by Molly Sabourin
This book is for every young mother who's ever wished children came with an instruction manual; who's ever longed for just one quiet minute to finish a thought or utter a prayer; who's ever despaired of perfecting herself in time to become a good example for her children; who's ever wondered why "happily ever after" takes so darn much work. With courage, humor, and unflinching honesty, Molly Sabourin addresses all these frustrations and more offering not answers or solutions, but a new perspective, a pat on the shoulder, a reassuring "I've been there too, and there is hope." Those who share her "quest for patience, peace, and perseverance" will see themselves in these pages, laugh a little, cry a little, and close the book with new strength to continue the quest.
Praise for Close to Home
"Close to Home is accessible, engaging and inspiring. Molly Sabourin tickles my funny bone when she apologizes to her kids for closing the garage door on their minivan, she puts me at ease by admitting her own weaknesses, and she inspires me to bring God into the domestic details, to ceaselessly invite him into the conversation with my kids, and to make his presence with us a constant source of celebration. In penning her story with compassion and courage, Sabourin gives voice to the silent anguishes and hidden glories of a fresh generation of Orthodox mothers who are trying to find their place in their Church and the world." —Jenny Schroedel, author of Naming The Child: Hope-filled Reflections on Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Death
"Not only is this book a marvelous help for new brides and young mothers, it also provides great insights for fathers who want to live with their wives in an “understanding way” (I Peter 3:7). Molly is a very gifted writer, and incredibly honest". —Fr. Peter Gillquist, author of Becoming Orthodox
"The Orthodox Church is a repository of great and beautiful spiritual literature—much of which can make a mother of young children feel like she’s an irrelevant, distracted, decidedly non-spiritual entity with Cheerios in her hair. Is it possible to flourish and grow in your faith, while changing diapers and driving carpool? Close to Home shows that the answer is yes—and what’s more, you’re not alone." —Frederica Mathewes-Green, author of At the Corner of East and Now
