Motherhood is not for the faint of heart or the fond of sleeping. It’s unfiltered madness that’s simultaneously enlightening, exhausting, and affirming. The first five years, especially, are an emotional upheaval complete with stretch marks, and for mother of three Dionne Joyner-Weems, no parenting book in the world could have prepared her for the reality of raising three sons.

In That Part!: What Some Know but Won’t Tell You About Motherhood, Joyner-Weems opens her diary and invites listeners to share in some of the more vulnerable, challenging, and eye-opening moments of her motherhood experience. She reveals in writing that’s honest, humorous, and deeply relatable how becoming a mother can be an opportunity to embrace the blessings in the lessons and to accept all the messy, meaningful lived experiences that come with being a parent.

“Dionne's story is a prime example of walking by faith, not by sight and trusting God and His promises. She didn't know if she could do it, but it was already done. She just needed to walk in her destiny. 1 Peter 5: 7. Amen.”—Patricia Joyner, Dionne's mother

“When Dionne was pregnant, she asked me, ‘What am I going to do?!’ I told her to do what was in front of her, and her children would let her know what they needed. It’s been twelve years since then, and the advice is still working.”—Levon Joyner Sr., Dionne's father

“My wife is a brilliant storyteller and a great mommy. Yeah, I called her GREAT, damn it, and after exploring these pages, I can promise that you will do at least three things: laugh, cry, and buy three more copies for loved ones. ’Cause that’s what the Lord wants for your journey, and who are you to question the Lord?”—Jason Weems, Dionne’s husband