Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage, and Adoption Loss

Since we began this new leg in our journey, I've been reading everything infertility related that I can get my hands on. The first full length book I've read dedicated exclusively to this subject is Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart In The Midst Of Infertility. Hannah's Hope is written by Jennifer Saake, previously mentioned on this blog and mother to two living children. She and her husband have walked the road of infertility for 15 years and they have had their hearts broken by several miscarriages and even more failed adoptions. The book is appropriate for women at any stage of infertility, though she writes mostly for a general audience and less for specific problems within infertility. The structure of each chapter of Ms. Saake's book is a passage (usually a single verse) of scripture, a historical fiction retelling of Hannah's story (the mother of Samuel), Ms. Saake's writings on the subject of the chapter, probing questions on the subject at hand, a list of scriptures for meditation, and a passage (never more than a page) written to the loved ones of people struggling with infertility, designed to give the loved ones special insights and ways to support their friend or family member. One thing I appreciate about Ms. Saake's book is her conversational tone. The book is a very easy read, and Ms. Saake's pen flows as easily and comfortably as I imagine her tongue would if she were sitting with you having a cup of coffee. Throughout the reading, I felt as if I were sitting across the table from a friend as she shared some of her innermost thoughts. This put me at ease to explore my own thoughts, agreeing with her in most cases, disagreeing with her in others, and overall deepening my intentional thoughts on our own journey. The historical fiction retelling of Hannah's story from I Samuel 1 is designed to explore the thoughts Hannah (and occasionally some of the other main characters) may have had as she grieved her way through her own infertility journey. Through the process, the reader develops a kinship with the biblical heroine, taking comfort in the fact that though she lived thousands of years ago, her struggle was largely the same as that of a woman today and is not unknown to the heart of God. As Ms. Saake divulges her own history and feelings, the reader is taken on a journey through exploring anger, jealousy, fear, bitterness, grief, disappointment, stress, hope, and intimacy with the Almighty. She tackles issues from fear, to bioethics, to the strength of the marital relationship, and most importantly, the infertile couple's walk with God. She is sensitive and gentle while still bold with her convictions. There is no false piety at all in Ms. Saake. Everything is brutally honest yet still respectful of the sovereignty of God. On more than one occasion, I felt like I was reading my own thoughts simply penned by Ms. Saake's hand. There was comfort and validation in "aha! someone else has felt this way too!" Ms. Saake does not d

My husband and I endured a period of failed fertility treatments before we decided to adopt internationally (Kazakhstan). After loving and losing two baby boys we bonded with our third baby boy and our adoption was granted in court! It was joyous! But we were blindsided when the birthmother appealed the adoption on the last day of the fifteen day waiting/appeal period. We are still fighting this out in court. This book was just what I need while enduring this fight. I struggle to remain faithful in God's plan. There are so many questions unanswered - "Why is God allowing this to happen to us???" Saake's book is the only one I have found that addresses the questions so many of us struggling to grow our families have regarding our faith. This book does not just address fertility, but miscarriage and adoption struggles as well. I HIGHLY recommend this book! It is also ideal for family and friends of those struggling with fertility or loss of a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or failed adoption. Every chapter has a section titled "Burden Bearer" designed just for those people looking in from the outside and wanting to support their friends and loved ones without putting their foot in their mouth! You will not regret buying this book! Thank you Jennifer Saake for writing this book for all of us walking this "road less traveled." [...]

I can't say enough good about Hannah's Hope. After 6 long years of infertility, I was depressed and disillusioned. Then a friend sent me this book, and I literally devoured it. I found such comfort in knowing that I was not alone. I found a sense of community. And I was finally able to identify and work through my feelings of grief. Through this process, I started healing. It was a real turning point in my journey. Jennifer really does a good job at exposing popular but damaging myths. She challenges the thinking and points out how friends, family members, and churches can help allievate the deep heartache that comes with infertility. I hope you will read this book!!

This is a must read for anyone dealing with infertility or loss or anyone who loves them. As an infertile adoptive mom myself, I found Mrs. Saake's words to be a healing balm on some deep emotional and spiritual scars. It is perfect for those of us at any stage in the journey through fertility challenges and those parenting after fertility challenges. "Hannah's Hope" deals thoroughly yet compassionately with even the most difficult "whys" without ever being preachy. It is equally appropriate for those who have never opened a Bible and for those who have walked in the faith for years. Reading Mrs. Saake's words felt like someone putting my own heart onto paper. I felt as if I were sitting across my kitchen table sharing the journey with a dear friend who knows what it's like. I've already loaned my copy to a friend and plan to purchase another one for my pastor.

Hannah's Hope is, by far, the best book I have read on infertility and loss. Jennifer openly shares her personal struggles with trying to conceive, becoming a mother through adoption, and carrying a baby to live birth. Her faith is tested as it seems everyone around her obtains the honor of motherhood effortlessly. Each chapter ends with a section called, "Burden Bearers", in which Jennifer provides immeasurable guidance on how our family, church family, and friends can best minister to us as we seek God for His perfect, ultimate and individual plan for our lives.