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Giving Thanks and Letting Go: Reflections on the Gift of Motherhood
What happens to a mother’s heart when her children grow up and begin their own lives? How can she absorb the mixed emotions of anxiety and excitement, grief and hope?
In Giving Thanks and Letting Go, bestselling Catholic author Danielle Bean ponders her emptying nest and overflowing heart as she encourages you to join her in leaning on God and discovering the joy and promise of this sacred season of parenting.
Comforting, relatable, and practical, Giving Thanks and Letting Go shares Danielle Bean’s personal experience of launching her children into their adult lives. From this crucial moment in her motherhood, she offers sage advice as she reflects on the precious years she spent raising children and learning to trust in God’s providence.
In her most personal book to date, Bean, brand manager at CatholicMom.com, reveals the freedom she discovered as she tossed out old trophies and Nordic Ware; the release she feels when she lets herself sob with abandon; the pleasant satisfaction of extra space in her home and in her marriage; and the happy recognition of God's abiding presence through all the years of family life.
As you accompany Bean on her journey, you will learn to
let yourself grieve;
acknowledge that being a mom has never been easy;
turn to your husband;
give up control;
accept the suffering with grace;
trust in God to have the best plans;
spark joy, give thanks, and move on; and
nourish your soul, body, and mind.
Allow these familiar, comforting, and heart-tugging scenes from Bean's life and the lessons she’s learned be your trusted companion for reflecting on your own parenting journey.
In Giving Thanks and Letting Go, bestselling Catholic author Danielle Bean ponders her emptying nest and overflowing heart as she encourages you to join her in leaning on God and discovering the joy and promise of this sacred season of parenting.
Comforting, relatable, and practical, Giving Thanks and Letting Go shares Danielle Bean’s personal experience of launching her children into their adult lives. From this crucial moment in her motherhood, she offers sage advice as she reflects on the precious years she spent raising children and learning to trust in God’s providence.
In her most personal book to date, Bean, brand manager at CatholicMom.com, reveals the freedom she discovered as she tossed out old trophies and Nordic Ware; the release she feels when she lets herself sob with abandon; the pleasant satisfaction of extra space in her home and in her marriage; and the happy recognition of God's abiding presence through all the years of family life.
As you accompany Bean on her journey, you will learn to
let yourself grieve;
acknowledge that being a mom has never been easy;
turn to your husband;
give up control;
accept the suffering with grace;
trust in God to have the best plans;
spark joy, give thanks, and move on; and
nourish your soul, body, and mind.
Allow these familiar, comforting, and heart-tugging scenes from Bean's life and the lessons she’s learned be your trusted companion for reflecting on your own parenting journey.
128 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2020
9 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 27, 2020
Danielle Bean is a mother of eight and only half of her kids live under her roof at this point in her life. Her nest is emptying for sure and she writes about it in a conversational and down to earth style that I love very much. Her words are from the heart and she speaks them into our hearts. She is like a best friend rather than a preachy, holier than thou, know it all person. It was as if she was in my kitchen having coffee with me and we were musing about our changing families.
Every season of mothering has its own beauty and Bean helps us find that beauty in our everyday lives by writing about love, sacrifice, and grace. I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you to Net Galley and Ave Maria Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Every season of mothering has its own beauty and Bean helps us find that beauty in our everyday lives by writing about love, sacrifice, and grace. I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you to Net Galley and Ave Maria Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 26, 2020
I had no idea how much I needed to read this book until I read it. I’m beginning the same phase of life that Danielle so poignantly writes about, more adult kids than little ones, and it’s a big challenge for this mom of babies. It’s a change in my view of my own motherhood and the dynamic of our family. Danielle addresses all of these issues with her usual good humor, deep faith and a large dose of common sense.
February 4, 2020
As an almost empty nester myself, I was drawn to the idea that Giving Thanks and Letting Go by Danielle Bean would give me a Christian perspective on how to face this impending adjustment. Despite the synopsis on the back of the book, however, this book is as much about navigating the waters of current motherhood and reflecting on past transitions as it is about handling the prospect of an empty nest.
