4.65

4

Mar 03, 2011

This was a hard book to read, and I cried through much of it. Some of the descriptions of what it feels like to long for a child were incredibly "close to home" - while it was wonderful to find that other people have similar feelings too, it wasn't an easy book to read. Overall, I found it helpful, particularly the chapter on bitterness of soul and the emphasis on God's sovereignty. The concluding chapter which discussed ways of "mothering" that don't include childbearing or adoption was also This was a hard book to read, and I cried through much of it. Some of the descriptions of what it feels like to long for a child were incredibly "close to home" - while it was wonderful to find that other people have similar feelings too, it wasn't an easy book to read. Overall, I found it helpful, particularly the chapter on bitterness of soul and the emphasis on God's sovereignty. The concluding chapter which discussed ways of "mothering" that don't include childbearing or adoption was also helpful. I expect I shall come back to this book and re-read some of it again. ...more

5

Dec 16, 2012

This was a wonderful book filled with exactly the encouragement I needed. I've been feeling so down, depressed, and discouraged by the long road of trying to conceive. Reading this book gave me hope. It gave me strength. And it gave me peace in the assurance that trusting God and His faithfulness is the best way to go.

5

Jan 22, 2012

This book is very uplifting, yet realistic. I would recommend it for anyone dealing with the struggles of miscarriage, infertility, or adoption loss. The "burden bearers" sections at the end of each chapter are helpful and accurate, and I only wish I had the guts to share them with those I know who don't understand my grief. Scripture was tied in often, which I loved. I am so happy I came across this book.

5

Jan 11, 2009

An excellent devotional for a difficult time. It is rare to find someone who can write with humility and maturity on this subject. I am grateful to have had this resource to help me through the trials of pregnancy loss and waiting on G-d's perfect timing.

5

Dec 01, 2019

This book was incredibly helpful to my wife and I in processing and grieving both infertility and adoption loss.

In each chapter, Jennifer first describes the emotions, feelings, and heartache of a specific angle of this journey. This enabled me to put words to how I was feeling and be able to release emotions that I normally try to hold inside and shed tears.

The end of each chapter then turns to God's word and truth about the issues. The answers often aren't always easy: suffering and waiting This book was incredibly helpful to my wife and I in processing and grieving both infertility and adoption loss.

In each chapter, Jennifer first describes the emotions, feelings, and heartache of a specific angle of this journey. This enabled me to put words to how I was feeling and be able to release emotions that I normally try to hold inside and shed tears.

The end of each chapter then turns to God's word and truth about the issues. The answers often aren't always easy: suffering and waiting are painful tools that God purposely wields to draws us nearer to Him. Also, God makes no guarantees that we will get exactly what we ask for in the way we ask for it. But he is trustworthy, loving, and good.

Jennifer also touches on miscarriage, stillbirth, early childhood death, as well as similar losses from death of children during the adoption process (pre- and post-birth), and the pain of foster-to-adopt children leaving the families caring for them.

An unexpected side effect of this book was that it opened our eyes to how we have been ignorant and insensitive and uncaring to our friends who have walked through miscarriage, stillbirth, as well as chronic health issues. Our hope is that the new perspective we've gained from this book can help us better love and care for our friends as they walk through these painful trials.

My one caveat in this book was a very brief section about Anna (from the Gospel of Luke, who came up to Jesus in the Temple after Simeon) which we felt would have been better if the author was explicit that it was what "she imagined" happened, instead presented matter-of-factly.
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2

Dec 23, 2011

Maybe I haven't been 'trying' for long-enough to really relate. I found certain sections of the book helpful to be helpful and liked the section on ministering peace into a community. I do think minister's could find some tips in there for their communities around being more inclusive in family days to people that are single or going through fertility, empty nest or loss of a child, etc. I guess the part I didn't enjoy were more around my belief that if you keep seeing the rock inthe road you're Maybe I haven't been 'trying' for long-enough to really relate. I found certain sections of the book helpful to be helpful and liked the section on ministering peace into a community. I do think minister's could find some tips in there for their communities around being more inclusive in family days to people that are single or going through fertility, empty nest or loss of a child, etc. I guess the part I didn't enjoy were more around my belief that if you keep seeing the rock inthe road you're going to hit it so been working on not seeing the rock and trusting that, that is where the Lord needs me right now and will help me find comfort should my plan never transpire. Then again His plan is normally far greater then mine so what so I have to worry about! To those that have been trying for a while - this isn't an easy book to read but sure you'll find comfort in the sections you need. I think that the author should be a little more open to books that are no chirstian based. I believe that God works through all people not only Christians which means none christain books also have value. ...more

5

Apr 07, 2008

I am loving this book because of it's honesty, bluntness, and encouragement. The author has been through my struggles and so much more, and really owns the right to tell me how it is and how I need to be in response to what is going on.

5

This was the most awesome book I've ever read on infertility. It covered every emotion, every heartache, and every trial I've ever been through on my own journey through infertility. It also helpedFull Review

5

Awesome and insightful. I'm recommending it to everyone who asks a question about infertility.Full Review

5

Jun 13, 2018

This is a sensitive, frank, and very informative book about one couple's experience with infertility. From a Christian perspective, the author vulnerably shares their own experience (both hers an her husband's), provides great resources for infertile couples as well as those who support them, and gives guidelines they adopted as they navigated the ethics of infertility. Inspired by the story of Hannah in the Old Testament, Saake tells her own story through the many stages between despair and This is a sensitive, frank, and very informative book about one couple's experience with infertility. From a Christian perspective, the author vulnerably shares their own experience (both hers an her husband's), provides great resources for infertile couples as well as those who support them, and gives guidelines they adopted as they navigated the ethics of infertility. Inspired by the story of Hannah in the Old Testament, Saake tells her own story through the many stages between despair and acceptance to peace. ...more

3

Jun 07, 2019

This book has many gems. It gave a lot of insight of how to stand alongside those in the church who may struggle with infertility (As I feel this book mostly addresses infertility). However, I am not quite sure that the avoidance of triggers over a long period of time is the best way to deal difficult situations. Additionally, I found some sections of book a little repetitive and I am also little wary of crafting biblical texts to fit our circumstances.

5

Jan 19, 2018

I really appreciate this book. It was a comfort to me even though at first I didn't want to read it. I highly recommend this if you personally or if you have a loved one grieving through infertility, miscarriage, secondary infertility or adoption loss.

4

May 25, 2017

Was really religion based. Some parts resonated with me others did not. But was worth reading.

3

Mar 23, 2012

Overall, this book has a lot of great insight and information for infertile women or women who have experienced pregnancy loss. However, I do feel that the author made the ability of the women in the midst of this pain to seek and trust in God seem a lot simpler than it is. Maybe that is because she has children now and does not remember the deep pain felt while still in the trenches fightng infertility. I also didn't like some of the personal opinions that the author expressed regarding Overall, this book has a lot of great insight and information for infertile women or women who have experienced pregnancy loss. However, I do feel that the author made the ability of the women in the midst of this pain to seek and trust in God seem a lot simpler than it is. Maybe that is because she has children now and does not remember the deep pain felt while still in the trenches fightng infertility. I also didn't like some of the personal opinions that the author expressed regarding assisted reproductive technologies.

I will say this, her final chapters that were for women who go on to have children and for women who are never able to have children were wonderful. She gave great advice for what emotions to expect and how to deal with them once you do become pregnant or adopt after infertility. In her final chapter she defines what it means to be a 'mother' much broader than the world does, and her definition is beautiful. ...more

4

Sep 14, 2010

This book has been an excellent help to me in working through the grief that is the IF journey. I felt the author didn't try to sugar coat things or give the reader the cheesey "it can happen to you" pat on the back. I related with so much of what she shared. In addition the part for burden bearers (family and friends supporting others through IF) had tons of helpful and practical suggestions on how to walk alongside those struggling through IF. If you struggle with IF I would encourage you to This book has been an excellent help to me in working through the grief that is the IF journey. I felt the author didn't try to sugar coat things or give the reader the cheesey "it can happen to you" pat on the back. I related with so much of what she shared. In addition the part for burden bearers (family and friends supporting others through IF) had tons of helpful and practical suggestions on how to walk alongside those struggling through IF. If you struggle with IF I would encourage you to check out the HP site and forums. The support I've found there has been incredible. ...more

2

Aug 13, 2008

I'll be putting this on my shelves for someone else. After about 3 or 4 chapters, I just don't want to read anymore. Yes, there is a lot of hope offered for someone going through this experience, and that may have been what I wanted once upon a time when I started reading. At this point I would rather read a book dealing with true infertility and coming to grips with your family being just the two of you.

5

Jan 08, 2009

This book is exactly what I had been needing. I was a therapy of sorts on those days when I felt like I just needed someone to understand how I was feeling. The author is sensitive and straight forward at the same time.

1

Apr 27, 2016

If you're going through infertility and want to read a book that might have been written for the audience of a toddler, this is for you!

They take 1 bible story, and create 'what Hannah must have been feeling' through everything. SNOOZE.

4

Jul 06, 2009

This book was wonderful. I was so happy with the scripture references and advice to those who are supporting people with IF. It was candid and honest, and I will continue to pick this book up and read it.

4

Jul 20, 2016

This book is a great resource and comfort for anyone going through infertility, and/or loss. It is also GREAT for anyone supporting someone in the midst of this pain (i.e. friend, spouse, pastor). The "Burden Bearers" at the end of each chapter were my favorite. So honest. So helpful.

5

Jul 08, 2016

This is a phenomenal book and I'm so glad I found it. I just kept wanting to write down so many of the quotes. The author is very relatable and this book makes you feel like you're not alone. It has good, Biblical advice.

5

Mar 22, 2014

Encouraging

I really needed to read these words. This book has comforted my heart while I continue to wait for God's perfect timing.

5

Jan 31, 2013

This book does a wonderful job of explaining how infertility makes people feel. Hannah's story is something that we can all, as infertiles, relate to.

5

Sep 02, 2012

This book is essential if you are struggling with infertility. I found so much comfort and encouragement through Hannah's story.

5

May 22, 2013

This helped me more then any other source get through infertility and my periods of doubt in my faith.