Hiding from the Kids in My Prayer Closet: Finding Grace and Laughter When Motherhood Gets Real

by Jessica Kastner

Soon after Jessica Kastner became a mother, she wondered if she was the only mom who found pretend play more boring than watching playdough harden and who dreaded yet another friend’s Instagram post of homemade deliciousness.   In Hiding from My Kids in the Prayer Closet, Kastner shares her experience as an “unmom”—a mom who loves her kids more than she loves the daily experience of mothering. She helps readers laugh at the ridiculous, delight in the unpredictable, and enjoy being the mothers God made them to be.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Parenting

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2017

Reviews

[Lydia Howe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why I Choose this Book:
The premises sounded intriguing, and I read some samples and Miss Jessica’s writing is fantastic. Plus, even though I’m not a mom, I find it really interesting to read books on parenting to see the whats and whys and hows behind how kids are raised. The reasonings and logic behind such things fascinate me. (“Oh! Is that why parents let kids get away with this and stood firm on that?”)

What I Thought about this Book:

First off: Miss Jessica’s writing style is amazing. The book drew me in right away and I was kept on a fast-paced, flipping-pages journey all of the way through. I imagine her as a very high-energy type of person, running through her house at the last minute throwing everything together, always one step away from disaster. (Which is kinda the way she described herself, but not quite.)

She was so real and open and very amusing. I can imagine overwhelmed moms laughing and crying with how much they can relate to the book. It’s also very candid, so if you’re not prepared to hear frank discussions of childbirth and various situations that come about when you’re raising children, then this book isn’t for you. (And, if you’re not a mom, it’s probably not for you anyway, even though *I* personally found it enjoyable, and even somewhat relatable at times seeing how I am around lots of little kids.)

Some of the chapters ended with tips of how to avoid/overcome the issues that were talked about in those chapters, and it was some solid advice. Overall the book was heavy on the amusement and relatable-factor, and light on the faith side, and somehow it was the perfect combo.

So, with all these amazing things to say about the book, why did it only get three stars? This is probably a controversial thing to say, but I think our words are extremely important, and even though it’s quite clear that the author really, really loves her children, she does talk about how they were “accidents.” And I totally get what she’s saying, but I didn’t like how she joked about it throughout the book. There were also a few other things like that which brought the rating down from four stars. I could go into it more, but I’ll refrain. Other than that though, the book was pretty amazing.

Conclusion:

Overwhelmed moms would probably either find this hilarious or chaotic. I have a feeling I’ll be re-reading this book one day in the future after I have a houseful of kids.

Rating:

I’m giving Hiding from the Kids in My Prayer Closet 3 out of 5 stars, 6 out of 10.

*I received this book free from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review

[LeAnne Klopfenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

If reading a book with a chapter titled : Children's Parties; Where Saturdays go to Die causes you to say, "Amen, Sister!" you will truly enjoy this breath of fresh air written by Jessica Kastner. I've read many books on parenting and motherhood, and it's wonderful to read a Christian book that addresses day to day life in such an authentic way. Kastner blends humor, sarcasm, truth and tenderness in ways that can encourage moms and also spur them along to accept their individual gifts and personal parenting styles.

Kastner does not shy away from sharing snippets from her own motherhood journey, which began as an unwed, single mom and continued with two surprise pregnancies after she was married. The author is never snarky or irreverent, but does a great job of putting a magnifying glass on the unimportant, and putting a flashlight onto the aspects of parenting that truly do matter. She ends her chapters by focusing on the relationship between a mother and Christ, and also the need to help our kids develop a heart that is going after God. I enjoyed this book quite a bit, and look forward to recommending it to friends.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*

[Melissa Massie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every mom.

Quick, easy to read chapters, filled with such true hilarity, that reassures me im not alone, amd my kids are gonna be okay.

[Megan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book and my first reaction was “My personality is the opposite of Jessica Kastner!” I mean, she never wanted kids, but ended up with 3. I was so excited to have kids! I wasn’t certain if I should even go past the first page after seeing the huge difference, but I am so glad I did! I laughed a lot in this book. There were some heavy parts in this book because if we’re honest, parenting isn’t always easy. There’s hard things and hard topics. There were some parts where I was a little skeptical of how she was going to tie things into the Gospel, but she did. She did an excellent job of bringing moms together with what matters, instead of dividing moms on issues.

I’ll also admit that the title left me trying to figure out what this book was about when I first saw the book. After completing the book, though, it makes complete sense and it is the perfect title!

I don’t match the author’s personality, and you may not either. But give this book a try. It’s written in short chapters, so it was really easy to read a chapter in between tasks or running kids where they needed to be. It was refreshing to be able to finish a chapter so quickly!

Jessica Kastner is very transparent and hides nothing. But it was that transparency that kept me reading. You could see her heart poured out onto each page. She does a great job tying in the bigger picture of raising kids in light of the Gospel. Usually she does that at the end of each chapter. I found that I loved her stories, but she did a beautiful job reminding her readers of what really matters.

One of my favorite quotes from the book (believe me, there were so many good ones), was:

“When sitting on the carpet with baby for hours, or roaming the yard bent over with my ‘new walker’ for hours, I became more mindful of my thoughts. What am I thinking about this whole time? Are my thoughts filled with gratitude and appreciation of the moment–the fact that I’m even able to be home, my child is healthy, I have a husband who loves me and whom I’ll eventually see in six hours? ‘Twasn’t always so. I began praying and worshipping more during these times, which eventually transformed lots of my loneliness into fulfilling times of intimacy with the Lord.”

Wow. That convicted me right then. Many times, if I’m honest, I’m thinking about dinner or work or how I can’t wait for bed so I can read. After reading this statement, I have now started using my time with them to pray and worship. Being a homeschooling mom, I’m with my kids a lot and it’s easy for us all to get a little tired of each other. If my attitude gets ugly, the whole house falls down. I’ve thought of this quote so often and it has helped remind me that I can, in fact, give God the glory in all things.

[The Book Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very excited for this book when I saw it. The premise sounded intriguing, the title was funny, and some of the sample chapters drew me in. I am not a biological mom, but I am a foster mom and hope one day to be a mom. I find it interesting to read books on parenting. I also think I can give my future clients advice, once I get to this point. That's basically what initially made me want to check out this book.

I want to start out by talking about the writing in this book. It is just super fantastic. The writing is truly captivating. It will keep your interest and make you want to want to flip the pages continually. The way that she describes her self is super cute and right based on her writing style. She just seems like someone I could be friends with.
She is so honest and real about parenting. About how overwhelming it can be. How stressful it is, and how much love your kids bring you. She is very candid, and she will give you more details than you ever asked for, I believe many women will enjoy that. Although if you are squeamish about childbirth and other situations that happen with children, perhaps skip this book.

I liked that she gave excellent advice. With real-life tips for overcoming issues and obstacles. The book is filled with funny an anecdotes and heavy with amusement. There is so much I could relate to. I felt like she weaved faith into the story without feeling preachy. Hiding from the Kids in My Prayer Closet is probably one of my favorite parenting books I have read in a long time.

I liked a lot of this book, but some things made me cringe at points. For that, it loses some stars. I know that she loves her kids and everything. But her referencing them being "accidents" really bothered me. No child should be referred to as an accident. I know she is saying that they didn't plan to have them. I just didn't appreciate the "jokes" about it throughout the book.

In conclusion, I believe any mother, especially overwhelmed moms would probably benefit from reading this book. I feel like moms from all walks of life could find some humor in this book as well. I believe I will be keeping this for when I have kids. Great book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was instantly attracted to Jessica Kastner's first book, Hiding From The Kids In My Prayer Closet: Finding Grace and Laughter When Motherhood Gets Real because of the hilarious title and cover. I love the mental image of hiding in the closet (or the bathroom - hey, the door locks and it keeps them out longer!) from the kids. I may or may not have done this once (or fifty) times before. I have four kids all approximately two years apart, and while I'm finally out of the infant/toddler/preschool trenches, I can assure you that it never really gets any easier, the problems just change. Hiding From The Kids is divided into seven sections: This Is What Happens When You Stay Home, This Is What Happens If You Attempt Escape, This Is What Happens When They Outgrow Their Pull-Ups, This Is What Happens When You've Given Up Perfection, This Is What They'll Expose You To, This Is Why We Have 'Em, and Enough Of This Foolishness ... Bring On The Takeaways!.

While I definitely would never classify myself as an un-mom per Jessica's definition (I always dreamed of being a wife, homemaker, and mom; I love to cook and bake; I like my house to be clean and neat at all times; I love babies; I love working in the church nursery; etc.), I could still relate to so much of Jessica's book. It was laugh-out-loud hilarious and she held nothing back. It's always nice to read a book that affirms your experiences and makes you feel like you're not alone or the only one going through the craziness that is motherhood. I could relate to one major aspect of Jessica's story, however: being a young mom. While I wasn't a single mom, I did have my first baby at the age of 18. I love her heart for encouraging teen/young moms to trust God's plan for their and their child's life and choose life over abortion. I highly recommend Hiding From The Kids In My Prayer Closet to all moms needing a quick pick-me-up and a reminder of their importance in raising godly kids.

