Eva Rutland (1917–2012)

This book, originally published in 1964, is as fresh and relevant today. I wish I had had the chance to get to know Eva Rutland but through her book, I do. Her voice is conversational, warm, humorous, genuine. Each chapter presents an intact view on mothering (she had four children, including a set of twins) with the added challenges of raising children in a newly integrated society, one which is still adjusting. Ms. Rutland points out that the "cloak of segregation" was both stifling and comforting. Above all, like every mother, she yearns to protect her children from hurt and to be the best mother she can be--although in hindsight, she wishes she had read fewer expert books, joined fewer clubs, and instead just spent the time with the kids, doing and learning together. I highly recommend this book to mothers of all ages.… (more)

a child's Christmas by eva rutland
eric archer, 10 is in a boarding school cuz his father is too busy and his uncle is to watch over him as he's local.
Monica Powell the teacher has watched out for him as eric's lost his grandparents who raised him. She had just lost her mother to cancer and her father was very sick, he lived with her.
Love her relationship with her father, so caring now that he's disabled and she cares too much for Eric. Other teachers think he should be moved to a special class but she will go to dinner with the uncle-who she thinks is the father to help him understand about Eric and what he needs.
Monica does realize that her uncle does really care about the child as time goes on.
Loved the cabin and the snow ice cream!
Dave is the baseball super hero and his business partner attempts to dig her nails in but he's spending more time with Monica.
Eric's mom the movie star is also in the picture a lot more as is his real father.
Problem arises when Eric runs away and nobody knows where he is...… (more)

Bathe `em, feed `em, make `em behave...that's it! Advice none to shun coming from a "down-to-earth mama" telling in sophisticated fashion the fears, joys, and concerns of any mother, in any day.

Eva had me so wrapped around her observations of motherhood I couldn't find a place to put my bookmark. Hardly expected to be assuaged with as many compelling messages in such turn-style natural rhythm. The opening - just too priceless as Eva honestly admits she has no clue about motherhood, thus her earliest lesson (on spirituality and God) sets the pace for the plethora of edifying lessons that commands respect in as much as it entertains. The part on Bill (in Trouble with Papa), I had to laugh, and shake my head. She called it tact, but children/people crave the truth. Though, not to be misled... or brushed over... Bill comes with powerful messages too. But now that sex talk... gotta love it... One that belongs in the Mother's Hall of Fame of Sex Counsel Talks. I can go on and on... every page... Expressed like a saint. Composed like a scholar. But told like a mother.

The content is rich, a full sweep of relevant pictorials with a delivery that maintains a flush pleasurable pace. I don't think I've ever found a mother's story to be as necessary and agreeable to my soul as When We Were Colored.… (more)