“A deeply valuable reflection on motherhood.” ―Rowan Williams
In this part-memoir, part social and theological commentary,Chine McDonald deconstructs the myth of perfect motherhood and shines a light on the darker side of parenting. From birth trauma to post-natal depression, from infertility to the mental load, the motherhood penalty and pressures on women to be it all and have it all, this book aims to liberate motherhood from the chains in which it has been placed, reconstructing a more authentic, grace-filled way forward for the most important job in the world.
God is Not a White Man author Chine McDonald lifts the lid on the reality of becoming a mum in the 21st Century, exploring how motherhood has been shaped by historical, theological and social understandings of what it is to be a woman and a mother.
For two thousand years, the Virgin Mary has been depicted throughout art, literature and culture as symbolising the perfect mother: chaste, beautiful, meek, mild and white. These supposed virtues and symbols have penetrated not just Christianity but wider popular culture; and contributed to harmful views about motherhood and what it is to be a woman.
Chine McDonald says: “This book will require me to delve deep into the dark heart of motherhood, critiquing the shiny, saccharine and chaste ideals that leave no room for imperfections. It will not be easy, but I hope and pray through telling the truth about motherhood and what it is to be a woman – warts and all – we’ll uncover the beauty that exists in unexpected places. I’m honoured to have been trusted with so many women’s stories as part of this project, and I hope that it might free us all from the shame, chains and judgment that society – and the Church – place on all of us, including those entrusted with the most important job in the world.”
Unmaking Mary includes a foreword written by Beth Allison Barr, author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood.
“Astute, smart, witty and brave. A radical, deeply thoughtful and essential intervention”
―Lucy Jones, author of Matrescence
Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood
Chine McDonald | Hodder Faith | 8 July 2025 Hardcover | $22.99 | 272 pp | ISBN: 9781399814638
Chine McDonald read Theology at Cambridge University before training as a newspaper journalist. She is director of religion and society think tank Theos, and is a regular contributor to BBC Religion & Ethics programmes, including Thought for the Day, the Daily Service, and Prayer for the Day. Chine is also the author of Am I Beautiful? and God Is Not a White Man.
For marketing & press enquiries please contact:
Kaitlyn Shokes – kaitlyn.shokes@johnmurraypress.co.uk
NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 1, 2025 — Minno, the #1 source of Christian content for kids, announces it will launch American Sign Language (ASL) versions of its flagship series, “Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids,” on August 8, 2025, taking groundbreaking steps in its mission to help kids experience Jesus every day, in every way. The children’s streaming platform developed the ASL programming in partnership with Bridge Multimedia, which has previously worked with PBS Kids and Google.
(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado)—With the planned fall retirement of Founder Sharon Mumper, the comprehensive online training program and resource-rich website of Magazine Training International (MTI) have been assumed by the Evangelical Press Association (EPA).
Through an asset transfer agreement, EPA has become owner of the
Whitaker House is excited to announce their acquisition of Million Praying Moms (MPM), a ministry providing long-time encouragement and support for mothers. A community built from scratch by founder and author Brooke McGlothlin, the site offers an array of resources, such as their popular podcast, books, ebooks, and courses on prayer. Whitaker Corporation, which has been creating and distributing Christian resources for over fifty years, has already been partnering with MPM on their successful line of Everyday Prayers books.
Through this partnership, Whitaker House seeks to continue fulfilling the ministry’s mission and offering valuable new resources for mothers across the globe. Publisher Christine Whitaker states, “Whitaker House deeply respects and admires the heart behind Million Praying Moms to give parents tools and to not just pray but to create a community of prayer. It is in that community that we find we are not alone in the weight of caring for another human in all its glories and hardships. We have partnered with Million Praying Moms in order to keep the heartbeat of this community beating strong.”
July 2025 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is excited to announce that Preaching in a New Key has been selected as one of the ten finalists for the annual
BRENTWOOD, Tenn.—Revive Our Hearts and Holman Bible Publishers have partnered to create a new Christian Standard Bible (CSB) notetaking edition to encourage women to incorporate journaling in their study of God’s Word.
Before you were born, the Most High God not only knew you but He chose you. He handpicked you and put a calling on your life. He’s already equipped you and empowered you to accomplish your purpose. He stamped His approval on you and destined you to leave your mark. He says you are His most prized possession.Don’t let fear, insecurity, guilt, or regrets keep you from your greatness. Right now, God’s face is shining on you. There is a distinction of favor on your life that causes you to stand out, that gives you an advantage, that opens doors of opportunity and causes you to prosper even in a downtime. What God has in your future is greater than you’ve ever dreamed.
CHARLOTTE, NC –
[COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — July 7, 2025] WaterBrook celebrates with Joanna Weaver the 25th anniversary of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, her beloved and bestselling book that has sold more than 1.6 million copies, been translated into 10 languages, including Spanish, and ministered to the hearts of women around the globe. Originally released in July 2000, this powerful and grace-filled message has continued to resonate with readers who long to balance the demands of daily life with a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 24, 2025) – Tommy Nelson, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, announced today a new licensing agreement with WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, to bring beloved Strawberry Shortcake and her “Berry Besties” to life for a new generation, beginning with two upcoming board books: You Are Berry Special (ISBN: 9781400254521), and Strawberry’s Sweet Surprise: A Scratch-and-Sniff Book (ISBN: 978-=1400254552), both releasing November 4, 2025 in the U.S. and Canada. The agreement was brokered by WildBrain’s dedicated licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG.




