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Book
The Secret Life of Becky Miller

Author
Sharon Hinck

Review
I was introduced to Sharon Hinck’s novel, The Secret Life of Becky Miller, through a reader—a reader who strongly suggested that I get my hands on a copy of this book and share it with my readers. Well, how could I pass up an invitation from a reader? After all, my readers are the ones who make writing worth while!

I have to admit that the title and cover art was a bit misleading. I had expected to read a tale of a mom on a mission to save the world through superhuman powers. Instead, I discovered a mom, much like you and I, on a mission to save the world through normal, ordinary, and often overlooked skills. And I was pleasantly surprised!

The Secret Life of Becky Miller isn’t a fantasy book designed to take away the cares of the world; it’s not an escape mechanism. It’s a book designed to inspire women where they are right now!

It’s an inside look into the life of an ordinary mother struggling to do what’s best for herself, her family, and her God. It’s a book about choices and how we respond to life’s demands. It’s a book about trusting God—trusting that His hand is on our life and regardless of how things appear, if we just let go and let Him take the reigns, He’ll not only give us direction, but He’ll provide the strength we need to make it to the other side.

The Plot
Becky Miller is the mother of three wonderful children, the wife to Mr. Right, and the volunteer coordinator of her church’s women’s ministry. If that isn’t enough, Becky longs to complete the “great commission”—in other words, she wants to do BIG things for God.

Becky’s life is ordinary, yes. But it’s also inspirational and full of warmth, insight, and vigor. As Becky struggles to deal with the stress of daily life, she daydreams of “secret” identities, impossible missions, and ways to save the world—one lost soul at a time.

Everything seems to be falling into place when one tragedy after another hits the Miller household. As her faith waivers back and forth, she works on strategies that will save her family and still fulfill her “great commission”. But Becky soon discovers that her plans (Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, etc.) are not God’s plans and in order for things to calm down, she must be willing to let go and let God.

A Lesson Learned
The life of a mother is no easy task; a mother must multi-task and switch gears at a moment’s notice. She must put aside her desires for the greater good of her family, and she must constantly learn, grow, and adapt. It’s truly one big mission field, but it’s also the most overlooked and underappreciated “mission” there is.

Through The Secret Life of Becky Miller men get an inside look into the world of MOM and women are reminded that while they may desire to do bigger and better things for God, there is no greater joy, no greater reward, no greater commission then to raise one’s family.

The Secret Life of Becky Miller hit home for me and it hit home hard! I’m an overachiever. I’m the person with a million things to do and never enough time to do them all—even with an organized and structured home. I’m also a dreamer of doing BIG things for God and sometimes, I overlook just how important my role as a mother is.

The choices I make, the actions I take, and the words I use all play a vital role in helping my children grow into the people God’s designed them to be. If I don’t take the time to nurture them, who will? If I don’t take the time to show them God’s love, who will? If I don’t take the time to guide them towards the good things in life, who will?

It’s easy to get distracted when our society places prestige, honor, and acceptance on the roles we have outside our homes and family. It’s easy to think we’re failing God when society doesn’t reward the efforts of parents—both mom and dad. And it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters when we believe our lives aren’t good enough.

But do we really want a train wreck to happen before we see the blessings and understand our purpose in God’s plan?

After all was said and done, Becky realized that her “ordinary life of small moments was the Big Thing [she] could give God.” And that’s when life finally made sense—everything else was simply icing on the cake.

As you read The Secret Life of Becky Miller, I encourage you to analyze the different characters, find out which one you identify with, and then seek God’s guidance on what areas He wants you to change and what areas He’s most proud of. Then pray about what you’ve learned and allow God to help you in the next phase of your life.

Now go hug your kids and thank God for the joy they’ve given you!

Order The Secret Life of Becky Miller today!

Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy of the book to review.