Best Books For Stay At Home Moms (2023 Update)

"Stretched Too Thin" is a helpful resource for working moms who struggle to keep all the plates spinning in their lives. Jessica Turner has been there–she's a mom in the trenches who offers another way to deal with the constant struggle–prioritizing, delegating and accepting "just enough" some days. There are worksheets at the end of each chapter that help you process through what you've just read and apply her suggestions to your unique situation. I found there was much good food for thought and the book is laid out in a way that no mom should feel judged. It reads like a helpful conversation with someone who understands the constant demands on a working mom's time. Jessica writes in a way that is both intelligent and honest, along with speaking some hard truths with grace and care. She has interviewed many other working moms, authors and speakers to mine a wealth of knowledge that she puts to good use in the book. This would be a great gift for a working mom who is trying to be "all things to all people," while working on her career, keeping a home, having a thriving marriage, etc. That way of thinking leads to more bad than good, and "Stretched Too Thin" not only explains the why, but shows the how to escape this mindset. I enjoyed Jessica's perspective and will be passing a copy of this book on to some Mamas I feel could benefit from it. I received an advanced reader copy from Revell and chose to review. All opinions are my own.EmilyP

All mothers are working mothers but this book speaks especially to those who also work outside of the home. The subtitle of this book is "how working moms can lose the guilt, work smarter, and thrive" and it fulfills this promise. Author Jessica N. Turner offers advice to mothers on how to care for themselves both physically, mentally and spiritually and there are many suggestions on balancing the have-to-do jobs with the want-to-do tasks. I loved that she mentions that 'Pinterest perfect is not real life'. When I was growing up there was a common comparison of real mothers versus 'June Cleaver mothers with their pearls' and today we often tend to think that our lives should be worthy of pins on a Pinterest board. This book is a mixture of great advice and humorous anecdotes from various sources and at the end of each chapter there is a space to jot down our reflections on what we have just read. There is also a Weekly Time Tracker section at the end of the book to keep a record of our daily activities. Every bit of advice that Jessica N. Turner shares may not apply to all mothers but there is certainly something for everyone who reads it and I can definitely say that this book isn't just for young working mothers. I personally found it to be very useful because I am a retired grandmother who is now finding myself in a parenting role again. I myself often feel "stretched too thin" and I know that I'm not the only older person who is experiencing this. The author offers many insightful observations and I especially like how she choose to sum up her thoughts at the end. She reminds us that Everything is a season—Your work is a blessing, not a burden, to your family—Pinterest perfect is not real life—Your most important relationship is with your husband—You are a great mom. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but I voluntarily chose to write this review. These are my own opinions.Connie

"Thriving as a working mom involves cultivating rich friendships and making time for community that supports you and is there when you need it." Jessica Turner writes from her experience being a wife & mom of three with a full time job. I like the questions & encouragement to journal & process what we read at the end of each chapter. It becomes a bit annoying the amount of times she writes throughout the book "Stretched Too Thin" (at least once in every single chapter). Some quotes I liked/ agreed with: "You're happiness at work directly affects your happiness at home." "I've learned that my house is never going to be like the ones in magazines, and instead of feeling shame, I am embracing the truth that my house doesn't have to be perfect for me to feel content in it." I don't think I've ever filled my plate as full as Jessica has, so some of the stress and examples she gives, I don't fully understand. Overall, it's a good book for working moms. Receiving an advanced copy of this book was a privilege. I appreciate the opportunity to review and share my thoughts with others.AMGC

I have been having a hard time with my toddler and would go to the internet for advice. I was having mixed feeling about things till one of my friends told me about this book and ever since then I have had less headaches and more positive results. They say you learn as you go but this book will help keep you positive.ashblev14

I saw this book while shopping Giant Eagle…I browsed it quickly and thought the wonderful thoughts and words were worthwhile getting…I left the store and forgot to purchase it…when got home I realized ebay has EVERYTHING so I looked it up and there it was… The book is wonderful, enlightening and full of words and ideas to sooth any mom… Its a worthwhile purchase for certain!browneyes024

This is a Very Good Book…Short chapters for busy house holds…Very practical ways to improve your parenting…I enjoyed this book and would recommend all moms to read it…Well worth the money….Thanksjpelligrene

we are doing this in our Sunday school class, my wife and I look forward to it every week, very quick reads (most are 5 mins or less) kind of on the chicken soup for the soul format, could be used for a personal devotionalFudgie91

Great book! Ministered to me right where I am raising two little ones of my own. I would definitely recommend it to others and in fact I already have!jennyp456

Excellent book for frazzled moms with kiddos under 5. When I read this I had a 2 year old, a 1 year old and a newborn. I loved it so much, I bought it for 2 of my mom friends.pocatango

Fern Nichols' March 2014 release Mom's Little Book of Powerful Prayers promises to be a powerful tool in the hands of praying mothers worldwide. As a follow-up to her previous release Moms in Prayer Fern gathers countless scriptures and turns them into prayers for just about every topic you can think of including: ï choosing right from wrong; ï help for struggles with schoolwork; ï learning to control anger; ï guarding against temptation; ï knowing God through His Word; ï praying through the armor or God; ï praying through the qualities of love in 1 Corinthians 13; ï being a witness to the Word of Life; and ï responding to bullying. Nichols encourages moms to persevere in prayer and to resist the temptation to pray through the topics hastily saying 'Your prayers are powerful and effective; they make a difference. You will never regret the time you invest in prayer. Prayer is a legacy you can give your children that will last forever.' One of the things I most appreciate about Mom's Little Book of Powerful Prayers is Nichols' well-rounded approach. She doesn't just include requests moms can pray for their children. Each prayer topic includes praise confession and thanks as well as the request. For example the topic 'Trust God to Be a Refuge' includes Nahum 1:7 as its scripture focus. Nichols then invites the reader to praise God as arefuge and then confess 'any tendency to allow uncertainties and problems to overwhelm (her) mind and lead (her) to doubt God's goodness.' After that Nichols encourages the reader to thank God for being a refuge. After praising confessing and thanking Nichols then invites moms to pray that their children will find refuge in God in times of trouble trust Him and believe His promises. In addition there's a wonderful little section at the end of the book '31Scripture Blessings for My Children.' Nichols encourages moms to speak blessings aloud over their children before school at a family dinner or before bedtime. She includes a starter list of 31 blessings one per day of the month that can be repeatedóor kick start moms into searching the scriptures for more blessings to speak over their children. What a wonderful habit to begin! I'm grateful to Mrs. Nichols for yet another amazing resource to encourage and fuel moms in their commitment to pray regularly and specifically for their children. Through this book she equips mothers like me to be better pray-ers standing in the gap for their children. Many of these scripture-based prayers can be prayed over anyone you care for. Even if you're not a mother or grandmother but you have loved ones for whom you want to stand in the gap for through prayer you'll likely find this a great resource. Get a copy from the publisher at www.zondervan.com through an online bookseller or through your local bookstore. *I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for this review. However the opinions expressed in the review are my own and are not influenced by the receipt of the free book. About Fern Nichols Fern Nichols married to Rle Nichols is the mother of four married children and eight grandchildren. She is a former elementary teacher and the founder of Moms in Prayer Internationalô a prayer movement that has touched thousands of women throughout the world. Since its inception Moms in Prayer groups have spread to every state and to more than 135 countries. Translated into more than 50 languages more than 525 000 Moms in Prayer Internationalô booklets have been sold. A frequent guest on Focus on the Family Fern has also appeared on the Truth That Transforms and Family Life Today.DiscipleMom Laura

Jeannie articulates so beautifully the challenges of parenting and the relief that is available to us through the Gospel of grace. You will be challenged and encouraged in the journey of Mom Set Free! Her own vulnerability of failing and overcoming will give you hope in this journey of being a mom. Don't miss this one!Peanut

I used this as a bible of sorts in preparation for and during my post partum after baby no. 3. Brilliantly written, delicious recipes, invaluable advice. I have now recommended it and gifted it to others.Mummy Emma

Gorgeous book – I bought this for myself at the beginning of a month of maternity leave. Beautiful insights into practices across different cultures in the lead up to the baby's arrival and for the first 40 days beyond delivery. I've cooked a number of the recipes to freeze and they have all been fantastic. Have already recommended to other friends who are expecting. My friend has since purchased the book and loves it as much as I do.HartR

Fantastic book, well worth the investment. I wish I had known some of the wisdom imparted in this book with my first child.Vez

Designed as a book for youngsters, I view it also as validation for all mothers regardless of their style of self and parenting. Besides, it's well illustrated and witty. I think that it's worth the cost even if the only nonstandard mom is depicted in a wheelchair. Although there is no particular color scheme in skin or attire, the format is similar to a wildlife or birding guide. I enjoyed it and recognized quite a few of my friends! I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions via NetGalley. Thank you!jT

This was a beautifully written, science based book that felt real to me as a soon to be mother. It struck a balance between the things you need to know about the physical process and the often forgotten about mental journey of conception, pregnancy and loss. It's a hefty book with info for each week that includes prompts for writing, a symptom index, labor and delivery from beginning to end and the often forgotten about fourth trimester – including breast feeding information. To top it off, the images in this book are beautiful. Definitely recommend for a first time parent and their partner.MrsSarahElyse

This seems like a great holistic style pregnancy and birth book. And like it would be a treat to read. My sister was pleased to find helpful tips on what to eat during her current stage of pregnancy. Healthcare references are American, so not all relevant to us in UK.b*anna

A beautifully curated book addressing the million questions, thoughts, concerns from pre-pregnancy to the 4th trimester. Some amazing calming notes and tools to use throughout your journey. I wish I had known about this book sooner. A beautiful book for a mumma in the early days of the journey as a reference tool for reassurance. Highly recommend!Tammie

As a first time mum I found this book really useful however I can imagine if you already have a child it might not be such a great buy. I didn't find it patronising either as I've read in other reviews.marie9414

It's exactly what I was looking for. It has thoughtful ways for the simplest things.It's the little black book for Mom, for her everyday life. Thank Youmarr6028