Stretch Marks

I've been a fan of Kimberly Stuart's mom-lit ever since I read BALANCING ACT and BOTTOM LINE. This author never fails to keep me thoroughly hooked and entertained. At first I assumed that STRETCH MARKS would be book #3 in the Heidi Elliot series, so it took me a few pages to get accustomed to Mia, a hip urban social worker who unexpectedly finds out she's pregnant from her live-in boyfriend. Throughout the book, I was drawn to Mia, especially her courage in the face of numerous trying circumstances. She's alone after her boyfriend skips town, yet she finds companionship through her quirky best friend Frankie and her hilarious mom, Babs. There were so many laugh-out-loud scenes with Babs and Mia, such as when Babs joins Mia's yoga class for the first time. I think this would make a great gift for moms-to-be, who can relate to Mia's ups and downs throughout her pregnancy. I also enjoyed reading through the point of view of a vegetarian since I have many family members who are vegetarian! I found myself wanting to eat healthier and try a little yoga after seeing how Mia controlled her own stress through her healthy lifestyle. I'd highly recommend any of Kimberly Stuart's books for moms who want something fun to read while taking a break from the kids!

I hadn't heard of Kimberly Stuart before my daughter-in-law sent this sweet book to me. Most of us know someone in our family or extended family that has ended up unexpectedly pregnant. This novel unfolds a delightfully funny and poignant story of Mia and her friend Frankie. Mia discovers she is pregnant and this definitely doesn't fit into her self-centered boyfriend's plan for the future. You will laugh and cry as you walk down this road with Mia. She discovers a "family" she didn't expect to find and experiences forgiveness and healing in ways she never dreamed would happen. Mia and her mom will definitely capture your attention as you belly laugh at what rolls out of her crazy mother's mouth! There's a little bit of Babs in all mothers of adult children, or at least there is in me. I truly could not put this book down. I've now ordered another of Ms. Stuart's books and plan to read them all.

When I picked up Kimberly Stuart's STRETCH MARKS at the start of the day today, little did I know I'd become so engrossed in this book and its characters that I'd be completely powerless to put it down! In this wonderful story of love, family, commitment and friendship, Ms. Stuart introduces us to characters who are both endearing and yet not without their own personal flaws. Mia, unexpectedly pregnant, makes the courageous decision to raise her child on her own, all the while holding out hope that her seemingly commitment-phobic (yet very hot) former live-in boyfriend Lars will change his mind and come back to her and her as yet unborn child. While blind to the fact that Lars doesn't want the picture perfect family she envisions, it takes Mia a while to clue into the fact that -- in reality -- she is surrounded by a loving and supportive cast of characters who truly do become the family she has craved. I loved the subplot of the mended relationship between Mia and her deliciously out-there mom Babs. I couldn't help but be inspired by teenage mom Flor's gutsyness and self sacrifice. I rooted for Adam the entire book and was happy with his character's eventual outcome. In short, this book drew me in with characters I grew to know and love in quick fashion. A quiet, yet significant spiritual undertone underpins the plot line and sets this book apart from typical Chic Lit fare. Author Kimberly Stuart is never heavy handed with her message, but rather serves up a dose of inspiration with great flare and wit. Now, I need to get busy reading her others novels!

No review I write will be eloquent enough to do justice to Stuart's novel. Stuart paints portraits of her characters with Vermeer's virtuosity. Each one is a multi-faceted being who you can neither truly love or hate, but all of whom you can recognize in your everyday life. The story arc is refreshingly unique, subtle, simultaneously entangled and harmonious. She brings soulful dignity and grand levity to subjects otherwise considered taboo. The musical and pop culture references, fashion digs, and self deprecating humor sprinkled through out the book provides treats for all generations. The variety of issues that Stuart dares to tackle such as: polar opposite politics, racial relations, single's sexual realtionships, Christianity/religion versus agnosticism, etc. is bold, but somehow neither offensive, strictly conclusive, nor condemning, but definitely thought provoking and gracefully considered. The book simultaneously leaves the reader with a greater inclination to both attempt to understand God and to empathisize with persons whom may have radically different beliefs than their own. Stuart is an exceptional author with unparalleled talent when it comes to genuinely capturing both the ridiculousness and benevolence of human nature. I would truly be puzzled by a person who did not appreciate nearly all elements of this book.

Another great book by Kimberly! I loved it! The title alone stands for itself....if you are a mom...you will love it! She had me laughing out loud (which is hard for me to do with books) and wanting to cry throughout the book. I read it in two glorious afternoons because I could not put it down! Each character has so much life and you feel like you are part of the story! It was a very fun and refreshing book to read! Again....loved it!