Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

In Leader of the Pack: How a Single Dad of Five Led His Kids, His Business and Himself from Disaster to Success, Matt Sweetwood (CEO, Keynote Speaker, Life Coach, and Lumix Photographer) shares his incredible experience of transformation. The author takes readers through his impassioned story of divorce and how he had to let go of the illusions he’d lived with for years and embrace reality, how he learned to stand up for what matters and beat the odds at his lowest moment in both family and career. But most importantly, the author chronicles his experience of becoming a successful single dad and business owner.

This is an inspiring story with powerful lessons for readers. Written in a friendly, easy-to-understand, yet insightful style, the book will evoke stirrings in the hearts of readers, the hunger to pursue what really matters in life. Imagine what it would feel like to wake up as a single dad, looking after five small kids, with the youngest at 18 months old? It was a very frustrating experience for the author and he captures the emotion in the following words: “On the day my life changed forever, I looked wildly around for any means of escape, but all I saw were their pale and frightened faces, staring up at me.”

This book made me cry in some places, made me smile as well, but it is the connection with the protagonist that had me repeating “You can do this,” as though I was cheering on a champion, and that made it a great read. It’s packed with insight and wisdom and a path that leads to success. I highly recommend Leader of the Pack: How a Single Dad of Five Led His Kids, His Business and Himself from Disaster to Success to readers who want to make a difference, single dads and business professionals. It’s a treasure trove.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Mothering with Courage: The Mindful Approach to Becoming a Mother Who Listens More, Worries Less, and Loves Deeply by Bonnie Compton is a self-help book that will help new mothers and even bring something new to the old pros. This book focuses on helping women feel confident and enjoy motherhood. I felt that this book had some pretty cool nuggets of wisdom that will help new mothers gain confidence, help them understand their needs and the needs of their child, and simply become a better mother.

What I loved about this book is that it does not just give you advice, cramming your mind with information that you don’t have time to process. It also helps mothers by giving them exercises so that they can test, try out, and educate themselves to become better mothers and gain confidence. I think this gives women the opportunity to understand their strengths and start believing in them. They will learn to trust their instincts and build a bond with their children, which is how it should be. The material is helpful, comes down to the level of the reader, and gives sound advice without becoming overly informative.

This is not bang-bang-success advice as well. Mothers are encouraged to take their time, learn, adapt, and simply explore motherhood. I loved the fact that the book was written in a simple yet relevant style so that the reader can connect with it and grasp more. This is wholesome information that will allow young and new mothers to grow with their children, understand their needs, and at the same time learn that just a little courage can help them become a better mom.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

I Still Want to Be a Mom: Escaping Hopelessness & Embracing Motherhood is a nonfiction health/medical parenting guide written by Julie Pierce. Pierce is a fertility and healthy lifestyle coach, whose familiarity with the challenges faced by the many women for whom pregnancy is elusive, makes her a particularly empathetic and persuasive guide. Looking back, she knew she had done all the right things as she was growing up. Pierce had been determined not to become one of those accidental moms who had to give up their dreams of college and professional goals because of an unplanned pregnancy. She would finish her academic studies, enter the profession she had studied for, and wait until she and her husband were ready, financially and emotionally, for the next big step in their lives -- becoming parents. Pierce also wanted to ensure that she could personally support herself and a young family, and she wanted to explore life as a couple with her husband before they began the process. As with many of her clients, however, Pierce found herself besieged by the cruel, if well-intentioned, reminders from family and friends about her biological clock, the aging of her eggs and the “selfishness” of women who didn’t embrace motherhood. She also felt a growing imperative as she watched her friends start their own families, but when she and her husband decided to go ahead and make that baby, nothing happened.

Julie Pierce’s nonfiction health/wellness guide was of particular interest to me as I’ve had some problems understanding the imperative felt by many women who are willing to sacrifice so much to afford extraordinary expense and endure the discomfort involved in fertility treatment. I’ve also read a number of articles and columns written by women who had decided not to have children, detailing the intense criticism and outrage expressed toward them by family, friends and “well-meaners.” As someone who would never be that intimately involved in the process, I still wanted to understand what was going on in a substantial segment of the population. Pierce’s honest and moving account went a long way towards giving me the answers and providing the bridge to understanding that I was seeking. Her descriptions of the emotional curves of hope and despair experienced by women each month when trying to get pregnant was moving, and her shared account of the delivery of her stillborn daughter, Ava Catherine, really brought home the suffering and loss she experienced.

Pierce doesn’t promise fertility miracles -- no one can. What she does do is help women understand the intricate processes involved in baby-making and get them to a place where they can see, sense and feel their future lives as a mom. Her counseling is designed to get her clients to consider any emotional or deep-seated roadblocks to becoming a mom that might be interfering with the process, and for them to have a clearer sense of becoming one. Along the way, she commiserates with the sometimes awful, if well-meaning, interference of family and friends, and clarifies some misconceptions about biological clocks and past-their-sell-by-time eggs. Her book answered my own questions and gave me new insights into the biological urge for motherhood and the accompanying stress and hardship experienced by many. I Still Want to Be a Mom: Escaping Hopelessness & Embracing Motherhood is most highly recommended, not only for the target audience but also for the men in their lives.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

A Mother’s Heart (Memoir of a Special Needs Parent) by Eichin Chang-Lim is the true story of the author’s journey through the at times difficult and always challenging world of raising a special needs child. Eichin Chang-Lim's first child, Teddy, was born profoundly deaf and with some vision issues as well. Chang-Lim candidly relates the initial shock and disappointment that her long-awaited bundle of joy was not quite so perfect after all. The author takes us along with her as we follow the development of her beloved child and the often unexpected pressures raising such a child can put on a couple’s relationship as well as with other family members, including siblings. In a simple, un-sugar-coated way Chang-Lim shows the reader the practical and pragmatic steps parents must take to ensure their child receives the necessary help, understanding and compassion required for the child to develop into a well-rounded adult ready to contribute successfully to society and to him or her self.

This book surprised me just a little bit. I guess I was expecting a very sad and angst-ridden story of the difficulties of raising a special needs child. What I got instead was a simple, straightforward account of the highs and lows of dealing with the needs of a child who has some form of disadvantage compared to other kids. I found the chapter written by Teddy’s younger sister illuminating in highlighting the differences in perspective between the special needs child and his or her siblings. The author's love for her child could never be brought into question, but even she admitted that when Teddy became an adult, it was difficult for her to let go and to give him his independence. This is an honest, frank and heartwarming memoir of one woman's journey with her special needs child. I very much enjoyed taking it with her and I know other readers, especially those in a similar position, will feel the same way.

Reviewed by Ashley Tetzlaff for Readers' Favorite

Karen Gordon and her husband, Evan Myshrall, know what the pain of divorce is like. But they also know that a second chance of happiness is possible. In How my Husband Keeps Me Happy: Secrets to a Low Maintenance Marriage, they share their secret to a fulfilling and happy marriage. Whether you are starting again (like they did) or trying to boost a struggling marriage or about to start for the first time, Karen and Evan have something for you! Each chapter focuses on something, like “Listen (And Prove It)” or “Make Each Other Laugh”; Karen and Evan talk about that topic from personal experience as a couple and individually, as well as give general tips; then the chapter ends with “Rating” (on a scale of 1-10, how good are you or your partner at the concept presented in the chapter?), a “Question” (What/how could you do better at this concept?), and “Making this work” (ideas for how to incorporate the concept into your life).

Although my husband and I have a great marriage, I love to read marriage guidance books to see if there is anything else I can learn. Reading Karen Gordon and Evan Myshrall’s story in How My Husband Keeps Me Happy: Secrets to a Low Maintenance Marriage was actually quite encouraging. Their second marriage is a lot like our first marriage: both partners are committed to loving and supporting each other, and open conversation about pretty much everything. Karen and Evan’s style is so easy to read. Their anecdotes are encouraging and fun. How My Husband Keeps Me Happy is a great book to tuck into a bride-to-be’s bridal shower gifts. And for those who have gone through a divorce, I’m sure the book can be an encouragement for the future. Some of the ideas can even be incorporated (on a less intimate level) with others as a way to be a very good friend. This is one of those “unforgettable books” that you wish you could buy in bulk and hand out to other people. Loved it!

Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite

Are you and your child stuck in a destructive pattern with no obvious way out? Do you feel like you could win the "Worst Parent In History" award? Shame-Proof Parenting by Mercedes Samudio is an award-winning parenting manual. With a wealth of information, this book approaches one of the ugliest monsters in society; Parent-Shaming and how it affects parents. Every parent has fallen victim to it at some point; the snide remarks aimed at the Crunchy mom or the despairing looks at the single father. Criticisms toward parents can be hurtful and undermining. A simple criticism can cause self-doubt in the parent, who in turn inadvertently takes their insecurities out on their child. This only creates more guilt, adding to the parent's ever growing uncertainty and degradation. It is time to break free from this destructive cycle by recognizing what is happening. Learn how to defend your family's methods and personalities. It is okay to respect your child's wishes, without fear of what others might say. By taking a stand and protecting our families and our beliefs, we can release our crippling insecurities, freeing us to raise happy, healthy children. We can start by applying the principles presented in this book. Learn the root cause of wavering between parenting techniques and falling back on what your parents did. Are you ready to have a healthy family with respected boundaries?

Shame-Proof Parenting by Mercedes Samudio is a brilliant parenting blueprint. The author uses her own experiences as a child and then shows how parents carry such defining moments throughout their lives, allowing them to reflect on their children and their parenting negatively. It was eye-opening and encouraging to see that many of my less-healthy parenting behaviors have an easily remedied cause. This book is an empowering read, perfect for the overwhelmed, under-appreciated, overwrought parent, who is at their wits' end. I would recommend this book to new parents, parents of children with behavioral issues, and the unique parent, as well as anyone that has a difficult child in their life.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

In the closing pages of I Promised Not to Tell by Cheryl B. Evans, the author says she wonders if she has made a mistake in publishing this book. Let me begin by assuring her the only mistake would have been to not publish it. I Promised Not to Tell is quite possibly one of the most important books to date on a very controversial and little understood social issue: transgenderism. And what makes it even more valuable is that the focus is on helping parents recognize, and whether they like it or not, accept that their daughter might actually be a son or vice versa.

To enlighten others about some of the dreadful problems associated with a child being transgender, since she promised not to tell, Cheryl B. Evans has had to use fictitious names for real people. The real people in this story are members of her own family. I Promised Not to Tell is about Cheryl’s daughter, Jordan, whose transition from female to male begins around the time of puberty. Had the parents ignored or dismissed the warning signs that things just weren’t right for Jordan at that time, this story would most likely have had an unwanted and tragic ending.

But as Cheryl B. Evans states early in I Promised Not to Tell, and repeats throughout the book, what she and her husband wanted most for her children was their happiness. And everything these parents do in this book proves they mean what they say. They listened to and trusted in what Jordan believed was right for her; they educated themselves on transgenderism; they located knowledgeable therapists and doctors, and stood united and strong beside their daughter when faced with religious ignorance that claims such children are “not of God.”

Cheryl B. Evans has documented each life-changing step of Jordan’s transition from female to male so that others who may be facing the same issues and don’t know where to turn have a place to start, coupled with the knowledge they are not alone. Cheryl addresses issues like washroom use, dating in later years, and the gender affirming surgeries more frequently called sex reassignment. At the end of the book she includes a list of resources and contacts, including the names of doctors her family worked with.

Other issues raised by Cheryl are the complications that arise with simple day to day things like passports, birth certificates, driving licences etc. Think of all the official forms we fill out daily that ask us to identify ourselves as M or F. Well, what happens when F is now M? This paperwork can take months, even years to change over. And on deeper levels, Cheryl makes one look at the ramifications of dating, falling in love, and falling out of love with someone who knows your secret, and then tells all your mutual friends. Again, we face another social situation where people are forced to hide their true selves. As if there isn’t enough cover up of so much in our world already.

I’m sure it’s Cheryl’s hope that, if nothing else, I Promised Not to Tell will open a few more minds, clarify the myths and falsehoods, and get more people talking openly about what being transgender really means. If you are facing such a situation with your child, I urge you to read this book. Both you and your child need what Cheryl has so kindly shared with readers and parents. And when you do, I’m sure you will come away impressed not just by the courage shown by Jordan in this book, but by the love Cheryl and her husband have for their children and their compassion for all people. That love affirms what I’ve always believed: true love has nothing to do with gender. Love is love. I loved I Promised Not to Tell. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommended reading

Reviewed by Jane Finch for Readers' Favorite

Make A Wish For Me by LeeAndra Chergey is the story of the author’s son, Ryan, and the struggles of the family as they come to terms with the diagnosis of autism. Told from the mother’s point of view, LeeAndra begins her story with the confusion when, at the age of two, Ryan loses the ability to speak. There follow many meetings with professionals, endless discussions, a long period of therapy, many disagreements, and much frustration with those in ‘the system’ who are supposed to have the child’s best interests at heart, but appear to be desperately wanting. There is also the stigma of the label of ‘autism’ to cope with, and the uncompromising attitudes of both the public and private schooling system.

The author, LeeAndra Chergey, really manages to evoke empathy in her heart-breaking story of her family’s struggle to get Ryan properly diagnosed and the help he needs. The determination of LeeAndra and her husband, Dan, to make the right decisions and find the answers to their questions is clear and they are to be admired for their steadfast loyalty to their son, despite their own despair at times. Apart from the educational obstacles, LeeAndra strives to make home and family life a happy place for Ryan, and not let him be burdened by the things or people that might make life difficult for him. This is not just Ryan’s story, but a story of one family’s determination to overcome every obstacle thrown at them to give their child a normal life. This is a story about a family’s love for their child and for each other. A well written story, told with emotion; every parent should read this.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood: Firsthand Advice, Tips, and Stories From Lesbian and Gay Couples by Eric Rosswood is an informative book that has good tips and advice for same-sex couples who want to have children. Being a parent is a rewarding experience and all the stories in the book are touching and amazing. The book gives valuable information to LGBT persons wanting to become parents and enter the next wonderful stage of their lives. What are the challenges and emotional complexities faced by LGBT parents? How do they get a birth certificate for the child?

The real stories, the trials, struggles, tribulations, and celebrations of starting a family by same-sex couples are insightful and inspiring. The book is divided into sections, making it easy for readers to find the topics they are interested in. Same-sex parents will have a better understanding about the thoughts, emotions, and difficulties they might face in their journey of becoming a parent once they read this book. They will also get more information on the topic, which might not be revealed by the agencies and organizations they are planning to use to adopt a child. The author covers the topics of legal issues that need to be considered, and also lists questions one needs to ask before deciding to take the step. The subject is not something which one deals with often. That makes the book original and resourceful for many LGBT parents. Whether it is about adoption, fostering, surrogacy, assisted reproduction, or co-parenting, the book has all the information for LGBT couples so that they can choose the path that best fits their family.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Busy Mom's Cheat Sheet by Lilly Cadoch is an uplifting book for readers where the author speaks about the goals of parents and how children are expected to perform well right from a very young age. The book addresses the importance of mind, body and spirit, and how balancing them will help us achieve enriching and fulfilling lives. It also tells how to address the problems revolving around the body, mind and soul separately, helping readers to look into their lives and make the necessary changes; thereby discovering the purpose of their lives.

The author handles the topic of body, mind and soul extensively in a manner that can be comprehended by any reader. The balance and harmony that can be achieved after reading this book will bring about the theory of abundance without being wasteful or excessive. The 45 bonus recipes are a treat, simple and easy to try out, helping balance food habits and healthy eating. The positive affirmations shared by the author are motivational and encouraging and will help in making positive changes in one's outlook towards oneself and life in general.

I found the tips, techniques and ideas in the book easy to incorporate into daily living. The method of teaching meditation to kids is simple and easy, and the book is a good tool for readers to guide their kids onto a good and holistic path which will be always be beneficial to them.