One Beautiful Dream

Publisher's Summary

Is it possible to pursue your passions, love your family, and not feel guilty about wanting to do both? One Beautiful Dream is your invitation to the unexpected joy of saying yes to the life you long to live.

Work and family, individuality and motherhood, the creative life and family life - women are told constantly that they can’t have it all. One Beautiful Dream is the deeply personal, often humorous tale of what happened when one woman dared to believe that you can have it all - if you’re willing to reimagine what having it all looks like. 

Jennifer Fulwiler is the last person you might expect to be the mother of six young children. First of all, she’s an introvert, only child, self-described workaholic, and former atheist who never intended to have a family. Oh, and Jennifer has a blood-clotting disorder exacerbated by pregnancy that has threatened her life on more than one occasion.

One Beautiful Dream is the story of what happens when one woman embarks on the wild experiment of chasing her dreams with multiple kids in diapers. It’s the tale of learning that opening your life to others means that everything will get noisy and chaotic, but that it is in this mess that you’ll find real joy.

Jennifer’s quest takes her in search of wisdom from a cast of colorful characters, including her Ivy-League-educated husband, her Texan mother-in-law who crushes wasps with her fist while arguing with wrong number calls about politics, and a best friend who’s never afraid to tell it like it is. Through it all, Jennifer moves toward the realization that the life you need is not the life you would have originally chosen for yourself. And maybe, just maybe, it’s better that way.

Hilarious, highly relatable, and brutally honest, Jennifer’s story will spark clarity and comfort to your own tug-of-war between all that is good and beautiful about family life and the incredible sacrifice it entails. Parenthood, personal ambitions, family planning, and faith - it’s complicated. Let this book be your invitation to the unexpected, yet beautiful dream of saying yes to them all, with God’s help.

©2018 Melanie Shankle and Jennifer Fulwiler (P)2018 Zondervan

I couldn't finish

I bought this after receiving a recommendation. So sad. I got to chapter 30, reluctantly, and stopped when she described how her tyrannical child insisted on Shawn the Sheep at 4-something a.m. How about putting on your parenting hat and saying no?
As a mom of 7 close in age, I get it. I was in it deep. I hung in to this story for as long as I could, I just couldn't take it anymore. Yes, women have interests outside of changing diapers and making meals. I have taken on large roles outside of traditional motherhood, outside of my little homeschool, and you can incorporate those things into your family life. This book made me cringe, not reflect. A better representation of Catholic motherhood and mom's "blue flame" must exist.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Simply Amazing!

Jen's honesty, vulnerability, and clarity are on full display in this work of art! It's such a beautiful story that's masterfully told!!!

Wonderful, hilarious and...totally relatable

Finally, a mom of a large family that I could relate to!!! I didnt know this kind existed! Thank you for putting this out there. This brought alot of consolation and reminded me to have joy in my mess.." Life isn't about having it all , its about being content with not having it all"....I repeat alot of Joe's advice to myself!

Not SAHM friendly.

Although I enjoyed this book, as a happy stay at home mom it made me feel like crap most of the time that I don’t have these crazy passions. It’s ok to have your passion be your family #teamkristi

Changing the world one beautiful mother at a time

Knowing there are women like Jennifer in the world living out their faith I have a renewed hope in mankind.

I pray for all those who will read this book or listen to it that they will be inspired by the beauty and depth and power of the Catholic faith.

Wait, is this book about me?

A #realworld view of a #busymom from the inside. At times I found myself wondering if the author was somehow writing about me. I'm also a #catholic convert with more than the #normal number of kids. lol This book is a #homerun. It definitely has a #reliablenarrator because it's #narratedbytheauthor which I love! #momlife #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Such an enjoyable read!

Such a great story including the progressive change in perspective on the craziness of everyday family life. Very humorous and well-written

Wonderful

Jennifer,

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. Your book has helped me to have a better insight regarding my adult stepdaughter and some of her struggles she faces with her husband and children. Thank you for showing me how a crazy life can be a healthy life.

And thank you for having this available on Audible books. I love to read, however, I also have other responsibilities (as I know we all do) that prevents me from be able to pick up a book as often as would like. And yet, Audible made it possible to “read” and to perform my other tasks at the same time.

May God bless you and all of your family.

P.S. I just loved your comment towards the end of your book about “kids being on sale” and you “purchasing to many.” You are a fantastic example of how we should to be open to life.

Awesome - Live it Well.

Made a 13 hour flight fly by. Thanks Jen for your honesty, vulnerability and insight. Well Done!

I really loved this Book.

I really loved this book. I laughed and I cried. Sometimes I actually laughed until I cried. Her sense of humor really came through in her stories. I really appreciate a sense of humor. I feel like God gifts us with a sense of humor to help get us through some of those tougher times. I met Jennifer Fulwiler at a Conference a year ago. I related to her stories so well. What a blessing it was to meet such a lovely, delightful and gifted author. Jennifer If you read this. Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring me to share mine. Love, Peace and Prayers for you and yours.