Mum's words of wisdom
With Mother’s Day this weekend, we asked some of our favourite authors at Mills & Boon to share words of wisdom from their own mums that have really stood up to the test of time.
“At a critical time in my life, mum told me “Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps." Historical author, Lynna Banning
“As my mum neared the end of her life, she told me she only liked to read books that were guaranteed to have a happy ending - which is why I write Harlequin romances which always have a happy ending. She also said, Life is too short to waste time ironing!" Modern author, Chantelle Shaw
"Be glad you’re not Tolstoy’s wife! My mother would dole out this advice if I moaned about homework (or really complained about anything). Now, as I read my editor’s notes and attempt to string words together, I am reminded of those words. Tolstoy’s wife, Sophie, copied and edited War and Peace seven times, working by candlelight after the children were in bed. So even if a deadline looms and my to-do list resembles a novella, I am, indeed, thankful, so very thankful, I am not Tolstoy’s wife. " Historical author, Eleanor Webster
"My mum would always say 'Life is for the living, all hikers are liars, and you never know when you are going to come across a heart-shaped lake.' We discovered the lake in the photo on a backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Silver Pass, at 11,000 feet." Historical author, Greta Gilbert
"Today is a gift. You will never get it back if you waste it. I never realised the wisdom in those words until I was older and time poor!" Modern author, Melanie Milburne
"The best piece of advice that my mother has ever given me is that it is OK to feel afraid of the unknown, but it's not ok to let your fears stand in the way of you doing what you've got to do. You might just go and do something amazing." Modern author, Amanda Cinelli
Sometimes, though, deeds count more than words. Fortunately…
"My mum was a Lancashire lass and wasn't always known for her tact. She used to tell me I was looking pale 'even for a vegetarian' and on hearing that we were calling our second daughter Betsy, 'well at least she's pretty.' She caused great embarrassment when I was a teenager by asking my boyfriend why he had chosen to have an earring 'especially with your ears.' I could go on but I won't! Because beneath all that Mum was the warmest hearted, most generous, hilariously funny mother that anyone could ever wish for." Modern author, Andie Brock
Share your own words of wisdom on the Mills & Boon Facebook page or on Twitter using the hashtag #MumWisdom for the chance to win some fantastic books.
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Treat yourself on Mother's Day
Check out our Discount Partners for Mother's Day deals
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