Home Management: Plain and Simple Paperback – January 20, 2017

I gave this book five stars because the ideas are fantastic. They're very straightforward and provide great ideas for organizing and structure from a mom who has been there. It seems to be geared towards stay at home moms but still has great value even if you are not. The structure and ideas are still very helpful, and help with the mental load of motherhood. They are all adaptable strategies that you can make work around your lifestyle. Like the author says, choose one thing at a time, and make changes slowly so they are sustainable.

For years I have read so many books, blogs & articles related to finding ways to simply get out from that place of feeling overwhelmed by the endless tasks and challenges of managing a home full time (while also homeschooling my children). When I found this book and began reading it, I knew that all my time consuming searching could finally be put to rest. The author has filled this book with so many great ideas, tips and systems that can be adjusted easily to fit your own personal preferences and needs. While I had hoped to receive those components from this book, my expectations were exceeded. What I did not expect to receive from this book was a deep, yet gentle, look as to how to shift my perspective in how I approached the never ending tasks of managing a home. That one notable component the author introduced has been the most significant game changer for me, and my home life now exists with a greater level of peace every day because of it. If you, too, have struggled with “getting on top” of managing your home well, I highly recommend this book! It’s very easy to read cover to cover or simply pick the chapters that are most important to you.

I bought this book three times already: a copy for myself, the kindle version so I can read it while nursing babies at night and a copy for my best friend -it is really that good!The book is split into two parts, one about goals/motivation and attitudes and the second half is dedicated to building a solid routine by making a home management binder. Brenneman has covered every single issue that we face as a large family. I like how she is real and honest about where she has been and acknowledges that sometimes there is no good solution for a situation when you are stuck in the trenches. Yet still, she offers so much advice for everything I come across as a mom of 5 under 5.I have slowly, with the guidance of this book, created my own home management binder and it has been my saving grace in the midst crazy of our days of "just little ones". Our house is orderly, my children know what to do at any given time and I have time every day to pray, read my Bible, exercise and just enjoy some good old alone time.What I also like about the book is the large print and the paper which makes it possible to write plenty of notes into the margins and highlight throughout.This is the most practical book on homemaking, motherhood and serving God as mothers that I have come across. Truly a treasure which I will read over and over again.

I normally don’t do reviews but this author truly was an answer to prayer. I am a housewife/stay at home mom who homeschools our son through Abeka Academy Christian Homeschool. I sometimes complain about always being in the kitchen, whether it be prepping or dishes or always making someone’s food (my husband works remotely in the office) and it can be exhausting! The author reminds us to put God first and I haven’t been doing that lately. She quotes KJV Bible verses (Amen)! And goes into each section on how to stay organized which is amazingly because I’m sure every stay at home mother can compare to everything she wrote! It was like she was speaking to me through God. She is very detailed and makes this book just beautifully simple and clean! Like a clutter free home. Thank you again for being a blessing!!!!!!!

I purchased this kindle book based on rave reviews by several bloggers (although those reviews were for the first edition, titled Large Family Logistics). I have 4 kids ages 8, 4 1/2, 3 and 1 and am expecting #5. This book was very interesting and I did garner some useful tips. However, while there is information that would be useful for any size family, this book is definitely geared towards a certain family type...homeschooled and probably a minimum of 7 kids. Mine are all mostly young enough that we can't implement the "buddy system" and I don't homeschool past preschool, so a good chunk of the ideas just weren't applicable to my particular life. I still think it is a good book, and I do find it fascinating how really big homeschooling families do manage to do it all.

I recommend this book to everyone. It is ideal for a Christian stay-at-home mother, but I think anyone who wants to improve their home management skills could gain something from it.

Amazing book, I wish I had purchased this before my first child was born, however I appreciate so much more now that I’ve had experience on the issues she addresses. She covers in such great detail on lists, ideas, and thoughtful suggestions on how to create an organized, loving, and well run home!

Reading this book has been so refreshing after 15 years married and 12 years as a mom. Having our household run well is necessary for our family especially with homeschooling and having a home based business that I’m a part of. The practical advice in this book mixed with the emphasis of purpose behind the tasks and systems has been so inspiring! You can tell she writes from a place of good experience and wisdom. I wish I read this when I was a young newlywed! Highly recommend.