In honor of the World Meeting of Families and the visit of Pope Francis to my hometown of Philadelphia, “Working Mother” is free through Monday.  

With her husband disabled and out of work and her child in mortal danger,

a mother must leave her family and find work so they can all survive.

The husband’s name is Joseph. The child’s name is Jesus.

The working mother is Mary.

“When I contemplate the Holy Family, I often wonder about those ‘hidden years’ — the decades left biblically undescribed that laid the foundation for Jesus Christ’s public ministry. In ‘Working Mother,’ Erin McCole Cupp offers us one possible scenario in a story that is emotionally gripping and filled with heart. Based on known biblical precepts, Working Mother contemplates the depths of Mary and Joseph’s ‘yes’ to God’s will for their lives.”  Lisa M. Hendey, author of The Grace of Yes and Founder of CatholicMom.com

“Erin McCole Cupp’s ‘Working Mother’ pulls us into the daily life of the Holy Family.  The story portrays how the Lord creates miracles from the mundane, answering prayers and weaving the tapestry of our lives in the most unpredictable of ways.  I thoroughly enjoyed this novella.  The writing was excellent and the tone was reflective. Prayerfully read, Cupp’s story is edifying.”  AnnMarie Creedon, author of Angela’s Song

“As a working mother, it’s hard to find time to read for enjoyment. …[R]ich with imagery and pulsing with palpable faith, ‘Working Mother’ is not to be missed. You will find yourself seeing through the eyes of Mary only to look back at yourself. If you struggle coming to terms with working outside of the home and living out your vocation as wife and mother, this is a must read.”  Cristina Trinidad, fillingmyprayercloset.com

“Working Mother is an intimate and compelling glimpse into the lives of the Holy Family during their exile in Egypt. Reading WM helped me to understand a bit of the physical and emotional struggles that the Holy Family might have faced in their daily lives. I came away with a greater respect for their strength and a greater empathy for their humanity. Well done!”  Laura Nelson, greenforgod.com

“’Working Mother’ sounds like a modern-day phenomenon… a woman having to step up from family and home to provide for her family and maintain her home. But it was a reality, even in the days of Christ, when it was even harder for a woman to step up to these responsibilities… Erin McCole Cupp weaves a remarkable tale of heroic love that puts a new light on how Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a role-model for women of all ages… not just the mother who toils at home to raise her children, but also the mother who must leave her home to toil in order to provide for her children and her husband. ‘Working Mother’ is a shot of strength and encouragement to many women who take on a responsibility thrust upon them by changing life’s circumstances and fulfill it wholeheartedly. It’s another beautiful example of how Our Blessed Mother does understand us, no matter where we are, and can help us shoulder the burden.” Amy M. Bennett, author of The Black Horse Campground Mysteries

“The Holy Family’s time of exile in Egypt is left to the imaginations of the faithful. Author Erin McCole-Cupp explores the possibility that the Blessed Mother supported her family. This novella is a well-researched depiction of family life at the time of Christ’s birth.”  Barb Szyszkiewicz, franciscanmom.com

“Erin McCole Cupp gives the term “working mother” an unexpected twist in this thought-provoking story. Imagine a different time, a different place, and a familiar figure thrust into a role never imagined. Then stir in sacrificial giving with no guarantees and without a roadmap…” —Leslie Lynch, author of The Appalachian Foothills novels

“Imagine the Holy Family’s journey to Egypt from an inside perspective.  How might Mary have been called upon to be faithful in the details of supporting her family?  How might Joseph have grown in his relationship with God as his son?  Enjoy a refreshing perspective of an ancient journey through vivid details, drawing us closer to God.”  A. K. Frailey, author of The Deliverance Trilogy

“Working Mother” is free through Monday 9/28/15!