WOW! Women on Writing
Book Blog Tour
Michael R. French’s
THE GOOD MOTHER TEST
What makes a good mother you ask?
That’s a great question and we ask that YOU leave your answer in the comments - thanks!
And now onto Sara Erdmann's review as part of the WOW! Women on Writing book blog tour for author Michael R. French with his latest book The Good Mother Test!
About the Book: When Emily, a bright but impulsive UCLA student, gives birth to her daughter Violet, she vows to be the kind of mother she never had: endlessly loving and fiercely protective. But single motherhood is a test with no right answers.
As Violet’s brilliance and independence unfold, Emily’s instincts clash with a world obsessed with achievement. Then Violet’s father, Doug, returns, now partnered with Amanda, a celebrated therapist unable to have children of her own. What begins as an amicable co-parenting plan becomes a psychological struggle for Violet’s heart and future.
Told through the eyes of both mother and daughter, The Good Mother Test is a deeply moving contemporary novel about family, ambition, and the fragile line between devotion and control. It asks the reader what makes a good mother, and what happens when love itself is put to the test.
The Good Mother Test
Not Trying to Heal My Inner Child While Raising One
Find out more by visiting: www.goodmothertest.com
Sara's Review:
The Good Mother Test is the kind of book that doesn’t just tell a story—it quietly reaches into your own life and asks you to reflect on the kind of parent, and person, you strive to be. As a single mother myself, this story resonated deeply, echoing both the struggles and the quiet triumphs that often go unseen.
Emily’s upbringing in a hardworking family without luxuries felt especially familiar. That constant balancing act—trying to fit in while silently carrying the weight of “not having enough”—is something many of us understand without needing it explained. Her friendship with Salina provided a meaningful contrast: two different paths shaped by circumstance, one leaning toward ambition and education, the other toward continuing a familiar cycle. It grounded the story in reality and made Emily’s choices feel even more intentional.
When Emily becomes a mother to Violet, the novel truly finds its heart. Her world narrows in the most beautiful way—everything she does, every decision she makes, is rooted in love and in giving her daughter the best possible life. That kind of selfless devotion is something only a parent can fully grasp. What stands out most is that Emily doesn’t try to mold Violet into a specific outcome. Instead, she nurtures her independence, allowing her to grow into her own person. That distinction is powerful.
The introduction of Violet’s father’s new partner adds emotional tension that feels painfully real. Watching a child be influenced or manipulated by someone new in their life is one of the hardest experiences a parent can face. Yet Emily handles it with a quiet strength and grace that makes her both admirable and relatable. She doesn’t react with chaos—she responds with patience, trusting the foundation she built with her daughter.
Violet herself is a testament to Emily’s parenting. She grows into someone who values kindness over status, humility over entitlement. She understands where she came from and doesn’t take her opportunities for granted. Most importantly, she never loses sight of the person who grounded her—her mother.
This book is more than a story about motherhood; it’s about resilience, identity, and the invisible work of raising a good human being. For anyone who has ever put their child first, questioned if they were doing enough, or tried to raise a child with strong values in a complicated world, The Good Mother Test will feel deeply personal and profoundly validating.
So I will ask you, what makes a good mother?
The Good Mother Test is available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can add it to your list at Goodreads.
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-948749-90-9
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-948749-92-3
Audiobook: Coming Mar 10, 2026 Narrated by Laurie Bower
Library of Congress Number: 2026900284
About the Author:
Michael R. French graduated from Stanford University, where he studied English and creative writing under Wallace Stegner, and later earned a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. After serving in the U.S. Army, he married Patricia Goodkind, an educator and entrepreneur, and began a family.
French is the author of more than twenty books, including award-winning young adult novels, adult fiction, biographies, and self-help titles. His work has been warmly reviewed in The New York Times and honored with multiple literary prizes. He has also written or co-written several screenplays, including Intersection, which has received awards at more than twenty film festivals.
His passions include travel, collecting rare books, and spending time with family and friends. He describes his worst traits as impatience and saying “no” too quickly, and his best as curiosity, risk-taking, and learning from failure.
