is for you.
This is a story about women, about the struggles a mother can face, about the empowering love from the support of others who have been there.
If you've ever struggled with your identity since having children, or if you like books about friendship, or women lifting up other women, then this book is for you.
June 25, 2023
Thank you to #goodreadsgiveaway #shawnaholly
#threesparrowspublishing for the free ARC!
I think if anyone is a mother they should read this. So many of us who feel like we are all alone in how we feel; but we’re not. I think at one point we have all wanted to run away. The subject matter and the characters were “regular” people with ”regular” problems. It’s so hard to find a support system as an adult. Where do we go to find friends as a
40 + year old? Authors debut novel and I would read again.
#threesparrowspublishing for the free ARC!
I think if anyone is a mother they should read this. So many of us who feel like we are all alone in how we feel; but we’re not. I think at one point we have all wanted to run away. The subject matter and the characters were “regular” people with ”regular” problems. It’s so hard to find a support system as an adult. Where do we go to find friends as a
40 + year old? Authors debut novel and I would read again.
July 23, 2023
Excellent
It is a heavy subject but wonderfully handled. It warmed my heart and can offer hope to those struggling. I loved every character and their special stores.
It is a heavy subject but wonderfully handled. It warmed my heart and can offer hope to those struggling. I loved every character and their special stores.
July 10, 2023
This book was heart wrenching and beautiful. A story of motherhood & how such a role can cause one to lose themselves. This book is meant for moms of all stages and provides messages of hope, community, healing, as well as an overwhelming sense of “you are not alone.”
January 10, 2024
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book! Seriously a 10 out of 5 Stars. Great debut by Shawna Holly!
The Stories We Keep focuses on the importance of friendship and community and sharing your story with people you care about. The author, Shawna Holly has used her experience focusing on family-friendly activities and events and helping local women make new friends, network and grow their in-person connections to write about what happens when a person is drowning from lack of community. I love this, as I run a non-profit that helps moms that have children with special needs and complex medical conditions - so I completely emphasize and understand how difficult it can be for moms who feel overwhelmed and alone.
This is a story about women, about the struggles a mother faces and how life changing it becomes when we support each other. But at the core, it's about staying in relationship, growing your tribe or women and making sure that you share your stories and listen to the previous generation share their stories as well.
If you've ever struggled or felt like you've lost your identity since having children- this is the book for you. If you like books about women and women helping and encouraging other women, this is for you.
The Stories We Keep focuses on the importance of friendship and community and sharing your story with people you care about. The author, Shawna Holly has used her experience focusing on family-friendly activities and events and helping local women make new friends, network and grow their in-person connections to write about what happens when a person is drowning from lack of community. I love this, as I run a non-profit that helps moms that have children with special needs and complex medical conditions - so I completely emphasize and understand how difficult it can be for moms who feel overwhelmed and alone.
This is a story about women, about the struggles a mother faces and how life changing it becomes when we support each other. But at the core, it's about staying in relationship, growing your tribe or women and making sure that you share your stories and listen to the previous generation share their stories as well.
If you've ever struggled or felt like you've lost your identity since having children- this is the book for you. If you like books about women and women helping and encouraging other women, this is for you.
October 14, 2024
What a wonderful idea
I must admit when I first started this book, I wasn't sure what it was about really. As you read and become acquainted with the characters you find yourself falling into the shoes of one of the special ladies. This book is a great read for mothers, but anyone really, who is sometimes overwhelmed with the weight we feel upon our shoulders to be everything to everyone. Especially if you are a yes, lady that hasn't learned yet that it is OK to say No. Keep an open mind and heart and I pray that you learn from this book and life that as mothers we have the greatest gift God can give. Let's remember that a gift is to enjoy, not to be a burden. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
I must admit when I first started this book, I wasn't sure what it was about really. As you read and become acquainted with the characters you find yourself falling into the shoes of one of the special ladies. This book is a great read for mothers, but anyone really, who is sometimes overwhelmed with the weight we feel upon our shoulders to be everything to everyone. Especially if you are a yes, lady that hasn't learned yet that it is OK to say No. Keep an open mind and heart and I pray that you learn from this book and life that as mothers we have the greatest gift God can give. Let's remember that a gift is to enjoy, not to be a burden. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
May 22, 2023
This book will be so relatable to many moms who suffer from major depressive disorder. Author Shawna Holly does an amazing job depicting the black hole of depression and suicidal ideation Jenna sinks into, and her long, difficult but ultimately successful climb out of that hole. For those who do not suffer MDD, this book is a valuable inside look at how even a person who seemingly has everything cannot, because of mental illness, see outside of themselves. I anticipate many readers will benefit from gaining this insight, and many who also suffer will realize, hopefully, that they are not alone.
