When Trish Collins from TLC Book Tours approached me about being a stop along a book tour for Kathryn Maughan's Did I Expect Angels, I was excited for the chance to be a part. I love the idea of a book winding its way through the blogosphere, being read, reviewed, commented upon. Just another way this blogging world is unique and full of wonderful opportunities.

I think I read this book in under a week--which is saying a lot considering the fact that my only reading opportunities come when I climb into bed each night. Usually, I spend the first two minutes figuring out where I left off in a story and the next two minutes struggling to keep my eyes open until I realize I'm completely asleep with a book balanced on my chest.

Did I Expect Angels, is the story of a wife and mother dealing with grief and depression. One evening, as she travels through her local store to buy pills to end her life, her plans are interrupted by Henry, an elderly Costa Rican who works at the store and somehow senses her situation and need. Though she tries to put up a fight, he takes her to coffee at a local diner and tells her his amazing story that in some ways, parallels her own.

The book flawlessly flashes back and forth between their two stories as you are carried deep into the emotional journey both characters have traveled. The book is hard to put down and Maughan manages to write about the characters as if she has lived and breathed their lives.

I found myself wincing at some of the moments in the story, especially those as the main character deals with her grief, and her need to be mother to her only daughter. Her half-hearted efforts to pull herself together are excruciating but understandable. You feel frustrated with her. You find you're rooting for her.

Though this review sounds like the book is a depressing ride through grief and life struggles, there is redemption at the end. But it is by no means a light and cheerful read, throughout. However, I think that Maughan's amazing character development is a thrill to read and even offers insight into the hearts of those dealing with grief and depression.

Thank you, Trish, for giving me the chance to experience some of Kathryn Maughan's work. It was a pleasure. And it is a pleasure to pass on this good story to all of you, as well.

You can find the book here.
And read a little bit about Kathryn Maughan and how the book came to be here.

I had the amazing pleasure of getting a review copy of Amanda's new book , The Creative Family, in my mailbox last week. I have been carrying the book around with me everywhere I go, slipping in a few more pages as time allows. Things are underlined, starred, pages are dog-eared and the cover is already tattered from marking my place as I move through her book. It is like holding all the inspiration and ideas from her blog in your hands; having it on your lap to easily flip through or revisit a favorite part.  And that is what I've found myself doing this past week. Feeling the need for a recharge, I grab her book and open to my place and find a little inspiration or idea that helps me push back into my day.

Amanda approaches motherhood, creativity, and the work of raising our children with tenderness, care,  joy and intentionality. And her book is a reflection of that spirit. It is wonderful to read Amanda's words and thoughts on making by hand, dress up play, sewing with children or falling in love with the woods, and then turn the page to find one of her favorite projects or activities.

The Creative Family, is one of those books I think every mother(and father) needs to read. It is a reminder of the curious, tenderhearted, open minds of our children, and the important task we are given in shaping and guiding their young lives.

Every so often, I'll read a book and come to a passage or an idea and think, "That, right there, made the whole book worth it." Sometimes I'm tempted to close the book at that place and soak in the words I just read--so that I really remember them. That experience happened to me several times reading this book but the first time was in the beginning, reading Amanda's thoughts on gratitude. It made me remember that teaching my children gratitude and thankfulness is one of the greatest gifts I can give them. She says, "Practicing gratitude in our families can help our children...giving them a lifelong gift that will nurture all of who they are."

It reminded me of a favorite quote from Wendell Berry's Andy Catlett that I have scribbled in my journal, "No one who has gratitude is the onliest one. Let us pray to be grateful to the last."

Amanda's book is everything I expected after being a regular reader of her blog, and more. It is a gift of inspiration and encouragement in the blessed gift of nurturing the creative lives of our children and our families.