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Stretch Marks
Mia is a granola-eating, sensible shoe-wearing, carbon footprint-conscious twenty-something living in a multicultural neighborhood in Chicago. Her mother, Babs, is a stiletto-wearing Zsa Zsa Gabor type who works as an activities hostess on a Caribbean cruise line…and if you guessed there’s some tension there, you’d be right. Factor in an unexpected pregnancy and Mia’s idealistic boyfriend, and the mother-daughter relationship is, well, stretched very thin. As is Mia’s sanity when Babs shows up to…help. Actually, Mia has a whole neighborhood of quirky characters who want to help, including her BFF, Frankie, a magenta-haired librarian; Silas, the courtly gentleman of indeterminate age who lives downstairs; and Adam, proprietor of the corner grocery store where Mia shops. But it’s Adam—endearing, kind, possessed of a perfect smile and impeccable Persian manners—who ultimately charms Babs and rescues Mia from more than one mother-induced meltdown. Could it be that Mia and Babs might actually be able to get along? With Kimberly Stuart’s trademark irreverent humor and a surprising and satisfying take on romance, Stretch Marks is an authentic but tender story about family, grace, and the importance of a good grocer.
290 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
41 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Stuart
12 books219 followersKimberly Stuart wants you to know that authors write their own bios and are hardly reliable sources. Nevertheless, there are a few facts that stand out:
1. Stuart loves a good story, both written and lived.
2. Stuart loves imported chocolate and her children, though the order of her affections sometimes gets muddled.
3. Stuart writes both non-fiction and fiction, always with an infusion of faith. However, she seems to make Christians nervous. Read at your own risk, then, and e-mail her publisher if you must.
1. Stuart loves a good story, both written and lived.
2. Stuart loves imported chocolate and her children, though the order of her affections sometimes gets muddled.
3. Stuart writes both non-fiction and fiction, always with an infusion of faith. However, she seems to make Christians nervous. Read at your own risk, then, and e-mail her publisher if you must.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 6, 2009
I like to read Christian books that could be considered “controversial”. I enjoy the challenge and I enjoy other views and perspectives, but I also enjoy witnessing a life being transformed when I read a story. Stretch Marks sounded like that type of book, which is why I wanted to read it. Certainly a single, pregnant woman who has been abandoned by her live-in boyfriend could be considered controversial by some. I hope that sort of thing would not dissuade the average Christian reader because they would be missing out on an excellent book.
Stretch Marks is about so much more than a single woman who is having a baby. It is about the joys and pains of family. It is about the strong bond between a mother and a daughter, no matter how different they are. It is about tolerance and acceptance. This book left me with such a warm and happy feeling. It has a nice dose of humor; mainly from Mia’s mother, Babs, but also from Mia’s adventure with pregnancy. I really enjoyed the way the book flowed in that it never felt rushed or slow. I am very pleased with this book and pleased that the author took a chance on writing Mia’s story and writing it with love and openness. I highly recommend Stretch Marks as a fun and loving book.
Stretch Marks is about so much more than a single woman who is having a baby. It is about the joys and pains of family. It is about the strong bond between a mother and a daughter, no matter how different they are. It is about tolerance and acceptance. This book left me with such a warm and happy feeling. It has a nice dose of humor; mainly from Mia’s mother, Babs, but also from Mia’s adventure with pregnancy. I really enjoyed the way the book flowed in that it never felt rushed or slow. I am very pleased with this book and pleased that the author took a chance on writing Mia’s story and writing it with love and openness. I highly recommend Stretch Marks as a fun and loving book.
September 14, 2017
I read one of Kimberly Stuart's novels aaaaaages ago, maybe back in 2011? This one was free a while back and languished on my Kindle for ages, before I noticed that it was about a single mother with anti-capitalist convictions and that it had been far too edgy for some Christian readers. Horrified, negative reviews tend to sell me on a book, so I decided to read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. It does feel a little dated in places (everyone is drinking soy milk instead of almond or hemp) and there isn't any major conflict resolution between Mia and her mother--they just learn to get along a bit better and not push each other's buttons all the time, rather than one of them realising that she's wrong and completely changing her worldview. I loved the relationship between Mia and Frankie, and Adam was sweet, if a bit...bland. I miss the days when David C. Cook published novels like this. There isn't an overt spiritual message, everyone just cares for each other and there's a lovely, authentic community. We all need more of that in our lives.
