She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood

Be encouraged by a village of Catholic mothers with this collection of letters from mothers, to mothers. 

Mothers lay down their lives for their children day in and day out. 

Whether it be through playing with them, teaching them about the Faith, consoling them through hurts or encouraging them in all that they do, mothers play a special role in reminding their children of God’s love.

At the end of the day, though, mothers need to be reminded of God’s love for them just as much as their children do. 

With 15 authentic and vulnerable letters written by Catholic mothers to their younger selves, She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood acts as a little community of older mothers who remind newer mothers of the peace and purpose they can find in motherhood. 

Following each part of 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, She Loved dives into all the ways mothers embody the love of Christ, love that is patient and kind. 

This beautiful coffee table book is filled with stunning photographic images that capture the beauty and the reality of motherhood alike.

As mothers read through this beautiful book, they will find hope and encouragement from contributors:

• Alicia Hernon
• Beth Sri
• Bonnie Landry
• Carrie Daunt
• Christine Dudley
• Christine Hanus
• Debbie Herbeck
• Dorothy Pilarski
• Elizabeth Foss
• Emily Jaminet
• Heather Voccola
• Heidi Bratton
• Laura Phelps
• Lisa Brenninkmeyer
• Mary Lenaburg

You do not have to journey through motherhood alone. 

Take heart, and rest in the beauty of motherhood alongside a village of Catholic women who have gone before you.

"Wisdom! She Loved is a book of the richest and most profound maternal wisdom. Suzanne Bilodeau, along with the many other contributors, have journeyed through the whole spectrum of motherhood with all of its daily death and resurrections and beautifully articulated how they have found Christ and been found by Christ in it all."

–Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR

Host of the #1 podcast, Rosary in a Year

"Most of my interactions with Suzanne over the past several years concern the subject of healing and motherhood. Even that first day, when I met her, I heard how deeply she desired to be a loving mom. This book has been conceived in her own prayer, for you to be the best mom you can be for your children. I know that many women will be deeply blessed by it, and it will bear great fruit in the lives of their husbands and children and in the women they influence."

–Dr. Bob Schuchts

Founder of the John Paul II Healing Center

"Suzanne Bilodeau has given us a treasure in She Loved. Pulling back the curtain on motherhood, she and the contributors reveal the depth, drama, joy and beauty of this vocation. More than words are shared here—they share their very selves, the deepest places of the heart. Each letter is a tangible offering of accompaniment. In a world where moms are often isolated and insulated, the writers’ vulnerability radiates as a beacon of our Lord’s hope and encouragement."

–Beth Sri

Wife, mother and co-author of The Good The Messy and The Beautiful

"She Loved reminds us - in the complexity of this calling to marriage and motherhood, the goal is simple: love. For younger moms - love God - love your spouse - love each child. And for older moms - honor your daughters and daughters-in-law by valuing their day after day and night after night persevering love they offer."

–Kimberly Hahn

Wife, mom of 6, nana to 23, author, speaker, and host of the Beloved and Blessed Podcast

"While truth and goodness are often debated, beauty is irrefutable. This is one reason why Suzanne Bilodeau’s reflections on motherhood in She Loved are so effective. This compilation of motherly wisdom is revealing, raw, and relatable. It will be a tremendous gift for any mother, grandmother, or soon-to-be mom!"

–Jason Evert

 Author, speaker, and founder of the Chastity Project 

"She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood by Suzanne Bilodeau is a heartfelt companion for every mother navigating the messy, beautiful, and sacred moments of raising a family. With tender reflections and letters from seasoned moms, it wraps you in the warmth of shared wisdom and encouragement, drawing on the timeless truths of 1 Corinthians 13. This isn’t a guide to getting it all right—it’s a gentle invitation to embrace the divine grace woven into the daily rhythms of motherhood. Full of hope and honesty, it’s a moving reminder that in loving our children, we reflect the boundless love of God."

–Danielle Bean

Author, speaker, and podcaster (daniellebean.com)

"Most of what we absorb about motherhood derives from our family of origin. It is more caught than taught. While this perspective is important, it is often incomplete. In generations past it was the village that raised a child. Each villager offered a unique picture, a tile in the mosaic of motherhood. Born out of a mission to love her children well, Suzanne Bilodeau set out on a quest to hear from other women who have trod this path and found joy and hope in their vocation. She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood was born out of this personal mission. This beautiful book is comprised of a village of voices offering an authentic perspective on the most critical role in our world today- Motherhood."

–Carrie Daunt

Catholic author and speaker with the John Paul II Healing Center and contributor for She Loved

"She Loved is a book filled with diverse, personal stories from Catholic women, all sharing their unique experiences of motherhood and faith through the lens of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. The stories are both vulnerable and authentic, offering an honest portrayal of faith, struggles, and joys. This book is a beautiful narrative companion to walk alongside each of us in this messy and holy adventure of motherhood."

–Michelle Benzinger

Abiding Together podcast host