Customer Reviews

Queen of the Castle: 52 Weeks of Encouragement for the Uninspired, Domestically Challenged or Just Plain Tired Homemaker

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am a dufus when it comes to computers and I was trying to do a good thing and give this gal an encouraging review because I found her book a delight. She's been peeking in my windows. But I messed up and hit ONE star instead of FIVE. But I have a feeling that she would understand and forgive.

FIVE STARS Here! please read why:

This book does not offer encouragement for "Homemakers" as the back-cover blurb suggests. It offers general encouragement to WOMEN. Not just Moms. Not just Wives. Not Grannies or Singles. Walker is very clear that by being a Woman, one qualifies as being a Homemaker.

By having children, Walker did not so much add to her chores as she multiplied the number of critics in the household.

I've really enjoyed the book. It's not just fluff. It is mental beef jerky that I can chew on with shortclips and sidebars that I can ponder during my private two minutes of toothbrushing.

The punchline is that she uses her experience, author quotes, and scripture to give a woman permission just to BE and be who she is. In the process of doing this, she gives us ammo which can successfully shut up the mental critic in the back of our brains which has a running commentary on how badly we are doing.

Lynn's voice is easy to hear, not calculated or overly sculpted by anything other than her thrill of being a Homemaker. Her voice is authenitc -- the real deal. (I swear, I can hear her talking.)

Although being a homemaker has thrown her for a loop or two, she has managed to land on her feet with style and grace, and a smile. (Wow, I just had a mental image of her doing backflips on a balance beam and coming up with a winning pose.)

Walker is taking me on a journey through her world and leaving me with the encouragement of her voice which I can take with me on my journey.

This book is a must have for all mothers. I was truly inspired and motivated to be a better Mom after reading it.. A great gift for any mom of any age!

This book is amazingly fun, uplifting and insightful! I love the food ideas and (funny) "New Word" of the week. As the coordinator of a MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) group and having a 5 year old and a 2 year old, the book not only makes me laugh but keeps me on the right track in prayer.
I love it!!!!

I found this book by accident one day, and I have treasured having it ever since. I love the encouragement, and the fun ideas/activities to share with my family. Not every mom/wife is Dona Reed, and it is a nice reminder that it's OK not to be.
The daily devotionals and prayers were also helpful and enjoyable to read. Soon, I would like to begin a woman's study around this book for my church family. I know that other women would appreciate it as much as I have!

Though admittedly not a contender for the homemaker of the year award, Lynn is my kind of mom. Someone who is not afraid to admit she may not have the cleanest house, but through her personal stories it's easy to see her heart is in everything she does.

Lynn's down-to-earth, writing style made me feel like I was sitting down with a good friend, sharing stories over coffee. She's a real mom with practical tips easy enough to implement. She made me feel good about not being Martha Stewart or June Cleaver.

Though the chapters are planned to be read once per week for the entire year, the table or contents makes it easy to find just what I'm looking for like the chapter on "Trippity Doo-Dah: The Family Vacation." Whether I need a quick and fun holiday craft or recipe, tips for getting more organized, encouragement for the stress and busyness of family life, or a fun quote or word of the day, Queen of the Castle has just what I need to make it through the week.

It might be just what you need too!

Author Lynn Bowen Walker begins her book with this disclaimer: "OK - so let's get this out of the way right up front: I am not homemaker of the year." That said, this is a book every homemaker won't want to live without.

Written with a light and humorous touch, Walker combines inspirational storytelling with an endless cache of organizing, craft, and holiday ideas - nicely gathered in one easy-to-read volume.

If you've got stacks of women's magazines you keep meaning to clip articles from, throw them away and buy this book instead. It contains dozens of tried-and-true, kid-friendly recipes, along with wisdom gleaned from years of mothering.

Walker's not afraid to share her homemaking foibles, and the encouraging tone of the book makes you feel like she's joining you for a chat over a cup of coffee. If you're looking for homemaking inspiration for every month of the year, this book will help make your home the haven you long it to be.

-- Christian Women Online Book Buzz

Real advice from a real mom. Down to earth and funny.
Although the author is mother to only two, and I have six,
I found her book both encouraging and helpful.

This is one of the books that will go on my MUST-read list for moms. Lynn has an amazing way with words, showing us all the funny, not so funny, but always very real side of motherhood. Whether you're a single parent, married, working outside the home or in, you'll enjoy this book. It's broken down into 52 "weeks" (short chapters), each only a few pages long but packed with inspiration, practical advice, fun facts, quotes and a prayer to get you through the week. I especially love that she gives you words for the week that you might not otherwise come across or use in a typical day. My kids were awed when instead of asking them to be quiet, I asked them to be less "stentorian". They actually stopped what they were doing long enough to find out what I meant. Where else would I learn a word like that? I am reading something I enjoy and learning in the process, it just doesn't get much better than that. One warning: if you enjoy reading s much as I do, don't plan on the book taking the full year to complete. I can't help but read 5-10 "weeks" at a time, it's just that good.

I loved this book- so easy to read, lots of great ideas and quotes. Just the type of book that you can read in short little bits between carpools and laundry. Great encouragement for a very crazy time of life.

Lynn Bowen Walker, like Erma Bombeck, takes the mundane challenges of raising kids and puts such a spin on it that you can't help but smile...but be happy where you are. A fun--and funny--read.