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in order to provide an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

Soon after Jessica Kastner became a mother, she wondered if she was the only mom who found pretend play more boring than watching playdough harden and who dreaded yet another friend s Instagram post of homemade deliciousness.
In Hiding from My Kids in the Prayer Closet, Kastner shares her experience as an unmom a mom who loves her kids more than she loves the daily experience of mothering. She helps readers laugh at the ridiculous, delight in the unpredictable, and enjoy being the mothers God made them to be."



My Review:

We have all been there. That place that seems to sneak up on us from behind. We have all these children all around us one is screaming and hasn't stopped all night long. The 5 year old has spilled his milk for the millionth time this morning, and the two tweens fighting and arguing over who can spin that annoying little toy faster and better. The phone is ringing and the washing machine is done. And all of this is going on all at the same time as the phone begins to ring.


We all as moms have had many days like this one. I have a 19 year old, a 14 year old, a 12 year old, and a 7 year old and I still have days like this. Except as they get older the fighting is worse. Some days I just want to disappear. But if I do where will they get their guidance from? The world is where. And this momma ain't having that!


In Jessica Kastner's book entitled, Hiding From the Kids in My Prayer Closet she reminds us where our strength comes from. She says instead of hiding and just praying they don't realize you're gone you need to pray. You need to pray for yourself and for them. Jessica shares from her heart and she shares the raw, the emotional, and the determined side of being a mom. The picture isn't always pretty and it definitely isn't always easy, but raising our babies into normal, happy adults is worth it, especially if we follow God's plan for them.



**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiding from the Kids in My Prayer Closet is one of those books that all moms who feel they aren’t doing the “mom thing” right should read. It is a great book that reminds us, that moms are all different and it’s okay!

I was nodding my head in agreement within the first three chapters, I was smiling and sayin’ ” I have been there” within the middle of the book. It was like my mind had written the stories that make me a different mom, out in this book. It is relatable, I mean there really isn’t a mom out there that wouldn’t find at least one moment or piece of this book that would make them laugh or agree.

It was refreshing to have a book that reminded me that I am to focus on the “mom life” my way, not the way it works for other moms. We may share advice, tips and stories but at the end of the day we are all different and our kiddos are not the same. God didn’t design us to be the same, and thank goodness, life would be so dull if we were. God made us into the moms we are, and we are own style. I hope that a mom picks this book up and smiles, I know I did.

[Kristal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to identify with the author. She’s a self-described “un-mom” while being a mom is something I’d always wanted. However, she does tell some humorous stories and has some good reminders of what’s important in motherhood. I did not always appreciate her attitude towards somethings, and I disliked the way she talks about how not having kids isn’t hard or that having kids is the best way to grow spiritually and understand God’s love. While I agree that motherhood is sanctifying, I also believe that God uses all circumstances and phases of life. One is not best. That being said, I almost gave this book 2⭐️, but the afterword encouraging all women to keep and have their babies instead of an abortion earned her the third ⭐️. I won’t read the book again, but if you want a light read with funny stories about being a mom and if you identify with being an “un-mom”, you may enjoy this book.

[lyssidoll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this in my local free library and brought it home not realizing how genuinely, laugh out loud funny it would be.

This book is clearly not aimed at a millennial mom like myself, but more for the traditional gen-x. Regardless of that, it was still a good read. I found many of Jessica’s antidotes about motherhood and the “un-mom” to be quite true. She’s quick witted and honest about not being put together in the age of social media and participation trophies.

That being said, it did feel like she looked at having daughters as a negative thing, and really only highlighted the negatives of girlhood while praising being a boy-mom. And hey, I get it, if that’s all you know then you’re going to be more comfortable with that, but hearing a woman talk about what a nightmare little girls are was a bit off putting. Still a good read and something to pass the time while my daughter is upstairs recovering from the flu.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out great - pretty funny and very relatable. Good tips and bits of faith to end each chapter. The middle section about when the kids are growing up got pretty judgy.
She seems pretty worried about the worlds' influences and temptation, yet lets her kids have smartphones, social media and Xbox Live.
If you can overlook the contradictions and weed out the nuggets of truth and humor, you will enjoy this book. The afterword has a beautiful message "God will give you the strength, guidance, and provision to make it as a mom, if you follow Him and learn to trust in the one who's had a plan for your life since creation."

[Brooke Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessica Kastner is very open and "gritty" as she talks about her journey as a mother of three boys (many of those years as a single mom). While many moms might relate to her on some level, I did not. She considers herself an "un-mom," or someone who does not excel at cooking, organization, or the domestic side of mothering. The book seemed heavy on the side of complaining about motherhood with some uplifting thoughts to wrap up each chapter. The book also did not seem to be well edited.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read. Pretty funny for the most part, a little cynical, a lot of dry humor and pretty real—more so than many Christian parenting type books out there. The strange thing is that there was a cuss word in it, so head’s up if that’s an issue for you.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parenting

A parenting book with the main target of audience was women. The stress of raising children need to be balanced with prayer. Men could also learn many things from this book.

[Ruth Benziger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raw and real

This book talks about the real lives mothers face. All the moments where we struggle and try to laugh about it. Its honest and open. God is with us and we can do anything if we have him by our side.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the laugh out loud parts and related to raising sons. The story was quite well written, just a little long in parts. I would definitely read a book of hers again.

[Barb Hegreberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book is for You

No matter what kind of mom or un-mom you are, there is something for you within the pages of this book.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light hearted quick read and encouraging book for moms who are in the trenches of toddlerhood

[Mazzou B · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of the most humorous and real books on motherhood I have ever read! Throughout the whole book, I laughed aloud. Yet I also was impressed that each chapter finishes with deeper thoughts and applications. The author seems to have a balanced perspective on life and motherhood! She knows (for the most part- none of us are perfect!) when to laugh and when to ponder what God is teaching her.
Personally, I could never relate to Jessica's personality motherhood-wise. Sound confusing? Simply: Jessica never dreamed of getting married and having babies and wasn't really attracted by infants or children. I am quite the opposite. My 7th birthday party was a cute ''baby shower'' theme, with things for my baby doll. Somehow, I've always felt the need to marry and have children. Nevertheless, I was able to chuckle over Jessica's unusual character. I loved how she allowed God to change her and make her a fun and loving mom. In this book, she is honest and humble and gives mothers a new perspective on what parenting is all about.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instantly I GRAVATED towards this book! Jessica hadn't always dreamed of babies and infants, which is something I can totally relate too! I always read books where women have dreamed it their entire life and I haven't always had that dream. It was refreshing to read that I am not alone, that other women have felt the same way as I have. I am a "un-per" mom as she would say. Having no children, I found this book to be humorous, truthful and to to be very deep. I liked how the book was divided into 7 sections. They each have a purpose and place. I think you will find a great laugh out of this book and also stories you can relate too. I give this book 4.5/ 5 stars. Thank you to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy for review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit different than what I expected. I was thinking more of a devotional, maybe Bible study type book about the challenges of raising kids and praying more for them. NOT!! I guess the title just grabbed me as often I would love to "hide" from my kids in the "prayer closet". Instead this book is more a collection of humorous stories and tales about being an "un-mom" - mom. That is a mom who doesn't enjoy the usual mommy stuff but does love her children. I am not sure I fit into that particular category exactly, as I got married very young and raising a family has been my life. And I actually do enjoy being a mom, trying to do the Pinterest mommy stuff, albeit I may not be good at some of it. But there are definitely times when I could use a "break" from my kids and the "mommy-ing" part of my life, and would love to hide in my prayer closet.

Jessica's book was full of humor - some of which I didn't particularly get because I must not be up to par with "outside-of-the-home-life" in general, movies, TV shows or other things she uses to compare life with kids too. So, obviously, some of the humor was lost on me. She also offers encouragement for those moms who are struggling with being a mom. Jennifer pregnancy was not "planned" and she seriously considered abortion. Her book is an encouragement to be the mom God designed you to be, to accept help and support from others, and to endure the challenges of mother-hood, and realize that one day it will be worth it, even if in the moment you just want to "scream". I can totally see that there are many women who will be able to relate to this book!

I would recommend this book to those women who just don't feel cut out to be a mom, those women who enjoyed the single side of life, and now feel overwhelmed with their new mommy status and the sacrifices they have to make for their little ones.

I was blessed with a free copy of this book by the publisher and Litfuse Publicity book to read. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny. A light-hearted look at Christian Parenting. Encouraging, but doesn't get very deep.