Review of:  It’s Momplicated

Debbie Alsdorf and Joan Edwards Kay.  Tyndale Momentum, $24.99 (288p) ISBN 978-1-4964-3590-3

Alsdorf, a biblical lay counselor, Christian life coach, and founder of Design4Living Ministries teams up with licensed marriage and family therapist Edwards Kay in this compassionate exploration of the relationships between mothers and daughters using a biblical as well as therapeutic foundation [x].  Personal stories [p. 3 ff] are interwoven with self-assessments [p. 16 ff] and prayers [p. 17 ff] to encourage reflection and identification of areas needing healing.  Close attention is paid to early childhood attachment styles [51-59] and the potential effects on a woman’s behaviors, choices, and feelings in later life [3-59].  Alsdorf and Edwards Kay encourage looking beyond early negative experiences and placing them in a context of larger meaning [71-77].  Six steps utilizing Scriptural resources are outlined as practical tools to approach changing false beliefs and unhealthy patterns.  These include: Pray [159-162], Identify Core Lies [162-164], Explore Their Impact [165-173], Apply God’s Truth [177-186], Acknowledge the Good [186-190], and Live Out of Your Spirit-Led Self [190-194].  Suggestions are also offered for healing the current mother-daughter relationship [197-224].  Readers will find comfort and hope in this deeply personal book as Alsdorf and Edwards Kay share insights from their own transformative journeys and those of other women from early pain to redemption and peace.  5 stars.