LDS women describe joys of motherhood

"THE MOTHER IN ME: Real-World Reflections on Growing Into Motherhood," edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper, Deseret Book, $19.95

This is a tender collection of essays about motherhood and all its challenges and joys written from the perspective of 29 women who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While their faith is similar, each of their stories is unique.

There's one, written by a mother of four, about being prompted to adopt. Another mother writes about losing a baby at nearly full-term. Other stories are about the stresses of motherhood but also about the joy of sweet moments.

Editor Kathryn Lynard Soper writes that the book shows that motherhood matters, "not just in the sentimental ways we talk about on Mother's Day, but in the gritty, lovely, everyday realities of life."

"The Mother in Me," was created by the editors of Segullah: Writings by Latter-day Saint Women. Information on the book and Segullah can be found at themotherinme.com.