The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Becky Miller, Book 1) (Paperback)

by Sharon Hinck (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Becky Miller, ordinary mother and wife, fantasizes about leading the life of a spy and pirate. Her fantasies supply her with the energy needed to ferry her kids around in a minivan, do the laundry, fix ailing machines, and still have something left for her drab husband, Kevin. Hinck's fantasies are punctuated with farce, just as Thurber's were, and several are extremely funny. Here's Mom lit, evangelical style, but ecumenical enough that soccer moms everywhere ought to recognize themselves. John Mort
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"...a must read for everyone who strives to be the 'I can do it all' mom." -- Andrea Sisco, Armchairinterviews.com

"Hinck delivers a lighthearted and humorous look at a mom striving to be all that she can be for God." -- Romantic Times, June 2006

"Hinck does a wonderful job. A great read for moms struggling with their faith and how to fit their roles." -- Tracy Zappala, RomanceDesigns.com

"Hinck's skill with language... and her comedic timing in telling this modern parable will delight...Don't miss this supermom saga." -- Violet Nesdoly, Blogcritics.org

"Hinck’s debut novel is more than a breezy, fun read. Becky Miller’s inspirational outlook on life is worth emulating." -- Heather Ivester, Christian Book Previews.com

"Sharon Hinck has an excellent debut novel here...I can't wait to see what's next." -- Tim Frankovich, christianfictionreview.com

"The Secret Life of Becky Miller is a superlative novel, a must-read for every Christian mother." -- Melissa Parcel, bookloons.com

"The Secret Life of Becky Miller will renew your passion for God’s purpose ... a keeper from first page to last." -- Cindy Mealer, ck2skwipsandkritiques.com

"Written with humor and an insider's knowledge of the challenges and joys a mom experiences. This book is definitely recommended." -- Infuzemag.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (July 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764201298
• ISBN-13: 978-0764201295
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #656,301 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a book that explores the tough world of stay at home moms, May 20, 2006

By	Cheryl Russell "Book reviewer, writer" (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Becky Miller is mom to three kids, seven and under. She is also a wife, a part-time college student and has built the women's ministries section of her church from the ground up. She has also found out she is to be one of twelve women featured in a local magazine. Nominated by her friend Sally, she was chosen because of her ability to balance career, family life, and personal growth.

Becky realizes she has six months to get her act in order to actually be the woman the magazine is looking for. Her good start doesn't last long as her life begins to splinter. Small irritations are shoved aside by major events which are buried under frightening disasters. Becky realizes her life will never be the same as it once was, but will it be one she can live with?

Sharon Hinck does an excellent job at portraying the frustrations and joys of a stay at home mom. She writes as one who has staggered through the sleepless nights, the struggled with self-esteem and contrary washers, and lived to tell about it in a relevant and funny way.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sharon Hinck Raises the Bar, June 2, 2006

By	Ane Mulligan "editor, Novel Journey" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Christian authors are giving the literary world a run for their money, and Sharon Hinck is at the front of the pack. The Secret Life of Becky Miller, written in James Thurber's Walter Mitty-style, packs an Emeril-size BAM!

From page one, Becky Miller sneaks into your heart--she's every wife and mom who wants to do it all but discovers she's only human. Add to the mix a love for God and a strong desire to do BIG things for Him.

"I calmly and efficiently assessed the most severe trauma and tackled each crisis in order.
In my dreams."

Becky daydreams in the opening of each chapter, and those fantasies are a qui vive to her state of mind. Her journey to discovery and trust, filled with twists and detours and the help of some delicious characters, is a look inside the heart of a woman who loves God and her family.

Methinks Hinck has skirted this road herself; the insight she brings to Becky's spiritual journey brought tears to my eyes and left me gasping for air. Warning: Do not read this book late at night next to a sleeping husband. You won't be able to put it down and your laughter will awaken him.

The Secret Life of Becky Miller is a must read--a manual if you will--for every young mom, and a hilarious look back for those of us who endured those years and lived to tell about it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, poignant, riveting tale!, July 15, 2006

By	Jill E. Smith "Writer - Visit me at www.jille... (Southeastern Lower, MI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Author Sharon Hinck's debut novel is one of the best "lit" books I've ever read. Filled with moments of laugh-out-loud humor and poignant emotions that touch the soul, Ms. Hinck has done a marvelous job of portraying the life of a stay-at-home mom.

Becky Miller loves her role as wife to a wonderful man and mother to three young children, but deep down she wants to do more--to do great things for God. That desire takes her on a roller coaster quest for her own life's meaning, with plenty of twists and dips when her dreams crash in around her.

Each chapter begins with Becky's secret imaginings, followed up by the rest of the story. Honestly, the story was so engaging that there were times I almost skipped Becky's "daydreams," but found that the daydream actually set the theme of each continuing scene.

This book is a must read by women of all ages. Excellent story - can't wait for the next one!