The Strength of Single Mothers Shines Through History

IRE THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHERS SINGLE MOTHER THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHERS SINGLE MOTHER: Best known for her role as 'Maggie O'Connell' in the CBS series, "Northern Exposure", actress Janine Turner now considers her role as mother to daughter, Juliette, as her most-important work. Her new book, Holding Her Head High, explores the historical significance of single mothers throughout history. (PRNewsFoto/Thomas Nelson Publishers) NASHVILLE, TN UNITED STATES 03/03/2008




4 Mar 2008 11:06 Africa/Lagos


The Strength of Single Mothers Shines Through History

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- There is no job more satisfying, demanding, and redeeming than that of mother. Life presents all types of mothers who may differ by circumstance, but ultimately share a collective goal: to provide the best life possible for their children.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080304/NYFNSR01)


History is peppered with stories of women who have persevered for the sake of their families, not for fanfare. What many do not know is that every day remarkable women take on the challenges of life alone -- raising their children and making history -- as single mothers.


"If you are a single mother, you're not alone," says author Janine Turner. "History provides the warmth and comfort of women who have done it successfully before you."


Turner is perhaps best known as an accomplished actress who has starred in hit television series, such as "Northern Exposure" and "Strong Medicine," as well as box-office and television movies.


Turner is also a director, singer, and now an author. Her book Holding Her Head High: 12 Single Mothers Who Championed Their Children and Changed History (Thomas Nelson Publishers), chronicles the lives of 12 women in history and brings to light how they advocated for their children to make a difference.


Take, for example, Abigail Adams, whose husband John became the second U.S. president. She helped change the course of history by helping to birth democracy with her valiant wartime single motherhood during the American Revolution. Adams had to clothe, feed, educate and nurture her children as she managed the family farm and her husband's business.


Adams endured bitter winters and wartime fears and famine. Her devotion helped shape the character of her son -- John Quincy -- who would go on to further the family's political legacy by becoming the sixth U.S. president.


Turner, herself a single mother, pored through thousands of historical documents to bring alive the stories of women she says not only provided strength and inspiration, but changed the course of history as well.


Stories span generations and pinpoint women from the Roman Empire, such as Christian pioneer and saint Helena Augusta, to medieval times when Christine de Pizan became the first female professional writer. She may have been the antecedent, of sorts, for Elizabeth Timothy, the first female editor in colonial America.


"These women turned tribulations into triumphs, championed their children and changed history," offers Turner. "I find their voices to be amazingly modern, no matter the era."


Find Holding Her Head High: 12 Single Mothers Who Championed Their Children and Changed History at your local bookseller or by visiting www.thomasnelson.com.


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080304/NYFNSR01
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Thomas Nelson Publishers

CONTACT: Beth Hood of Thomas Nelson Publishers, +1-615-902-2742,
BHood@ThomasNelson.com


Web site: http://www.thomasnelson.com/