{{Book Review}} Expectant Parents: Preparing Together for the Journey of Parenthood

It's said that when a couple welcomes a new baby, everything changes; but is that a wondrous prediction or an ominous warning? In her new book, Expectant Parents: Preparing Together for the Journey of Parenthood, Suzanne Hadley Gosselin examines that question from the perspective of a young mother who has given birth to three babies in less than five years.

Many books focus on prenatal development and the health of a mom-to-be. While Expectant Parents does touch on important issues of pregnancy, its core purpose is helpexpectant parents understand key issues related to the arrival of a new child in the home, offering practical assistance as they prepare themselves for long-term family success.

It's often said that babies don't come with an instruction manual. This book actually provides parents with information and practical steps for writing their own---as they work to create the kind of home and family they choose to build. This includes strengthening their own marriage relationship, setting plans and expectations for parenthood, increasing communication, and preparing for the new stage of their family life that is just ahead. Ideal for first-time parents, this book would also be helpful for couples wanting to explore and prepare for the emotional, physical, and spiritual life changes that come with the arrival of any new child into the family.

*My Review*

Expectant Parents is more of a how-to guide for new parents, though it includes plenty of practical advice. It’s a candid peek into the lives of several couples who share their stories of the joy and heartache that can come with the journey towards parenthood. These stories include those of unplanned pregnancies, miscarriages, financial decisions, marital struggles, hormone changes, and postpartum muffin-tops, to name a few.

There were a number of times where I had to set the book dowon and wipe away tears. I did laugh out loud while reading some of the awkward stories of pregnancy and new parenthood.

This is definitely a book that I’ll be getting for my friends who are or who want to be expectant parents. It will make great baby shower gifts. 

{{Meet The Author}}

Suzanne Hadley Gosselin is the former editor of Clubhouse Jr.magazine for Focus on the Family. She is now a regular contributor toThriving Family magazine andBoundless webzine, and the recipient of several Evangelical Press Association awards for her writing and editorial work. 

Gosselin writes children's resources for David C Cook, Zondervan and Harvest House. She is also the author of Faithgirlz Handbook: Let Your Light Shine Through and is currently working on the God's Got an Answer for That children's devotional and activity books to be released in January 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and biblical theology from Multnomah University. 

After having three children in less than five years of marriage, Suzanne and her husband, Kevin, who is a children's pastor, consider themselves on the family fast-track --- a blessing they wouldn't trade for anything. Their family lives in Colorado where Suzanne enjoys sharing a good cup of coffee and conversation with friends and serving in ministry with her husband. Suzanne calls herself a Jesus-follower who delights in watching God infuse Himself into people's lives and stories.

Learn more about Suzanne at: website, Twitter, Facebook

*Disclaimer*

I received this book free of charge from litfuse publicity in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own.