"You're not their real mom.""You knew what you were signing up for.""You're not a mother, you wouldn't understand.""You can never love your stepchild as your own."Do any of these comments sound familiar? If you're a stepmom, the answer is likely, YES.The role of a stepmom is full of uncertainty. Creating a functional blended family is a complicated dance of weaving broken bits together with newer, awkward pieces, using a dexterity that can only be learned over time.Whether you're a new stepmom, about to become a stepmom, a seasoned stepmom, or a stepmom struggling deep in the trenches as you read this, I have created a companion guide book that will find a place at your table, no matter what your blended family dynamic is.The hard truth is that little girls don't daydream about becoming someone's stepmom when they grow up. Another hard truth is that it's not easy finding other stepmoms to relate to.I began writing about my stepmom experience when I couldn't find stepparenting resources that spoke to me. I wanted to become a voice for other women who also found themselves in this role they surely never dreamed of as little girls.My stepmom role has taken me through many varying seasons. I have been a full-time stepmom, a part-time stepmom, and all the weird spaces in between. I have been a childless stepmom who later faced the challenge of bringing an "ours baby" into the family mix. I write about the loneliness, anger, and resentment this role has brought me and the unexpected lessons in love and self-care that have emerged from navigating it.I'm not going to sugarcoat the negative experiences I've had as a stepmom but I'm also not going to leave you alone in the darkness. This book is meant to comfort you during your lows, and guide you through your highs.Note: If you're a stepmom who doesn't care for the label of "stepmom" and would rather be called a "bonus mom" or some other variation, I get it. In this book, I will explore the concept of labels and what they represent to us as women in a mothering role as well as what they mean to the people around us.Keep this companion guide book in your arsenal for your stepmom journey. Revisit it whenever you need to. Skip to the sections that make you feel heard, seen, and validated. You got this.