Apple Pies and Promises: Motherhood in the Real Worlds is not a story book per se, rather it is a collection of ‘quick reads’ meant to be read at those odd moments in the day when readers have a few moments to turn to something interesting and fun to read.

This is a 125 page work comprised of forty plus vignettes authored by a group of women who share their thoughts and experiences as daughters and mothers.

Titles of individual works include: ‘The Reluctant Mother’ in which Lael Littke states “I look like a bellicose buffalo” in reference to her pregnant figure. ‘Folk Wisdom,’ ‘Feisty Women,’ and ‘By Proxy’ offer varying views of motherhood and mothering.

‘What Mom Left Us’ in which the writer tells of her mother’s quilts touched a particular spark for me: my grandmother died when I was 4, she too left behind quilts, quilts, quilts.

‘The Year of Mothering Intensely,’ ‘The Hunt,’ and ‘Picture Perfect’ continue the narratives.

‘Just Your Typical Mormon Family’ is a poignant read telling of problems to be found in step parenting and how one family attempted both traditional and non traditional methods for achieving success in the long run.

‘Up and Down and All Around’ is a touching recounting of the problems facing those who experience fertility problems. ‘Piece of Cake,’ and ‘Am I My Mother’s Keeper?’ recounts the sadness facing those when Mom or Dad experiences serious health issues late in life.

Linda Hoffman Kimball has brought together a delightful series of works in her book Apple Pies and Promises: Motherhood in the Real Worlds.

Along with the short stories she adds quotes regarding motherhood and mothering taken from women and men from all walks of life. Quotes include a Spanish proverb, comments from John Erskine, Elizabeth Stone and Oprah Winfrey as well as a Chinese proverb.

A verse from The Bible or Book of Mormon regarding mothering can also be found. A tongue in cheek remark by Mark Twain, an Indian proverb and a quote from Dr. Spock round out the work.

Kimball has added a little something for everyone in her compilation of ancecdotes. Each of these honest to goodness real world MOM encounters presented on the pages of this little volume are worth the read. I like particularly the format: each short anecdote is just that – short, quick reads for busy women to enjoy over a warm cookie or while waiting for the train to cross the intersection.

While Apple Pies and Promises: Motherhood in the Real Worlds is written by Mormon women the themes are common to mothers the world over. Apple Pies and Promises: Motherhood in the Real Worlds is an excellent choice for the home library and pleasure reading for Mormon and non Mormon alike. After experiencing my own problems during pregnancy I found 'Up and Down and All Around’ a particularly compelling read.

Apple Pies and Promises: Motherhood in the Real Worlds is a good book for a lazy summer afternoon or for the quick stolen moment when the baby is napping and all is quiet at least for this minute.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend.

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Reviewed by     Molly's Reviews    molly martin

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