May 25, 2013
It was an easy read with no real depth. I was hoping by the subtle mentions of God through various characters that it was going there. It didn't. I wasn't a big fan of the main character, Mia, although I did enjoy her interaction with her mother - Babs. Now that I could relate to (don't worry Mom - not in a bad way!) She was just a quirky character that sometimes said inappropriate things, but added humor to the scenes she was in and wanted the best for her daughter.
The writing was fine and it was a cute story, with decent characters that I could picture in my head throughout the story. Basically Mia, the non-marriage believing, all natural, vegetarian, social worker, ends up pregnant. The father fleas, leaving her with a cast of friends, neighbors, family, co-workers, and some strangers as her support system. She seemed annoyed most of the time and not appreciative for the things/people she did have. Who knows - her situation wasn't a good one - but she doesn't make for a good main character. Maybe that is what the author was going for - I just didn't care for it.
But for a free, easy, quick, read, go for it, but I think I'm moving on to something with a little more depth! (We'll see - I am still at the beach!)
The writing was fine and it was a cute story, with decent characters that I could picture in my head throughout the story. Basically Mia, the non-marriage believing, all natural, vegetarian, social worker, ends up pregnant. The father fleas, leaving her with a cast of friends, neighbors, family, co-workers, and some strangers as her support system. She seemed annoyed most of the time and not appreciative for the things/people she did have. Who knows - her situation wasn't a good one - but she doesn't make for a good main character. Maybe that is what the author was going for - I just didn't care for it.
But for a free, easy, quick, read, go for it, but I think I'm moving on to something with a little more depth! (We'll see - I am still at the beach!)
February 1, 2015
This book about Mia and her journey through pregnancy, abandonment, family, friends and most of all love had me laughing my way through the book. A very enjoyable come to terms story with family discourse and perceived injuries between mother and daughter. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a light comical read.
June 29, 2018
It was a cute, fun little read. I didn’t take it too seriously and I enjoyed some of the characters. Babs and Mia, were sort of annoying at first, but they definitely grew on me, especially Babs. Lars on the other hand was a waste of space lol. I didn’t care for him. I also liked the problems they came across, and how Stuart didn’t just forget about them, she actually acknowledged them and told us how they concluded.
March 28, 2018
Push!
I loved this just because it was easy, a little silly at times, and sweet. It was just what I needed to brighten a dreary day!
I loved this just because it was easy, a little silly at times, and sweet. It was just what I needed to brighten a dreary day!
November 18, 2018
A fun read. Like watching a Hallmark movie, you know it's going to turn out all right.
August 10, 2023
Pretty good book. Not great, but I wanted to see what happened by the end.
October 29, 2011
Story Description:
Mia Rathbun is an overworked and underpaid Chicago social worker who belongs to PETA and recycles the tops of pizza boxes. Her boyfriend, Lars, is a free-spirited freelance writer (read: mooch) who disdains the conventions of marriage but is happy to build a life with Mia. That is until Mia becomes pregnant.
Left on her own, Mia just begins to accustom herself to the looming prospect of single parenthood when her mother, Babs, shows up to "help." The two have an estranged relationship but are forced to acknowledge their connection as Mia's belly grows and she has few other options. The story is told with Stuart's characteristic irreverent and authentic humour with healthy doses of poignancy and grace.
My Review:
Ms. Stuart never fails to make you laugh and fall in love with characters that are so real they could be your best friend. Mia is shocked to discover she’s pregnant and isn’t sure how to take it until she tells her live-in, moochy boyfriend, Lars. When she thinks about it she decides she’s happy and tells Lars who appears less than pleased but is willing to go along with whatever Mia wants to do or does he?
Enter Barbara, a.k.a “Babs”, fresh off the cruise ship from her job as a hostess. Bad enough that Mia and Babs have endured an estranged relationship for years but it gets worse when Babs moves in to an apartment on the first floor of the same building as Mia. Talk about a little too-close-for-comfort.
As Mia’s pregnancy progresses, things begin to heat up until they boil over at shower hosted by Babs which Mia ends up walking out of.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll feel a real sense of kinship with STRETCH MARKS, don’t miss it!!
Mia Rathbun is an overworked and underpaid Chicago social worker who belongs to PETA and recycles the tops of pizza boxes. Her boyfriend, Lars, is a free-spirited freelance writer (read: mooch) who disdains the conventions of marriage but is happy to build a life with Mia. That is until Mia becomes pregnant.
Left on her own, Mia just begins to accustom herself to the looming prospect of single parenthood when her mother, Babs, shows up to "help." The two have an estranged relationship but are forced to acknowledge their connection as Mia's belly grows and she has few other options. The story is told with Stuart's characteristic irreverent and authentic humour with healthy doses of poignancy and grace.
