The Magic of Motherhood: The Good Stuff, the Hard Stuff, and Everything In Between

by Ashlee Gadd

The Magic of Motherhood celebrates your life as a mom—the good stuff, the hard stuff, and everything in between.

From the writers behind the popular blog Coffee + Crumbs comes a beautiful new book to remind you of your identity, both as a woman and as a mother.

Motherhood can often feel overwhelming and isolating. You find your feelings swinging between joy and uncertainty, intense love and anxiety, laughter and tears. Through it all, you constantly ask yourself, “Am I the only one who feels this way?” The Magic of Motherhood will reassure you that you’re not alone. Full of encouragement, humor, and wisdom that will speak to you right where you are, The Magic of Motherhood is like a long-overdue coffee date with your best girlfriend.

In this book you’ll find heartwarming essays about identity, adoption, body image, miscarriage, friendship, faith, infertility, and more. The Magic of Motherhood is a curated collection of honest stories that weave together the love, joy, and magnificent heartache of motherhood. Instead of offering advice, the writers offer something even better: their hearts.

The Magic of Motherhood is a love letter to mothers everywhere; it’s a story about the magic that happens in between calm and chaos, the joy that can be found in both beauty and mess, and the valuable lessons we learn about ourselves in between cups of reheated coffee and kitchen tables covered in crumbs.

Find a new strength, beauty, and sisterhood you never believed possible in The Magic of Motherhood, an inspiring and encouraging book written for an imperfect, trying-her-best mom just like you.

A letter to my pre-mom self / Ashlee Gadd --
In defense of mom jeans / Callie R. Feyen --
The things that come around again / Elena Krause --
Asking for help / Lesley Miller --
The woman in the hall / April Hoss --
Wonder woman / Anna Quinlan --
Being the village / Anna Jordan --
Hidden gift / Ashlee Gadd --
Seven pounds of redemption / N'tima Preusser --
Which sweater? / Melanie Dale --
The glitter and the glue / Anna Quinlan --
The mom they need / Katie Blackburn --
Bad math / April Hoss --
Profile of a superhero / Callie R. Feyen --
Trust and forgotten lunches / Lesley Miller --
A sky full of grace / Ashlee Gadd --
I'm gonna need backup / Anna Jordan --
A break in the clouds / Katie Blackburn --
When love feels heavy / N'tima Preusser --
Bad words / Melanie Dale --
Blackbird, fly / Callie R. Feyen --
Climbing mountains / Elena Krause --
The family baby / Lesley Miller --
Mommy has two arms / Anna Jordan --
Still us / Ashlee Gadd --
Anxious / N'tima Preusser --
A lot of both / Elena Krause --
The invisible thread / Anna Quinlan --
Reckless / April Hoss --
The Pacific / N'tima Preusser --
My body is yours / Melanie Dale --
It's their day too / Katie Blackburn --
This time around / Lesley Miller

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Family, Christian, Self Help, Essays, Christian Non Fiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published April 4, 2017

About the author

Ashlee Gadd is a mother, writer, photographer, and the author of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood. She has spent the last ten years helping mothers harness their creative talents into powerful storytelling at Coffee + Crumbs—a beautiful online space where motherhood and art intersect.

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Magic of Motherhood
By: Ashlee Gadd & Coffee+Crumbs

This review I am going to keep short because there is just not enough time or energy in this momma to give you a personal reason why I absolutely loved this book. If you are a mother, you need this book. It goes through stories of mothers who work, mothers who stay home, mothers of autistic children, mothers of girls, boys, mothers to those husbands who act like children sometimes...you get the idea. The stories made my feel like I am not alone in this journey of motherhood regardless of how isolating it feels sometimes. You need this in your MOPS groups, for baby showers, that mother who is adopting, etc. I will always lend this book out to my mother friends.

The only reason why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars was because it had a bit of religion in it. Praying to god, and such. I am not a religious person therefore when a book keeps bringing it up, it kind of makes me feel uncomfortable in my status as a mother. I hope that makes sense.

Apart from that, this book felt like a community of mothers gathering around, telling their stories and making me know that I am doing my best, my hardest, my strongest, at raising my very stubborn and independent boys.

