What in the world am I doing reviewing a book for women, for moms, for "solo parents"?
Well, here's what went through my head when Kregel first contacted me about reviewing this book: We have "solo moms" at Cornerstone, some of whom are the primary spiritual influencers in their children's lives, so-o-o, I figured this book would give me a leg up on understanding them and helping other women to help them.
Well, I was partly right, partly wrong.
This is a very helpful book. I'll say that right up front. The experience of the author alone would be worth it. Add to that the testimonies of many others in similar circumstances and any woman who finds herself in this same position (and there are many) will immediately find those with whom her heart rings.
These married moms, solo parents find themselves married to:
• a man in the military
• a long-distance truck driver
• a busy doctor or lawyer
• an executive, traveling businessman, or workaholic
• an alcoholic
There are hard questions that these women face every day:
• How do I find time to spend with God?
• How can I honor my husband and teach my children to honor him when there are times I wish he'd never come home?
• How can I raise my kids with consistency when my husband comes home and changes the rules?
• What do I do when my kids are suffering in some way because of my husband's absence or lack of involvement?
The final chapter is actually written by the author's husband, Trent. This fascinated me, simply because he's the one who, in part, caused this book to be written. And he admits this, even confesses, if you will. This added an extra note of encouragement. He writes his final words to these suffering women. Yet I think his words would be equally valuable for those men in their lives.
This would be an excellent resource for a women's ministry in the church or for the mom's in your church who find themselves in Carla Anne's shoes.
About the book–– Raising children is hard enough when both parents are active and involved in family life. But what happens when one is gone and the other is forced to take on everything from mowing lawns to folding laundry to disciplining the kids?
Carla & Trent Coroy
This is not the happily-ever-after I planned on,‖ writes author Carla Anne Coroy. She never thought she’d feel like a married single mom, but after living the life of a solo parent—and making both good and bad choices along the way—she knows moms like her need help. And they don’t necessarily relate to the advice given in the many divorce recovery or single parenting resources that flood bookstore shelves.
Married Mom, Solo Parent focuses on the struggles moms face when their husbands are absent from the family due to business, military service, or even spending too much time with his personal interests. Carla Anne’s candid sharing of her experiences as a solo parent bring an unknown segment of the population to the forefront and finally gives a name to what many women feel but rarely admit. She expertly deals with the emotional situations and even tackles the hard questions:
Can I do this alone?
How do I raise kids to honor their father?
How do I teach my kids about a healthy marriage when they aren’t seeing one at home?
Full of suggestions, anecdotes, biblical teachings—and even a chapter written by Carla Anne’s husband, Trent Coroy—Married Mom, Solo Parent is a resource every married single mom can love and every church leader should read. By being honest about her faith, her shortcomings, and the painfully funny predicaments she sometimes finds herself in, Carla Anne brings the reader through validation, rebuke, and healing to the great challenge of seeking God above all else.
About the author–– Who knew that a married mom could ever feel like a single mom? Carla Anne Coroy never thought it would happen to her, but after living the life of a solo parent she’s filled with a God-given passion to share her story and encourage other married women who feel like they’re going it alone.
Carla Anne made some good choices – and some very poor ones – during her journey as a married single mom. A gifted teacher and communicator, she now shares her life, her mistakes, her passions and her faith through speaking, writing and mentoring.
Carla Anne’s passion to see others live godly, fruit-filled lives is no recent development. She worked with Youth For Christ for many years before going on to develop a successful music studio teaching children and adults. She founded a MOPS (Mothers of Pre Schoolers) chapter and was involved in speaking for MOPS events. After a few years of volunteering with Crown Financial Ministries she served full time as the Director of Crown Financial Ministries, Central Canada.
In 2003 Carla Anne began mentoring groups of pre-teens and teens, a ministry that has grown to include coaching of other mentors leading similar groups. She has been a homeschooling mom for more than a decade, and that continues to be a very important focus. Carla Anne regularly speaks to women’s groups, at retreats and conventions, and in church settings.
Carla Anne writes for the online magazine www.mentoringmoments.org, and is an active blogger. Her website www.carlaanne.com allows her to stay connected with and provide resources and support to the many groups she ministers to, while allowing others to get to know her a bit and discover her passion to uncover God’s hope in everyday life. Her Married Single Moms blog provides a platform to reach and encourage many married women who live and parent alone. Carla Anne tackles the hard questions, deals with the emotional situations and offers practical advice. She is not afraid to share her own mistakes, to reveal her weaknesses and struggles, or to boldly point the way to her beloved Jesus.
Carla Anne has been married to her husband Trent for eighteen years. They live with their four children in Manitoba, Canada where they try to stay warm in winter and mosquito bite free in summer.
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Married Mom, Solo Parent may be purchased at:
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If you'd like to read an excerpt, just click here.
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This book was received free of charge in return for my unbiased review.