Once I let go of my pre-conceived notions about its content, I found Giving Thanks and Letting Go to be a beautiful tribute to motherhood in all of its stages. Ms. Bean’s writing reveals the heart and soul of a mother whose hopes and dreams for children exceed those she has for herself. Her struggle with coming to terms with her “new normal” as one after another of her children are launched into young adulthood was at times poignant, joyful, and humorous, and at all times relatable. Especially wistful was her reflection on taking the youngest of her eight children to register for sports for a final season. Having been an active “sports mom” for well over a decade, I, too, felt the tug of yearning when my youngest aged out of Little League.
Sometimes a book gives you, not what you are looking for, but what you need to hear. Giving Thanks and Letting Go did that for me. Not only did it remind me of the innumerable joys associated with my children’s milestones, it allowed me to reflect on my own journey as a mother, giving me hope that I can face tomorrow’s empty nest as gracefully as its author.
Note: I received an ARC of Giving Thanks and Letting Go from NetGalley and Ave Maria Press. The above is my honest review.
Once I let go of my pre-conceived notions about its content, I found Giving Thanks and Letting Go to be a beautiful tribute to motherhood in all of its stages. Ms. Bean’s writing reveals the heart and soul of a mother whose hopes and dreams for children exceed those she has for herself. Her struggle with coming to terms with her “new normal” as one after another of her children are launched into young adulthood was at times poignant, joyful, and humorous, and at all times relatable. Especially wistful was her reflection on taking the youngest of her eight children to register for sports for a final season. Having been an active “sports mom” for well over a decade, I, too, felt the tug of yearning when my youngest aged out of Little League.
Sometimes a book gives you, not what you are looking for, but what you need to hear. Giving Thanks and Letting Go did that for me. Not only did it remind me of the innumerable joys associated with my children’s milestones, it allowed me to reflect on my own journey as a mother, giving me hope that I can face tomorrow’s empty nest as gracefully as its author.
Note: I received an ARC of Giving Thanks and Letting Go from NetGalley and Ave Maria Press. The above is my honest review.
February 10, 2020
Danielle Bean's latest work, "Giving Thanks and Letting Go," is a gem - one that I know.i will revisit many times as my kids head into their teen years and beyond.
I devoured this book over the course of two days, reading intermittently when I had a moment it - the brevity of the chapters worked well for this. As I read, I wanted to highlight almost every sentence. We're still a good 5 years from launching our oldest into the world, but reading this book NOW has given me a lot to think about in terms of shoring up our marriage, appreciating the ordinary, and remembering that these kids are God's, not ours. One of the most encouraging things Danielle shares is that each season of motherhood is different - not a bad different, just...different - and that there is joy, sorrow, and much to treasure in each season.
Also, get some tissues. I've shed tears of sadness, joy, and gratitude and I was unprepared for the waterworks. Friends don't let friends read this book without tissues.
**I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
I devoured this book over the course of two days, reading intermittently when I had a moment it - the brevity of the chapters worked well for this. As I read, I wanted to highlight almost every sentence. We're still a good 5 years from launching our oldest into the world, but reading this book NOW has given me a lot to think about in terms of shoring up our marriage, appreciating the ordinary, and remembering that these kids are God's, not ours. One of the most encouraging things Danielle shares is that each season of motherhood is different - not a bad different, just...different - and that there is joy, sorrow, and much to treasure in each season.
Also, get some tissues. I've shed tears of sadness, joy, and gratitude and I was unprepared for the waterworks. Friends don't let friends read this book without tissues.
**I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
February 5, 2020
I’ve long enjoyed Danielle’s writing and podcasts, and even though I’m a mother of two and she’s a mother of eight, we always seemed to have a lot in common. Reading this book, I almost feel like we’ve been separated at birth. Danielle speaks about her experiences as the mother of leaving-the-nest children, and how her life has changed over the years from a homeschooling mother of littles to the mother of children who don’t need her the way they once did. From a house-is-always full family to the tidy-up-for-our-visiting-children days she faces now.
My own girls are 21 and 18, and my older daughter moved out just over a year ago. My baby left for college in August, and my days as a homeschooling mother changed for good. Gone were the days of teaching and checking papers. Now I find myself with more free time than is probably good for me (oh, my goodness, I can procrastinate!), but also with time to think about this next stage in my life and what God wants from me in the years ahead.
Over and over, I found myself nodding and muttering “me, too, girl!” as I read through Danielle’s reflections on how her life is changing as her own children fly the nest. I cried tears with her when I read about her daughter leaving for school as I thought about my own baby moving into a dorm room in another state. I found myself realizing that I, too, had gone through seasons and suddenly realized that one was over and another had begun. (When did my girls stop needing me to tuck them in? Did I savor each time as if it was going to be the last?)
More than anything, I just found comfort knowing that I’m not the only mother out there who feels the sting of missing her babies while also feeling the pride of seeing them become adults out there in the big world. Danielle reminds her readers that in this stage, just as in every other stage of motherhood, we should work to stay close to God and to understand His plan in our lives, whether that’s to homeschool your babies and be a housewife or to have your kids in regular schools as you work or something in between.
A friend of mine commented on my Facebook post about how I only cried a little when we left our daughter at school. He said, “Parenthood is the only profession where you do a good job so you don’t have a job.” When I was especially weepy about it, my husband would put his arm around me and say, “Honey, this was the goal, remember? This was what we worked for!” (“I KNOW!” I would sob back.)
If you’re like me and facing the emptying of your own little nest, I highly recommend Danielle’s new book. I feel like I can’t recommend it highly enough! You can get Giving Thanks and Letting Go from Ave Maria Press and Amazon. Go do that. Do it now!
My own girls are 21 and 18, and my older daughter moved out just over a year ago. My baby left for college in August, and my days as a homeschooling mother changed for good. Gone were the days of teaching and checking papers. Now I find myself with more free time than is probably good for me (oh, my goodness, I can procrastinate!), but also with time to think about this next stage in my life and what God wants from me in the years ahead.
Over and over, I found myself nodding and muttering “me, too, girl!” as I read through Danielle’s reflections on how her life is changing as her own children fly the nest. I cried tears with her when I read about her daughter leaving for school as I thought about my own baby moving into a dorm room in another state. I found myself realizing that I, too, had gone through seasons and suddenly realized that one was over and another had begun. (When did my girls stop needing me to tuck them in? Did I savor each time as if it was going to be the last?)
More than anything, I just found comfort knowing that I’m not the only mother out there who feels the sting of missing her babies while also feeling the pride of seeing them become adults out there in the big world. Danielle reminds her readers that in this stage, just as in every other stage of motherhood, we should work to stay close to God and to understand His plan in our lives, whether that’s to homeschool your babies and be a housewife or to have your kids in regular schools as you work or something in between.
A friend of mine commented on my Facebook post about how I only cried a little when we left our daughter at school. He said, “Parenthood is the only profession where you do a good job so you don’t have a job.” When I was especially weepy about it, my husband would put his arm around me and say, “Honey, this was the goal, remember? This was what we worked for!” (“I KNOW!” I would sob back.)
If you’re like me and facing the emptying of your own little nest, I highly recommend Danielle’s new book. I feel like I can’t recommend it highly enough! You can get Giving Thanks and Letting Go from Ave Maria Press and Amazon. Go do that. Do it now!
March 5, 2020
This was a really quick and inspiring read about Catholic motherhood. Though Danielle Bean's children are much older than mine, she provided a lot of valuable insight into Catholic parenting in all stages of life, not just the phase she is currently in. I liked this book so much that now I'm using Small Steps for Catholic Moms: Your Daily Call to Think, Pray, and Act as a resource for Lenten prayer.
December 7, 2019
(I received a NetGalley copy in exchange for a review.)
I've always loved Danielle's writing, and this book illustrates why so well--she writes from her heart, honestly sharing her experiences of marriage, motherhood, and faith in a style that's conversational, accessible, and lovely. These essays span many years--from her marriage, the birth of her children, their marriages, and leaving home and making their own homes across the country. This is a book that any mother can dip in to and find support and sustenance for herself.
I've always loved Danielle's writing, and this book illustrates why so well--she writes from her heart, honestly sharing her experiences of marriage, motherhood, and faith in a style that's conversational, accessible, and lovely. These essays span many years--from her marriage, the birth of her children, their marriages, and leaving home and making their own homes across the country. This is a book that any mother can dip in to and find support and sustenance for herself.
December 27, 2019
How fitting is it that while reading Giving Thanks and Letting Go I was repeatedly interrupted by a protracted argument between kids about a board game, another kid's plea for help, and more commotion than I can even recall?
Danielle Bean has a gift for incorporating mundane details of life in an engaging way that draws the reader not only into the story but seamlessly leads to the deeper lesson she unveils with a deft and gentle hand - or word, as the case may be.
Here, through personal stories, she shares the wisdom she's gained through decades of experience of being a wife and mother and the challenges of entering a new phase of her vocation, different but no less challenging than the previous one.
My children are younger than most of the author's, but as my oldest moves through the teenage years, I'm beginning to glimpse some of the "letting go" that is just around the corner. This book provides the hope and encouragement for the challenges and transitions ahead.
Danielle Bean has a gift for incorporating mundane details of life in an engaging way that draws the reader not only into the story but seamlessly leads to the deeper lesson she unveils with a deft and gentle hand - or word, as the case may be.
Here, through personal stories, she shares the wisdom she's gained through decades of experience of being a wife and mother and the challenges of entering a new phase of her vocation, different but no less challenging than the previous one.
My children are younger than most of the author's, but as my oldest moves through the teenage years, I'm beginning to glimpse some of the "letting go" that is just around the corner. This book provides the hope and encouragement for the challenges and transitions ahead.
April 23, 2020
It was an absolute pleasure to read about Danielle's love, hope, struggles and transformation of herself throughout each of her 8 children's lives. It is a journey which has not finished yet, but Danielle's reflective pause in the middle of all of this is beautiful.
Danielle writes her book as if she is standing with you amongst the gifts (and trials) of motherhood. She inspires you to believe that each stage is a trial and encourages you to keep going no matter how tough the situation, but to believe that God is right there with you.
This book should really be on every mother's bookshelf! Her reflections are not comedy, like some books, but are a stark reminder of the many sacrifices we women ( I won't include men as it might be completely different for a father, but it may be worth a read to get some ideas and discussion going) go through to lift our little ones the best we can before their soar into the big wide world.
Danielle writes her book as if she is standing with you amongst the gifts (and trials) of motherhood. She inspires you to believe that each stage is a trial and encourages you to keep going no matter how tough the situation, but to believe that God is right there with you.
This book should really be on every mother's bookshelf! Her reflections are not comedy, like some books, but are a stark reminder of the many sacrifices we women ( I won't include men as it might be completely different for a father, but it may be worth a read to get some ideas and discussion going) go through to lift our little ones the best we can before their soar into the big wide world.
January 18, 2020
I received a NetGalley advance copy of Danielle Bean’s latest book in exchange for a review. Once again, the author is pitch perfect in giving voice to the real, raw struggles of motherhood while maintaining the optimism and grace that can only come from a heart of faith that is overflowing with love and hope. I can trust anything Danielle writes to lift me up. She leaves me in a better place afterwards than at the first page of the book without forfeiting the honest truth of struggle and sacrifice. Danielle writes from her own place as mother of 8 but without sanctimony or a purely inward focus in telling her own story. She is like the sister you want next to you, encouraging, never judging, being your biggest cheerleader as you navigate your own home and motherhood.
December 24, 2019
I was an avid reader of Danielle Bean's blog when I was a young mother of many kids close together. I bought her first book, "My Cup of Tea" and her second "Mom to Mom, Day to Day" when she came to my area to speak. I've missed a lot of her books in the last 10 years, but was excited to have a chance to preview this ARC on Netgalley.
Meeting her again in the pages of this book felt like catching up with an old friend. It was great to reminisce and to see how her family has grown. I appreciate, as I always have, the way she shares her struggles, along with the spiritual lessons she has learned - and is still learning - so that I can learn from them, too.
Meeting her again in the pages of this book felt like catching up with an old friend. It was great to reminisce and to see how her family has grown. I appreciate, as I always have, the way she shares her struggles, along with the spiritual lessons she has learned - and is still learning - so that I can learn from them, too.
February 9, 2020
I’m just going to come right out and say it, I loved Danielle Bean’s newest book, Giving Thanks and Letting Go! As a mom of 5, aged 1-12, I didn’t think this book would be for me. My hands (and arms, and house) are currently full. An empty nest is not remotely on my radar. But, how wrong I was! Danielle’s beautiful stories of finding God in each phase of motherhood has re-opened my eyes to all of the blessings, grace, and love He gives me, through what Danielle perfectly describes as the “joyful chaos” of family life. It is so easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day. How could I ever be enough for this wonderful family God has entrusted to me?? Through this delightful book, Danielle cheers us on and reminds us that God will fill in our gaps and inadequacies. When we trust and surrender, God will make everything more beautiful than we could ever imagine! I would recommend this to moms in any phase of family life.
I was sent a copy of the book by Ave Maria Press for review.
I was sent a copy of the book by Ave Maria Press for review.
February 15, 2020
Giving Thanks and Letting Go: Reflections on the Gift of Motherhood, reveals, in a series of reflections on the different seasons of motherhood, how a mother’s love changes and grows. Her vignettes, little peeks into her marriage and children, illustrate the sacrificial nature and immeasurable joys of mother. I found myself laughing out loud at her husband causing a scene in a delivery room (I know about this first-hand myself) and feeling the chest-crushing fear of illness as she recounts her son’s diagnosis with CF.
The anecdotes in this lovely collection celebrates motherhood in its depth and breadth. Danielle’s gift to us is her honesty — there’s no glossing over the hard parts like messy houses or feeling overwhelmed. But it also breaks open the beauty of motherhood. How we love unconditionally. How we’re sometimes insecure. How we love, and worry, and hope. It’s real, and it’s honest, but most of all it’s beautiful.
The anecdotes in this lovely collection celebrates motherhood in its depth and breadth. Danielle’s gift to us is her honesty — there’s no glossing over the hard parts like messy houses or feeling overwhelmed. But it also breaks open the beauty of motherhood. How we love unconditionally. How we’re sometimes insecure. How we love, and worry, and hope. It’s real, and it’s honest, but most of all it’s beautiful.
March 1, 2020
Danielle Bean's latest book was written to encourage moms of growing-up kids. Danielle doesn’t sugar-coat the tough stuff, but reminds us that yes, it’s worth it; it matters; we’ve got this. Getting used to new seasons in life can be hard. In Giving Thanks and Letting Go, Danielle acknowledges that, and gives us permission to grieve (a little) for days gone by and missed opportunities, but calls us to look forward in hope and joy to what life will bring. (ARC received from publisher)
January 12, 2021
Very real, helped me through this season of life
It’s so good to read this book about someone with a large family going through the phase of life where children are moving away and how she deals with it. Very helpful.
It’s so good to read this book about someone with a large family going through the phase of life where children are moving away and how she deals with it. Very helpful.
May 3, 2025
A friend gifted me this one as we welcomed our 4th baby, and what a great read it has been. Thoughts from mom with an emptying nest are so real and good to hear in these years of feeling a bit in the trenches.
February 11, 2020
Danielle Bean not only understands a mother’s heart and mind, but expresses that understanding perfectly. This treasure of essays is a must read for old moms, new moms and everyone in between.
September 29, 2020
This was meaningful.
August 28, 2022
This book was just what I needed the week I sent my first child off to college, like a warm hug through my tears. I will be re reading over the years as I send the other 7 off to college as well.
December 4, 2019
Wow! I sure can relate to Danielle Bean! We are almost empty nesters and while I look back at the years with all the kids at home and I really do miss those days... I am looking forward to more time with my husband, play dates with our grandbabies and family dinners when the kids come to visit. Reading Giving Thanks and Letting Go is helping me to embrace our new season of life.
Thank you Netgalley for a chance to read and review this book. I thought it was just wonderful.
Thank you Netgalley for a chance to read and review this book. I thought it was just wonderful.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews