Book Review: The Plate Spinner Chronicles

By Sara Steven

I’m currently a stay-at-home parent, a hard job that can feel overwhelming at times. I’ve been on the other side of the coin, however. The parent who not only has to parent, but is holding down a job outside of the home, too. The one who rushes her child to preschool, praying she’ll make it to work on time, only to take her lunch break in order to pick said child up from preschool and to the sitter, then back to work, then back to the sitter again, heading home with just enough energy to prepare dinner, get a bath ready, a book or two (sometimes three), only to fall into bed to prepare for it all again the next day. It’s overwhelming, on hyper-drive!

Barbara Valentin has put together a collection of articles from her bestselling "Assignment: Romance" series, which speak to the hardworking parents out there, the ones who continually feel as though they are spinning numerous plates at once. I loved the various tips and pointers Barbara offers up, ways to avoid dinner drama meltdowns, or a checklist for those who have a business at home, trying to juggle family life with work life. The thing is, her suggestions can apply to everyone, not just the ones who have careers outside (or inside) of the home. There are time saving tips, along with money saving suggestions, too. It works for all of us, no matter where we are in life or what path we’ve chosen to go on where our families are concerned.

I’m a big fan of the "Assignment: Romance" series. False Start and Help Wanted (reviewed here) are two of my favorite reads, and The Plate Spinner Chronicles is such a great addition to the family. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that you have to keep going, spinning those plates as best you can, trying hard to prevent any from falling through the cracks. And if one does? You have to let it go. There’s only so much you can do while you’re spinning the plates of your life.

Thanks to Bridging the Gap Promotions for the book in exchange for an honest review.