Words of Praise:
“…A highly readable, relatable novel about ordinary people interacting, clashing, and blending their lives in however a messy or successful manner they can, and will attract readers interested in the psychological dovetailing of family and relationship-building which all boils down to luck and trust. These elements move full circle to guide characters and readers in an unexpected journey towards new beginnings and hope, making for a hard-hitting, satisfying read.”
-- Midwest Book Review
“French shows a skillful hand with characters’ voices and dialogue, effectively
capturing very different perspectives in both third and first person.
The scenes of tension and suspense work well.”
– Kirkus Reviews
Blog Tour Dates:
February 23rd @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning with coffee than a muffin? Join us on the WOW! blog today and celebrate the launch of Michael R. French's book The Good Mother Test. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book too.
February 24th @ Bring on Lemons with Sara Erdmann
Wisconsin mother and reader Sara Erdmann shares her review of Michael R. French’s The Good Mother Test with readers at Bring on Lemons. You won’t want to miss what this mother of 5 has to say!
https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
February 25th @ Fiona Ingram Author
Fiona Ingram puts Michael R. French’s The Good Mother Test in the spotlight at her blog today - stop by and learn more about this accomplished author and his latest highly acclaimed book!
February 27th @ A Wonderful World of Words
Joy at a Wonderful World of Words puts Michael R. French’s The Good Mother Test in the spotlight at her blog today - stop by and find out why this book belongs on everyone’s TBR pile!
https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/
March 1st @ Book Bunnies
Stop by Book Bunnies and read this review of The Good Mother Test. Michael R. French has done it again and created a touching and unforgettable tale you won’t be able to put down!
March 2nd @ Chapter Break
Julie at Chapter Break interviews author Michael R. French about his latest book, The Good Mother Test. Stop by and gain more insight into this highly acclaimed author and his latest book baby!
https://chapterbreak.net
March 5th @ Storey Book Reviews
Today’s spotlight at Storey Book Reviews shines on none other than author, Michael R. French and his latest book, The Good Mother Test. Don’t miss this shining star in today’s author spotlight!
https://www.storeybookreviews.com
March 8th @ Sarandipitys
Today’s spotlight at Sarandipitys shines on none other than author, Michael R. French and his latest book, The Good Mother Test. Don’t miss this shining star in today’s author spotlight!
March 11th @ Bring on Lemons with Crystal Otto
Wisconsin mother, reader, student, and musician Crystal Otto shares her 5 star review of Michael R. French’s The Good Mother Test. Stop by Bring on Lemons to learn why you need to get your hands on this amazing book today!
March 14th @ World of My Imagination with Nicole Pyles
Nicole shares her review of Michael R. French’s The Good Mother Test. Stop by World of My Imagination to find out what Nicole has to say today!
March 15th @ Substack with Nicole Pyles
If you didn’t get enough of Michael R. French’s The Good Mother Test yesterday, stop by Nicole’s substack today and learn even more!
March 17th @ Bring on Lemons with Tina Brouchoud
Wisconsin mother and avid reader Tina Brouchoud shares her honest review of Michael R. French’s The Good Mother Test. Stop by Bring on Lemons to hear an interesting perspective on this fantastic book!
https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
March 21st @ Karen Siddall
Fellow author Karen Siddall shares her review of Michael R. French’s The Good Mother Test. Stop by Karen’s website to hear what she thinks of French’s latest book!
***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****
Enter to win a print copy of The Good Mother Test by Michael R French. Fill out the form below for a chance to win! The giveaway ends on March 8th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!
About Today's Reviewer:
Sara is a Wisconsin mom who has a spark and passion for life. As you can see from her smile - she is the kind of person who brings joy to those around her, even on days she feels like life is falling apart. Sara is the type of friend everyone wishes they had - she's a cheerleader when you need one and she'll show up with a coffee and a mop on days when you can't seem to adult. Don't forget to invite her over for romcom nights on the couch with icecream too! In addition to being a mom, Sara recently became a grandma and she's enjoying every moment of her new role!
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