If you didn't know, I have 2 & 4 year old boys, I am a stay at home mother, my husband works long hours during the day therefore, that leaves us at home a lot. Its exhausting, isolating, and I feel like my kids push my buttons at any moment they feel. Its stressful, exhausting, at times humiliating. This book told me that it's ok to have bad days, because we all have them. Its okay to feel how I feel sometimes, because it's normal and a part of motherhood. I owe a lot of my recent sanity to this book.

Mommmmssss, I am telling you that this is very insightful and a great read. Even if you just do a chapter a night on top of whatever else it is you do, it works.

Until Next Time,
DauntlessReading

[Shelby Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this on slowly on mornings I had time by myself before my youngest woke up and loved it. Essays from mothers in all different walks of life that will make to feel less alone whatever season you’re in 💛

[Lorren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a long-time reader of the Coffee + Crumbs blog, so I was thrilled to see they were coming out with a book. I was not disappointed. One issue I've often had with bloggers that write books is that there is too much repeat material in the book--it feels as though I've read everything already. This was not the case with The Magic of Motherhood. There were a few essays that had previously been published on the blog, but the majority were new, and the ones that were repeated in the book were essays that I love and was grateful to have in print.

I've found in my own experience with reading about motherhood that writers are frequently overly sentimental or overly harsh. One of my favorite things about The Magic of Motherhood is that it doesn't shy away from the difficulties that surround motherhood, but it also presents the beauty and joy that come with it. The writers have been incredibly vulnerable in these essays, sharing things that I think most mothers think and feel but don't always share with the world. Reading this book, I felt as if I was not alone and that I was encouraged by a team of women walking the same path.

The writing is thoughtful and well crafted--no sloppiness here.The book itself is lovely from an aesthetic standpoint, with beautiful photographs and a ribbon bookmark. I will be purchasing this for many baby showers and Mother's Days in the future!

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing exceptional, but the right read for me right now. Affirming in the ups and downs of motherhood and maternity.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to “The Magic of Motherhood” as I washed dishes and folded laundry. This lighthearted and extremely relatable collection of short personal stories is a great book for new/young moms. It will also pull on your heartstrings in a good way.

[Brittany Bergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to get this book into the hands of every single mom I know. You know how when you’re having a tough day, unable to see the good in a hard season, and wondering if you’re all alone, and then a friend shares about the exact same thing that’s on your heart, and you melt into a puddle and say, “Yes! Me too!” This is that moment, but in the form of dozens of essays contained in a beautiful book.

The Coffee + Crumbs writers have outdone themselves with their best essays yet (and that’s saying a lot because their blog is already full of gems), and I’m already excited to read the whole thing again. This book will make you snort with laughter, cry big tears, and feel so deeply understood.

From now on, I’ll be gifting this book at every single baby shower I attend (along with something off the registry, because come on, we all know how long it took to put that thing together). I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
This book is written in essay style with many different authors. I loved some of the chapters, but others left me wondering where God was in the authors life? Like many other Christian books there was talk about self-love, strength of self, and finding joy in community,which are not necessarily bad things. However if God comes first so many of these other issues work themselves out or are no longer issues at all. Some of the stories were heartbreaking, real and beautiful, others just ehhh!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thankful to have a real life community of other moms who I can walk this road alongside and share the burdens and the joys along the way with. But I have also over the years appreciated the safe haven of "Mommy Bloggers" I have found on the internet for the days when home is where I have to be but encouragement is needed badly. I really respect those women with a gift for words and a vulnerable enough spirit to not only share the beautiful things (which is easy enough online) but the hard and not so pretty things as well. A newer to me site that offers just such a comfort is Coffee + Crumbs. Ashlee Gadd began this beautiful, little corner of the internet to encourage and inspire fellow moms and she has done such a good job with that it has morphed into an even more gorgeous book!

The Magic of Motherhood: The good stuff, the hard stuff and everything in between is really a work of art- both in the text and the visual department. This is a gift worthy, luxe hardback book with a velvety matte cover and exceptionally sturdy pages. I loved the corresponding photography with each essay and full page photo/quote spreads sprinkled through out the book as well. It really feels like you took a beautifully curated and well written blog and wrapped it up into an even better book to hold in your hands.

All the writers that Ashlee teamed up with on this project offer a unified front in celebrating and uplifting the calling of motherhood but offer varying perspectives with humor, grace and truth. I was instantly sucked in with one of the first essays about the "mom jeans"- a true to life reminiscing of our overly confident pre-mom selves and in the ways we have to stretch and adapt and yet still, we are ourselves. No "mom jeans" needed, we just bring whatever "cut" we are/have and it becomes what a mom needs to embodied as.

