When dreams and reality clash. Piper Goodson is looking forward to all the firsts of being a mother. The first cry, the first glance, the first time holding the tiny life created by her and Evan’s love. But after an emergency c-section, sick from fear, and haunted by images of the past, Piper is barely aware that she's given birth. As she holds her daughter, a bone-numbing anxiety surfaces. Who is this tiny person, and where's the nurturing Piper had thought would come so naturally?
The brat is getting exactly what she deserves. Madison Stanley is twelve years older than her sister and resents the interloper who stole her father’s time and attention. Even Piper’s willingness, two years before, to be a surrogate mother was suspect. But desperate for a child, Madison had agreed. That arrangement ended in the heartbreak of a still born baby girl. Madison blames Piper. Her baby would be alive if Piper had taken better care of herself. Now she looks on in secret delight as Piper confronts her own struggles.
A wolf in sheep’s clothing. As a mental health professional, Madison recognizes all of the symptoms of Piper’s postpartum anxiety, and she knows how to cash in on it. If she has her way, Piper will understand what it means to lose a child.
Emotional Journey Family Parenting Motherhood Friendships
Small-town Oklahoma and the friendships they produce are embedded in Sharon Srock’s heart. After spending her first fifteen years on the move, living in fourteen homes and attending thirteen schools, she landed in a tiny central Oklahoma community and made it her own. As someone who’s been blessed to be a part of the same hometown church for more than five decades, Sharon writes stories of hope built from her own unique perspective—stories that demonstrate a sisterhood formed not by blood but by heart, where ordinary women are able to do extraordinary things thanks to the friends who surround them and the faith that pulls them through. Sharon still lives in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, with her husband and three very large dogs. When she isn’t writing, she loves to read, cook, and travel. One of these days, she’s going to figure out how to do all three at the same time.
All the feels in Piper and Evan’s story! Sharon Srock has done it again, penning real life situations showing us that we are not alone and through the deepest struggles we face God is always with us. A story of hope and healing, the depths of the characters and the story pulls at heartstrings like no other. A reminder to lean on family and friends for support even in the darkest hours. A story so well penned, a story that will have you shedding tears but with such a peace of Gods unconditional love for every single one of us. I was given a copy of this story in advance but not required to leave a review. These thoughts are my own.
I love going back to Garfield, OK and visiting with all my friends. It’s always encouraging to see how these ladies support one another.
Piper was a surrogate mother for her sister. Tough times followed. Now Piper is pregnant with her own child. What could possibly go wrong? Everything!!! Sibling rivalry, postpartum issues, denial of emotions….
Emotions run high in this book (the character’s and mine). As always with Ms. Srock’s books, have your tissues ready.
Piper, Crafted with Love Book 6 was another great read by Sharon Srock. I always wonder when I read these books what new adventure Sharon can take me on with the community of Valley View and she never disappoints! This book focused on postpartum depression, a topic definitely not talked about enough. It was presented in such a way that gave great understanding to this challenge too many women face but not enough women talk about. I loved how Sharon Srock told the story from both the husband and wife’s perspective as we need to remember there are fathers and mothers both affected, not just the mother. I was able to use the advice given to the character in the story with someone I dearly love who was going through their own health crisis. Who says one can’t learn from fiction? I highly recommend reading all of Srock’s books, in order, and you will also fall in love with the Women of Valley View and their families.
Sharon does it again in this book. Sharon shares the story of Piper. Piper is a well established capable principal at a school. Her husband, Evan, and her decide to have a baby. They are so excited to bring this bundle of joy into their home. Piper goes into labor before the baby is due so she is not quite ready for the baby. It is very overwhelming to her and she just can't seem to bond with the baby. Her sister Madison "tries" to help out, but she is not in it for the right reasons. She causes more heartache to Piper than Piper knows until....I don't want to reveal what happens. Evan is Piper's husband and he is there every step of the way as she deals with this postpartum depression. He doesn't understand what is happening with his wife and he is totally confused by it until they get help and he finds out what she is dealing with. He has added stress as he tries to prepare to open up a restaurant. I really enjoyed this book. I was given this book for my honest review and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
I’ve seen readers rave about Sharon Srock’s books for a while, and I picked one up for the first time. And, wow, I’m blown away.
Piper had me right on the edge of my seat from the first page.
Piper Goodson is looking forward to being a mother. But when her daughter arrives early and after a traumatic birth, nothing is the way she expected. She’s gripped by anxiety and depression, and guilt that she’s not feeling the joy and natural mothering instincts everyone seems to expect.
Meanwhile, jealousy is eating Piper’s sister Madison alive. Still grieving from the loss of her own baby, Madison is furious that, yet again, Piper has everything Madison ever wanted. And she’s also feeling schadenfreude that Piper is floundering.
It’s not an easy read. Piper deals with tough issues that I don’t see handled often enough from a Christian worldview: postpartum anxiety, sibling jealousy, loss of an infant, and mental health crisis.
But Sharon handles it all with sensitivity and skill. And there is a strong thread of faith and hope running through the story.
