Mother Daughter Duet by Cheri Fuller & Dancing With My Father by Sally Clarkson

When a daughter is born, her mother has a thousand hopes and dreams for her, especially that they will be best friends one day.

Unfortunately, even the best of intentions can go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction

and frustration. But a harmonious relationship is possible.

Award-winning author Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali Plum, have been there and have discovered the keys to a healthy relationship. In Mother-Daughter Duet they share their story—each from her own perspective—in which they have experienced distance and tension, growth and challenge, and, ultimately, acceptance and harmony. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on several basic principles (letting go; listening; respect; setting boundaries; and more), Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms repair the breach so that daughters want to draw close.

The mother-daughter dynamic is intense, personal, complex, and unique. But mothers and daughters can achieve mutual respect and learn to celebrate their differences when they learn the two-part harmony of the mother-daughter duet.

Cheri Fuller is a best-selling, award-winning author whose books have sold more than one million copies. She speaks to a wide range of women at women’s conferences and is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs.

Ali Plum is Cheri’s daughter, a writer and songwriter, a wife, and a mother to Noah and Luke. She and her mom have weathered the ups and downs of their relationship to find one of the most treasured, honest relationships of their lives. Ali has recorded background vocals for popular musicians, and Mother-Daughter Duet marks her debut into book publishing.

  This book is more geared toward Mother-ADULT Daughter relationships. I’m not quite to that stage yet, though it’s coming quickly. I did start reading this book, and wish that it had been available back when I first got married – that was a really rough time for my mom and I and a book like this would have surely helped us both to understand each other better and to “readjust” our relationship with one another.  We did, eventually, figure it out on our own; but I would certainly recommend this great resource to any mother and adult daughter who are struggling through this very difficult adjustment period.

For more information on this book, or to purchase, click here.

 

The reality of living in a broken, fallen world can leave women feeling overcome by fear, guilt, and weariness. Many develop “sawdust souls,” numb to any sense of joy.

In this warm and wise book, author Sally Clarkson invites readers to take God’s hand and let Him lead them into a life of anticipation, passion, and purpose. With the voice of a trusted mentor, she reveals how, by getting in tune with the rhythm of God’s presence, women can nurture an inner attitude of anticipation and celebration even in the stressful seasons of life.

Through rich biblical insights woven with real-life stories, women will be inspired to recapture a spirit of joy as they follow God’s lead on the dance floor of life.

Sally Clarkson is a popular speaker, known across the nation and internationally for her work with women. She is the author of several books, including The Mission of Motherhood, The Ministry of Motherhood, and Seasons of a Mother’s Heart. She has worked in various ministries, including Campus Crusade for Christ. With her husband, Clay, she is cofounder of Whole Heart Ministries, which encourages and equips Christian parents. The Clarksons, parents of four, live near Colorado Springs, Colorado.

I am currently reading through this book and enjoying every minute of it.  I don’t want to just sit down and read through it quickly because I want to savor it and ponder on it.   This is the first of Sally Clarkson’s books that I have had opportunity to read, though I’m very familiar with the Clarks’ presence in the homeschooling community and have previously had opportunity to use and review some of their homeschooling/family resources.

This book came to me at a perfect time.  I have some serious things going on in my life right now, and I want nothing more than to learn how to “dance with my heavenly father – into a life of grace and joy”.  One thing that I’ve particularly enjoyed about this book is the thought-provoking questions provided at the end of each chapter.  These would be beneficial to use in a group setting; but are also quite appropriate for individual study as well.  They have really encouraged me to take a closer look at how I’m living my life and to think about what I might do to improve.  Mrs. Clarkson’s honesty and transparency are also very refreshing.  I would highly recommend this book to any woman – no matter where you are in your walk with the Lord.

For more information, or to purchase, click here.

NOTE: I was provided with free copies of both of these books, compliments of WaterBrook Press, in exchange for my honest thoughts on them.  I also received complimentary giveaway copies, which I intend to donate to my church library.