I'm so grateful for September's gentle words of wisdom for mothers, born of years of her own experience!

A great book to encourage others in their calling of being a Mother with God at the center. I would recommend for any mother to read this work.

Why motherhood matters is an excellent read, it got me thinking of how I impact my kids as their mother across a range of ages and stages. The structure of the book allowed you to think through the relevant topic that each chapter was focused on with practical tips and verses relevant to the topic. It definitely got me thinking in many new areas as to why motherhood matters!

This book almost reads like a journal. It's a collection of moments in the life of the author. All moments that together make up her motherhood journey. It's great and encouraging to read how mothers figure things out and learn and grow as time passes but I have a hard time learning from a book that places big emphasis on feelings. As a thinker I want more meat. I felt like it talked about God a whole lot but didn't reference scripture very much at all. I wanted more why from scripture and not why cuz the author said this worked for her. I want my motherhood to be what God wants it to be and how can I see how God wants it to be without looking to scripture for all things?
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

September McCarthy is a mother of ten who writes from many years of experience. I appreciate her encouraging voice about the challenging aspects of motherhood.

She doesn’t hide the sticky, Cheerio-covered parts of motherhood. The times when she argued with her husband about how to handle family devotions. The times of conflict with her children. The struggle to handle all the work despite feeling depleted.

She doesn’t hide the heart-wrenching moments either. Three of her babies died. I found her accounts of the deaths to be the most poignant and powerful passages in the book.

She speaks gently but firmly about setting boundaries and breaking entitlement. I liked the suggestion to do away with the practice of counting-to-three. This is what I used with my children–I encouraged first-time obedience, and it increased mutual respect.

She encourages from the trenches. Again and again she offers practical suggestions for self-care. She shows you ways to reach out for help and to involve your children in ministry.

In every aspect of her motherhood, she trusts God to provide, sustain, and empower her role.

Powerful quotes:

- Motherhood may feel like a sprint, but it is a slow, careful run to the biggest victory plan ever.
- Mothers are mood makers, and it is our job to set the tone in the lives of those we are given to steward.
- Mothers, imagine the power over the nations, the generations, if you are willing to model and speak peace into the very fiber of your home and your children.

This book is perfect for a new mom, a discouraged mom, or a grieving mom. A mom seeking new ways to handle the challenges of her role will be comforted and uplifted by Why Motherhood Matters.

A ton of information packed into this book. I'm not saying for me it was all good information, but it might be for you. I'm in a weird stage of life with 4 kids ages 17 to 4. One leaving the nest and two just starting home school. I'm struggling through a lot of wondering who I am and what is my life supposed to look like at this point.

A lot of this book was a good reality check for me. Helped me focus back on why I wanted to be a mother. How I felt God called me to this job. And finding some peace in coming back to seeing that what I do day in and day out for my kids really does matter. However, some of it really just wouldn't work for my family.

A really good book though. Any book I can pull one or two things from is worth it for me. This pulled several pages of journaling out of me as I worked my way through the questions and thoughts presented.

September's book on Why Motherhood Matters really hit home. While raising three boys I have found that much of what she said was what I went through and still going through. She enlightens us to seek the Lord first in all we do to keep ourselves filled up so we can keep giving to our families. While the thoughts of being a mother and all we do seems unrewarded, I believe after reading of September's life that eventually we do see the rewards. Our calling as a mother is important, whether to our natural children or our spiritual children. Thank you September for reminding us the true reasons we are mother's.and helping us all tap into God's plan for our lives as we fulfill this call. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

There are many books out there about motherhood. Even so, this one stands out as a breath of fresh air. Why Motherhood Matters: An Invitation to Purposeful Parenting by September McCarthy examines the God-Given calling in every woman’s heart to be a mother. She explains that this calling is inside every woman, whether or not they have children of their own. The author is a seasoned mother and draws from her experiences and from Scripture to be a guide on the side, coaching moms in the journey of the motherhood. This was the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to more in the future. I would highly recommend this book to new and seasoned moms—it is a delight. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Why Motherhood Matters, the debut novel by September McCarthy, recognizes that being a mom is hard. It doesn’t give you simple answers that gloss over your pain, or judgmental platitudes that blanket complex issues. This book is like having a friend sit by your side through the journey, laughing with you in the face of your mistakes and holding your hand when you are broken with tears. McCarthy understands that mothering is tough and wants to encourage you to be the best mother you can be no matter what circumstances you face.

That is the essence of Why Motherhood Matters. McCarthy encourages women to stop worrying about their mess and draw near to Christ. It is through her own openness that she hopes to encourage others to help build up our children to be world changers and Kingdom builders . Whether you are the mother of a troublesome toddler or a moody teen, this book helps the reader look at creative ways to mother.

Why Motherhood Matters also reminds women that motherhood is not just a title; it is a calling and an investment in the lives of our children. This book invites the reader on a creative exploration of their personal journey as a mother. Using her own life as an example, McCarthy is open as she describes the pain of giving birth to her daughter who moments later breathed her last breath. She is honest in how she describes her transformation into the “Yelling mom”

This uplifting book stands out among the many motherhood books that are on the shelf because it does not stop at the traditional concept of motherhood. McCarthy also reminds the reader that God gifted every woman with “a mother’s heart” and we should be purposeful in how we use it. McCarthy speaks to all women — the woman who is suddenly faced with an unplanned pregnancy whose dreams seem to be fading away, to the woman with empty arms longing for a child.

Authentic, transparent, reverent - just a few words descriptive of this mama’s heart. Laughter, tears, awe -the emotions, impressions that you’ll experience as you walk with her through the highs and lows of her journey. Encouraging, inspiring, practical -the steps she lays out as an offering, a life’s work dedicated to raising God-honoring children. Proof that, when you seek Him and His wisdom, He is faithful to meet you right where you are.

If you’ve questioned your ability, compared yourself to other mothers, asked yourself, ‘Does it really even matter,’ September McCarthy has answered those questions beautifully. She reassures you that He has indeed qualified you, uniquely gifted you, and shows the import, the magnitude of {WHY} MOTHERHOOD MATTERS.

*I did receive an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I had a hard time connecting with the message of this book. Technically, I'm in the target demographic. I'm a Christian, 30-something woman, and a mother. I get stressed out, I feel like a failure as a mom and as a Christian. The author is trying to reach out a hand in solidarity to let us all know that she gets it, we are all in this boat together and we are not alone. But I didn't feel a true connection. I felt like the book was trying too hard. I didn't see myself in the trials. I guess I haven't been truly broken in my struggle, which is a blessing I am thankful for. Maybe this book would be better suited for someone else, but I felt like it wasn't for me. The author has a lovely writing style. I will definitely keep an open mind and would read something else from her.

Mama, Your Work Has Deep Worth
Do you ever wonder if your efforts as a mom make any difference?

Take heart. Whether you're struggling through sleepless nights with your toddler or endless battles with your teen, September McCarthy's story offers practical insights and powerful inspiration to encourage you on your own mothering journey.

As a mom for 25 years who continues to raise young children and love her young adults, September imparts words of wisdom and grace in key areas of Christian parenting, including...
faith—getting honest with your family about your need for Jesus
wellness—learning to take care of your kids...and yourself
education—raising a new generation with creativity and character
relationships—speaking to the heart of your children in unique ways
In these pages you'll find sweet anecdotes and gentle guidance for those moments you need both a breather and a lifeline. Motherhood is an incredible labor of love—and in the scope of eternity, it matters more than you know.

I love that September lays out the whys of motherhood. This is so important for moms to remember and keep in the forefront of their minds. Hard days and dark days will come. Reading this book is like having a mentor mom to come alongside you to cheer, encourage, instruct and gently correct you. What we do as moms matters and it's never too late to stop where we are and change direction. She is constantly pointing us back to god and the truth of His Word. As September says, "Motherhood is an incredible labor of love- and in the scope of eternity, it matters more than you know."

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is one of my favorite books. September is so open about her personal experiences both happy and sad in this book about Why Motherhood Matters. Sometimes as moms we wonder why this job matters so much because we may feel so underappreciated. We often wonder if what we do matters to our husband, our kids or even God. Especially finding our place in ministry and our gifts and talents. This book is filled with stories from the authors own life, advice on what you can do in your own home and encouragement that we are not alone and we most certainly do matter. All the way down to the tiniest mundane chore we do at home that no one else probably notices. She stresses the importance of having God in our marriage and our mothering. She has 10 children from adults to toddlers and I have really enjoyed reading her words about her life, her children and her struggles as a mother and as a daughter of the King.

Every mom needs a pick me up and a little bit of encouragement. This is a great book for all mothers and it would be a great book to have at your moms book club too. It holds the potential to start up many good conversations amongst a gathering of Mamas.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I've been reading September's blog for many years & have always found it to be encouraging.
Especially in the matter of Christian parenting.

How I would love to live close enough to attend her Raising Generations Today meetings!
This book felt like a glimpse of what I imagine this to be.

September shares personal stories, a peek into her daily life and how she's raised 10 children, along with her builder.

The book is broken into four main segments.
Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of motherhood.
Mixed within the segments are “Truths to Live By”, Biblical based verses to add to the discussion topic.
The chapters end with a prayer.

This scenario would be great for a small group Bible study or on your own.
Chapters could easily be read daily.
The material isn't overwhelming, but leaves you with plenty to think about.

Truly a book ideal for mothers in any season of their life, but especially for new mothers or those with
younger children.
While my own children are older, I believe with a little work, these truths and examples September mentions could be added to our lives.

I am thankful to have been part of the launch team and received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Also, I received a digital copy through NetGalley and want to say a big THANK YOU to them & the publisher.

I'm planning to purchase this book!
There were so many good quotes & tips, I would like to re-read and highlight.

