This wasn't exactly what I was expecting however, I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to mothers who are looking to instill a love of learning and literature to the next generation. This has depth and, because of that, it took me a while to get through this. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Faith based book on mothering, through perilous times.. Reading aloud to her children helped in various ways. She is a Charlotte Mason homeschooling parent so books come from that list. Interesting and helpful for all mothers struggling to do it all or do it well.

Mothering by the Book: The Power of Reading Aloud to Overcome Fear and Recapture Joy by Jennifer Pepito is a beautifully written literary memoir. This book was not exactly what I expected, since it was much more memoir than inspiration for the reader. Still, it is an interesting and worthwhile read. Readers who love books will enjoy this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

"We will open our senses to the twinkle in our child’s eyes, the smell of fresh laundry on the line, the feel of a baby’s warm body pressed close to ours as they take their nourishment. We won’t squander this season with worry; we’ll wring every bit of joy out of each moment. We will learn how to take our thoughts captive and reject the lies that keep us afraid and incapacitated. We will learn how to be present and experience the presence of God. We will learn how to be free."

When I spotted Mothering by the Book in netgalley, I jumped on it solely because I LOVE books about books. I had no idea how Jennifer Pepito is and I didn't even realize the premise of the book really. Fast forward a few weeks and I got so excited to hear the author on a 1000 hours outside podcast episode! Timing aligned perfectly and I got a chance to finish Mothering by the Book on our recent camping trip. I felt both Ginny and Jennifer's voices in my head as I got the chance to read a great book and make memories with my kids outdoors 😍

Mothering by the Book is a literary journey through Jennifer's life as a mom. With vulnerability, she describes different seasons of life and motherhood, and how reading aloud taught not only her children but her as well. Books like Understood Betsy, All-of-a-Kind Family, The Railway Children, Little Britches and many more are explored through the lens of a seasoned mom who is willing to be open and honest about fear and forgiveness. Each chapter ends with a questionnaire, scripture, and recommended reading for mamas and for read aloud time. Needless to say I finished this one with a big smile and a whole new TBR! I really enjoyed Mothering by the Book and think soooo many will, too!

Will update with link to IG post at a later date. Will copy review to GoodReads.

As someone who loves to read and as someone who just had a baby, the premise of this book definitely caught my attention! The author recounts her own experiences as a mother and lessons she's learned throughout motherhood by focusing on one children's book per chapter. Each of the books she selected, including favorites like Little House on the Prairie, Cheaper By the Dozen, and Charlotte's Web, were books that she read aloud to her children and she encourages her readers to do the same. Each chapter closes with a series of questions for reflection as well as recommended reading for the children and for mom. Overall I enjoyed the book, though it reads more like a memoir than I was initially anticipating, I look forward to reading some of the books that the author recommended!


I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited about this book because I love everything Jennifer Pepito puts her hand to but unfortunately this book wasn't my favorite. I was hoping for more inspiration and less memoir. It was still good, just not what I had been hoping for.

I requested this book for review from the publisher who kindly provided me a dARC. After reading the introduction and the first chapter, I was hooked! I knew right away that I wanted to make notes in the margin, tab it and be able to refer back to it over and over. That is difficult to do with a digital copy of a book.
So I went and pre-ordered it. I can't wait for it to arrive and dive even further into this book.
From the brief reading, which is my first introduction to Jennifer Pepito, she seems to have a mothering philosophy that seeks to create a space for her children to thrive.

This book is life-changing! It is a must-have resource for all moms. Jennifer offers great insight, advice, and wisdom to help one live a more full and happy life. It is full of great strategies, advice, and easy to implement ideas. This is one I'll return to again and again. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

It took me a little while to get through this one because I read it devotional style but the title itself is what made me want to pick it up!
Books absolutely have power and they can help change our mindsets positively if we let them. They are definitely my go-to when facing stress and fear of the unknown so it makes sense that they help us overcome fear and bring joy in the process.
She referenced some fantastic books as part of her read aloud arsenal over the years (several I added to my TBR) and even though I’m not a homeschool momma myself, I still gleaned much wisdom and encouragement from this book. It’s full of my highlights and I for sure would read it again.

Mothering By the Book contains Jennifer Pepito’s reflections on parenting- and homeschooling- seven children. Her reflections are structured around twelve different fears she has experienced in her life, and she shares her valuable lessons of how to overcome the fears. Each chapter also weaves in the power of reading aloud to ones children, and what she specifically learned from a different book that relates to overcoming fear.

Pepito shares honestly about many challenges she has faced along the journey of parenting, and she offers encouragement to the reader as well as resources of scripture and recommended books for further reading at the end of each chapter. Reflection questions are also provided at the end of every chapter. For parents interested in reading aloud to their children, this book provides a valuable compilation of recommended reads.

While I appreciated Pepito’s Biblical rootedness and her heart for loving God and her family, I found this a somewhat challenging book to read. I only have two children of my own, live in a densely urban setting, and I do not homeschool. It felt hard to relate to an entire book about homeschooling seven children in a more rural context. I felt judged— like if I am not homeschooling then I am not choosing what is best for my children. I also found the focus on twelve different fears extremely repetitive.