Espresso for Your Spirit

Book Review:  Espresso for Your Spirit, Hope and Humor for Pooped Out Parents by Pam Vredevelt

I really expected "Espresso for Your Spirit" be mostly fluff.  Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this book.

The short chapters are just the right size to give busy moms a little shot of encouragement, like a shot of espresso puts a little pep in your step.  The author shares personal stories of trial and triumphs while in the trenches of child rearing.  This is not a step by step, be a better parent handbook.  It is basically just one mom sharing her stories and wisdom with the rest of us.  I loved that about this book.  I found I was able to easily relate to the author.  She often left me with something to ponder or just the thought of, "oh yeah, I've been there;" it was nice to know someone else had too.

One particular area this book impacted me in was noticing God in the little everyday things.  It is so easy to think God only cares about the "big stuff."  Not so!  He is at work and uses those seemingly unimportant moments to make himself known to us.  I just need to pay closer attention.        

The chapters are followed by alternating sections of "A Taste of  Hope" and "A Sip of Humor."  The sections featuring hope are filled with scriptures or meaningful quotes.  The humor portions are mostly short, funny stories or a few jokes to bring a little smile to your face.   I particularly loved the quotes.

This would be a nice book to read with a friend or small group.  It includes a section of "Koffee Klatch Questions" at the end of the book.  Two questions go with each chapter's reading to spur on conversation regarding the topic presented in the chapter.  It's a nice addition to the book.

I was almost guilty of "judging a book by its cover."  I passed this book up a couple of times because I thought it was one of those "gift" books, which I don't usually care for.  The cover design and title give it that "feel" when you first look at it.  However, that is not the case.  This is a "for real" book with wonderful encouragement.  Grab your cup of coffee and enjoy!  

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

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