My Review:
Ms. Stuart never fails to make you laugh and fall in love with characters that are so real they could be your best friend. Mia is shocked to discover she’s pregnant and isn’t sure how to take it until she tells her live-in, moochy boyfriend, Lars. When she thinks about it she decides she’s happy and tells Lars who appears less than pleased but is willing to go along with whatever Mia wants to do or does he?
Enter Barbara, a.k.a “Babs”, fresh off the cruise ship from her job as a hostess. Bad enough that Mia and Babs have endured an estranged relationship for years but it gets worse when Babs moves in to an apartment on the first floor of the same building as Mia. Talk about a little too-close-for-comfort.
As Mia’s pregnancy progresses, things begin to heat up until they boil over at shower hosted by Babs which Mia ends up walking out of.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll feel a real sense of kinship with STRETCH MARKS, don’t miss it!!
January 24, 2010
Teachable Moments
A very conscientious person, Mia recycles; she doesn't eat meat, is a card carrying member of PETA and works as a social worker looking to salvage the world for everyone. Like most mothers and daughters, Mia and her mom have a strained relationship. It's much easier to deal with Babs, her mother, from a distance. Happily involved with Lars, her live-in boyfriend, Mia`s life is comfortable, for the most part. Mia's core is knocked off center when she learns that the flu she's been battling is actually an embryo.
Suddenly she finds herself abandoned by Lars, pregnant and wondering exactly how she`ll survive. Babs shows up unannounced and immediately jumps full speed into Mia's chaotic life. While the two easily bump heads, especially over their past, Mia soon discovers that Babs' arrival in her life was right on time.
Although the soon to be dad is M.I.A., Mia has an excellent support system readily available to fill the voids.
"Stretch Marks" is laugh out loud funny, clever and fascinating. While reading the story I found myself completely occupied. I loved that the subplots weave themselves into the story and don't dismiss the main idea of the story. Truthfully, I worried if "Stretch Marks" would be a book that I could connect with. Based in Chicago, my hometown, I too was a single mom and was lucky enough to have also found the beauty of being loved by a man who knows himself and the girl of his affections well and chose to build a life together. Definitely recommendation worthy!
Reviewed by: Crystal
A very conscientious person, Mia recycles; she doesn't eat meat, is a card carrying member of PETA and works as a social worker looking to salvage the world for everyone. Like most mothers and daughters, Mia and her mom have a strained relationship. It's much easier to deal with Babs, her mother, from a distance. Happily involved with Lars, her live-in boyfriend, Mia`s life is comfortable, for the most part. Mia's core is knocked off center when she learns that the flu she's been battling is actually an embryo.
Suddenly she finds herself abandoned by Lars, pregnant and wondering exactly how she`ll survive. Babs shows up unannounced and immediately jumps full speed into Mia's chaotic life. While the two easily bump heads, especially over their past, Mia soon discovers that Babs' arrival in her life was right on time.
Although the soon to be dad is M.I.A., Mia has an excellent support system readily available to fill the voids.
"Stretch Marks" is laugh out loud funny, clever and fascinating. While reading the story I found myself completely occupied. I loved that the subplots weave themselves into the story and don't dismiss the main idea of the story. Truthfully, I worried if "Stretch Marks" would be a book that I could connect with. Based in Chicago, my hometown, I too was a single mom and was lucky enough to have also found the beauty of being loved by a man who knows himself and the girl of his affections well and chose to build a life together. Definitely recommendation worthy!
Reviewed by: Crystal
October 8, 2009
Mia is a eco-conscious vegetarian living in Chicago with her boyfriend and doing her best to avoid her cruise hospitality director mother. This all works out fine until she finds herself pregnant, without said boyfriend and with her mother on her doorstep. That's when Mia's life starts to change.
I really enjoyed this book and I really like the direction Christian fiction titles like this are going. There was a realism to this book. Mia didn't not believe but she didn't believe either. Her mother was a Christian, but she didn't go to church all the time, yet she was a moral person. Mia was a moral person to in many ways. Through the book we see both of them grow spirtually but very it's in the background. This is not an in-your-face preachy book, but a subtle way your life changes with God in it. More like real life. I loved the characters. Loved her mom, Babs outspokenness and Mia's trying to hold onto herself even with her mom around and with her body changing. Lars the boyfriend rings close to real-life as he leaves when Mia finds herself pregnant.