The stories come from moms of varying forms and lifestyles- some unexpectedly becoming mothers, others thru many trials, and still others receiving children from the heart and not the womb. The essays touch on the heart aching joys and the heart breaking griefs that Motherhood can bring. This book would make an amazing Mother's day gift and I will be slowly relishing it in the lead up to that annual shout out of a day to this intense profession. I will let myself be reminded of all the gifts I already have received for being a mom.

Thanks to Book Look Bloggers for providing me with a copy of this title to review.

[Olivia Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book of essays on motherhood came out a while ago, but I loved seeing the familiar names of the Coffee + Crumbs team (and seeing how much their writing has changed over the years!). A few essays are dog-eared for me to come back to again and I think there’s something for every kind of mother in this book. It’s hopeful, honest, and encouraging.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed some essays more than others, naturally

A book with a little more Christianity than I normal go for, but with enough meaningful, beautiful, and universal content to be enjoyable.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! I read it over a couple months, one essay at a time. I might be biased because I love Coffee + Crumbs, so I loved this book. A book every mom should read at least once.

[Heather Pocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really beautiful collection of essays

[Amanda Horning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ashlee Gadd in The Magic of Motherhood is spreading that message of how all of us mothers are not alone in our highs and lows.  I am not a huge fan of short essays or stories but I gave this book a shot based on a recommendation. The stories all had a common thread of connecting mothers through hardships and the joys of motherhood. I enjoyed the connections in each segment, however they also had a prevalent religious component which I could not connect to. This book was a quick read and was very affordable (at the time it was a deal of the day) on kobo.ca and I would recommend it to mothers who need a quick pick me up. I know some mothers cannot find time to read so these short stories may be perfect length.

[Joy Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is it - the book I will be giving all new mamas, old mamas, and mama friends from now on. I'm a long time fan of Coffee + Crumbs and was so excited for this book. It did not disappoint. Honest. Funny. Touching. All without being too overly sappy about motherhood.

[Larissa Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me, too.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every new mom should receive this book. It's like a giant mom hug.

[Ann Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly, everything about this book is magical.

It was given as a gift to me as I entered my new journey of motherhood and I loved (and needed) everything it gave. It was so wonderful to read and know that other moms felt & dealt with the same things I was. Each story is beautifully written in such a compelling way. I kept finding myself nodding along, laughing, crying, and ultimately FEELING as I read this. I can't even pick a story because each one is so compelling & necessary.

I also loved how every single detail about this book was clearly made with moms in mind. The short stories are perfect to read in the little breaks of time that we have. They aren't separated into topics because life doesn't neatly organize our needs or feelings. It's a durable hardback book without a book jacket, so it actually stays a beautiful book while you throw it in your diaper bag, put the bottle on top of it, or whatever else may happen in the day. It comes with a bookmark attached so you don't have to search/keep up with one or remember your place. And it has beautiful photos with the perfect quotes in the perfect fonts throughout the book to make for a great Instagram photo or to just make you get that point you needed!

Truly everything about this book is so well thought out and just a comfort for anyone on this journey of motherhood. It's a great reminder that it's your own adventure but there's beauty in knowing & having others to share it with you.

[Allie Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

“While I might not always be mom enough, God will always be big enough. He can always be trusted. He’s always on time. He will always show up, for [my baby] and for me.”

3.5⭐️

“The Magic of Motherhood” is described by the authors as a memoir, of sorts, but I see it more as a collection of essays. Several mothers writing about a wide range of experiences, from pregnancy to adoption to the Terrible Two’s . . . and Three’s and Four’s! The writers are all part of a blog called “Coffee + Crumbs” and these stories, from what I gather, are from that blog.

While most of these stories were sweet and meaningful, I didn’t get what I was looking for from this book. I wanted something strongly Christ-focused, and I couldn’t always super tell if the writers were Christians. That aside, the layout of the book was confusing too—because there wasn’t one. If the book had been divided into sections, it may have been more enjoyable and less confusing. As it was, I kept thinking, “Okay, we’re talking about adoption—oh, now we’re talking about infertility—oh, no marriage—okay back to adoption.” And it just didn’t lend itself to easy reading.

