Strong Girl, Brave Girl: a single mother's candid story of reconciling a life unexpected and navigating the messy in-between

by Kelsey Baldwin

When life-changing pain is coupled with the welcoming of a new story for yourself, the word bittersweet just doesn’t do it justice. You are quite literally in the middle — anchored between where you thought you were headed and where you’re going now. In that uncertain middle space is where this story takes place, and maybe where you find yourself, too. The life Kelsey had imagined for herself, the one she was right in the middle of, quickly crumbled around her on a single day as she was faced with a looming divorce while staring at a positive pregnancy test. It wasn’t the way it was supposed to go. With each uncertain transition she went through — divorce, pregnancy, giving birth, moving cities, dating, raising a child without a partner — she clung to what she knew for sure: she was a strong girl and a brave girl, and the middle was not the ending. (Spoiler: that’s why it’s called the middle.)

Genres: Nonfiction

248 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2018

About the author

Kelsey Baldwin is the owner and designer behind Paper + Oats, an online blog and resource for creative entrepreneurs looking to do business on their own terms. She helps fellow creatives organize, design, and market their digital products, so they can share what they know, and look good doing it.

As a single mother, she is also an advocate for women learning to sustain themselves and gain independence through online business. Her first book, all about her journey as a single mother, comes out in October 2018. She lives in Missouri with her daughter and dog, forever in search of their next ice cream cone.cultivate

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I zoomed through this book so fast!
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

It was honestly so inspiring. Facing the impending arrival of a baby (my third), I cannot imagine this process with a divorce on the side.

This is an honest, captivating, well written memoir from a business woman I admire.

[faith ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The details of our stories could not be more different. I have been married for almost 18 years. Together we have six kids. But I related to so much of this beautiful book. I was nodding along, laughing and crying through these pages. It was such a good reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness even when our world is going crazy. Kelsey is writing this book from her “middle place” her story doesn’t wrap up with a “happily ever after” and I love that about her and this book. Because who of us is living in our happily ever after? I think most of us are living in the middle place of our story - still waiting to see how things are going to turn out. And trusting God when things do not make sense is something we could all use a little help with.
Full disclosure: I have been following Kelsey on social media for awhile and was happy to be on her launch team.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get to read this book before the launch. I couldn't put the book down. It grabbed me right away because I felt like she was talking to me directly.

Her story is inspiring and shows that sometimes when you think life is going one way, it takes a hard turn into the opposite direction and now you have to figure out how to navigate your way through. Even if you aren't a single mother, you'll still be able to relate.

My personal favorite excerpt from the book: "This is the woman whose story looks different than what she expected. This is the woman who woke up to a reality that she did not dream about as a child. She’s enduring grief and trauma and pain and a remodeling of her life that she wasn’t ready for."

This book is so very relatable! Even if you aren't in the same situation as the author, you can still walk away feeling like this book is speaking directly to you.

[Stephanie Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

To keep it simple: I loved this book. I read it in 2 days because I couldn’t put it down.

A single mom memoir isn’t the type of book I’d usually pick up, but when the author is a local and someone you went to youth group with and have since kept in touch with through the Internet (in a non-creepy way), you buy a copy.

It was what I expected but so much more. It was so honest, but graceful. So raw, but well thought out. It reminded me to show grace and love to everyone I meet, every story I hear because everyone is fighting their own battles. It inspired me to live my life more intentionally, be thankful for the good things in my life, and to not worry so much about feeling like I’m “in the middle” of my own story somedays.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Kelsey. #stronggirlsbravegirlsforever

[Kelly Deriemaeker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een beetje veel van praise the lord, en ik had al een overdosis na Educated, maar voor de rest wel een inspirerend verhaal.

[Cristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be able to read this before it's release date and I absolutely LOVED it! I am an avid reader and this is one of my all time favorite books! The story itself is an interesting one but it is Kelsey's writing that makes it so special. I laughed and cried and often all on the same page! Life is hard and often times messy. Kelsey shares the mess of her life and does it while encouraging the rest of us. Do yourself a favor and get this book. Do your friends a favor and give them their own copy. You'll not be sorry.

[Susan VanScoyoc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for all women. The author's story is not a usual mix of divorce, pregnancy, and single parenthood but many of her struggles are the same for anyone who has experienced loss-or a zig in life when you expected it to zag. Truly inspiring for all, especially single moms or those who have lost a spouse while having young kids at home.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot begin to describe how much this book has touched me. I lost my mom this year and have just felt like my life is a mess. Even though we are not tackling the same journey, Kelsey’s way with words has helped me feel not so alone in dealing with struggles. It’s like you are sitting with a friend and talking instead of just reading a book. I highly recommend Strong Girl, Brave Girl!

[angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I happened upon this book from a friend, and when I read the description I knew I needed to read it right away. Even though I am unmarried and have no children, I related to this book in so many ways. I too am in the midst of my own messy middle. Kelsey Baldwin’s words came at just the right time in my life. There were literally days and nights where the only thing I wanted to read was this book. The words spoke to me that much. And reminded me I’m not alone in my mess. If you too find yourself in the middle, read this book!

I was a part of the launch team for this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Dorsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed and needed this book. She writes with honesty and openness.

[Cinnamon Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An authentic and raw glimpse into an incredibly vulnerable story. Kelsey shares her heart wrenching story with thoughtfulness, humor and an introspection that would benefit all of us as we look at our lives. Any and every woman should read this book. I especially loved her thoughts and perspective on grief and how it doesn't always center on losing a loved one, but it can also be felt intensely about aspects of life we thought we would experience but never will. A must read for sure.

[Ginny]

Real. Raw. Human. Beautiful.

Its healing to read someone else's similar single mom divorce mess. I cried through most every other page. I only disliked that it ended, I would like to know how she got to where she is today. I would reccomend this to other single moms.

[Urme Nazneen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by a friend who is a friend of the author's. A good read that left me wanting to read on at each chapter's end. Passing it on to a friend who I know will appreciate it soon.

[Meagan Fick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that everyone needs to read