Sherry Surratt is the President and CEO of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International, which provides moms worldwide with instruction, encouragement and practical tips to become the very best mothers they can be. Surratt is now a mother of two grown children and the grandmother to two girls, so she has had seasons of personal experience that lend itself well to her book, BRAVE MOM.

Surratt admits that she is trying to become a reformed worrier, and more than once, her husband has asked her to take a vacation from worrying. Most moms will identify with her struggles and ongoing work to free herself from all kinds of fears that moms let run rampant through their hearts and minds. Surratt shares the stories of other moms as well throughout this lively and often comically presented text. Readers will find themselves nodding in agreement, pensively considering her practical challenges to free themselves from worry, and chuckling right along with her funny “aha” moments.

"Readers will appreciate Surratt’s telling of her personal journey through the motherhood years, complete with the snafus and inadequacies that she felt along the way."

Specifically, Surratt discusses these topics of interest that will engage moms at all stages of the mothering journey: the truth about fear; in search of being a perfect mom; asking myself if my fears are reasonable ones; realizing there is no perfect child; will having a baby change my life forever; fear of what’s ahead: teenagers; facing your emotional monsters of depression and the like; building a better “you” all around; and discovering ways to help your child be brave.

Throughout the book, Surratt shares various questionnaires that MOPS has presented to its members over the years. They’ve posed many questions regarding common fears that moms face about their ability to mother effectively right now and whether or not they have enough (of everything it takes) to successfully prepare their youngsters for life. Interestingly, Surratt discusses what it takes to be a “better” mom, and this compilation of data reads: A better mom develops a significant support system; works to develop her parenting knowledge and skills; has a healthy marriage or significant parenting partner; has developed core resilience; and pays attention to her spiritual development.

Readers will appreciate Surratt’s telling of her personal journey through the motherhood years, complete with the snafus and inadequacies that she felt along the way. She does a fine job recounting her experiences in such a way that readers will feel as if they are chatting informally with a close friend (or mentor) who truly understands their deepest fears and parenting concerns. She also adds some nifty bonus practical questions and “let’s take action” sessions to close out each chapter. Since every mom needs a good friend to come alongside and cheer her on, Surratt’s resource is sure to find a space on mothers’ bookshelves across the country.