Rounding out the cast is Silas, Mia's neighbor and Adam, the guy who works at the grocery store that Mia frequents and remains her true friend throughout the book.
A wonderful, funny and moving story that shows how babies change us and how we can change when situations are not ideal. I loved this and I will be seeking out other Kimberly Stuart novels.
I really enjoyed this book and I really like the direction Christian fiction titles like this are going. There was a realism to this book. Mia didn't not believe but she didn't believe either. Her mother was a Christian, but she didn't go to church all the time, yet she was a moral person. Mia was a moral person to in many ways. Through the book we see both of them grow spirtually but very it's in the background. This is not an in-your-face preachy book, but a subtle way your life changes with God in it. More like real life. I loved the characters. Loved her mom, Babs outspokenness and Mia's trying to hold onto herself even with her mom around and with her body changing. Lars the boyfriend rings close to real-life as he leaves when Mia finds herself pregnant.
Rounding out the cast is Silas, Mia's neighbor and Adam, the guy who works at the grocery store that Mia frequents and remains her true friend throughout the book.
A wonderful, funny and moving story that shows how babies change us and how we can change when situations are not ideal. I loved this and I will be seeking out other Kimberly Stuart novels.
May 24, 2013
I could not decide what to rate this novel! I think I'll probably end up giving it a 3 star.
What I loved:
The unique and different storyline! Yay for Christian authors who think outside the norm. This book was about a young single mom who's baby daddy skips out as soon as he discovers the news. Her somewhat flighty and extravagant mother moves into the apartment below her, much to Mia's dismay. However the relationship between them strengthens throughout the book and it ended on a really sweet note. The humor was relatable and made me laugh, probably because I recently had my first baby too. It was clean but dealt with mature topics so some people might not like that. Just to warn ya. :-) The growing romance between Adam and Mia felt realistic and moved slow which I liked. Considering the time frame in the book and all. It was sweet and natural. I loved Flo's character, the part about her in the hospital nearly made me cry and that doesn't happen often!
What I didn't like:
I do appreciate that it was a clean novel. And while the author did bring up spirituality here and there, to me it wasn't really a Christian book. I wouldn't rate it less because of that, I just would have loved to see the main character come to Christ! It would have really pulled everything together and would have made this novel stand out for me.
Overall thoughts:
Funny, sweet, and a really fun read. I enjoyed it a lot and it was refreshing to read a Christian novel with a new storyline! :)
What I loved:
The unique and different storyline! Yay for Christian authors who think outside the norm. This book was about a young single mom who's baby daddy skips out as soon as he discovers the news. Her somewhat flighty and extravagant mother moves into the apartment below her, much to Mia's dismay. However the relationship between them strengthens throughout the book and it ended on a really sweet note. The humor was relatable and made me laugh, probably because I recently had my first baby too. It was clean but dealt with mature topics so some people might not like that. Just to warn ya. :-) The growing romance between Adam and Mia felt realistic and moved slow which I liked. Considering the time frame in the book and all. It was sweet and natural. I loved Flo's character, the part about her in the hospital nearly made me cry and that doesn't happen often!
What I didn't like:
I do appreciate that it was a clean novel. And while the author did bring up spirituality here and there, to me it wasn't really a Christian book. I wouldn't rate it less because of that, I just would have loved to see the main character come to Christ! It would have really pulled everything together and would have made this novel stand out for me.
Overall thoughts:
Funny, sweet, and a really fun read. I enjoyed it a lot and it was refreshing to read a Christian novel with a new storyline! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2009
Stretch Marks by Kimberly Stuart is a humorous look at the way pregnancy changes and stretches a woman. Mia is very happy with her life, for the most part. While her job as a social worker doesn't always fulfill her need to change the world, she pays close attention to her carbon-footprint, eats organic, does yoga, and has a live-in boyfriend, Lars. Everything changes when her unexplained nausea and fatigue turns out to be a pregnancy and Lars leaves in the night. While Mia tries to make a new life for herself and the baby-to-be, her mother, Babs shows up to help. Babs is Mia's antithesis with her frosted hair, artificially enhanced features, and love for meat, leather, and plastics. Mia will be stretched to her limit making peace with Babs, her new body, and just maybe the cute guy at the grocery store. Several reviews are slamming Stuart for keeping the faith bubbling below the surface without the overt mentions that most Christian fiction has in spades, but I think that this makes Stretch Marks far more marketable to the secular reader. Stuart portrays Babs' faith and church realistically and gently sands down Mia's agnostic edges without ever alienating the reader. The novel is funny and moving and full of spot-on mother/daughter angst. Mia is a delightful character who will shatter readers' preconceived notions of tofu-eating/free trade buying/climate change activist.
