Real Life Review: Book Review: A Mother's Heart Knows, with a Giveaway

It's interesting that I am reviewing the book called, "A Mother's Heart Knows," by Margaret McSweeney, tonight.

When I received this book, I immediately smiled when I saw the sweet picture on the cover, of a mother kissing her child. My most favorite thing to do every time I pick up my children is to kiss them on their tender, squishy cheek, and breathe deeply their scent. I don't think I'll ever get tired of it.

The stunning black and white photographs that fill the pages are full of emotion, laughter and beauty, and each one reminds me of sweet times I've had with my children and my mother. I have to admit that the first time I read through the poetic rhyming text that accompanies each photo, I thought, "How cute." However, I had a very intense situation tonight with my first child, seven-year-old HipChick. The sentiments that, in Margret McSweeney's words, a mother's heart knows struck me like a ton of bricks tonight.

I ignored my God-given motherly instinct, and let someone else tell me what was best for my child. I should have stood strong and trusted that God put an intimate connection with my children inside of me. Next time, I'll realize that "A Mother's Heart Knows." My heart knows.

"A mother's Heart knows to provide and protect.
A mother's heart knows to listen and respect.
A mother's heart knows and wants to understand.
A mother's heart knows when to hold her child's hand."

And as I read these words, I realize that my mother did all these things for me, and still does. I'm so thankful for her.

What better way to tell Mom how much you appreciate her on Mother's Day than with this lovely reminder of thoughts about the loving, selfless attitudes that fill a mother's heart?

All royalty proceeds from this book go to WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger) and a student missionary scholarship fund. WINGS is a non-profit organization that provides a domestic violence shelter for women and their children in addition to transitional housing and programs.

Click here to buy this lovely book for a mother you know, and support these great charities!

---------------------------------------

Now for the PRIZES!

To enter to win a signed copy of A Mother's Heart Knows, leave a comment on this post. (Click here)

You can also enter the "My Favorite Mom" spa basket contest. In honor of Mother's Day, Margaret would love to hear and share your favorite story about your mother (or someone who is like a mother to you). To enter the contest go here and share your story to win one of TWO fabulously scrumptious spa baskets! She will be posting the stories (with your permission of course) on her blog.

About Margaret McSweeney: Margaret lives with her husband and two daughters in a Chicago suburb. Her book, A Mother’s Heart Knows was published by Thomas Nelson in 2005. Go Back and Be Happy, a co-authored book will be published by Lion Hudson in July 2008. Margaret has been featured on Greg Wheatly’s “Prime Time America,” TLN’s “Aspiring Women,” and LeSea’s “The Harvest Show.” Margaret writes freelance articles for The Daily Herald, the largest suburban Chicago newspaper. Notable interviews include Wolfgang Puck, Thomas Kinkade, Susan Branch and Dr. John Gottman. Margaret also wrote a feature article for crosswalk.com. With a master’s degree in international business, Margaret became a vice president in the corporate finance division of a New York City bank and worked there from 1986-1993. Supporting charitable causes is important to Margaret. For the past five years, she has served on the board of directors for WINGS, an organization that helps abused women and their children get a new start in life.