Debra Woods, whose debut book Mothering with Spiritual Power quickly became an LDS favorite, has with this second book established a firm place in the LDS mother’s heart. That said, this book is geared to a wider audience than just Mormon moms, so go ahead and get a copy for your nonmember friend, too.

I say it is the best gift book because there is no side dish of guilt in this meal. This book is in so many ways a Balm of Gilead to a mother’s mental health. Woods gives a funny, personal account and glimpses into her life and the mothering of her own five children. But above all, this book boosts a mother’s feelings of self-worth and confidence. The prolific as well as the reluctant reader would enjoy it.

At the size of a DVD case, I found it perfect to stick in my purse. Chapters are short and engaging — ideal for a mother’s pick-up-and-put-down-again reading style.

One may wonder when hearing Elder Ballard’s talk in Sunday afternoon session of April 2008...