April 28, 2010
Kimberly Stuart “delivers” an unexpected wild cast of characters and fast moving plot in Stretch Marks!
The main attraction, Mia Rathbun, is a single woman living the crunchy granola lifestyle in Chicago. Mia’s live in love interest, Lars, is a free spirited writer who promptly exits physically and emotionally once Mia discovers she is pregnant.
Determined to take care of herself and stand on her own two (swollen) feet, Mia finds herself in unfamiliar territory as she begins to assume the role of unwed mother. Finding support in her quirky but faithful group of friends, Mia finds the courage and strength to face not only an unplanned pregnancy, but an unplanned reunion with her mother, Babs. As the journey unfolds, Mia discovers the importance of true love, family and faith.
In an authentic but tender novel about family, grace and the importance of a good grocer, Stretch Marks doesn’t shy away from hard issues and unlikely hope. “Not for the weak of status-quo-heart, Stretch Marks is a relevant story of a daughter who becomes a mother and, in the process, learns to accept her own,” says Stuart.
Stretch Marks takes an unflinching look at sex outside of marriage, pregnancy and divorce and is a fast paced, feel good page turner.
April 22, 2011
I have really mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I thought Stretch Marks was a really trendy book, and had I not received a copy to review, I doubt I would've ever picked it up at a bookstore. It's not common to see a Christian fiction book with talk of yoga, PETA, and carbon footprints. On the other hand, the author tackled the subject of single motherhood, and I really applaud her for thinking outside the box and writing about a subject that is more common in Christian circles than most people like to admit. I did enjoy the Christian element in the book of bearing one another's burdens (taken from Galatians 6:2). I like what one character said in the book--it's the law of Christ, not a suggestion. With that said, this was not a preachy book; in fact, I'd consider the Christian aspects to be very mild. But out of what was there, some of the points were very hard-hitting, and definitely made me think twice. Overall, while this book isn't for everyone, there are a few out there that will love it in its entirety.
August 25, 2013
This story opens with our protagonist, Mia, displaying early symptoms of pregnancy. She is living with her very self-centered boyfriend, Lars, who wants nothing to do with marriage, and later on, a pregnancy. Mia is therefore faced with single motherhood. Her mother, Babs, enters the story, despite her and Mia's much strained relationship. The two are polar opposites of each other and have a rocky past. However, with the help of Mia's neighbors and friends (each with their own quirks), the two learn to survive and rebuild their relationship. This is a delightful read, infused with Christian morals that aren't overwhelming. The characters are quirky and enjoyable and make for a great cast and story!
November 19, 2015
Cute story, and many can relate to the rocky mother-daughter relationship. I enjoyed getting to know Mia and her little corner of the world. There were a few funny pregnant moments, and lots of honesty about the tough stuff as well.
But I was really expecting more of a faith element here as it's from a Christian publishing house. Babs' identity as a Christian felt like a character gimmick more than a personal faith - she could have been Buddhist and sought out a local shrine, and the story wouldn't have changed much. How exactly does Babs' relationship with Jesus affect her day to day life? And how does SEEING that lived out affect her daughter?
THAT would have made a four or five star book. As written, it's fun but forgettable
But I was really expecting more of a faith element here as it's from a Christian publishing house. Babs' identity as a Christian felt like a character gimmick more than a personal faith - she could have been Buddhist and sought out a local shrine, and the story wouldn't have changed much. How exactly does Babs' relationship with Jesus affect her day to day life? And how does SEEING that lived out affect her daughter?
THAT would have made a four or five star book. As written, it's fun but forgettable
August 16, 2010
The main character was a social worker, and her best friend is a librarian. Ha!
I like happy Christian chick-lit stories like these...with the drama and happy endings. The thing with this one though, I didn't feel like it properly ended. It could have almost left off for a sequel. There were still some things unresolved, and some things you finally get a conclusion for in the epilogue. Then again, I guess that's what the epilogue is for, but I could have standed for it to be stretched out rather than just reading it in the epilogue and thinking, "Oh, so that's how that situation worked out." But I loved the book anyways. As I said before, I enjoy a lighthearted, fun, clean novel. :)
I like happy Christian chick-lit stories like these...with the drama and happy endings. The thing with this one though, I didn't feel like it properly ended. It could have almost left off for a sequel. There were still some things unresolved, and some things you finally get a conclusion for in the epilogue. Then again, I guess that's what the epilogue is for, but I could have standed for it to be stretched out rather than just reading it in the epilogue and thinking, "Oh, so that's how that situation worked out." But I loved the book anyways. As I said before, I enjoy a lighthearted, fun, clean novel. :)
November 17, 2009
Stretch Marks was an absolutely fantastic read. Quite a poignant book for me, being newly pregnant, and Stuart seems to have been in my head for a short while! Wonderful & quirky are her characters and I caught myself laughing and crying along with each of them. Not overly Christian in theme, there is however an all important message of love and acceptance, especially within family relationships. I really loved this pro-family, pro-life novel and would definitely recommend you sit down and read it!