Oh goodness, this book covers EVERYTHING from praying for your kids to why being a mom is important. I love September's wisdom. I am buying this book in paperback so I can highlight and underline!

September McCarthy offers advice to moms and grandmothers that will help you be the best and most godly woman you can be for your children. With scriptures and prayers, she gently leads the reader into the way that God wants a mother to be in her household. As a grandmother, I was thinking that there was nothing I could get from this book. Was I ever wrong! God showed me through this book that I can still influence my grandchildren for their future and even future generations after that. No matter where you are in your walk with God and with your motherhood, this book can help. It is a wonderful encouragement for all women of all ages and I highly recommend it!

I always thought of moms with many children as hero moms. They seem to have it all figured out and I can find great advice and motivation from them at any time and on any subject.

This is why when I saw that the author of this beautiful book "{Why} motherhood matters" has 10 children and she raised them in a christian community, I was convinced that she is worth reading and that she must have some "magic" tricks to share.

Mrs. McCarthy invites you in some of the hottest and hardest topics of motherhood such as comparison, busyness, marriage, faith. The christian value and the Bible-based advices she gives make all the magic I was expecting.

I was very impressed how she talks about the christian yelling mom and about the family devotion. At this point, i would kindly suggest to introduce more illustrations from her moments and family time. I'd love to see how she scheduled her own time with God in her day.

One of the most enlightening chapters I found in this book, is the one on serving with your children and memorizing Scripture. Since I became pregnant, I paused all my serving in our local church, for I was a new mom and "moms don't have time" for anything. I felt it was God speaking to me to start over (to continue) the ministry I lead in our church.

You can find in every chapter a truth to live by (verses you can memorize), practical advice and steps to take for your motherhood, questions to meditate on and a short prayer at the ending.

Dear Mrs. McCarthy, it was very refreshing for me to read your book. I know there are so many other beautiful things you have to say. It is so obvious that your words are from God and your life is lived in His presence. I think this is the magic trick! God bless you!

The book is available for pre order Here and will be released on 1st September.

Will keep you posted!
PS: It was so nice for me to see how she calls her husband in this book. Well, you'll have to read it to find out😀

"When I see your arms empty, I mourn and pray with you.
When I watch your heart relentlessly pulled in another direction, I cheer for motherhood to capture your eye and fill you with life. When I know of your deep struggle at home or with your children, I feel the pain. I know it to be real, and I kneel and ask God to give you the forever grace to hold on to this dream, even when the daily effort gets hard. When I meet you and see your juggling act, I lend you my hand and tell you it is okay to let something go. And when we gather together, I will champion you in every way possible." (September McCarthy, Why Motherhood Matters)


Sweet heavens did I need this book in my life right now. I am in the trenches of early terrible twos. In fact, today was mortifying in the local Hobby Lobby because Tiny decided to throw her biggest tantrum yet--over candy. And I became a yelling mom once at home because I was done. So. Very. Done.

And Why Motherhood Matters checked me hard. It is in the exact vein of encouragement and reproach needed for a young mother from an experienced mother. It is a balm reminding me of the grace extended to me. And I couldn't imagine reading another Bible Study more accurately done for motherhood.

Keep in mind, this study is for all mothers: those craving to become mothers, those that have lost their children at any point, those in the early stages, and those with children grown. I have gathered a list of all the incredible mothers I know in my own life to make sure I tell them to pre-order this book now.

If you're wondering if this might be geared toward you, it is. There will be chapters that aren't yet, and that's okay. I firmly believe this is one of those things you get, sit it next to your Bible, and pull it out when you're at a loss because the chapters that aren't applicable now will become so.

Do your Christian mothering heart a favor: pre-order this book. You will not regret the beauty, grace, and determination it will introduce to your life.

The only reason this study is not 5 stars is because it felt odd to read on my own and like the author took completed individual lessons and decided to make them a whole book.

Thank you to NetGalley, September McCarthy, and Harvest House Publishing for providing me with this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

September didn’t just write her own story in this book–although there were many personal stories (which I loved) that illustrated her important and valuable lessons/messages. What she offers to readers is her many years of experience, her understanding heart and her rich faith in God, which will cheer mothers along on the wonderful, rewarding… tiring and taxing journey called motherhood.

This book is more than a quick read. It is one that stimulates personal refection and will be a great tool for working through one’s own struggles and challenges. September is an obvious teacher and really cares about women. She views motherhood as a sisterhood and comes alongside to offer tenderness, encouragement, ideas, and helpful scriptures, but more importantly, she offers an honest and helpful view from one who is still raising children but who has also raised a few to adulthood and is able to see the fruit of her many labors.

In Why Motherhood Matters, September lays out the “Whys”, which will be especially helpful to those who are going through a dry time, or for those who just feel pulled a thousand different directions and are questioning the worth of their days. I can see women marking places in this book and going back to it again and again.

This book was not quite what I expected. It focused quite a bit on the author's pregnancy loss while not providing a lot of other detail related to her children and parenting experiences.