"I've been known to cringe when I see a beautiful book about "motherhood," complete with roses and ribbons and lace. Not that being a mother isn't an amazing experience, but sometimes it's not entirely lovely. And sometimes those pretty roses have some prickly thorns attached.
Perhaps that is why I so appreciate the direction that Judy has taken with Refreshing Hope, her new book about motherhood. In it, she speaks openly to mothers in all walks of life. She "weeps with those who weep and rejoices with those who rejoice."
And yet her writing isn't sugar-coated or trivial. Instead, it is honest and heartfelt; it's the kind of helpful advice you receive from someone whose journey hasn't been entirely blissful and easy. I wish I'd read this book when I was struggling with my own sons----two gifted boys who marched to different drummers and made me question my own mothering skills.
So I hope you'll take Judy's gentle words to heart. Sit down with this book as you would with a trusted neighbor or a friend who's experienced more of motherhood than you, and then allow yourself to take a deep breath and be encouraged by her wisdom.

Blessings!
Melody Carlson
Award-winning author of more than 100 books for women, teens, and children, including The Lost Boys and the Moms Who Love Them