May 22, 2023
The Stories We Keep was a beautifully written story of a mother's journey as she fights with the idea of being alone in her troubles while trying to survive the tribulations of motherhood. It brought tears to my eyes and even if you haven't struggled with the level of depression suffered by the main character, every mother has had their own troubles and contemplated running away (whether they really meant it or not). It was a wonderful story leading to a wonderful conclusion, not of a perfectly happy existence, but a realistic view of thriving and finding yourself. It's a MUST READ!!!
June 30, 2025
This was so relatable on so many levels.
Jenna felt so completely isolated and ashamed of her feelings, which I think moms and women in general can empathize with. Not wanting to seem inadequate or that we can’t “do it all”, we hide our true feelings, stuff it all down and pretend we’re “fine”
I really loved how all the women (and Tyler) in Jenna’s life helped her navigate through her emotions by sharing their stories allowing her to take those nuggets of wisdom and apply them as needed.
Poignant, believable and a much needed read!
Jenna felt so completely isolated and ashamed of her feelings, which I think moms and women in general can empathize with. Not wanting to seem inadequate or that we can’t “do it all”, we hide our true feelings, stuff it all down and pretend we’re “fine”
I really loved how all the women (and Tyler) in Jenna’s life helped her navigate through her emotions by sharing their stories allowing her to take those nuggets of wisdom and apply them as needed.
Poignant, believable and a much needed read!
December 24, 2023
This book is a moving, realistic portrayal of the struggles that many mother’s experience. I HIGHLY recommend this book. The author was able to accurately portray the emotional roller coaster that defines motherhood in a way that made me feel seen, heard, and understood! The emotional depth of this book reminded me of how I was affected when reading “Night” by Elie Wiesel and “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
January 3, 2024
Emotionally Deep and Identifiable
I highly recommend reading this book if you're a woman who has ever felt alone or less than. The storyline was smooth, the characters and their individual stories were told with wisdom, as well as a tangible level of acceptance that clearly demonstrated their emotional and spiritual growth. I enjoyed the friendships that developed, as well as those that continued to grow.
I highly recommend reading this book if you're a woman who has ever felt alone or less than. The storyline was smooth, the characters and their individual stories were told with wisdom, as well as a tangible level of acceptance that clearly demonstrated their emotional and spiritual growth. I enjoyed the friendships that developed, as well as those that continued to grow.
October 10, 2023
Very well written book.
Talking about subject that a lot of people don’t understand, don’t want to talk about.
Motherhood is wonderful but could be overwhelming.
To the young women out there, try to put aside everything just put yourself and babe first.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Talking about subject that a lot of people don’t understand, don’t want to talk about.
Motherhood is wonderful but could be overwhelming.
To the young women out there, try to put aside everything just put yourself and babe first.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2023
I had a hard time with the story until Jenna started talking to all the women in Alabama who shared their mental health struggles. We live in a society that expects women to keep their struggles private. We need to talk more openly about the unreasonable expectations that are placed on us. Women, especially mothers, are under-valued.
February 16, 2024
This book was wonderful. It dives into the difficulties of motherhood, mental health, and leaning on your people when times are hard. Being a soon to be mother, I thoroughly enjoyed the rawness and transparency that came from the main character and the ending was great! 4 stars because it was a little slow in the middle, but definitely recommend this one!
June 19, 2023
Even though this book was about the struggles of a young mother and her family, the same symptoms and actions are what many of us without children but with crazy jobs suffer. I read a lot of books and this one was well-written and once I started, I read it straight-through. Way to go, Shawna!
July 6, 2023
Being a mother of four this just hits home. It was an interesting story and one that I think most people should read/hear about. I wasn't quite ready for all the emotions this book drudged up, but I'm glad it did. Well written and I just can't say enough about this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews