Unfortunately, even the best of intentions can go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction and frustration. But a harmonious relationship is possible.
Award-winning author Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali Plum, have been there and have discovered the keys to a healthy relationship. In Mother-Daughter Duet they share their story—each from her own perspective—in which they have experienced distance and tension, growth and challenge, and, ultimately, acceptance and harmony. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on several basic principles (letting go; listening; respect; setting boundaries; and more), Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms repair the breach so that daughters want to draw close.
The mother-daughter dynamic is intense, personal, complex, and unique. But mothers and daughters can achieve mutual respect and learn to celebrate their differences when they learn the two-part harmony of the mother-daughter duet.
Meet The Authors:
Cheri Fuller is a best-selling, award-winning author whose books have sold more than one million copies. She speaks to a wide range of women at women’s conferences and is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs.
Ali Plum is Cheri’s daughter, a writer and songwriter, a wife, and a mother to Noah and Luke. She and her mom have weathered the ups and downs of their relationship to find one of the most treasured, honest relationships of their lives. Ali has recorded background vocals for popular musicians, and Mother-Daughter Duet marks her debut into book publishing.
Back Cover Review:
“We hope that through the pages ahead you’ll find ways to step into your daughters shoes, or to reflect on your relationship with your own mother…” – The Mother-Daughter Duet
I found this book to be insightful into the intricate balance of communication between moms and daughters (and even the mother-in-law relationship) as both a daughter and a mom. As a mom of young children, I found some of the advice on letting go helpful even now. I hope to use this book as a resource through the years too – I know the real challenges of letting go will increase as time goes by.
There is a mountain of knowledge packed inside this one book as the mother and daughter co-authors of this book delve into the whys and hows of the intricate balance of communication between moms and daughters. They take turns telling their point of view in each chapter this book in relation to different facets of their relationship. They are frank and honest about their personal flaws and the conflicts in their relationship – then they discuss the reasons certain approaches (of both moms and daughters) cause conflict and the ways they have worked to resolve these issues. Their conversational approach almost gives you the feel of attending a retreat for moms and their girls in a comfortable, casual setting. They also include practical advice in each chapter for building and strengthening your relationship.
Two topics that especially grabbed my attention were “letting go” and “validating your daughter.”
“The gift of letting go” and I do believe this is a gift to have and that we can give to our children as difficult as it might be. “Increasingly through the years, I’ve wanted my mom to trust me and believe that I am a grown woman now, capable of making my own decisions and living life well.” This line in the book summed it up beautifully. Whether I am twenty-two, thirty-four – or when I am fifty, I long for my mom to believe that she taught me well and that I am responsible enough to live right and well. I come from generations that have struggled to let go of their children. I know too that it is not easy to break the cycle that generations of moms before me formed, but I know that it by the LORD’s power it can be done.
In the chapter, “Validating your daughter” Cheri Fuller and Ali Plum say, “one of the top complaints that women have about their moms is that they criticize their looks.” The more we as mothers are dissatisfied with the internal and external women we are, the more we tend to criticize our daughters.” This book gave a variety of reasons that mothers give their daughters a hard time about their appearance. I don’t think that moms realize the power of their words, especially on their daughters – and from a daughter’s perspective in this, even when we pretend that we don’t care, we do. Isn’t that true in all of our relationships? Oh that we would speak more carefully than we do! That today our words would bring life to others instead of harm – and wholeness instead of brokenness!
This book contained so much more powerful advice! I haven’t read any other book like it with its genuine priceless look into our complex relationships as mothers and daughters; and its heart-felt advice from one mother-daughter due who has struggled through their own conflicts and issues and come out stronger on the other side.
Links to purchase this book online: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421623&ref=externallink_mlt_motherdaughterduet_sec_0119_01
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
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