She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood helps Catholic mothers find support and encouragement amidst the day-to-day messiness of motherhood.
In an effort to encourage young mothers on the journey of motherhood, Ascension has released She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood, a gorgeous coffee table book for Catholic mothers looking for wisdom and companionship.
Written by Suzanne Bilodeau, Catholic mother of 6, podcaster, and radio host, She Loved is a compilation of letters written by Catholic mothers to their younger selves. This heartfelt book reminds mothers at all stages of the journey that they are not alone.
She Loved features stunning photography, a foreword by Dr. Bob Schuchts, and authentic letters written by 15 contributors:
- Alicia Hernon
- Beth Sri
- Bonnie Landry
- Carrie Daunt
- Christine Dudley
- Christine Hanus
- Debbie Herbeck
- Dorothy Pilarski
- Elizabeth Foss
- Emily Jaminet
- Heather Voccola
- Heidi Bratton
- Laura Phelps
- Lisa Brenninkmeyer
- Mary Lenaburg
Author Suzanne Bilodeau comments on what she hopes this book will provide for readers: “The vocation of motherhood was divinely crafted to be a conduit of God’s love. But, in a world that often minimizes the eternal good of a mother’s love, we mommas often feel insecure, unequipped, and isolated when navigating the messy and beautiful parts of motherhood. Through the raw and tender words of seasoned mothers, it is my hope that this book will provide a vulnerability, solidarity, and encouragement that will leave mothers resting in the abounding beauty of their motherhood.”
She Loved is the perfect companion to Mary, Teach me to be Your Daughter, another Ascension title that helps Catholic women embrace Mary as their mother and their own identity as daughter.
She Loved is available for purchase at www.AscensionPress.com.
Praise for She Loved
“Wisdom! She Loved is a book of the richest and most profound maternal wisdom. Suzanne Bilodeau, along with the many other contributors, have journeyed through the whole spectrum of motherhood with all of its daily death and resurrections and beautifully articulated how they have found Christ and been found by Christ in it all.”
–Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Host of the #1 podcast, The Rosary in a Year
“Most of my interactions with Suzanne over the past several years concern the subject of healing and motherhood. Even that first day, when I met her, I heard how deeply she desired to be a loving mom. This book has been conceived in her own prayer, for you to be the best mom you can be for your children. I know that many women will be deeply blessed by it, and it will bear great fruit in the lives of their husbands and children and in the women they influence.”
–Dr. Bob Schuchts
Founder of the John Paul II Healing Center
“She Loved is a book filled with diverse, personal stories from Catholic women, all sharing their unique experiences of motherhood and faith through the lens of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. The stories are both vulnerable and authentic, offering an honest portrayal of faith, struggles, and joys. This book is a beautiful narrative companion to walk alongside each of us in this messy and holy adventure of motherhood.”
–Michelle Benzinger
Abiding Together podcast host
“Suzanne Bilodeau has given us a treasure in She Loved. Pulling back the curtain on motherhood, she and the contributors reveal the depth, drama, joy and beauty of this vocation. More than words are shared here—they share their very selves, the deepest places of the heart. Each letter is a tangible offering of accompaniment. In a world where moms are often isolated and insulated, the writers’ vulnerability radiates as a beacon of our Lord’s hope and encouragement.”
–Beth Sri
Wife, mother and co-author of The Good, the Messy, and the Beautiful
“She Loved reminds us – in the complexity of this calling to marriage and motherhood, that the goal is simple: love. For younger moms – love God – love your spouse – love each child. And for older moms – honor your daughters and daughters-in-law by valuing their day-after-day and night-after-night persevering love they offer.”
–Kimberly Hahn
Wife, mom of 6, nana to 23, author, speaker, and host of the Beloved and Blessed podcast
“While truth and goodness are often debated, beauty is irrefutable. This is one reason why Suzanne Bilodeau’s reflections on motherhood in She Loved are so effective. This compilation of motherly wisdom is revealing, raw, and relatable. It will be a tremendous gift for any mother, grandmother, or soon-to-be mom!”
–Jason Evert
Author, speaker, and founder of the Chastity Project
“Most of what we absorb about motherhood derives from our family of origin. It is more caught than taught. While this perspective is important, it is often incomplete. In generations past it was the village that raised a child. Each villager offered a unique picture, a tile in the mosaic of motherhood. Born out of a mission to love her children well, Suzanne Bilodeau set out on a quest to hear from other women who have trod this path and found joy and hope in their vocation. She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood was born out of this personal mission. This beautiful book is comprised of a village of voices offering an authentic perspective on the most critical role in our world today: motherhood.”
–Carrie Daunt
Catholic author and speaker with the John Paul II Healing Center and contributor for She Loved
About the Author
Suzanne Bilodeau is head over heels in love with Jesus. Wife to her high school sweetheart Paul, Suzanne is a homeschooling momma of 6 beautiful children. A former success-seeking actuary and a recovering perfectionist and overachiever, she encountered Christ in a new and restoring way in motherhood. Host of the popular podcast Latte & Laundry, Suzanne explores what it means to sit at the feet of Christ like Mary, while moving in this world with the gusto and strength of Martha. She is convicted that God is on a mission to restore and revive the magnificent vocation of motherhood, and she delights in letting him use her in any tiny way he sees fit.
If you can’t find Suzanne in the kitchen or laundry room of her Connecticut home, she is probably on a run, in the garden, or planning her next adventure with the kids.
About Ascension
Ascension is a multimedia network and the leader in Catholic faith formation and digital content. Over the past 25 years, Ascension has helped nurture the faith of more than 20 million Catholics through award-winning books, the chart-topping Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)® podcast, more than 50 unique faith formation programs, and Ascension Presents, which hosts one of the largest Catholic YouTube channels in English.
Media Contact
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