May 22, 2013
Plot: C
Writing: C
Vocabulary: C
Level: Easy
Rating: PG13 (references to pre-marital sex, abortion, dysfunctional families)
Worldview: tangentially Christian
Your basic romance novel about a liberal young woman who gets pregnant, her even more liberal boyfriend who dumps her, her overbearing conservative mother, her wanna-be boyfriend, and her crazy best friend, and a young pregnant girl she befriends.
The writing was immature, characters one-dimensional, no clear worldview or motivations, ok dialogue, and the requisite happy ending. Not bad, but not worth it for thinking readers.
Writing: C
Vocabulary: C
Level: Easy
Rating: PG13 (references to pre-marital sex, abortion, dysfunctional families)
Worldview: tangentially Christian
Your basic romance novel about a liberal young woman who gets pregnant, her even more liberal boyfriend who dumps her, her overbearing conservative mother, her wanna-be boyfriend, and her crazy best friend, and a young pregnant girl she befriends.
The writing was immature, characters one-dimensional, no clear worldview or motivations, ok dialogue, and the requisite happy ending. Not bad, but not worth it for thinking readers.
February 1, 2015
This book is a tribute to single mothers. It deals with family, what makes up a family, and those we love. I think that the book was believable and dealt with many of the issues that single moms-to-be and single moms have to face. This is all done with good, clean humor. I believe many people will be able to relate to at least one character in this book. It's a good, easy read.
I must admit that I first decided to read this book because it had my nickname, Babs, in it. You don't see that name very often. I am nothing like the character, however. I'm glad I read the book.
I must admit that I first decided to read this book because it had my nickname, Babs, in it. You don't see that name very often. I am nothing like the character, however. I'm glad I read the book.
September 17, 2009
This was an enjoyable story about Mia, a 20-something unwed pregnant woman and her relationship with her overbearing mother. I enjoyed the characters and found Lars' (the father-to-be) reaction to the pregnancy to be realistic. From the moment I met Adam (owner of the corner grocery store) I was rooting for him to find a way to be a more important part of Mia's life.
Stop by my blog (www.reneesuz.blogspot.com) on 8 October to read the first chapter.
Stop by my blog (www.reneesuz.blogspot.com) on 8 October to read the first chapter.
December 12, 2015
Stereotypical relationship between the protagonist and her mother turned into a sweet and meaningful part of the story line. This book does not really allow the scriptural basis for my beliefs to control the story in the way that I had expected. There are some fun plot twists, and it is a redeeming story in the end. I recommend it!
September 27, 2009
This is my fourth Kimberly Stuart novel. And my favorite. I enjoyed the relationship between Mia and her mother, particularly. It's the age when the whole mother thing finally begins to get sorted out.
October 7, 2009
This is the first novel I've read by Kimberly Stuart, but it won't be my last because I enjoyed STRETCH MARKS immensely. The characters were fun and funny--except Lars, who I frequently wanted to slap--and I motored through the engaging plot. It's a definite "good read."
May 5, 2013
A book about a yoga loving granola-eating caucasian 20-something who finds herself knocked up by a selfish artistic type. In her search for what to do, she finds community in the love of her outrageous mother, and the local ethnic church.
June 10, 2013
I really enjoyed this novel. I was expecting the typical Christian Lit novel where everything is perfect by the end. Although it does have a happy ending, it still is a messy authentic ending. Not everything works out perfectly in life, nor does it in this novel. It made me laugh and cry.
February 9, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I felt it hit a perfect balance between the humor and the drama, the inspiration and the reality. It was a 'Christian' novel without losing its way in preachiness.
Highly recommend it.
Highly recommend it.
October 16, 2009
A lovely read. Charming and witty. Upon finishing, you'll want to be nice to your mom—and find a good grocer.
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October 27, 2009my favorite of Kim's books so far!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews