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The Brave Art of Motherhood: Fight Fear, Gain Confidence, and Find Yourself Again
Full-time FindingJoy.net blogger, speaker, marketer, podcaster, and single mom of seven, Rachel Marie Martin presents a rallying cry to anyone who believes the lie that she is "just a mom."
Over the years, you willingly pour everything you have into your family, but in the process, you lose the essence of who you are. In her characteristic raw and visceral style, Rachel teaches you how to rewrite the pages of your story, follow your passion, and discover the beauty of who you are.
Drawing on lessons from her own incredible journey--together with insight from conversations with thousands of other women--Rachel encourages moms to break cycles, take off masks, and prevent fear from taking control. She balances her "no excuses" approach with breathing room and grace for those messy moments in life and mothering.
Rachel reminds you there is always a reason to hope, to move forward, and to dare the impossible. You can make changes. You can pursue dreams, find yourself, and live a life of deep happiness and boundless joy. Stop waiting for "someday." Take hold of the moment, and say yes to your dreams.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2018
174 people are currently reading
2956 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
September 11, 2018
Because I wrote it, love it and am proud of it. <3
July 7, 2018
This is such a fantastic and motivating book.
First of all, Rachel is seriously such an amazing human being. She has gone through so much, yet has managed to come out on top. She shares her hopes, fear, inspirations and motivations. She makes changing for the better seem so easy and inspires you to do it! This read part like an autobiography and part motivational/self-help. She tells a lot of stories from her life, so you really feel like you have grown to know her by the time you finish the book.
I really loved her style of writing as well. She is a bit of a rambler, like myself, but she does it in such a beautiful way that you can't even find fault with it. Her musings and stories seem so natural, yet the sentences feel so nice and refined and the whole book was very enjoyable to read.
Best of all, she is such a powerful writer. She has the ability to really help one invoke change in their life. She has done hard things herself and her story alone is inspiration, but she also helps propel change through her mindset shifts that she teaches.
I was very impressed by this book and am excited to follow Rachel on social media and catch up on her blog as well! I feel like she could make something as mundane as a trip to the grocery store seem inspiring and interesting!
First of all, Rachel is seriously such an amazing human being. She has gone through so much, yet has managed to come out on top. She shares her hopes, fear, inspirations and motivations. She makes changing for the better seem so easy and inspires you to do it! This read part like an autobiography and part motivational/self-help. She tells a lot of stories from her life, so you really feel like you have grown to know her by the time you finish the book.
I really loved her style of writing as well. She is a bit of a rambler, like myself, but she does it in such a beautiful way that you can't even find fault with it. Her musings and stories seem so natural, yet the sentences feel so nice and refined and the whole book was very enjoyable to read.
Best of all, she is such a powerful writer. She has the ability to really help one invoke change in their life. She has done hard things herself and her story alone is inspiration, but she also helps propel change through her mindset shifts that she teaches.
I was very impressed by this book and am excited to follow Rachel on social media and catch up on her blog as well! I feel like she could make something as mundane as a trip to the grocery store seem inspiring and interesting!
August 5, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review and I’ll admit, most popular blogger books aren’t well-written, but this one was. I felt inspired to make goals and pursue them while loving my family well. I appreciated the author’s vulnerability while also honoring others’ privacy in her painful story.
August 3, 2018
I always love the idea of a self help book, and even when I love the ideas in the book, I sometimes have a hard time getting through the whole thing.
But that's not the case with this book. She weaved in her own story, making her message even more inspirational and easy to read. She has inspired me to look at my own "normal" and examine where I can get to the normal I want.
I could see pieces of my own story inside Rachel's story. I actually had jumped into some of my own dreams recently, and I could say "hey, that's where I am!" as I read her journey.
Beyond that, she has inspired me to be a better friend and to be open to letting better friends into my life.
This book is great. Even if you don't think you need it, you need to read it.
But that's not the case with this book. She weaved in her own story, making her message even more inspirational and easy to read. She has inspired me to look at my own "normal" and examine where I can get to the normal I want.
I could see pieces of my own story inside Rachel's story. I actually had jumped into some of my own dreams recently, and I could say "hey, that's where I am!" as I read her journey.
Beyond that, she has inspired me to be a better friend and to be open to letting better friends into my life.
This book is great. Even if you don't think you need it, you need to read it.
August 19, 2018
Unlike most readers, I have known Rachel all of my life, most of hers; I am her cousin. One would think that indicating such a connection would indicate a very biased, if not untruthful, review. Such an individual would be wrong.