It’s always nice to read about other moms’ experiences, but this wasn’t my favorite read overall.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. First, let me say what draw me to review this book was the description. The book talked about being a mother without being perfect and that was something I wanted to know more about. With that said, I am not a mother, but I hope to be someday. I loved the way this book felt in my hands, the good stuff, the hard stuff and the in between stuff. This book felt raw, it felt light and it made me laugh. It weaved what I think is one of the most beautiful things in the world and the most hardest job that a woman will never get credit for, which is being a mom. AKA: Superwoman! The stories in this book are hopeful, they are written by story tellers filled with grace, joy, chaos and laughter. This book will provide a breath of fresh air to all moms. I encourage you to purchase this book for Mother's Day! Give this book as a gift. I loved this book and I'm not even a mother. Thank you Zondervan for providing me a complimentary copy. A positive review was not required. I give this book 5/5 stars.

[Jocelyn Purtell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Nothing could have prepared me for that love, for the raw emotion that enveloped every fiber of my being. Nothing could have prepared me for the daily sacrifice, for the way my body and soul would change time and time again, or for the challenges I would face in my marriage and friendships now that I was a mother. As I dove headfirst into my new role, I quickly realized that I needed more than just sleep training books and a few lasagnas in the freezer. Much more.”❤️

As someone who dealt with some pretty intense post-partum anxiety this book was relatable, comforting, heart wrenching, and gave me so much joy!

[yoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was filed with different anecdotes/reflections/short stories from moms of various journeys and life stories (adoption, miscarriage, infertility, toddlerhood, marriage, body image, mental health). Albeit cheesy at times (without too much new information), I whizzed through the book because of how I could relate so deeply while feeling simultaneously comforted. So much of motherhood rests on the comfort and safety that there is an entire community traversing through it as well, and that we aren't alone (in the intricate emotions to the big hurdles).

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not one who tends to want to ever read books on motherhood at all, but this was cute. It was filled with stories that different moms have written together from a website that they head up. I've never been to the website and know nothing about them, but their stories were relatable and some were about adoption experiences as well as dealing with special needs children. In case you want to read this, just know that most of these stories are written with an attitude geared towards Christ. It was a fast read and a nice way to finish up my year of reading.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new mother, this book of stories, musings, and advice hit home. After only getting halfway through, I mailed three copies to my nearest and dearest momma friends. Certain phrases stuck with me such as “Don’t wish this season or age away…it won’t come around again next year” and “It’s THEIR day too” reminding me that even if my own to do list is unfinished, I likely spent hours reading, feeding, diapering, cuddling, and talking with my baby. I bought the hard copy so I could read this again in a few years, gleaning different pieces of truth as my little girl ages.

[Erin Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book an infinite amount of stars I would! My only regret is not reading it sooner! All the stories told in this book are absolutely relatable. I laughed. I cried. I sympathized. I completely understood! I related to so many of the beautifully written essays and I am so glad that I am not alone in this world of Motherhood! 11/10 would recommend as a gift for a new mother, a seasoned mother.. every mother you know! This has become something like a bible to me to look back on for hard days, happy days or even for no reason!

[Elizabeth deWolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot of good here, and a lot of funny, heartbreaking and relatable stories about motherhood. I love the Coffee & Crumbs blog, and slowly read this over almost a year. More of the essays here had religion at the core (it's there on the website but felt much more pronounced in the book), which I didn't connect with much. But this would still be a great gift for a new mom or mom of little kids.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely! It is a collection of stories from multiple authors centering around motherhood. Some of the stories I felt like I could have written, particularly the last story about welcoming her third baby, a boy.

Some stories were harder to relate to, and I almost skipped some of them from a particular author, but decided to power through anyway. We are reading this as a MOPS group, and I'm looking forward to discussing it.

[Kayla Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Coffee + Crumbs podcast and was excited to read their book from a few years ago. This book is a collection of essays from different women addressing so many of the sweet, challenging, triumphant, and devastating parts of motherhood. Each essay is just a few pages, and the collection as a whole is both encouraging and resonant for mothers of little ones.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So MAGICAL!
This book made my Mama heart smile and cry and I was able to see myself in every one of these real and beautiful essays. ♡

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so raw & real & relatable. I bought a paper copy after reading it on KU so I could mark up the parts I want to remember.

[Alison Peachey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compilation of short essays, so it’s perfect for mom brain and mom busy. Very relatable and validating; I thoroughly enjoyed it.