They Bloom Because of You

One of Zibby Owens’ Most Anticipated Reads for March 2026

“At once uplifting and unvarnished, vulnerable and triumphant, They Bloom Because of You is a metaphor for the complex poetry of motherhood itself—an ode to the chaos and beauty, the failures and triumphs, the messiness and sleepless nights, frustrations and endless joys that make up not only the experience of raising a child, but of the ways in which our children raise us.” —Miranda Cowley Heller, New York Times bestselling author of The Paper Palace

“This isn’t one of those esoteric, inaccessible poetry collections. No, Jessica Urlichs’s new collection is a contemporary ode to motherhood, filled with relatable snippets that explain love that’s so big, it’s impossible to encapsulate. One poem was so relevant that I read it out loud to my son the night after I interviewed Jessica on my podcast. Tackling topics like loss, love, and chaos, this humorous slim read is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The perfect quick read in between mom-life moments.” —Katie Couric Media

“The first time I read something Jessica wrote, it lifted the postpartum fog I was in. And I was deeply grateful to have someone put into words what I was feeling but couldn’t express. This book is not just something you read once. It’s a companion that allows us to be all we are as mothers and women with no judgement and instead love. It’s a book to keep close and come back to over and over again like you would a best friend. “ —Jennifer Love Hewitt

“I often say you can’t put motherhood into words, it can’t be defined by any number of adjectives or emotions, it’s a feeling you can only understand through living it. Jessica is the closest I’ve felt to putting that feeling into words. A raw and honest read that makes you feel seen and understood in a way that will bring you to tears, both from the deepest place of joy and also the release of pent-up emotion. Reminding us that there is no singular path through motherhood, but that we are in fact, in this together.” —Hilary Swank

“Jessica’s writing is deeply captivating, honest, and evokes every emotion. She captures the experience of motherhood with such clarity that it resonates not only with those living it, but also with those who haven’t yet stepped into the role. Her words invite you into the full spectrum of joy, awe, exhaustion, and love—all while offering a profound reminder of the love our own mothers gave us when we were small. Though I’m not yet a mother myself, reading Jessica’s work fills me with a sense of wonder and excitement for all the love that lies ahead.” —Josie Balka, New York Times bestselling author of I Hope You Remember: Poems on Loving, Longing, and Living

“Jessica’s words are a gift for mothers everywhere. Soft, soulful and soothing, they remind us that even the most mundane moments are sacred.” —Nicola Jane Hobbs, author of The Relaxed Woman: Reclaim Rest and Live an Empowered, Joy-Filled Life

“Jessica Urlichs offers a hopeful reminder that motherhood is not a destination but an unfolding of the self. Reading her poetry nourishes the soul, allowing mothers to feel seen in the emotional complexity of motherhood and in witnessing our children—and ourselves—bloom.” —Bryana Kappadakunnel, author of Parent Yourself First

“Jess Urlichs manages to take the little bits of motherhood that very few acknowledge and serve them up in beautiful poetry. Observations that feel like a peek behind a curtain into the realities of motherhood in all its forms and demands. Real, uplifting, reflective and (sometimes) sad – this is a book to treasure. I adore Jess and her work.” —Giovanna Fletcher, author of Happy Mum, Happy Baby: My Adventures in Motherhood

“Jessica Urlichs has become the voice mothers turn to. Her poems are moving, real, and a reminder that we are never alone in this journey. They Bloom Because Of You is a gift to every mother.” —Rose Brik, author of My Father’s Eyes, My Mother’s Rage

“Jess’s poems always seem to find me right where I need them, like a very good mum friend who just knows all the right words to say. I just love everything she writes and I think ‘They Bloom Because of You’ is the perfect follow on from ‘Beautiful Chaos’ as my own kids get older I’m sure Jess’s words will continue to provide a soundtrack to their childhood.” —Kerri Cunningham, founder of Murphy’s Sketches and author of There Is a Season: Poems to Celebrate the Little Things in Life

“The poetic comfort and deep understanding every mother needs. Jess shines a gentle light on those dark 3 a.m. feeds and captures the overwhelming joy and ache of parenthood with rare honesty. I wish I’d had her words when I was deep in the trenches of that sheer love-and-terror season of early parenting. Beautiful words every mother needs. This book is a balm for the weary. Jess’s words land like love.” —Donna Ashworth, #1 Sunday Times (UK) bestselling author of Wild Hope: Healing Words to Find Light on Dark Days

“They Bloom Because of You is a tender and earnest ode to motherhood. Jessica Urlichs has a gift for distilling the intricate experiences of motherhood into something both tangible and deeply relatable. This is a book that will meet you exactly where you’re at and remind you that the love you pour out is always growing something beautiful.” —Elise Powers, author of The Size of Your Joy