Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem

This book had me at hello, or at least at its title: regret-free.  Motherhood is hard, but this motherhood expert, therapist and Christian shares seven essential principles to do the best job you can.  This book is for mom's who know their purpose in life is to honor their children.  It addresses emotional intelligence, companionship, building trust, having peace, maintaining your position as the parent, the difference between control and intention, and most importantly being God-dependent.  A must-read!

Regret and guilt have been unwanted feelings I've had over the mistakes I've felt I made already in pregnancy and those beginning months of babyhood.  Therefore this title literally jumped off the page at me because its awful being held captive like that and as a Christian you shouldn’t and don’t have to be.  I needed help to be confident moving forward and find my peace, and that’s exactly what this book did for me.  Catherine does a wonderful job of presenting these key principles in an easy to digest and hope inspiring way.  It’s a bonus that these concepts are presented from a Christian perspective.  It’s a very realistic presentation that’s easy to identify and connect with, even with some well-needed, lighthearted humor at times.  It definitely helps open your eyes to potential blind spots when dealing with what really is another human being with free will: your child, not an employee!  I would recommend this book to any mom, especially new moms, who are looking for help, and even those who aren't.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://booksneeze®.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Same Life, New Story by Jan Silvious

…is a ten-week Bible study for women about, as the title indicates, changing the way you think in order to change the emotional quality of your life.  It uses the stories of the women of the Bible, as well as stories of current day women, to relate to and identify with.  It discusses how it’s up to us to choose how we respond, which affects our state of mind.  This book prompts both individual reflection and group discussion.

This book came to me at a time when I am struggling with a change in my circumstances that I can’t control.  It challenged me to relax on God and look to the big picture with hope.  It reminded me to keep in mind that there is a God who is bigger, and who has a plan for us if we have the right attitude.  It made me think about being stuck in the past, and inspired me to not be controlled by it even though I won’t forget certain things that have happened.  These concepts and others are exemplified in a way that is easy to identify with.  It was just what I needed.  I would recommend this book to others in similar circumstances, especially if you feel overwhelmed or alone.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://booksneeze®.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”