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Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself
An unflinchingly honest and disarmingly funny memoir from an exhausted mom who broke under the pressure to do it all, faced her past, found herself—and learned to let go of perfection and just serve the dang chicken nuggets.
"Libby is shifting the cultural narrative in a way that will echo for generations. Honest Motherhood is a powerful blend of truth-telling and rebellion—a rallying cry for women to stop carrying what was never theirs to hold." —Eve Rodsky, New York Times bestselling author of Fair Play
When Libby Ward became a mother at twenty-six, she thought she was prepared. Determined to give her kids a childhood different from her own, she clung to the world’s “shoulds” like her children's future depended on it. That was her first mistake.
A couple years later, with a toddler around her ankle, a needy baby in her arms, and silent rage coursing through her veins, Libby began to unravel. Struggling to manage the unrelenting and often unspoken expectations of mothering, she did what any overfunctioning people-pleaser would do—she wallowed in shame. Then, she tried harder. Self-care! Boundaries! Sleep when the baby sleeps! But as Libby’s body and mind began to push back, Libby wondered: Why, with so much information and advice at our fingertips, is motherhood still so impossibly hard?
In Honest Motherhood, Libby candidly shares her journey of unlearning the myth of the ideal mother. She dives headfirst into the experiences many mothers have but few feel safe enough to say out loud—the lack of support, the guilt, the invisibility, the cycles they’re breaking, and the fantasies about a hospital stay just to get a flippin’ break. Libby untangles her social conditioning from learned trauma responses and discovers that letting go of unrealistic standards, asking for help, and prioritizing herself aren’t failures—they’re necessities.
Equal parts memoir and manifesto, flush with refreshing takeaways, Honest Motherhood is a rallying cry for moms to let go of perfection, choose themselves, and give their kids what they need most—a mother who is present and whole.
"Libby is shifting the cultural narrative in a way that will echo for generations. Honest Motherhood is a powerful blend of truth-telling and rebellion—a rallying cry for women to stop carrying what was never theirs to hold." —Eve Rodsky, New York Times bestselling author of Fair Play
When Libby Ward became a mother at twenty-six, she thought she was prepared. Determined to give her kids a childhood different from her own, she clung to the world’s “shoulds” like her children's future depended on it. That was her first mistake.
A couple years later, with a toddler around her ankle, a needy baby in her arms, and silent rage coursing through her veins, Libby began to unravel. Struggling to manage the unrelenting and often unspoken expectations of mothering, she did what any overfunctioning people-pleaser would do—she wallowed in shame. Then, she tried harder. Self-care! Boundaries! Sleep when the baby sleeps! But as Libby’s body and mind began to push back, Libby wondered: Why, with so much information and advice at our fingertips, is motherhood still so impossibly hard?
In Honest Motherhood, Libby candidly shares her journey of unlearning the myth of the ideal mother. She dives headfirst into the experiences many mothers have but few feel safe enough to say out loud—the lack of support, the guilt, the invisibility, the cycles they’re breaking, and the fantasies about a hospital stay just to get a flippin’ break. Libby untangles her social conditioning from learned trauma responses and discovers that letting go of unrealistic standards, asking for help, and prioritizing herself aren’t failures—they’re necessities.
Equal parts memoir and manifesto, flush with refreshing takeaways, Honest Motherhood is a rallying cry for moms to let go of perfection, choose themselves, and give their kids what they need most—a mother who is present and whole.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published April 14, 2026
245 people are currently reading
7154 people want to read
About the author
Libby Ward
1 book67 followersLibby Ward is a writer, speaker, and advocate redefining the motherhood narrative. Through her social media platforms, Libby is known to connect and empower women with honesty, humor, and her relatable voice. She has been featured on the BBC, Good Morning America, and is a member of Reese Witherspoon’s inaugural Hello Sunshine Collective. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
October 5, 2025
Instagram famous Canadian mom shares important truths about the invisible labor involved in motherhood and how it's creating moms who are burnt out, exhausted and lonely. Told with the humor and honesty that made her go viral, this is a memoir and guide to living a life filled with intention, vulnerability and joy and not sacrificing yourself for others. I loved it and can't recommend it enough for fans of authors like Brene Brown, Eve Rodsky or Melissa Wirt. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2026
I received an advance copy of this book. I was blown away at Libby’s personalization and humor. Quoting and referencing some of the brilliance of Brene Brown, Glennon Doyle, Jen Hatmaker, and KC Davis, I felt so seen on nearly every page as Libby share’s her experience in parenthood and the learning curve that came with it.
Honestly, I had to take a few breaks to remind myself that I was not back in the rough of new motherhood but the redemption and honesty in her healing is authentically beautiful. Libby also shares vulnerability in her story of mothering while being un-mothered and the pain of grieving a living mother.
Honest motherhood is officially stocked in my office and will be the book I give to every new momma!! Libby marries humor, reality, and trauma response in a way that allows the reader to feel it and have a language for their own experience that can lead to their own healing.
Endless quotes, highlights, notes on the side and dog ears. You’ll laugh, cry, cringe, and be seen in these pages!
Honestly, I had to take a few breaks to remind myself that I was not back in the rough of new motherhood but the redemption and honesty in her healing is authentically beautiful. Libby also shares vulnerability in her story of mothering while being un-mothered and the pain of grieving a living mother.
Honest motherhood is officially stocked in my office and will be the book I give to every new momma!! Libby marries humor, reality, and trauma response in a way that allows the reader to feel it and have a language for their own experience that can lead to their own healing.
Endless quotes, highlights, notes on the side and dog ears. You’ll laugh, cry, cringe, and be seen in these pages!
April 17, 2026
Honest Motherhood 💭Audiobook Review 🎧📖 thank you @crownpublishing @prhaudio for the gifted copy + audiobook!
Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself
by Libby Ward
read by Libby Ward
out now!
What if the hardest part of motherhood… is everything no one talks about?
When Libby Ward becomes a mom, she’s determined to do everything “right” but the pressure to be perfect quickly turns into burnout, guilt, and quiet resentment.
Honest Motherhood pulls back the curtain on the realities so many moms feel but rarely say out loud: the overwhelm, the lack of support, and the invisible weight of trying to be everything to everyone.
Blending memoir and reflection, it’s a raw, honest reminder that letting go of perfection and choosing yourself isn’t failing, it’s necessary.
💭 My thoughts:
A raw, validating reminder that motherhood isn’t meant to be done perfectly, it’s meant to be survived, felt, and shared. I found myself reaching for the audiobook more than anything, and having it narrated by the author made it feel so personal and impactful. It honestly felt like being seen in a way I didn’t expect, and I know so many other moms will feel that too. There’s something really powerful about hearing these thoughts spoken out loud… the ones so many of us have but don’t always say. I don’t pick up nonfiction often, but books like this always make me wonder why I stay away for so long. It’s honest, validating, and full of moments that really stick with you. This is the kind of book that makes you feel less alone in the messy, overwhelming parts of motherhood. Definitely one I’d recommend if you’re looking for something real and relatable!
What to expect:
✨Motherhood + identity
✨Raw, honest reflections
✨Author-narrated audiobook
✨Letting go of perfection
Happy reading 📖 🎧💭✨
Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself
by Libby Ward
read by Libby Ward
out now!
What if the hardest part of motherhood… is everything no one talks about?
When Libby Ward becomes a mom, she’s determined to do everything “right” but the pressure to be perfect quickly turns into burnout, guilt, and quiet resentment.
Honest Motherhood pulls back the curtain on the realities so many moms feel but rarely say out loud: the overwhelm, the lack of support, and the invisible weight of trying to be everything to everyone.
Blending memoir and reflection, it’s a raw, honest reminder that letting go of perfection and choosing yourself isn’t failing, it’s necessary.
💭 My thoughts:
A raw, validating reminder that motherhood isn’t meant to be done perfectly, it’s meant to be survived, felt, and shared. I found myself reaching for the audiobook more than anything, and having it narrated by the author made it feel so personal and impactful. It honestly felt like being seen in a way I didn’t expect, and I know so many other moms will feel that too. There’s something really powerful about hearing these thoughts spoken out loud… the ones so many of us have but don’t always say. I don’t pick up nonfiction often, but books like this always make me wonder why I stay away for so long. It’s honest, validating, and full of moments that really stick with you. This is the kind of book that makes you feel less alone in the messy, overwhelming parts of motherhood. Definitely one I’d recommend if you’re looking for something real and relatable!
What to expect:
✨Motherhood + identity
✨Raw, honest reflections
✨Author-narrated audiobook
✨Letting go of perfection
Happy reading 📖 🎧💭✨
April 23, 2026
Libby Ward is one of my favourite IG creators as she is so genuine and relatable and not "influencery" and her content resonates with so many women and moms for good reason. I was so excited to find out she was writing a book, and I don't buy books very often but I simply could not wait for my library copy to arrive.
I know everyone is saying this already but this book will make you feel seen. It articulates the struggles of motherhood, womanhood, and cycle breaking so well. Libby's writing is personable and feels like a close friend confiding in you (I read a physical copy but I imagine the audiobook would feel even more so).
I cried at multiple points in this book. I don't mean I teared up, I mean I legitimately sobbed. The chapter where she screams at her children, the discussion of the cycle of trauma in her family, honestly I read the last three chapters with tears streaming down my face. Sometimes I had to put the book down (in a good way) to sit with the story and the reflections because it brought up so many parallels in my own life.
This is a memoir, not a self-help book, but like all good memoirs she reflects on her story and the ways she grew and worked through the hard stuff. It's relatable, it's helpful, it's beautiful. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a mom or cares about a mom.
One last note as Libby has stated she plans to read all the GR reviews, so this is for her: thank you for writing this beautifully honest love letter to moms. You're changing lives by sharing your story and I know I will return to it time and time again when I need to feel less alone in my own motherhood struggles.
I know everyone is saying this already but this book will make you feel seen. It articulates the struggles of motherhood, womanhood, and cycle breaking so well. Libby's writing is personable and feels like a close friend confiding in you (I read a physical copy but I imagine the audiobook would feel even more so).
I cried at multiple points in this book. I don't mean I teared up, I mean I legitimately sobbed. The chapter where she screams at her children, the discussion of the cycle of trauma in her family, honestly I read the last three chapters with tears streaming down my face. Sometimes I had to put the book down (in a good way) to sit with the story and the reflections because it brought up so many parallels in my own life.
This is a memoir, not a self-help book, but like all good memoirs she reflects on her story and the ways she grew and worked through the hard stuff. It's relatable, it's helpful, it's beautiful. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a mom or cares about a mom.
One last note as Libby has stated she plans to read all the GR reviews, so this is for her: thank you for writing this beautifully honest love letter to moms. You're changing lives by sharing your story and I know I will return to it time and time again when I need to feel less alone in my own motherhood struggles.
May 4, 2026
Insightful. Unflinching. Humorous.
April 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am grateful to have received an early copy of this book.
I don’t even know where to begin with Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself by Libby Ward—except to say that it felt like someone cracked open my chest, took a look around, and gently said, “me too.”
This book is raw, unflinching, and so deeply human. It doesn’t try to polish motherhood into something tidy or aspirational—it lets it be what it actually is: messy, overwhelming, beautiful, exhausting, and holy all at once. Every chapter felt like a mirror held up to my own experiences, especially those early years where I was just trying to survive and wondering why it all felt so much harder for me than it seemed to for everyone else.
One line stopped me completely:
“you know, she was just a little girl, walking around in a grown up’s body. I guess that we all are”
I had to put the book down after that. Because yes. That’s it. That’s the whole truth of it. We’re all just doing our best, carrying our younger selves with us while trying to raise humans and hold everything together.
What I loved most is that this book doesn’t offer easy answers or perfect solutions. Instead, it offers something so much more valuable: honesty, permission, and the reminder that we are not alone in any of this.
If you’ve ever questioned yourself as a mother, felt buried under the weight of it all, or wondered who you even are outside of “mom”—please read this book.
This one is going to stay with me for a long time. 🤍
#HonestMotherhood #Bookstagram #FiveStarRead #MotherhoodUnfiltered #LibbyWard
I am grateful to have received an early copy of this book.
I don’t even know where to begin with Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself by Libby Ward—except to say that it felt like someone cracked open my chest, took a look around, and gently said, “me too.”
This book is raw, unflinching, and so deeply human. It doesn’t try to polish motherhood into something tidy or aspirational—it lets it be what it actually is: messy, overwhelming, beautiful, exhausting, and holy all at once. Every chapter felt like a mirror held up to my own experiences, especially those early years where I was just trying to survive and wondering why it all felt so much harder for me than it seemed to for everyone else.
One line stopped me completely:
“you know, she was just a little girl, walking around in a grown up’s body. I guess that we all are”
I had to put the book down after that. Because yes. That’s it. That’s the whole truth of it. We’re all just doing our best, carrying our younger selves with us while trying to raise humans and hold everything together.
What I loved most is that this book doesn’t offer easy answers or perfect solutions. Instead, it offers something so much more valuable: honesty, permission, and the reminder that we are not alone in any of this.
If you’ve ever questioned yourself as a mother, felt buried under the weight of it all, or wondered who you even are outside of “mom”—please read this book.
This one is going to stay with me for a long time. 🤍
#HonestMotherhood #Bookstagram #FiveStarRead #MotherhoodUnfiltered #LibbyWard
April 17, 2026
I received an early copy of this book for my honest review - but also purchased the Audible version (which I’m listening to as well!). I absolutely couldn’t wait for this book and pre-ordered the audio version as soon soon as it was available.
I feel seen. This is the book I needed when going through early motherhood. I could relate so well to Libby’s parenting stories and her feelings validated how I have felt as a parent. In reading this book, I felt like I was listening to Libby speak to me through her entertaining and true stories. Parenting is perfectly imperfect and the comparisons to others (either online or in person) affects how we see ourselves when we are doing just fine. Libby has allowed us to learn that faults don’t define us, setting boundaries is ok and find those who support us for who we are. She is an inspiration in learning to take care of herself as a mother - including supporting her own challenges and finding her pink again (like flamingos).
Parenting is HARD - this is a must read for moms (or parents) at any stage. New moms will learn not to sweat the small stuff, moms with young kids will relate with their own stories, veteran moms will be proud of their parenting accomplishments. You will learn through Libby and enjoy the stories she tells. I laughed, I teared up and I held my breath. Thank you for your voice, your support of moms and your humour. I look forward to reading this book again. Please write another book! (Long review and I have so much more to say!)
I feel seen. This is the book I needed when going through early motherhood. I could relate so well to Libby’s parenting stories and her feelings validated how I have felt as a parent. In reading this book, I felt like I was listening to Libby speak to me through her entertaining and true stories. Parenting is perfectly imperfect and the comparisons to others (either online or in person) affects how we see ourselves when we are doing just fine. Libby has allowed us to learn that faults don’t define us, setting boundaries is ok and find those who support us for who we are. She is an inspiration in learning to take care of herself as a mother - including supporting her own challenges and finding her pink again (like flamingos).
Parenting is HARD - this is a must read for moms (or parents) at any stage. New moms will learn not to sweat the small stuff, moms with young kids will relate with their own stories, veteran moms will be proud of their parenting accomplishments. You will learn through Libby and enjoy the stories she tells. I laughed, I teared up and I held my breath. Thank you for your voice, your support of moms and your humour. I look forward to reading this book again. Please write another book! (Long review and I have so much more to say!)
April 15, 2026
Three reasons why you should pick up Honest Motherhood by Libby Ward:
1. Libby's storytelling balances raw vulnerability with humour. You will both laugh and shed a tear as you read about how she became a mom while also coming to terms with the absence of her own mother and the grief and trauma of her childhood.
2. As you read there will be many, many times you'll think "Been there. Done that. Bought the t-shirt" and feel SO seen. There are many incredibly lonely parts in motherhood, and Honest Motherhood will help you to feel less alone and connected to others.
3. While Honest Motherhood isn't a "how to guide" and would never claim to provide a step-by-step way to fix allthethings that are wrong or hard in parenting, you'll be encouraged to reflect on your own motherhood journey and to gently pursue a life filled with honesty, grace, and kindness as you mother and engage with the people closest to you.
❤️
Thank you NetGalley and Crown Publishing for an advanced copy to review.
1. Libby's storytelling balances raw vulnerability with humour. You will both laugh and shed a tear as you read about how she became a mom while also coming to terms with the absence of her own mother and the grief and trauma of her childhood.
2. As you read there will be many, many times you'll think "Been there. Done that. Bought the t-shirt" and feel SO seen. There are many incredibly lonely parts in motherhood, and Honest Motherhood will help you to feel less alone and connected to others.
3. While Honest Motherhood isn't a "how to guide" and would never claim to provide a step-by-step way to fix allthethings that are wrong or hard in parenting, you'll be encouraged to reflect on your own motherhood journey and to gently pursue a life filled with honesty, grace, and kindness as you mother and engage with the people closest to you.
❤️
Thank you NetGalley and Crown Publishing for an advanced copy to review.
April 29, 2026
Between pages, I found parts of myself. Internal dialogue I’ve once had, someone finally put onto the pages. I love being a mom, but I needed identity outside of it too. Libby brings so much awareness to our identity outside of motherhood and recognizing the ways we women shrink in order to be there for others in every way…physically, mentally, emotionally. I had tears through several chapters and recognized how much healing this probably brought Ward, because it brought so much healing to me reading it too.
Moms, this is a must read.
Moms, this is a must read.
April 8, 2026
I received an early copy of this book and could not wait to read it. I’ll be honest, sometimes I had to take breaks. The content is so truthful and raw that I needed time to process. Not because it wasn’t beautifully written but because I saw myself in so many of the pages. I felt simultaneously validated and seen reading this book. Libby hit the mark on making motherhood feel less lonely with such authenticity and I’m so grateful for that. I’ll be gifting this book to new moms for years to come.
April 22, 2026
I cried so many times listening to this book. I’ve followed Libby’s TikTok & Instagram accounts since I became a Mom myself a few years ago, and from the start her content made me feel seen and a lot less crazy in the rollercoaster of motherhood. I had high hopes that her book would do the same and I’m happy to say that’s exactly what happened. Thank you, Libby, for keeping it real!
April 27, 2026
I’ve been a big fan of Libby for many years. She lives near me and I privately fangirled when I saw her at a local fair 🤣. Honest Motherhood is an important, validating, heroic book. I felt seen, understood, lifted up, and loved. I could list many more adjectives lol. A must-read for any mother who has ever struggled in motherhood. ❤️
April 29, 2026
This book spoke to me on so many levels. I'm so grateful for Libby's beautiful honesty. She had me laughing and crying from start to finish! Thank you Libby. This is a spectacular book!
April 15, 2026
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this book, and will be recommending it to any new- or already-moms. Libby has a beautiful way of making anyone feel seen and validated through the telling of her own journey with motherhood. An unflinchingly honest story about cycle breaking, learning and growth, this book resonates with anyone who has ever asked the question “is it supposed to be this hard?”
Libby reminds us that motherhood is the hardest thing we’ll ever do, but that we’re not alone. We aren’t our darkest moments. We aren’t our worst days. The sun will always come out from behind the clouds.
Moments made me laugh out loud, smile through tears, and immediately hug my kids tight. This book is an absolute treasure for anyone who has ever felt alone
Libby reminds us that motherhood is the hardest thing we’ll ever do, but that we’re not alone. We aren’t our darkest moments. We aren’t our worst days. The sun will always come out from behind the clouds.
Moments made me laugh out loud, smile through tears, and immediately hug my kids tight. This book is an absolute treasure for anyone who has ever felt alone
April 29, 2026
This book was many things: relatable, raw, refreshing, validating, candid, humorous, humbling and I could go on. This book is more than 5⭐️. The audiobook read by Libby was fantastic. It felt like friends sharing their experiences and lives together. Feeling seen and providing space to share and process the “ugly” feelings and not so glamorous side of motherhood that bring feelings of guilt, shame and are taboo; to be kept to oneself.
I can definitely see myself returning to this book again and again.
I can definitely see myself returning to this book again and again.
April 26, 2026
With Mother’s Day fast approaching, I took a gift card I had kicking around in my desk and treated myself to a small(ish) stack of Mom books. I opted to crack the spine of this one first. Oh goodness. At 15, I read my first mom book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting and since then, I’ve been largely unimpressed by the content we get served. Honest Motherhood however is something different. It puts personhood at the apex and then everything else we are comes tumbling after. Transparently, as I wrote that last sentence a surge of preconditioned guilt ricochetted around my chest. My motherhood must be at the top or I am trash, bad, and unworthy of the role. But here’s the thing; I (none of us) can deny the fact that we were people before we became mothers. That’s just how science and math works. We had lived experiences and hard times and messy moments and then we had a small human who we are supposed to be perfect for. My smallest human and husband are at the Raptors game right now. It’s a glorious sunny day after a very long winter. When my husband was heading out the door he very casually asked “What will you get up to with your afternoon?” My mind began its list which I shared, “Catch up on some work, figure out camps, do some laundry, meal prep for the week, get the garden beds weeded, try and find the dogs deshedding comb and deshed her…” But first I’m going to read one more chapter of my book while sitting in the sun. Which turned into three. And then I got myself a Diet Coke and a bowl of ice cream (you mind your own diet m’kay and I’ll worry about mine). And now I’ve got one chapter until the book is done and I think this pivot means I’ve passed her course and I’ll be gifting this book to everyone I know. This book isn’t only about being a mom but also about being mothered and how society at large looks at this vital role.
April 24, 2026
Everyone should read this book. It’s not just about motherhood but also about the lack of social structures that don’t value and support raising tiny humans. I listened to the audiobook while I went to the gym, stretched, or whenever I took time for myself. It will make you laugh, cry, and nod your head in agreement.
As a mom of two children, currently in their middle years, I started following Libby on Instagram when I was in the trenches of motherhood, not knowing if I would ever find joy in it. Libby, being a few years ahead of me in her motherhood journey, gave me hope about what was on the other side of sleep deprivation and toddler meltdowns. She also gave the blunt honesty of how those early years are really fucking hard, which led to me letting go of the guilt and actually prioritize my own needs too.
What a didn’t expect from the book was how her relationship with her mother would make me reflect on my own. And that’s why this book is not only for mothers. It helped me view my mother as more human, as someone who was trying her best without the access to open and honest conversations about motherhood, the mental load, martyrdom, and the patriarchy, etc. Libby puts into words what so many of us women feel every day.
So yes, 5 stars. If I could give it more stars, I would.
As a mom of two children, currently in their middle years, I started following Libby on Instagram when I was in the trenches of motherhood, not knowing if I would ever find joy in it. Libby, being a few years ahead of me in her motherhood journey, gave me hope about what was on the other side of sleep deprivation and toddler meltdowns. She also gave the blunt honesty of how those early years are really fucking hard, which led to me letting go of the guilt and actually prioritize my own needs too.
What a didn’t expect from the book was how her relationship with her mother would make me reflect on my own. And that’s why this book is not only for mothers. It helped me view my mother as more human, as someone who was trying her best without the access to open and honest conversations about motherhood, the mental load, martyrdom, and the patriarchy, etc. Libby puts into words what so many of us women feel every day.
So yes, 5 stars. If I could give it more stars, I would.
April 14, 2026
I received an early copy of this book and felt seen.
As an often feral and sometimes funny mother of three boys, I felt like Honest Motherhood said the quiet parts out loud. I grew up in a split-parent home, and by the time I was 15, my dad had completely stopped showing up for his scheduled visits. He missed my 16th birthday altogether. I know what it feels like to grow up with old wounds and carry them into motherhood while still trying to hold everything together.
What struck me most about this book was Libby Ward’s refusal to romanticize motherhood. It made room for resentment, identity loss, pressure, perfectionism, and the kind of exhaustion that goes deeper than being tired. She writes with honesty and humor, and that combination worked for me.
As a CAL FIRE wife who often solo parents because my husband is gone so much for work, I found this book relatable. It felt vulnerable, funny, sharp, and true. It will resonate with many mothers, especially the ones quietly carrying more than anyone sees.
As an often feral and sometimes funny mother of three boys, I felt like Honest Motherhood said the quiet parts out loud. I grew up in a split-parent home, and by the time I was 15, my dad had completely stopped showing up for his scheduled visits. He missed my 16th birthday altogether. I know what it feels like to grow up with old wounds and carry them into motherhood while still trying to hold everything together.
What struck me most about this book was Libby Ward’s refusal to romanticize motherhood. It made room for resentment, identity loss, pressure, perfectionism, and the kind of exhaustion that goes deeper than being tired. She writes with honesty and humor, and that combination worked for me.
As a CAL FIRE wife who often solo parents because my husband is gone so much for work, I found this book relatable. It felt vulnerable, funny, sharp, and true. It will resonate with many mothers, especially the ones quietly carrying more than anyone sees.
April 21, 2026
I literally devoured this book. I’ve followed Libby on IG for a while and was excited to pick up a copy of her book. Being an adult who was diagnosed with ADHD in her 30s after having a child, I related so much to the struggles of motherhood that Libby talks about. I laughed, I teared up, and I was relieved to read about someone so honestly discussing the paradoxical feelings of parenting; how you can love a little human more than anything else in life and still feel completely overwhelmed and frazzled at the responsibilities associated with caring for and raising them. How your own traumas sneak up on you when you are parenting your child (or children) and learning to be compassionate and patient with yourself. A must read for all parents, especially ones looking to embrace the fabulous, chaotic, overwhelming, and beautiful parts of life that come along with parenting.
April 22, 2026
From a mom just trying her best to not lose her mind in the midst of motherhood, I found this book so relatable. Even where our stories differed, Libby writes in such a way you can see yourself in every chapter. It’s not a “how to” with a perfect solution or printable checklist to win at being a mom. Instead it’s an honest discussion on why being a mom is just so hard. And maybe it offers ways to find the right people to be your village (and who to NOT let be in it), ways to let go of the things that don’t have to matter (like clean baseboards), and encouragement to get your true inside thoughts to match your outside words and actions as we all just do our best to give our kids (and ourselves) the best that we can.
April 21, 2026
I'm not usually one to read the self-help, "mom" books, even though I lament the fact that I feel like I'm doing motherhood alone and it wrecks me. But when I heard Libby was publishing her book, I rushed out and bought a ticket to her hometown spot. This book brought me to my knees in tears, but it also made me laugh. It made me smile knowingly, it made me think.
Even if you don't have kids (yet, or ever), this is a must-read. We are all carrying things no one sees, and that's why so many of us don't have villages. Libby invites you in, makes you a sister, and offers you a beverage right when you need it most.
Even if you don't have kids (yet, or ever), this is a must-read. We are all carrying things no one sees, and that's why so many of us don't have villages. Libby invites you in, makes you a sister, and offers you a beverage right when you need it most.
April 26, 2026
With three chapters remaining, I still feel the need to review this gem of a book. Motherhood is different for every single person, but I could hear so much of my own story and heart in this memoir. Generational trauma, unhealthy relationship dynamics, lack of boundary setting (or examples of what a boundary even is) primary parenting struggles, and a late mental health diagnosis are just a few topics being brought to light by Libby. She is giving modern mothers a voice, a friend, and a way out of the toxic cycles that we were meant to break and reinvent. Thank you, Libby - for your authenticity, humor, and vulnerability!!
April 28, 2026
I love Libby on Instagram (and she was the reason I was looking at TikTok for about a day). Her honesty about her own life and her take on motherhood is the reason I like her so much. There is so much about motherhood that is trying and Libby is honest. Libby is what I wish I was. While my life experience is not like hers, exactly, the attempts at figuring out how to be a mother, and also relate to my own mother are similar enough!
I especially liked the realistic take on how friendships work. I have struggled seeing how some people are not great friends while others slowly became my closest friends.
I especially liked the realistic take on how friendships work. I have struggled seeing how some people are not great friends while others slowly became my closest friends.
April 30, 2026
Wow. I sobbed through this book and finished it within 24 hours. Libby is a fantastic pioneer for mums and i have followed her online for a while. But i had no idea, picking up her book, just how much i needed to read it. This is an honest discussion about childhood trauma and Libby explains that, going unchecked, the trauma is creating a space where new mums dont know how to find a safe space between neglect and over compensation. In a world that gives so much confusing advice and impossible standards to women, Libby holds your hand and shows you that you dont have to be perfect to be a good mum. That seeking perfection is a consequence of your own childhood trauma and you are allowed to let it go.
May 5, 2026
Honest Motherhood by Libby Ward is raw, emotional, and deeply honest. The way Libby writes had me almost in tears at times. I could relate to so many of her experiences and emotions as a mom.
This book took me back to those early days of motherhood, as well as the challenges of the toddler years. It also felt incredibly encouraging. As moms, we give so much to our families that we often forget about ourselves—but taking time for ourselves ultimately helps us become better mothers.
This is a must-read for any mom or mom-to-be.
This book took me back to those early days of motherhood, as well as the challenges of the toddler years. It also felt incredibly encouraging. As moms, we give so much to our families that we often forget about ourselves—but taking time for ourselves ultimately helps us become better mothers.
This is a must-read for any mom or mom-to-be.
April 18, 2026
If you want to laugh and cry and feel extremely validated as a mom who struggles with trying to do it all “effortlessly” add this to your tbr.
Libby is relatable and funny and this book did not disappoint. Truth is most moms do not have the village that we were promised- and we are all just doing our best to heal while parenting littles.
I loved this book so much I promptly ordered the audio book to listen to when I was finished the book you😂
Libby is relatable and funny and this book did not disappoint. Truth is most moms do not have the village that we were promised- and we are all just doing our best to heal while parenting littles.
I loved this book so much I promptly ordered the audio book to listen to when I was finished the book you😂
April 21, 2026
Vulnerable and Wholesome
Libby rightly shows us that motherhood is not rainbows and unicorns. It’s storms and rainbows, dragons and unicorns, some things are delightful and some are dreadful. And that’s okay. No judgement. No pressure. As long as we approach with the best of intentions and abilities, all good! I loved the brave and candid narrative. Her Insta is fantastic, her book is just as awesome!!
Libby rightly shows us that motherhood is not rainbows and unicorns. It’s storms and rainbows, dragons and unicorns, some things are delightful and some are dreadful. And that’s okay. No judgement. No pressure. As long as we approach with the best of intentions and abilities, all good! I loved the brave and candid narrative. Her Insta is fantastic, her book is just as awesome!!
April 22, 2026
This is a fantastic write! Libby makes you feel seen, heard and understood without even knowing your name. I am now out of the Moo cow stage, this book would have made me felt not so crazy or “bad Mom” when I was in those trenches. The audiobook was a fantastic addition to have Libby’s inflections to her own stories! When I finished I immediately ordered a copy. Hoping to add cliff notes for my kids when it’s their turn for Motherhood!
April 26, 2026
Honest Motherhood is a beautiful telling of the motherhood experience- the raw, vulnerable, and thankless moments as well as the joyous, peaceful ones in between. It took me awhile to get through this book simply because I had to pause and take a few breaks when the material hit too close to home, but I’m so glad I was able to read this and feel seen in my own motherhood journey.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
April 16, 2026
What a vulnerable, beautiful, messy, and humble look at motherhood from Libby. She didn't hold back. She makes us all feel normal in our thoughts and emotions regarding motherhood. I laughed and cried, and most importantly, reflected on how we as mothers (and humans) are very connected even when we all very different.
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