Even though I have known her, I feel as though I haven't really known Rachel, one of the cousins I aspired to be "just like," at all. I have learned so much more about her and about myself in reading this book. It amazed me to see the depth of likeness she and I share... personality, mentality, etc. despite our limited contact and vastly different upbringings. If this can be said of the two of us... how many others could say the same?
I am a "reader." It is one of my favorite pastimes. I have always used it as an escape from reality, a chance to not have to be anxious, to think, etc. It has always been this way. Due to that fact, I often read only to read. I don't read to learn or to recall, my brain is not really turned on. It's like I am blankly staring at a television. This is the FIRST time I have ever made it through any "self help" style book. It is a mix of learning, techniques, thinkings with real-life, you are not alone, experiences. I didn't feel preached at at all while reading and instead felt a connectedness which I hadn't anticipated.
Start to finish, this took me little to no time to read. I would re-read it in a heart beat. It was an enjoyable, easy read.
The reader in me was impressed. The cousin in me is even more so.
Even though I have known her, I feel as though I haven't really known Rachel, one of the cousins I aspired to be "just like," at all. I have learned so much more about her and about myself in reading this book. It amazed me to see the depth of likeness she and I share... personality, mentality, etc. despite our limited contact and vastly different upbringings. If this can be said of the two of us... how many others could say the same?
I am a "reader." It is one of my favorite pastimes. I have always used it as an escape from reality, a chance to not have to be anxious, to think, etc. It has always been this way. Due to that fact, I often read only to read. I don't read to learn or to recall, my brain is not really turned on. It's like I am blankly staring at a television. This is the FIRST time I have ever made it through any "self help" style book. It is a mix of learning, techniques, thinkings with real-life, you are not alone, experiences. I didn't feel preached at at all while reading and instead felt a connectedness which I hadn't anticipated.
Start to finish, this took me little to no time to read. I would re-read it in a heart beat. It was an enjoyable, easy read.
The reader in me was impressed. The cousin in me is even more so.
August 26, 2018
I was given a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review... and WOW- was I caught off guard! Based on the title I wasn't sure if I would connect with it, but from page 1 I was hooked.
My overall impression is that Rachel is a phenomenal story teller, teacher, and encourager. I read this book in TWO sittings.
What did I walk away with? A renewed confidence in the fact that I *can* both be a great mom AND pursue the dreams that God has put in my heart. The Brave Art of Motherhood also helped me recognize detrimental patterns in my life and provided practical steps to break free.
Literally the only criticism I could think of is this book needs to be marketed to a broader market than just moms-- I know so many people who don't fit that category who could benefit from Rachel's phenomenal insights.
I plan to purchase several copies of The Brave Art of Motherhood for my friends-- Great job, Rachel!
My overall impression is that Rachel is a phenomenal story teller, teacher, and encourager. I read this book in TWO sittings.
What did I walk away with? A renewed confidence in the fact that I *can* both be a great mom AND pursue the dreams that God has put in my heart. The Brave Art of Motherhood also helped me recognize detrimental patterns in my life and provided practical steps to break free.
Literally the only criticism I could think of is this book needs to be marketed to a broader market than just moms-- I know so many people who don't fit that category who could benefit from Rachel's phenomenal insights.
I plan to purchase several copies of The Brave Art of Motherhood for my friends-- Great job, Rachel!
August 14, 2018
Even better than I expected...and I knew it would be good.
Many years ago, I stumbled upon a talk show on TV, and a woman from the audience had a microphone in her face while she cried about the pain of motherhood. Somewhere in her pity party, she lamented, "I've *sob* lost *sob* *sob* who I AM!!" I remember rolling my eyes and groaning with disgust. Then, I don't know how many years later, maybe ten or fifteen, I was her. It wasn't that I'd poured myself into my kids to such a degree that I'd lost myself, it was more like I'd made more failures than successes, and I quit taking risks. The shame of my shortcomings was my constant companion.
Rachel's Martin's book, The Brave Art of Motherhood helped me take away the excuses and embrace new risks. She reminds me that if she can bust out of the downward spiral, then so can I.
This is the kind of book you want to read a chapter or two at a time. You want it on your end table or in the bathroom, for inspiration when you'd rather crawl under a rock. Her compassionate voice and stories, somehow are incredibly motivating.
She has a chapter about the different forms of denial we make when we stay stuck. I was stunned by her revelation of the "excuse of gratitude." She points out that when things were terrible, and seriously needing different action on her part, she made excuses by only focusing on gratitude.
In her words, "Just as a drug numbs pain, being perpetually grateful despite terribly hard things excused me from taking action to fix the hard places."
She illustrates this "inauthentic gratitude" with the time her car got repossessed, and instead of taking action to make sure it never happened again, she "took the anger & fear and spun them into gratitude."
Normally, I would think this was a great path, but she described a different kind of gratitude that was truly needed: the kind of thankfulness that compels you to take action. The story spoke to a particular area of my own life as I read it, and I was able to change my approach.
If that was the only chapter I read, the book would be priceless to me, but in fact, it's full of antidotes that touched & challenged me.
Just get it. Read it. And get over the sobs. You really can find yourself again, with confidence in the face of fear.
Many years ago, I stumbled upon a talk show on TV, and a woman from the audience had a microphone in her face while she cried about the pain of motherhood. Somewhere in her pity party, she lamented, "I've *sob* lost *sob* *sob* who I AM!!" I remember rolling my eyes and groaning with disgust. Then, I don't know how many years later, maybe ten or fifteen, I was her. It wasn't that I'd poured myself into my kids to such a degree that I'd lost myself, it was more like I'd made more failures than successes, and I quit taking risks. The shame of my shortcomings was my constant companion.
Rachel's Martin's book, The Brave Art of Motherhood helped me take away the excuses and embrace new risks. She reminds me that if she can bust out of the downward spiral, then so can I.
This is the kind of book you want to read a chapter or two at a time. You want it on your end table or in the bathroom, for inspiration when you'd rather crawl under a rock. Her compassionate voice and stories, somehow are incredibly motivating.
She has a chapter about the different forms of denial we make when we stay stuck. I was stunned by her revelation of the "excuse of gratitude." She points out that when things were terrible, and seriously needing different action on her part, she made excuses by only focusing on gratitude.
In her words, "Just as a drug numbs pain, being perpetually grateful despite terribly hard things excused me from taking action to fix the hard places."
She illustrates this "inauthentic gratitude" with the time her car got repossessed, and instead of taking action to make sure it never happened again, she "took the anger & fear and spun them into gratitude."
Normally, I would think this was a great path, but she described a different kind of gratitude that was truly needed: the kind of thankfulness that compels you to take action. The story spoke to a particular area of my own life as I read it, and I was able to change my approach.
If that was the only chapter I read, the book would be priceless to me, but in fact, it's full of antidotes that touched & challenged me.
Just get it. Read it. And get over the sobs. You really can find yourself again, with confidence in the face of fear.
August 10, 2018
As soon as I started reading this book I knew it was going to alter my life. I also knew I was going to read it several times, and take notes, and highlight favorite parts and quotes. Its that type of book, the kind you do not part with. The kind you only lend to dear friends, or better yet just buy them their own copy so you can always refer back to yours. I love how this isn't just experiences written down and ordered into chapters. It includes perspective on experiences, thoughtful introspection on cause and effect and the best part, there are actually solutions! There are steps anyone can take to create change in their own life. Despite what the title says, you don't even need to be a mother to gain something from reading this book. Of course, mothers will relate so well to the situations that come up in the book, but honestly anyone can benefit from reading this which I really find to be quite remarkable. Because all of us have areas we want and need to improve in our lives. We all wear masks, use excuses and find fault with ourselves, when what we really need is grace. This book showed me I deserve to give myself that grace, and that I am worth so much more than just settling for "good enough". I have big dreams, huge goals and I see them so much clearer now. I really hope I have conveyed just how significant this book is, I hope anyone wondering if it's worth it, takes the opportunity to read it because I promise you wont be disappointed.
August 21, 2018
The title of this book really jumped out at me when I saw it, and I immediately wanted to read it. While it is clearly geared toward mothers, it really focuses on who we are as women first. It's truly about how to reclaim our sense of self -- which most of us tend to cast aside the moment we become mothers and there's somebody else more important than us.
Reading this book really helped me to see all the places I'd gotten stuck over the years as a mom. It also showed me some of where I'd further neglected myself when I became a stepmom. I realized some of the unconscious habits and excuses I'd developed that are not serving anyone in my family, least of all me!
Unlike many inspirational books, this doesn't just leave you with a fistful of "aha" moments and a shrug. Rachel actually walks you out of the stuckness, and gives you tangible action to take to move you forward.
I honestly want to buy a copy of this book for each of my mom friends, because it is truly life changing -- and I don't use that term lightly!
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher as part of its launch team, but I was under no obligation to post a review, positive or otherwise.
Reading this book really helped me to see all the places I'd gotten stuck over the years as a mom. It also showed me some of where I'd further neglected myself when I became a stepmom. I realized some of the unconscious habits and excuses I'd developed that are not serving anyone in my family, least of all me!
Unlike many inspirational books, this doesn't just leave you with a fistful of "aha" moments and a shrug. Rachel actually walks you out of the stuckness, and gives you tangible action to take to move you forward.
I honestly want to buy a copy of this book for each of my mom friends, because it is truly life changing -- and I don't use that term lightly!
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher as part of its launch team, but I was under no obligation to post a review, positive or otherwise.
August 5, 2018
Got the book in the mail!
I started it yesterday. I'm trying to pace myself to absorb the content and think about it. I usually plow through a book in 8 hours and only intellectually understand the teaching points. I'm sitting with each of Rachel's teaching points and steeping in them for a couple of hours.
My first impressions of the book are.
Wow, it's a different pace than her blog posts. I expected a fast read with frenetic family anecdotes.
What a gift to find it beautifully honest and warm.
I was expecting a cold can of coke and was surprised that it was a warm cup of tea... A refreshing shot of caffeine vs. a soothing hug of love and relaxation.
This is some of Rachel's strongest writing.
You nailed part 2! That is the plight of mothers of this generation. It is a universal thread among the mothers I encounter. Woohoo! Great job!
Guess what all my mommy friends are getting for Christmas this year?
I started it yesterday. I'm trying to pace myself to absorb the content and think about it. I usually plow through a book in 8 hours and only intellectually understand the teaching points. I'm sitting with each of Rachel's teaching points and steeping in them for a couple of hours.
My first impressions of the book are.
Wow, it's a different pace than her blog posts. I expected a fast read with frenetic family anecdotes.
What a gift to find it beautifully honest and warm.
I was expecting a cold can of coke and was surprised that it was a warm cup of tea... A refreshing shot of caffeine vs. a soothing hug of love and relaxation.
This is some of Rachel's strongest writing.
You nailed part 2! That is the plight of mothers of this generation. It is a universal thread among the mothers I encounter. Woohoo! Great job!
Guess what all my mommy friends are getting for Christmas this year?
August 13, 2018
Rachel Martin's book, The Brave Art of Motherhood, is full of gold nuggets and lessons. What makes her book standout to me is that she has given me fresh new ways of thinking about things. Gratitude is one of those things. I always thought that having gratitude was enough, but Rachel explains how to use it to propel ourselves forward (in a way I never thought about before). Her stories are real and raw and most touching. An excerpt from her book that has stuck with me...."Can you hope? Just for a moment, for a second? It does not matter where you start." I loved the stories of her children, their trials and tribulations and things that they said that resonate deeply. One especially: "My mind keeps stopping me." Eli's swimming challenges hit me smack dab in my heart - and then what Rachel told him to help him self-conquer his fears. There are so many examples like this throughout her book - the difference between having a belief and faith, the meaning of real friends (being one and having them), and the step-by-step lessons she gives to help us breakdown very emotional excuses into actionable steps to jump from our stuck places to the joyful things we want to do in life. Rachel's book is helpful not just for Mom's but for anyone wanting to push the reset button and get back on a path to a more happy, fulfilling life. Her writing is deeply personal and I appreciate her book.
August 15, 2018
So in love with this book so far....can't wait to finish it😀❤
September 4, 2018
I helped Rachel write the book, so my 5 star review is biased. But unlike the others, I can talk to the book mechanics. With the help of the Waterbrook editing team, we ended up with over 100,000 words that didn't get put in the book. Stories were cut that didn't improve the flow, that added no real value as it pertains to the chapter goal and some that were redundant. That and moving things around led to the most unbelievable story arcs . . . that I think Rachel couldn't even envision on day 1.
And then as you can see from the other reviews, the book covers a whole lot of new territory, new concepts that you'll have never considered about yourself. Some of them I shared with my mom right away because I knew she would instantly think how cool that is.
And there is a sincerity and depth that I'd personally never read before. In fact, I didn't know there were books with such rawness. I didn't realize some of the deepest thoughts and fears a person has could be written. I was amazed at that part.
I hope you love it. I trust many lives will change because they will find no other path afterwards.
And then as you can see from the other reviews, the book covers a whole lot of new territory, new concepts that you'll have never considered about yourself. Some of them I shared with my mom right away because I knew she would instantly think how cool that is.
And there is a sincerity and depth that I'd personally never read before. In fact, I didn't know there were books with such rawness. I didn't realize some of the deepest thoughts and fears a person has could be written. I was amazed at that part.
I hope you love it. I trust many lives will change because they will find no other path afterwards.
August 22, 2018
I have followed Rachel on her Facebook page for years and always inspired by her positivity. Her book was a great read and stories were very relatable. I admire her bravery to share her story to her readers. So proud of her for her accomplishments and changing her future even when at times she felt lost and scared. It brings me a sense of hope for my hectic and stressful season.
August 29, 2018
"Faith is confidence in a future that doesn't match the present reality." That quote from the book sums up, for me anyway, the basic premise of the book.
Rachel finds herself the mom of seven kids and I would say she also finds herself stuck, stuck in financial bondage and stuck in a repeating cycle. It takes courage to break free from that and embark on a new journey and Rachel provides encouragement to moms to do that hard thing. But she also encourages us not to do it alone. Welcoming others into our circle is the brave thing to do. It can seem so easy, but letting other people see who we really are can be really, really hard. Rachel went through a time in her life when she wouldn't let people inside her house, when she kept the garage door closed because of the stuff inside that she was afraid to let others see. Doing that just lets the cycle keep repeating.
Rachel encourages us to name that thing we've always wanted to do, write it down, set an end date and get past the excuses. The excuses are there, and she gave us a huge list of the common ones, but we have to overcome them to fulfill our dreams. Reading this book came at an opportune time in my life as my husband and I are working hard toward our dream of buying our dream house. And yes, the word dream is mentioned a lot, but it's been a crazy summer of busyness and exhaustion, but it comes with being able to see that what we want is possible, Lord willing. But I had to be willing to step out of my comfort zone and be willing to work hard.
Rachel doesn't give us a lot of details on her marriage and why it failed and I can respect her for that and yet it also made it hard for me because I can't fully grasp the reason for the divorce. It feels like there are some big missing pieces to the story. And as someone who believes that marriage is for life, this messes with me and my ability to fully embrace her story. That is not to say that I don't believe that what she has to say is true. I know there are many things I can learn from this book and be encouraged and challenged by.
Probably my biggest negative for this book is I feel there was one key point missed in this book. To me, the brave art of motherhood will never be accomplished to the fullest potential unless I first place my trust and confidence in God. Again, I don't know where Rachel stands on this, but for me, personally, that is the first thing I need to have in place before I attempt to do anything else mentioned in the book.
I did enjoy the book. Like I said, there are good things to be learned from it, but there were also a few things that did bother me as well.
I received this book from Multnomah and was not required to write a positive review. For further information on this book or author, Rachel Martin go here
Rachel finds herself the mom of seven kids and I would say she also finds herself stuck, stuck in financial bondage and stuck in a repeating cycle. It takes courage to break free from that and embark on a new journey and Rachel provides encouragement to moms to do that hard thing. But she also encourages us not to do it alone. Welcoming others into our circle is the brave thing to do. It can seem so easy, but letting other people see who we really are can be really, really hard. Rachel went through a time in her life when she wouldn't let people inside her house, when she kept the garage door closed because of the stuff inside that she was afraid to let others see. Doing that just lets the cycle keep repeating.
Rachel encourages us to name that thing we've always wanted to do, write it down, set an end date and get past the excuses. The excuses are there, and she gave us a huge list of the common ones, but we have to overcome them to fulfill our dreams. Reading this book came at an opportune time in my life as my husband and I are working hard toward our dream of buying our dream house. And yes, the word dream is mentioned a lot, but it's been a crazy summer of busyness and exhaustion, but it comes with being able to see that what we want is possible, Lord willing. But I had to be willing to step out of my comfort zone and be willing to work hard.
Rachel doesn't give us a lot of details on her marriage and why it failed and I can respect her for that and yet it also made it hard for me because I can't fully grasp the reason for the divorce. It feels like there are some big missing pieces to the story. And as someone who believes that marriage is for life, this messes with me and my ability to fully embrace her story. That is not to say that I don't believe that what she has to say is true. I know there are many things I can learn from this book and be encouraged and challenged by.
Probably my biggest negative for this book is I feel there was one key point missed in this book. To me, the brave art of motherhood will never be accomplished to the fullest potential unless I first place my trust and confidence in God. Again, I don't know where Rachel stands on this, but for me, personally, that is the first thing I need to have in place before I attempt to do anything else mentioned in the book.
I did enjoy the book. Like I said, there are good things to be learned from it, but there were also a few things that did bother me as well.
I received this book from Multnomah and was not required to write a positive review. For further information on this book or author, Rachel Martin go here
August 28, 2018
At first I thought this book would be a quick read...however, I have had to sit down and reread passages because Ms. Martin's stories are hitting very close to home. I love her writing style and have begun to regain the confidence that I had lost due to a series of personal challenges that caused me to question everything that I held dear. I am excited to complete this book and feel that my highlighter is going to get a lot of use. I've already recommended this book to several of my mom friends who are struggling like I am.
September 1, 2018
In "The Brave Art of Motherhood," the author shares her story of overcoming life's challenges by eliminating excuses and recognizing her strength and power. She is honest and open about her struggles, while maintaining a positive and encouraging voice throughout the book. I appreciated the practical steps she provided to making dreams a reality. It gave me the gentle (yet loving) kick in the pants that I needed to move forward with achieving a few goals I have set for myself. She took the fear out of taking that first step. I found her to be very inspiring! I took so much away from this book.
I was amazed at how connected I felt to her story, despite the fact that my challenges in no way resemble hers. More times than I can count, I felt as though she was speaking directly to me. She did a wonderful job of rallying readers together simply because we share the role of "mother."
I would definitely recommend this to any mother who could use a little encouragement. It would be great for a book club or a mom's group!
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher.
I was amazed at how connected I felt to her story, despite the fact that my challenges in no way resemble hers. More times than I can count, I felt as though she was speaking directly to me. She did a wonderful job of rallying readers together simply because we share the role of "mother."
I would definitely recommend this to any mother who could use a little encouragement. It would be great for a book club or a mom's group!
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher.
August 31, 2018
I’ve been a long time follower of Rachel’s blog and there have been periods in my life where her words have found there way to me, in just the moment I needed them. This book is that, but also so much more. She writes in a way that speaks directly to her readers, as if you’re 2 friends getting together, as if she already knows what’s in your heart. She also makes you break yourself open in the most raw and real way possible, and really pushes you to examine your life but also to take back control of it and not feel guilty for it. I recommend this book to any and every one who feels like things are too hard, or just don’t think they can push through the tough stuff, because after reading this book, I think many perspectives will change, in the most beautiful ways. Get This Book!!!! When it comes out, of course
August 28, 2018
I received an uncorrected proof of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
I normally don’t write reviews.
This book is the straight talking, empowering girlfriend to motivate the reader. This would be the self help book that is a good mix of Simple Abundance, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and traces of The Secret.
All from the perspective of a close friend revealing their true self and daring you to too.
It is casually written so it could be read in one sitting.
Quite a few references are about the author’s upbringing so those in their 30-40’s may generationally identify. This did not turn off my 70 year old mother to deeply enjoy and be moved by this book.
In the beginning there are religious references but they shouldn’t turn off most readers. It just is where the author is coming from and going.
This a book to keep for yourself and give copies as gifts to great friends.
I normally don’t write reviews.
This book is the straight talking, empowering girlfriend to motivate the reader. This would be the self help book that is a good mix of Simple Abundance, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and traces of The Secret.
All from the perspective of a close friend revealing their true self and daring you to too.
It is casually written so it could be read in one sitting.
Quite a few references are about the author’s upbringing so those in their 30-40’s may generationally identify. This did not turn off my 70 year old mother to deeply enjoy and be moved by this book.
In the beginning there are religious references but they shouldn’t turn off most readers. It just is where the author is coming from and going.
This a book to keep for yourself and give copies as gifts to great friends.
August 22, 2018
This book is full of thought provoking truth. I was inspired by Rachel's story and loved how transparently she shared it with readers. Her book is a balance of tough, no excuses way of approaching life, along with having grace for yourself and not being discouraged that your life and your mothering are not perfect. She shows that there is always a reason to hope, a reason to move forward and a reason to challenge yourself do things you thought were impossible. I will be re-reading this book as I know there is going to be more I want to think through and consider for my own life.
September 3, 2018
There is not a moment when Rachel Martin’s words don’t speak to my soul and uplift my heart. Her bravery in making herself vulnerable so that I can feel strong is much appreciated.
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August 31, 2018Phenomenal book that is trying to dispel the perfect parent myth. We all want to be the Pinterest mom, but the reality is that we cannot be. We create these masks to try to hide our true selves. Rachel Martin does a fantastic job getting real about what motherhood is really like and steps to be better. We cannot be a great mom when we are not being a great person. "Life doesn't slow down when you have your ducks in a row. Our timeline doesn't stop for the hard moments." Life will never change until we make a DECISION to make a change. Rachel teaches us steps to take to make the changes we need to make to be a better person. We will never change until we take that first step. That should include reading this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions, therein, are solely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions, therein, are solely my own.
August 31, 2018
i'm reading this book. i read this book. i'm reading this book again. so many things to say but the most important is that we are not alone. each and every mom goes through some sort of emotion or stage that has been printed in this book and we all can relate. if you see the courage, determination and the self-worth, then you must read this book!
August 18, 2018
I received a complimentary advanced readers copy of this book.
There was so many different points of stories and added extra, that I feel the author did an amazing job with the writing style and keeping the interest for me as the reader. I did find that there was a bit much when it comes to the extended need to carry on with the thoughts instead of just moving forward. How many life stories are really unfolding like this versus the added words and thoughts put into the current writing to give it the more impactful edge?
There was so many different points of stories and added extra, that I feel the author did an amazing job with the writing style and keeping the interest for me as the reader. I did find that there was a bit much when it comes to the extended need to carry on with the thoughts instead of just moving forward. How many life stories are really unfolding like this versus the added words and thoughts put into the current writing to give it the more impactful edge?
September 2, 2018
I had so many a-ha moments while reading this. This book inspired me to carve out time for my own passions - which makes me a better person & a more enthusiastic mom. It is well written and interesting. Rachel shares her personal story while helping the reader examine all the reasons and excuses that we are not living our best lives. whether you're a mother or not, if you feel stuck in cycles of life that you wish you could change, Rachel can walk you through it. She is such an encouraging person, her writing feels more like a letter from a friend. I was given an advance copy in return for an honest review. this was definitely a 5 star book for me.
August 7, 2018
You don’t have to be a mother to get great value from this book.
The author definitely hit home with me when she was talking about hiding her garage and house from people because she was embarrassed about the piles of stuff.
I’ve done the same thing. I’ve also let people give me labels that I’ve accepted as truth.
The author has spoken to me and has given me such hope that I can also make a change and live a happy and fulfilling life.
I think I’d rename the book to The Art of Womanhood.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to make positive change to their life.
Thank you Rachel Martin for this excellent book. You’re journey is an inspiration.
The author definitely hit home with me when she was talking about hiding her garage and house from people because she was embarrassed about the piles of stuff.
I’ve done the same thing. I’ve also let people give me labels that I’ve accepted as truth.
The author has spoken to me and has given me such hope that I can also make a change and live a happy and fulfilling life.
I think I’d rename the book to The Art of Womanhood.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to make positive change to their life.
Thank you Rachel Martin for this excellent book. You’re journey is an inspiration.
April 15, 2019
This book isn't really much about motherhood, but about achieving your dreams and creating an identity outside of motherhood. I have to admit that not much of it was actually helpful for me because I am already pretty happy in motherhood and in life, and I have already gone after my dreams while I've raised my five children.
That said, there there was a lot of helpful advice. I read my fifteen year-old son one little story about not getting caught up in what others label us with, and I appreciated the advice about cleaning out your garage (metaphorically and literally) instead of hiding your embarrassing parts. There were a few other areas I highlighted and made a mental note to adopt, such as the point that survival should only be a short term solution in the sense of just making it, and pushing through that stuff should be the ultimate goal.
I didn't relate an awful lot with the author, despite the fact that we have so much in common on the outside. She is a mother of 7 who was a stay-at-home, homeschooling mother from Minnesota. I am a homeschooling mom of 5 in Minnesota and stay home with them (though I am a writer so I consider myself a work-at-home mother, too). She felt stifled in her marriage and in motherhood, though, and I feel supported and whole. She was in financial ruins and we get by on very little but do it well. She ended up divorcing her husband and sending her kids to public school out of necessity, eventually fulfilling a lot of her dreams and making a lot of money. I don't have monetary dreams, am still madly in love with my husband, and love homeschooling and being home with my kids. I tell my kids all the time "this is my happily ever after" -- not that I don't yell it sometimes and storm out of the room. ;) I don't feel the need to get unstuck and I already feel pretty whole and empowered, though there are certainly areas in life where I struggle.
I enjoyed this book much more than the similar themed (mommy blogger self help motivational) "Girl Wash Your Face" that also came out this year, though. While both books aim to help mothers achieve their goals outside of motherhood, this one had some good advice to get there and I found the author much more real and likeable.
This will be an immensely helpful book for a lot of women, primarily those who have lost themselves in their roles as wives and mothers or put aside their dreams. I don't think you have to be a mother to get a lot out of it. Martin gives great advice about how to be real and push yourself to do scary things. She uses a lot of her own life experiences to teach the lessons, and she makes a good cheerleader.
My rating system on Goodreads:
1 star = hated it
2 stars = it was ok
3 stars = liked it
4 stars = really liked it
5 stars = I plan to buy a copy for myself (or I'd buy another if I lost it)
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
That said, there there was a lot of helpful advice. I read my fifteen year-old son one little story about not getting caught up in what others label us with, and I appreciated the advice about cleaning out your garage (metaphorically and literally) instead of hiding your embarrassing parts. There were a few other areas I highlighted and made a mental note to adopt, such as the point that survival should only be a short term solution in the sense of just making it, and pushing through that stuff should be the ultimate goal.
I didn't relate an awful lot with the author, despite the fact that we have so much in common on the outside. She is a mother of 7 who was a stay-at-home, homeschooling mother from Minnesota. I am a homeschooling mom of 5 in Minnesota and stay home with them (though I am a writer so I consider myself a work-at-home mother, too). She felt stifled in her marriage and in motherhood, though, and I feel supported and whole. She was in financial ruins and we get by on very little but do it well. She ended up divorcing her husband and sending her kids to public school out of necessity, eventually fulfilling a lot of her dreams and making a lot of money. I don't have monetary dreams, am still madly in love with my husband, and love homeschooling and being home with my kids. I tell my kids all the time "this is my happily ever after" -- not that I don't yell it sometimes and storm out of the room. ;) I don't feel the need to get unstuck and I already feel pretty whole and empowered, though there are certainly areas in life where I struggle.
I enjoyed this book much more than the similar themed (mommy blogger self help motivational) "Girl Wash Your Face" that also came out this year, though. While both books aim to help mothers achieve their goals outside of motherhood, this one had some good advice to get there and I found the author much more real and likeable.
This will be an immensely helpful book for a lot of women, primarily those who have lost themselves in their roles as wives and mothers or put aside their dreams. I don't think you have to be a mother to get a lot out of it. Martin gives great advice about how to be real and push yourself to do scary things. She uses a lot of her own life experiences to teach the lessons, and she makes a good cheerleader.
My rating system on Goodreads:
1 star = hated it
2 stars = it was ok
3 stars = liked it
4 stars = really liked it
5 stars = I plan to buy a copy for myself (or I'd buy another if I lost it)
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
September 2, 2018
As a follower of Rachel's blog, I knew her new book would be good. But I was unprepared for how real, soul searching, and life changing her words on these pages would leave me. Her compelling arguments to help mothers find their courage and joy, are coupled with reflective assignments for you to search your own life and find comfort in taking those fearful, yet life changing leaps together. As Rachel says, "It's so easy to lose track of time in motherhood. It's even easier to overlook the importance of our own hearts." As a mother of two young and busy boys, I wondered where I would find the time to sit down and read a book about motherhood. I'm so glad I did. I am motivated to follow my dreams, even during the busy season of motherhood, because my boys need to see that dreams can come true. Now I just need to know how to purchase a case of books so I can pass them out to all of my busy mommy friends! This truly is a MUST read.
September 2, 2018
This is a book I'd wish I could have read earlier in my momming years! Ms. Martin packs this book full of engaging stories, easy-to-follow methods, and practical tips to fight feelings of doubt and insecurity and how to chase after aspirations you may have always had (and maybe didn't even realize). Reading Rachel's own journey of self discovery after years of hardship was inspiring and heartfelt - my heart went out to her journey. And I'm so thankful for her journey to her calling and that it led her to write this book and help other women and moms along on their own journey. I hope to share it with other new moms, who find themselves in over their heads (so every mom at some point, right?!)
September 2, 2018
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review and have really enjoyed it! Rachel's heart for encouraging other moms and her transparency in her own journey has touched my life. In so many of the chapters, I feel like she has taken the words of out my mouth (or the thoughts from my own mind).
Her voice is real. She gets this motherhood journey and the struggles and blessings that go along with it. She talks about the mom guilt that I struggle with so often. And the importance of not giving up on our own dreams, for our sake and for our children's sake.
Rachel's words have encouraged me to allow myself to dream again!
Her voice is real. She gets this motherhood journey and the struggles and blessings that go along with it. She talks about the mom guilt that I struggle with so often. And the importance of not giving up on our own dreams, for our sake and for our children's sake.
Rachel's words have encouraged me to allow myself to dream again!
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