The Magic of Motherhood: The Good Stuff, the Hard Stuff, and Everything In Between

“I laughed and cried through this entire book. Mothering is the most difficult adventure I’ve ever been on and one of the most rewarding ones as well. This book is full of stories that could have been written by every mother I know. You see, although mothering can feel lonely at times, this book is proof that we are all in this together. Us mamas need to stick together, and this book is proof that we all have the same issues, struggles, and love in us as everyone else.” -- Jamie Ivey, author and host of The Happy Hour podcast

“The Magic of Motherhood is a long, warm hug from sisters---dripping with the beauty of belonging and acceptance, drawing us into the indescribable calling God has put on our lives. Readers will discover so many different, beautiful, incredible ways God walks us through the journey of motherhood. Though we often feel broken, incapable, or doubtful of our abilities to do the most important job on earth, these writers remind us of how whole, equipped, and abundantly capable He made us as mothers traveling unique paths. What refreshment to my mama-soul. Pour a warm cup of tea, and cuddle up in your favorite blanket. The Magic of Motherhood is not to be missed.” -- Emily Ley, author of Grace, Not Perfection and creator of the Simplified Planner

“There is no one experience of motherhood, and there is no one right way to be a mother. This truth can terrify you in the beginning, but eventually it becomes a relief. The Magic of Motherhood is one of those exhales of relief for mothers who are ready to embrace freedom. Like any good story, motherhood has the potential to transform us---this book will give you a collective of sisters for your own journey of transformation. These stories of mothering are equal parts laughter and tears, truth and grace, gritty and hopeful. In these writers’ vulnerable words, you will find permission to fully own and to be transformed by your own story of motherhood.” -- Sarah Bessey, author of Jesus Feminist and Out of Sorts

“There’s nothing better than when a group of moms decide to get honest with each other, to let down the facades that they know what they’re doing and instead allow others in on their doubts, questions, fears, and unanswered prayers. The Magic of Motherhood is this kind of honest gathering in book form. Through candid, poignant essays, this book pulls back the curtain of picture-perfect mothering and puts words to our raw feelings. A beautiful compilation of trusted voices articulates what we know our mama hearts are feeling but often don’t know how to express. These sudden friends remind us of the beauty mothering brings to our lives, no matter how big the mess.” -- Alexandra Kuykendall, author of Loving My Actual Life and The Artist’s Daughter and cohost of The Open Door Sisterhood

“Moms don’t want one more thing to do. We need more reminders that all those things we do matter. This book is that reminder. Let yourself sink into it, preferably while sinking into a bath (even if it does resemble the inside of a Toys”R”Us), and let these stories do their work---reminding you that what you do matters, every exhausting, seemingly invisible, and unbelievably hard and beautiful moment.” -- Lisa-Jo Baker, author of Surprised by Motherhood and community manager for (in)courage

“Becoming a mother changed the very core of my identity. It flipped me upside down, and sometimes it felt like new motherhood smacked me across the face. This book would have been so comforting, just to know I wasn’t alone in the transformation. I hadn’t ‘lost myself’ but instead was finding my footing in a whole new landscape. These bite-sized essays are a gracious gift to moms. If you’re looking for a perfect pick-me-up for a tired momma, The Magic of Motherhood sure fits the bill.” -- Hayley Morgan, co-author of USA Today bestselling book Wild and Free

“Motherhood is truly one of the best yet hardest jobs ever created. You are a personal assistant, a chef, a cheerleader, a therapist, and a chauffeur all rolled into one person. And there are days when the whole thing can feel like a giant pyramid scheme you were talked into by well-meaning friends who just wanted you to never sleep again. That’s why I love the essays in The Magic of Motherhood. As we walk the road of motherhood, I think the questions on our minds are ‘Am I doing this right?’ and ‘Does everyone feel this way sometimes?’ As you turn the pages of this book, you’ll realize the answer to both of these questions is YES. You will laugh and cry and alternately want to hug your kids a little tighter---and then send them off to play so you can read a few more pages!” -- Melanie Shankle, New York Times bestselling author of Sparkly Green Earrings

“The Magic of Motherhood is a breath of fresh air for every mom who needs to be reminded that our journeys overlap in unexpected and yet predictable ways. When you need to regain a sense of equilibrium, this is the book that will bring you back to life.” -- Mandy Arioto, president and CEO of MOPS International

“The Magic of Motherhood is not a parenting book; it is a partnering book. With beautiful prose and poetic hearts, Ashlee and her team come alongside every aching, weary, stretch-marked mother to whisper: You’re not alone in this. We’re here too. It’s kind of hard, isn’t it? It’s kind of magical, isn’t it? Both siren song and battle cry, this soulful collection of essays is a life-giving gift to mothers everywhere.” -- Erin Loechner, writer at DesignForMankind.com and author of Chasing Slow