Kimberly Stuart Reviews

Added March 13, 2007

Balancing Act

Author: Kimberly Stuart
Publisher: Navpress
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: September 2006
Genre: Fiction: Christian
Format: Trade paper
Price: $12.99
ISBN-10: 1-60006-076-5
ISBN-13: 9781600060762
Author Email/Website: www.kimberlystuart.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Balancing Act tips the scales with a terrific dose of humor. This lighthearted look at motherhood offers genuine insights in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Heidi Elliott is a new mom, and any woman who has ever cared for a baby will recognize her stress level. As she struggles to put meals on the table, clean the house and take care of her infant daughter, her life starts to unravel. Heidi's maternity leave is just about over and she needs to return to her Spanish class at the high school. Yet, leaving baby Nora isn't easy. To make matters worse, her husband has been spending a lot of time with a beautiful client and her old boyfriend moved back into town. Longings and loneliness tug at her heart and threaten her peace, until Heidi finds relief in an unlikely place.

Expertly written and totally enjoyable, this novel is a treat! The author invites readers into the thoughts of the main character, which are real and refreshing. Heidi's moments of madness as a mother will cause tears of laughter as well as sympathy. Her feelings of failure have universal appeal, causing this woman to be thoroughly endearing There is a vital contrast between Heidi's independent streak and her vulnerability as a new mom.

Yet, the author goes beyond showcasing this side of womanhood and presents a viable solution. Heidi is invited to a Mom's group at church where she encounters women who understand what she's experiencing As she watches these ladies put their beliefs into action, Heidi is encouraged to walk into a new phase of her faith. This part of the story was sensitively written, and showed the authentic aspects of Christianity.

Balancing Act juggles the important things in life with a delightful combination of humor and honesty.

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