February 23, 2009 | Published in * Feature Columns, 5 Minutes for Books, Giveaways

5 Minutes for Books: Mother of the Year

It’s coming. That second Sunday in May where we as mothers expect to get what we deserve: a nice lunch and a heartfelt card are reasonable expectations for Mother’s Day, and of course chocolates and jewelry won’t ever be turned away, but I find that when I am just sitting around waiting for attention to be lavished on me, I generally end up feeling disappointed.

In past years, I’ve been known to plan my own Mother’s Day celebration (not only for my mother and grandmother, but just for me), and that works for me.

My point — Yes, it’s nice to receive adoring “thank you’s” from my husband and my children, but isn’t motherhood really all about our sisters? Those who are in the trenches with us?

Leisure Arts’ Mother of the Year is edited by girlfriends Jen Peters and Ginger Highland. It contains stores from mothers and fathers and even grandparents of the year highlighting the “adventures and misadventures of parenting.”

These parents share short stories that will make you laugh and nod in recognition, and are best shared with a friend.

You can buy a copy (for yourself or your own example of Mother of the Year) at a special reduced price at the LeisureArts website.

Speaking of one of my nominees for Mother of the Year–you can still vote for Margaret’s Peanut Butter Waffle Taco once a day through February 27 at jif.com.

Would you like to win a special Mother of the Year gift package? One reader will receive the book packaged in a fun canvas bag — and yes, some chocolate as well!

Leave a comment here (U.S. and Canadian shipping addresses). The winner will be announced in next Monday’s column and is subject to our terms and conditions and void where prohibited.

The winner of last week’s book Thom Filicia Style is #105 Amy.

This post was written by contributing editor Jennifer Donovan, who also blogs at Snapshot and is managing editor of 5 Minutes for Books.

Email Author | Website About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

View all articles by Jennifer Donovan

{ 157 comments }

1 Michele February 23, 2009 at 12:13 am: A new book and chocolate!?! What more could a Mommy want? Count me in.
2 Marissa February 23, 2009 at 12:30 am: I love to read parenting books, especially misadventures! And chocolate? Bring it on!
3 Upstatemomof3 February 23, 2009 at 12:59 am: I love books and I love chocolate. That would be so cool!!!
4 Marilyn February 23, 2009 at 6:17 am: Books and chocolate – what a fine mix!
5 Rosie Scribble February 23, 2009 at 6:56 am: It’s a great idea for a book. I think all mums could be called ‘Mother of the Year’. We all work hard and do a great job!
6 Katharina February 23, 2009 at 7:04 am: After a period of time where I wasn’t able to find time to read, I’m back to it with a passion and this looks like a great book!

And chocolate… well what can be better than a good book to read and my all-time favorite (and perfect!) food… chocolate!
7 JRG February 23, 2009 at 7:45 am: Sure, count me in! I LOVE chocolate and I know how to read. Ha.
8 Tree Climbing Mom February 23, 2009 at 8:15 am: Sounds like a great book. I’d love a chance to win!
9 Denise February 23, 2009 at 8:41 am: I need this for sure.
10 Alyson February 23, 2009 at 8:46 am: Would love to read this book, sounds great!
Thanks!

Alyzabeth’s Mommy for Five Months!
11 Leslie M. February 23, 2009 at 8:52 am: Books AND chocolate??? PARADISE!!! Now I’m feeling a little bit guilty about the “Mother of the Year” Part! But I try! hahah
Leslie
LeslieVeg@msn.com
12 Carol February 23, 2009 at 8:55 am: Count me in!
13 Mommy Niri February 23, 2009 at 8:57 am: would love to win
14 Michael Capp February 23, 2009 at 9:02 am: I’d love to win!
15 Beth February 23, 2009 at 10:40 am: Books, bags and chocolate – right up my alley!! Count me in please!
16 Tammy February 23, 2009 at 11:01 am: I think this book would be wonderful read. Everyone always likes to hear about other parents misadventures.
17 Shannon February 23, 2009 at 11:18 am: I’d love to win this book and read it.
18 Kris February 23, 2009 at 11:29 am: I’d love to win this book, too. I could use some laughs right about now…
19 jayne February 23, 2009 at 11:35 am: I would love to read this book!
20 CHARLES KASSING February 23, 2009 at 11:39 am: thanks
21 Carolyn Schiltz February 23, 2009 at 11:55 am: A book AND chocolates?? Sounds good to me!
22 susan varney February 23, 2009 at 1:00 pm: totally awesome prize i’d love to be the winner
23 Lynn Henriksen February 23, 2009 at 1:43 pm: I have a guide book, Give the Gift of Story…Tap Memory & Write Memoir in Five Acts, for writing “Mother Memoirs” or what I call bio-vignettes. I don’t believe there could be a better gift to a mother than for her daughter (or son) to honor her with a short story capturing her character. The book is on a Spring Special on my website (http://telltalesouls.com/blog), but I would also like to offer a free book giveaway on 5 Minutes for Mom, but I need from Jennifer to do that. Look forwarding to inspiring you to Give the Gift of Story.
24 Denise February 23, 2009 at 2:06 pm: This sounds so lovely. Thank you for the chance!
25 Lori S February 23, 2009 at 2:16 pm: Humm, well I’ll put my hat in the ring. A neat book and chocolate ~ sounds like a mini-vacation!
26 Jill W February 23, 2009 at 2:36 pm: Looks great, thanks for the chance!
27 willowsprite February 23, 2009 at 2:41 pm: This book sounds great. I love reading little stories about other poeple’s experinces!
28 Barb February 23, 2009 at 2:45 pm: that looks fun! I’d love to give it to my sister for Mother’s Day!
29 Lolli February 23, 2009 at 2:48 pm: I’d love to get this! I often have to do a little something for myself to ensure a happy mother’s day.
30 tanya February 23, 2009 at 2:51 pm: This sounds great! I will never turn down a good laugh and some tasty chocolate.
31 Diane Baum February 23, 2009 at 3:15 pm: The book sounds adorable-reading and chocolate to die for!
32 aubien February 23, 2009 at 4:09 pm: I know I won’t win Mother of the Year this year…but I am certain I would enjoy reading this book! Thanks for a chance to win.
33 momstheword February 23, 2009 at 4:11 pm: How fun! Thank you for the opportunity! I echo everyone else…books and chocolate, I will provide the diet pepsi!
34 Meg Munson February 23, 2009 at 4:27 pm: This would be an awesome Mother’s Day gift! What could you want more than a good book and some chocolates!!
35 Beverley Justice February 23, 2009 at 4:30 pm: Books, chocolate, and peace and quiet to enjoy both all by myself. Sounds great…
36 Louis Huf February 23, 2009 at 4:33 pm: enter me please, thank you for the contest
37 Susan Smith February 23, 2009 at 4:40 pm: Please enter me
38 Amy February 23, 2009 at 4:53 pm: How fun! Enter me, please.
39 C. clemens February 23, 2009 at 4:56 pm: i love reading but i love chocolate more, when im PMS’ing LOL
40 jffryclough February 23, 2009 at 5:14 pm: i’m a new gramps…times 2
41 Delores February 23, 2009 at 5:45 pm: please enter me
42 romero February 23, 2009 at 5:45 pm: would love to be entered.
43 carolyn February 23, 2009 at 5:57 pm: Would love to win this!
44 carolyn February 23, 2009 at 5:57 pm: I am subscriber
45 Donna R February 23, 2009 at 6:00 pm: I would give this to my daughter. She deserves it. Thanks.
46 Linda Chaput February 23, 2009 at 6:48 pm: A fun read with chocolates.You can’t beat that.I am a subscriber.
47 Maggie M February 23, 2009 at 6:58 pm: I use to be a “Mother of the Year”, but now I’m working at becoming “Grandmother of the Year” LOL! I have lots of stories of my own I could share, but I’d prefer winning the book and the chocolates! Sounds like fun and good reading:)

maggie@mannwieler.com
48 Shannon H February 23, 2009 at 7:03 pm: Count me in! THanks!
49 Crystal Walker February 23, 2009 at 7:54 pm: This book looks like so much fun! I cant wait to read it!
50 Mozi Esmes Mommy February 23, 2009 at 7:57 pm: This would be absolutely wonderful!
51 Lisa L February 23, 2009 at 8:41 pm: These all sound terrific!
52 mindy February 23, 2009 at 8:43 pm: very nice thanks for the giveaway
53 Jennifer M February 23, 2009 at 8:50 pm: This sounds like fun! I can’t think of anything better than some quiet time to enjoy a new book while eating chocolate! Thanks for the giveaway.
54 ellen cunningham February 23, 2009 at 9:19 pm: This looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance.
55 Tanna Moddison February 23, 2009 at 9:25 pm: The chance to win this wonderful sounding book, as well as chocolate to indulge in while reading it….heaven!!!
56 Jen February 23, 2009 at 11:15 pm: I just love reading stories like this! I’d love to win!
57 pamr February 23, 2009 at 11:50 pm: I would love to read this just to hope I’m not the only one going crazy! Thanks
58 Lorri S February 24, 2009 at 1:24 am: This sounds like a funny book, something I’m sure would be very nice to receive
59 karly February 24, 2009 at 2:20 am: This giveaway is a winning combination! Thanks for the opportunity!
60 Cathie F February 24, 2009 at 4:54 am: The book sounds wonderful and though I’m a strict diet for health reasons I’m sure my daughter in law (who currently lives with us) will enjoy the chocolates while we share the stories in the book. Yea that will work count me in
61 Vickie February 24, 2009 at 5:45 am: Great Giveaway!
62 linda a February 24, 2009 at 5:58 am: I would love that!! A gift for me.!! Thank you
63 Jean F February 24, 2009 at 6:33 am: What a perfect prize for a mom!
64 hawkshoe February 24, 2009 at 7:30 am: This book sounds like something my best friend and I would enjoy.
65 Patti Sherman February 24, 2009 at 8:13 am: I would like this for my daughter in law..She is the mother of the year in my eyes!
66 Virginia Murr February 24, 2009 at 8:17 am: It is great simply to celebrate the joys of being a mother once in a while . . . and it never hurts to congratulate oneself, either!
67 Belinda February 24, 2009 at 8:27 am: Great prize package – thanks!
68 Rose A February 24, 2009 at 8:29 am: A chance for mom to be spoiled a bit? I love it!
msurosey@yahoo.com
69 Roger Keeney February 24, 2009 at 10:37 am: What a great prize for a deserving mom. The one to whom I believe it should go is K.H. who is raising 2 little ones alone, while struggling to once again go to work. She is a talented special Ed teacher who truly understands children with disabilities, as she has CP that she has overcome.
70 Mama Zen February 24, 2009 at 11:43 am: The book sounds really cute!
71 Mama Zen February 24, 2009 at 11:43 am: I subscribe to the newsletter.
72 brandlyn February 24, 2009 at 12:18 pm: My cousin would lvoe this, she has a one year old at home. This would make her day.
73 McKim February 24, 2009 at 12:54 pm: Looks like a cute book.
74 Vicky Boackle February 24, 2009 at 1:16 pm: i love to read and eat chocolate.
75 Gina Stratos February 24, 2009 at 1:44 pm: Great cover
gkstratos@yahoo.com
76 veronica sandberg February 24, 2009 at 1:48 pm: books and chocolates what a great mix
77 Samantha February 24, 2009 at 2:19 pm: What a great prize! Count me in!
78 Jennifer C February 24, 2009 at 2:44 pm: Books and chocolate? Count me in!
79 Gayle J February 24, 2009 at 4:29 pm: What a great giveaway. Thank you!
80 Mike Weisberg February 24, 2009 at 5:57 pm: I want to win
81 Anne D February 24, 2009 at 8:30 pm: Books and chocolate, how cool!
82 Pat February 24, 2009 at 9:36 pm: Thank you for introducing your readers to the book. It sounds like a good read. Chocolates and a tote bag are appealing as well.

Thank you for the contest.

Mother’s Day will arrive soon and I wish you a lovely happy day.
83 michelel anne February 24, 2009 at 10:04 pm: wow…can’t go wrong with these two prizes put together
84 Terri D February 24, 2009 at 10:59 pm: Nice giveaway. Count me in!
85 Wendy Wallach February 25, 2009 at 12:06 am: cute contest!

madamerkf at aol dot com
86 Pamela Shockley February 25, 2009 at 1:31 am: Thanks for a great giveaway.
87 Sarah February 25, 2009 at 7:55 am: Nice giveaway! Count me in!
88 Debbie February 25, 2009 at 8:49 am: Reading Goodies and Goodies to eat while enjoying the Reading. Sounds like a great Combo. Pick Me!
89 Emilie P February 25, 2009 at 10:27 am: I love this idea. I’ll admit I was upset with my husband last year when he barely recognized Mother’s Day. I doubt he’ll make that mistake again. I would love this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
90 Sarah February 25, 2009 at 10:32 am: enter me!
91 Jennifer L. February 25, 2009 at 12:54 pm: would love to win the book!
92 beth shepherd February 25, 2009 at 2:20 pm: Thank you for a great giveaway! I would love to win this.
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
93 Heather February 25, 2009 at 4:05 pm: I really want to win this for my coworker, who is expecting her first baby in October!
94 Katherine Frazier February 25, 2009 at 7:51 pm: Looks like a great book.
95 James Coyne February 26, 2009 at 12:37 am: Enter me please
96 Michelle February 26, 2009 at 5:34 pm: I love books and I love chocolate!…hehe.
yzgirl4[at]verizon[dot]net
97 Kathy Conley February 26, 2009 at 6:28 pm: Oh Please! I need a laugh and a good dose of chocolate today!
98 Vicki Wurgler February 26, 2009 at 9:25 pm: book and chocolate-two of my favorite things
99 Gabriel J. February 26, 2009 at 10:25 pm: Please, enter me, great prize!!!
100 brandy w February 27, 2009 at 1:46 pm: how fun count me in.
101 Terra Heck February 27, 2009 at 2:33 pm: I’m all about books and chocolates. Please count me in to win.
102 Annette February 27, 2009 at 2:51 pm: that would be most lovely. thank you.
103 dorothy l February 27, 2009 at 4:34 pm: I would love to win the book
104 maggie ballard February 27, 2009 at 4:52 pm: please enter me!! i love chocolate!!
105 Paula H February 27, 2009 at 7:23 pm: I sound like a cute book.
106 Brandy Tanner February 27, 2009 at 9:03 pm: I am so in on this! I love books and chocolate?! Magic words right there! Thanks!
107 Steve Scott February 27, 2009 at 11:41 pm: I would earn some serious brownie points with my wife.
108 Shelly Miller February 28, 2009 at 4:23 am: my mother has pancreatic cancer, anything that would bring a smile to her face would be heaven sent
109 KarenPr February 28, 2009 at 10:10 am: Thanks for the contest, please enter me.
110 Steph February 28, 2009 at 12:14 pm: Sounds like a great book.
111 Suzanne B. (Crunchy Green Mom) February 28, 2009 at 12:38 pm: I would love to win this! It would make for a great Mother’s Day!
112 Carrie Baird February 28, 2009 at 1:00 pm: Nice prize – thanks for the chance to win!
113 Corey Robertson February 28, 2009 at 1:40 pm: Books and chocolate sound like winning the biggest lottery in the world! Thank you for the chance to dream.
114 desiree kelley February 28, 2009 at 3:08 pm: yum
115 ky2here February 28, 2009 at 4:52 pm: A new book and chocolate? I’m in.
116 CGibbs February 28, 2009 at 6:05 pm: A good book and sweets! What a great prize!

daytoncat1(at)yahoo(dot)com
117 Marion B February 28, 2009 at 6:28 pm: Sounds like a cool book!
118 christopher h February 28, 2009 at 6:45 pm: love to win this
119 carol February 28, 2009 at 7:57 pm: Wow! Can’t lose with this giveaway! Thanks!
120 Amy February 28, 2009 at 10:06 pm: I like that – adventure’s and misadventures! MMn great indulgences here.
121 Kathy Scott February 28, 2009 at 10:29 pm: I would like to read this with my boys.
122 Donna M. Clark February 28, 2009 at 10:45 pm: I would love to win hocolates and a new book. This book sounds like it will be neat. Thank you for having this giveaway.
123 Tarasview February 28, 2009 at 11:10 pm: I’d love to read this!!
124 Tricia February 28, 2009 at 11:46 pm: A Mother’s Day Gift for me. Wow who would of Thought. I’d luv to share those chocolates with the little one’s and we share a ni ni story for mom.
125 Dierdra Byrd March 1, 2009 at 12:27 am: My two favorite things! =)
126 Tova Irvin March 1, 2009 at 12:34 am: Great contest. I love both items..please enter me.
127 Michelle Benedetto March 1, 2009 at 12:59 am: awww this is so nice!!
128 Michelle H. March 1, 2009 at 1:05 am: This sounds like it would be fun to read. And the chocolate is a nice touch.
129 Cassandra March 1, 2009 at 1:09 am: Please enter me for this book and some yummy chocolate–thanks!
130 Rosanne March 1, 2009 at 1:10 am: I always wanted to be mother of the year but then Irealized I was just human so now I need to drown my self in chocolate and a good book for the kids.
131 Lisa Taylor March 1, 2009 at 1:19 am: Hope I am not too late for the giveaway Sign me up if possible Thank You
132 Adrian Lamont March 1, 2009 at 1:32 am: This is great, count me in.
133 Wendi B. March 1, 2009 at 2:45 am: Oh – what a great giveaway! I sure would love to feel like a Mommy of the Year! My son just turned 2 (well, Christmas Eve, but he’s hit THE terrible 2!).

I love to read and review new books, so would love to win a copy of this one…I’m also a closit chocoholic and could always use a great tote to carry around books and a change for my son!!

Wendi
134 Chrysa March 1, 2009 at 3:01 am: Looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!
135 chacha March 1, 2009 at 3:21 am: I love chocolate and books too.
136 Jay French March 1, 2009 at 3:46 am: Looks like an interesting book. And you could use the chocolate wrappers as a book mark.
137 Molly Capel March 1, 2009 at 3:54 am: What a great book! I would love to win this to remind myself of why I did the mommy thing 5 times. lol
138 Jennelle March 1, 2009 at 8:06 am: I’d love to win this all for my mom. She is definitely mother of the year! She’s a single mom of 5.
139 Linda Howard March 1, 2009 at 9:20 am: Nice prize. Please enter me. Thanks!
140 Michelle L. March 1, 2009 at 9:26 am: I’d love to win this for my mother-in-law. She is our constant babysitter and is mother of the year for all of us!
141 Nanette Olson March 1, 2009 at 10:28 am: The book sounds good and the chocolates sound great.
142 Candie L March 1, 2009 at 10:51 am: This sounds fun. I would love this and then share with all I know. Thank you
143 Becky March 1, 2009 at 11:52 am: ohh a book and chocolate…Can you throw in a babysitter so I can take a bath by myself???
144 Roseann March 1, 2009 at 12:13 pm: What a wonderful contest. Thanks!
145 Veronica Garrett March 1, 2009 at 12:18 pm: I would love to win this book and the other goodies. It sounds great.
146 kathy pease March 1, 2009 at 12:38 pm: i would love to read this book
147 Lily Kwan March 1, 2009 at 12:47 pm: Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
148 Tobster March 1, 2009 at 2:20 pm: As a new Mom, I’d like to read this book, (and find out what I’m in for!)
149 Carla Pullum March 1, 2009 at 4:09 pm: Count me in! This would be great to read to my daughters!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com
150 Tamara Burks March 1, 2009 at 4:21 pm: Books and chocolate are always a good mix.
151 Marcy Strahan March 1, 2009 at 4:35 pm: I AM A BOOKWORM & A CHOCO~HOLIC!
YOU KNOW I’M IN THIS TOOOOOOOOOO!
152 Amy March 1, 2009 at 7:16 pm: I love books and chocolate!
153 Aurelia Casson March 1, 2009 at 7:46 pm: The best joys in life are offered in this prize:)) so thanks for the giceaway and best wishes.skyxsky27(at)gmail.com
154 Dixie Theriault March 1, 2009 at 8:49 pm: A good book and chocolates-what more could I ask for…don’t answer that, but please include me in the drawing!
155 Jennifer Jozwiak March 1, 2009 at 9:07 pm: this looks like a fun prize, plus i love chocolates!
156 Michelle Rosborough March 1, 2009 at 9:33 pm: cool book
157 Karen Gonyea March 1, 2009 at 9:36 pm: Looks great