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Expect Something Beautiful: Finding God's Good Gifts in Motherhood
Is motherhood only about self-sacrifice? Or will it bless your life, too?
You know that motherhood makes high demands. Yet you know it’s worth the cost because it benefits your child. On some grand level, it’s also good for civilization. And of course, it’s a calling from God. So is that what you’re doing here—pouring out your life for God and others while getting little in return except the consolation that you’ve done the right thing?
Laura Booz wants you to expect something more out of motherhood—something truly beautiful. You might be Will I lose myself in motherhood? Compromise my career? Squander my potential? What’s the point of all that unseen (and uncelebrated) serving, cleaning, caring, snuggling, discipling, and praying? Laura wants to help you see that behind all the giving that mothers do is the receiving of something special—a profound growth in God that is cultivated through motherhood’s everyday ups and downs.
Let this book give you a renewed vision of to see God’s good purpose for you as a mother, a woman, and a follower of Christ.
You know that motherhood makes high demands. Yet you know it’s worth the cost because it benefits your child. On some grand level, it’s also good for civilization. And of course, it’s a calling from God. So is that what you’re doing here—pouring out your life for God and others while getting little in return except the consolation that you’ve done the right thing?
Laura Booz wants you to expect something more out of motherhood—something truly beautiful. You might be Will I lose myself in motherhood? Compromise my career? Squander my potential? What’s the point of all that unseen (and uncelebrated) serving, cleaning, caring, snuggling, discipling, and praying? Laura wants to help you see that behind all the giving that mothers do is the receiving of something special—a profound growth in God that is cultivated through motherhood’s everyday ups and downs.
Let this book give you a renewed vision of to see God’s good purpose for you as a mother, a woman, and a follower of Christ.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2021
49 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 5, 2023
I read this book with friends. We met up and discussed each chapter at a time. I appreciated really taking my time and savoring and digesting chapter by chapter. This is truly my favorite motherhood book I’ve ever read. I felt so seen, yet it didn’t shy away from challenging me. Highly recommend! Would be great to read and discuss with a mentor/mentee.
May 4, 2023
Uplifting. Heartwarming. Brimming with scripture… these are a few words that come to mind when I think of this book.
Overflowing with wisdom and encouragement - I felt like I was sitting down with a kindred heart and chatting about motherhood. Her words echoed mine in so many ways. Laura, put into words moments and lessons that I have not been able to in the harder moments. They were healing to my heart. I walked away from this book with a worshipful and encouraged heart. I am ready to read it again! I am planning on grabbing several copies to give as gifts as well. I highly recommend this lovely, truth-steeped book.
At the end of each chapter Laura shares resources having to do with each chapters topic; something to cherish, something to sing, something to read, somethings to consider, and ends with a prayer from her heart for you. All in all this book is so rich and lovely. Do pick it up. I know you will be blessed.
Overflowing with wisdom and encouragement - I felt like I was sitting down with a kindred heart and chatting about motherhood. Her words echoed mine in so many ways. Laura, put into words moments and lessons that I have not been able to in the harder moments. They were healing to my heart. I walked away from this book with a worshipful and encouraged heart. I am ready to read it again! I am planning on grabbing several copies to give as gifts as well. I highly recommend this lovely, truth-steeped book.
At the end of each chapter Laura shares resources having to do with each chapters topic; something to cherish, something to sing, something to read, somethings to consider, and ends with a prayer from her heart for you. All in all this book is so rich and lovely. Do pick it up. I know you will be blessed.
January 23, 2025
This book was full of grace, encouragement, and challenge. I loved how the gifts of motherhood were explored as the development of each fruit of the Spirit in me. I was so encouraged by the reminders of God’s patience, gentleness, faithfulness, kindness, etc. toward me, and I nodded along to the author’s reflections on how mothering has grown (and continues to grow) those fruits in her.
August 15, 2025
This was a sweet read! She did a great job of explaining how the gospel is reflected in motherhood and provides practical insight along the way.
May 26, 2022
A book review: Expect Something Beautiful by Laura Booz
If you are a mom with kids at home, READ this. I feel like that review should suffice :).
Topic or themes I saw: Joy and sorrow. Peace and pain. Hope in hard. Beauty in the midst of broken.
Who it may interest: Those who want to know beauty can be stronger than the burden.
Story: You know sometimes you shove something deep down because you tell yourself you shouldn’t feel a certain way? Yet, it’s still there lurking. Then someone says something that gives you permission to feel it and all of the sudden everything changes? That’s what many of these chapters did for me. Stuffed feelings can’t be transformed. Realizing I’m not the only person on the planet that feels a certain way and it’s ok to bring it to light…now that can be transformed. Laura Booz writes from a very vulnerable real way. She shared her struggles then how God transformed them. Many of these stories shone light on things I shamed myself for. Her vulnerability allowed me to bring to the light those feelings for what they were and realize I’m not an awful person just a person who struggles with the brokeness of the fall but Jesus conquered it. Sharing stories changes stories, that’s what hers did for me and I know it can for other mothers too. The beginning of the chapters were usually a wrestle, the end was transformation and how God can work that same transformation in the readers heart as well. She is no stranger to grief. Yet she finds beauty. She points to that beauty in a very real, poetic, beautiful writing style.
Ease of reading: Easy
Main takeaway: Life is hard but we can find beauty.
Extra thoughts: At the very end of the chapters is a section with a scripture, a song, a related reading resource, questions to consider, and a prayer. I found those sections incredibly helpful as well. Laura pulls us into the joy and delight in life while showing us how to rise above the defeating feelings and hard circumstances to find pure delight in the gifts God has given us.
If you are a mom with kids at home, READ this. I feel like that review should suffice :).
Topic or themes I saw: Joy and sorrow. Peace and pain. Hope in hard. Beauty in the midst of broken.
Who it may interest: Those who want to know beauty can be stronger than the burden.
Story: You know sometimes you shove something deep down because you tell yourself you shouldn’t feel a certain way? Yet, it’s still there lurking. Then someone says something that gives you permission to feel it and all of the sudden everything changes? That’s what many of these chapters did for me. Stuffed feelings can’t be transformed. Realizing I’m not the only person on the planet that feels a certain way and it’s ok to bring it to light…now that can be transformed. Laura Booz writes from a very vulnerable real way. She shared her struggles then how God transformed them. Many of these stories shone light on things I shamed myself for. Her vulnerability allowed me to bring to the light those feelings for what they were and realize I’m not an awful person just a person who struggles with the brokeness of the fall but Jesus conquered it. Sharing stories changes stories, that’s what hers did for me and I know it can for other mothers too. The beginning of the chapters were usually a wrestle, the end was transformation and how God can work that same transformation in the readers heart as well. She is no stranger to grief. Yet she finds beauty. She points to that beauty in a very real, poetic, beautiful writing style.
Ease of reading: Easy
Main takeaway: Life is hard but we can find beauty.
Extra thoughts: At the very end of the chapters is a section with a scripture, a song, a related reading resource, questions to consider, and a prayer. I found those sections incredibly helpful as well. Laura pulls us into the joy and delight in life while showing us how to rise above the defeating feelings and hard circumstances to find pure delight in the gifts God has given us.
March 10, 2022
Expect Something Beautiful: Finding God’s Good Gifts in Motherhood is the debut title by mother, podcaster, and blogger Laura Booz. Laura is a mother of 6 children and has experienced both the mundane moments of motherhood and the really painful ones. Reading Expect Something Beautiful felt like sitting down with an older sister in Christ and being encouraged in my own motherhood journey.
The book’s chapters are divided into two sections. The first section is titled The Essentials and the second is titled The Gifts. In The Essentials, Laura focuses on disciplines of the Christian life that are essential for every season, including motherhood. I really appreciated this section because, in it, moms are encouraged that it is possible to continue cultivating a relationship with Jesus even in the chaos of the early years of motherhood. I wish I had understood some of the principles in this section earlier in my motherhood journey and I’m grateful that Laura was faithful to highlight them.
In The Gifts section, there are chapters that each focus on one of the elements of the fruit of the Spirit. I really enjoyed this section because one of my frequent prayers as a mom is that I will be Spirit-filled. It was encouraging to be reminded over and over again that it is possible to be filled with the Spirit and to parent in a way that reflects that. Laura does an excellent job of helping moms keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and reminds moms of the hope they have in the gospel. I’m currently in the season of the early years of motherhood and it’s generally felt more exhausting than encouraging so I’m especially grateful for Laura’s book which afforded me the opportunity to learn from a godly woman who is further along in her motherhood journey than I am. I really enjoyed Expect Something Beautiful and I’m pleased to give it my highest recommendation.
I received Expect Something Beautiful compliments of Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
The book’s chapters are divided into two sections. The first section is titled The Essentials and the second is titled The Gifts. In The Essentials, Laura focuses on disciplines of the Christian life that are essential for every season, including motherhood. I really appreciated this section because, in it, moms are encouraged that it is possible to continue cultivating a relationship with Jesus even in the chaos of the early years of motherhood. I wish I had understood some of the principles in this section earlier in my motherhood journey and I’m grateful that Laura was faithful to highlight them.
In The Gifts section, there are chapters that each focus on one of the elements of the fruit of the Spirit. I really enjoyed this section because one of my frequent prayers as a mom is that I will be Spirit-filled. It was encouraging to be reminded over and over again that it is possible to be filled with the Spirit and to parent in a way that reflects that. Laura does an excellent job of helping moms keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and reminds moms of the hope they have in the gospel. I’m currently in the season of the early years of motherhood and it’s generally felt more exhausting than encouraging so I’m especially grateful for Laura’s book which afforded me the opportunity to learn from a godly woman who is further along in her motherhood journey than I am. I really enjoyed Expect Something Beautiful and I’m pleased to give it my highest recommendation.
I received Expect Something Beautiful compliments of Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
October 22, 2021
Expect Something Beautiful is such an inspirational and uplifting read. The book is organized into two parts: The Essentials and The Gifts. Part One equips readers with Biblical truths and disciplines that will help mothers blossom, such as having a strong and steady prayer life and trusting in God and His promises. Part Two, the section that spoke loudest to me, focuses on having peace, patience, faith, joy, etc. as in the fruits of the spirit displayed in Scripture.
I love how the author shares the blessings of motherhood while being candid, practical, and sometimes wit. She has a wonderful conversational tone that is easy to relate to and connect with. We, as mothers, carry one of the most important roles in a child's life and it is important that prepare our children, teach them, and we serve them right.
When you read this book, expect to be blessed, encouraged, inspired, and empowered. It helps you discover not only the sacrifices and demands of motherhood, but the beauty. Motherhood is a gift of God. Expect something beautiful.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not influenced.
#MPNews
I love how the author shares the blessings of motherhood while being candid, practical, and sometimes wit. She has a wonderful conversational tone that is easy to relate to and connect with. We, as mothers, carry one of the most important roles in a child's life and it is important that prepare our children, teach them, and we serve them right.
When you read this book, expect to be blessed, encouraged, inspired, and empowered. It helps you discover not only the sacrifices and demands of motherhood, but the beauty. Motherhood is a gift of God. Expect something beautiful.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not influenced.
#MPNews
December 24, 2021
First off, is that not a beautiful cover? I think the cover drew me into the book and now I would tell every mom I know to go read the book. It was so good. I do know that part of the reason it really resonated with me is that we are doing a Fruits of Spirit Bible Study right now and the good gifts that Laura is talking about are the Fruits of the Spirit, so there was definitely a connection for me.
The first thing that hit me and has really helped me since I read the book was to reframe my to-do list. What if instead of looking at all the things I have to do in a day for my family, I looked at these same things as get-tos. I get to make breakfast for my family. I get to wash their dishes. I get to do the school run. Talk about a game changer. Things you get to do are things that are fun and exciting and you look forward to them. Things you have to do can be faced with drudgery and a bad attitude.
Another thing Laura brought out in the book is to treat your children the way you want to be treated when the roles are reversed. This was talking specifically about potty-training as in show your child the same respect with bathroom accidents that you will want to be shown when you are old and your child has to help you to the bathroom.
"Self-control is a wholehearted surrender to the Holy Spirit to live as He deems best."
I'm not going to go into all of the book, just go get a copy for yourself and read it. I found it to be a really good mothering resource without all the guilt piled on that you can sometimes feel after reading mothering book.
I received this book from Moody Press and was not required to write a positive review. All opinoins expressed are my own.
The first thing that hit me and has really helped me since I read the book was to reframe my to-do list. What if instead of looking at all the things I have to do in a day for my family, I looked at these same things as get-tos. I get to make breakfast for my family. I get to wash their dishes. I get to do the school run. Talk about a game changer. Things you get to do are things that are fun and exciting and you look forward to them. Things you have to do can be faced with drudgery and a bad attitude.
Another thing Laura brought out in the book is to treat your children the way you want to be treated when the roles are reversed. This was talking specifically about potty-training as in show your child the same respect with bathroom accidents that you will want to be shown when you are old and your child has to help you to the bathroom.
"Self-control is a wholehearted surrender to the Holy Spirit to live as He deems best."
I'm not going to go into all of the book, just go get a copy for yourself and read it. I found it to be a really good mothering resource without all the guilt piled on that you can sometimes feel after reading mothering book.
I received this book from Moody Press and was not required to write a positive review. All opinoins expressed are my own.
November 16, 2021
This was a great inspiring book. It is broken into two parts: The essentials and The gifts. The first part talks about biblical truths and the second part focuses on the gifts of motherhood. I really like the easy of the read - it felt like a conversation in parts. Motherhood is a wild ride and this book helps moms to find the beautiful in the midst of it all.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not influenced.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not influenced.
August 25, 2022
Very well written. Divided into two parts, this helps moms discover God in motherhood. Part 1 focuses on fundamentals of the faith and who God is. Part 2 provides a personal, intimate look into the life of the author (it’s really the heart of the book) and provides practical tools to incorporate on a daily basis. This book reminded me that The divine purpose of motherhood is to show my children God through my actions and service. And to do it with gladness and in a way honoring to God.
January 9, 2025
“… motherhood isn’t about our evolution to greatness: it’s about God’s greatness towards us. It isn’t about how we got everything right, but how Christ did, for us. It isn’t about discovering work-life balance, parenting formulas, or how to be a supermom: it’s about Jesus, our Good Shepherd, who draws us close to His side when we need Him most, holds our kids close to hell His heart, and guides us all the way home.” (Postscript, 231).
June 3, 2025
As a brand new mom, I can see my self returning to this book through my motherhood journey. I especially appreciated part 2, where the author outlines each fruit of the spirit, and how God uses motherhood to grow those fruit in women. I’m thankful for the reminder that this work is valuable and seen, and jt is God working through us to love and raise children. In many ways, motherhood is God’s gift to us, to bring us closer to him.
October 28, 2021
Laura Booz reminds us mothers that we are not alone; God will lead us and it is our job to follow him. Through all the seasons of motherhood, God is there. The book is filled with life giving affirmations, personal stories, and great scripture verses. Motherhood is sometimes overlooked, but it is extremely important. I'm glad this author touched on the subject. I recommend this book!!
October 7, 2023
This is the kind of motherhood book you’ll want to highlight and reread over and over. Laura has a way of storytelling, encouraging, teaching and most importantly keeping everything scripture based. I loved her wise but humble, mentor-like voice that left me feeling hopeful not less than as a mother “in the thick” of the little years. Warning: grab the tissues for the postscript!
March 5, 2024
Full of Scripture and encouragement for mothers. Practical ways we can intentionally see and experience God’s gifts for us, and understand the work He is doing in us thru motherhood. I loved the structure of the book, the further reading and questions for consideration were appreciated, and I’m already seeing fruit from my reading in my own time with the Lord and with my child.
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December 7, 2021I love how the author highlights the blessings of motherhood. Being a mother is certainly a gift, and I've been blessed tremendously through my children. I enjoyed how the author showcased the fruits of the spirit.
March 19, 2022
Heartwarming
I cried within the first 20 pages of this book. Laura's writing is beautiful and honest. She provides such a precious glimpse into motherhood and our walks in faith. There's so much to be had out of this book. You will be blessed by it!
I cried within the first 20 pages of this book. Laura's writing is beautiful and honest. She provides such a precious glimpse into motherhood and our walks in faith. There's so much to be had out of this book. You will be blessed by it!
April 11, 2024
4.25
Such a beautiful reminder of Gods truths for those of us in the repetitive cycle of motherhood. It is so easy to get trapped in this cycle and lose sight of why our exhausting and thankless jobs as mothers matter not only for our children but our own sanctification and Gods glory.
Such a beautiful reminder of Gods truths for those of us in the repetitive cycle of motherhood. It is so easy to get trapped in this cycle and lose sight of why our exhausting and thankless jobs as mothers matter not only for our children but our own sanctification and Gods glory.
January 3, 2023
Amazing! Every mom should read this!
April 1, 2024
Great book for new moms wanting some encouragement. Easy read - I loved reading it on the plane!
April 29, 2024
Such an easy but encouraging/convicting read. Even if you aren’t a mother there are so many good things in this book! It will for sure be one that I will read multiple times. Highly recommended!
August 19, 2024
Easy read. Encouraging and beautiful.
September 17, 2024
I read on my own but I would have also liked doing it with my mom's group. I liked how she walked through the fruits of the Spirit and how we can embrace those in motherhood.
April 12, 2025
This book was so rich and full of grace. At the end of each chapter she gave things to consider along with song and book recommendations. I enjoyed it immensely and fully recommend it!
October 12, 2022
This book is a gift for mothers. Writing from her own experiences of motherhood and interweaving stories of women from the Bible like Hannah and Mary, Laura Booz expounds upon some of the most foundational elements of the Christian faith: the disciplines of prayer and reading scripture, and the fruit of the spirit. While these are gifts to all Christians, Booz articulates how they are experienced in unique ways by moms.
Recognizing that motherhood isn’t one-size fits all, I really appreciated that Booz includes a variety of examples of motherhood in her writing. She discusses a range of birthing experiences – from healthy full-term births and pre-term births to stillbirths, and infertility struggles – as well as adoption and fostering. She mentions that some mothers have longed for motherhood since their own childhood experiences of rocking baby dolls, while others experience unexpected pregnancies. She also shares about the different seasons of motherhood, from welcoming babies into the home, to working through the challenges of pre-school days, right up to nurturing teenagers and walking with your children into adulthood. Through all of this, there is an overarching reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness in all experiences of motherhood.
What I love most about this book is how practical it is. Each chapter includes a focus verse, a song recommendation, a book recommendation for further reading, discussion or journaling questions, and a scripted prayer. It allows readers to linger on a particular topic and provides opportunity to use this in a book club or study group.
While at times I did find the message oversimplified for where I am in my own personal journey, overall, I found this to be a soothing and gentle reminder to my own mom-heart that my call to motherhood is a gift from God. As a leader in women’s ministries, I could see myself using this book as a teaching tool and encouragement for the women I minister to.
Moms, expect something beautiful from this book.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for this complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Recognizing that motherhood isn’t one-size fits all, I really appreciated that Booz includes a variety of examples of motherhood in her writing. She discusses a range of birthing experiences – from healthy full-term births and pre-term births to stillbirths, and infertility struggles – as well as adoption and fostering. She mentions that some mothers have longed for motherhood since their own childhood experiences of rocking baby dolls, while others experience unexpected pregnancies. She also shares about the different seasons of motherhood, from welcoming babies into the home, to working through the challenges of pre-school days, right up to nurturing teenagers and walking with your children into adulthood. Through all of this, there is an overarching reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness in all experiences of motherhood.
What I love most about this book is how practical it is. Each chapter includes a focus verse, a song recommendation, a book recommendation for further reading, discussion or journaling questions, and a scripted prayer. It allows readers to linger on a particular topic and provides opportunity to use this in a book club or study group.
While at times I did find the message oversimplified for where I am in my own personal journey, overall, I found this to be a soothing and gentle reminder to my own mom-heart that my call to motherhood is a gift from God. As a leader in women’s ministries, I could see myself using this book as a teaching tool and encouragement for the women I minister to.
Moms, expect something beautiful from this book.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for this complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2022
Just a good, encouraging read. I really appreciate the effort by the author to include a lot of practical suggestions.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews