Where was Danielle Bean when I was a new mom needing a book like this one?

Drat–I think she was still in college. Too bad for me, because I seriously needed the kind of inspiration she offers.

It’s one of those humbling things about adulthood, that you can learn from someone younger than yourself.

This book is not one of those “My Way is the Only Way” parenting books you can find on store shelves all over the place. I’ve read plenty of those, and been turned off by all of them. I can’t–and shouldn’t–follow someone else’s road map.

The aim of Danielle’s book is not to prescribe a certain way of doing things. Instead, this book offers encouragement to moms learning to listen to their hearts, love their families, trust their instincts and see their husbands and children for the blessings they are. Danielle gives the kind of advice that you’d expect to hear from a very good friend who has “been there, done that” and who is not only willing to have some coffee with you when you’re having a bad day or week, but brings along a coffee cake as well, makes the coffee, and holds your sick baby. It’s gentle advice accompanied by a good dose of family stories, plenty of humor and common sense, and a generous helping of prayer.

This kind of encouragement is priceless, and every mom needs plenty of it.