Piper is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I heartily recommend it.
It’s Book 6 in a series, but don’t let that put you off if you haven’t read the other ones. I could easily understand what was going on, and will seek out the other ones so I can read about Piper’s lovely group of friends.
Piper Goodson has looked forward to being a mother since they day the stick showed pink. However, when her dream and reality crash, Piper feels like a failure. Her insecurities and inner voices tell her she will never be enough. Flashbacks to the still birth of her surrogate pregnancy does nothing to help. Also not helping is her sister, Madison. She has always been jealous of Piper. The tragic surrogacy had been for her. She blames Piper for her babies death. Instead of using her phycological training to help, she uses it to her advantage. When unexpected help steps in, Piper and Evan begin the journey to healing. Madison, however, vows to make Piper pay. Will they be able to stop her? Or will Piper loose to her anxiety? I love how Sharon Srock brings real life problems and disorders to life in her stories. She isn't afraid to tackle to hard problems while presenting them in a way the reader can relate. I was Blessed to received an advance copy from the author. I am providing my honest review.
Before I say anything else, let me start by stating I would give this book many more than 5 stars if I could. When I first started reading it, I got sucked in immediately by Piper’s experience to the extent that I actually got depressed by what she was going through. I was blessed enough to have delivered three babies without experiencing post-partum anxiety/depression, but I know many women do face this challenge. However, by the time I was heading down the funnel of her state of mind, things started taking a turn for the better with the help of prayer and strong friendships. There were so many twists and turns and unexpected events happening. This was truly a book I could not put down. It helped that it wasn’t too long and the writing just flowed or I would have gotten none of my work done. I believe this is one of the best books Sharon Srock has ever written, certainly my favorite so far. Make sure to add it to your “want to read” list.
Piper is an excellent addition to the Crafted with Love series! It was great to get back to the group of crafting friends that are there for each other however they are needed. I love to see how these women support and pray for each other. Piper is so excited about having a baby, but then suffers from postnatal anxiety. She's too ashamed to tell her husband what she is feeling. Sharon Srock does a fantastic job of portraying the emotions of Piper and her husband Evan as they walk through a very difficult period. Piper's sister Madison adds great suspense to the story. Be prepared for your emotions to get a work-out as you read Piper. I highly recommend this book and would definitely read more from author Sharon Srock. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written book.
Piper by Sharon Srock Crafted with Love Series Book Six Piper Goodson and her husband, Evan, had been looking forward to the birth of their baby girl, Oakleigh. But everything went wrong when she was born. Suddenly, all the excitement Piper had was gone. She couldn’t function. Didn’t want anything to do with their beautiful baby girl. I never thought much about postpartum anxiety. I never had or knew anyone who did. This story follows Piper through that. Thinking she was going crazy and a bad mother. Yet, it has a flowing storyline. A worthy read. I enjoy seeing the characters from the previous books and that these women are Christians but still have everyday struggles that challenge them. https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
This is an outstanding story dealing with post-partum anxiety in addition to gaslighting and the importance of forgiveness.
I loved Piper and I especially love her husband, he is a saint with all he is dealing with in this story.
This series has such a realism with each of these women and their faith journeys. They are none of them in the same place, but there is someone for nearly everyone to relate to.
I felt for her sister and the damage that had been done in her life.
I love the frank look at mental illness and the importance of knowing who to trust. This book was as the series proclaims, crafted with love. It is a fine example of women backing each other instead of competing. It is complex and completely lovely.
I received an early copy and this is my honest review
Sharon Srock approaches a very sensitive issue in a very supportive way in this book. Both postpartum depression/anxiety and clinical depression are addressed as sisters, Piper and Madelaine, navigate new feelings and responsibilities following the early birth of Oakleigh two years after the stillbirth of Rebecca (the child Piper was carrying for Madelaine). By exposing the very real thoughts and feelings experienced by women suffering from such anxiety, perhaps more women will be willing to be open and honest about such feelings and open themselves up to the help that is available. I love the fact that Sharon Srock did not just have her characters pray and the problems just go away. It may happen like that in some instances but in most cases, God feels very far away and prayers feel like they haven't been heard. God is definitely with us in those dark places but sometimes His help comes through the hands of others.
Wow! That first chapter packs a punch and immediately draws you in. You often read about the joys of new life, but hardly ever read of the panic and despair that accompanies child birth for so many women. Well Sharon Srock has done it again and has tackled yet another sensitive topic. This story, while spreading awareness on post partum anxiety, is profoundly written with genuine and relatable characters. It is so thoughtfully done and beautifully put together. Sharon's way with words is poetic. I loved it.
I received a complimentary ebook copy of this story from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Contemporary Christian. Perfectly written story about a young new mother who develops postpartum anxiety after delivering her little girl. Helps you to understand what it feels like. Part of an excellent series, in this book Piper and her husband have a great support system of friends and church members. Psychological and faith lessons, fears and love. Events keep you on edge. Great story. I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Piper’s story had a lot of emotion in it. Piper was a new mother and having a hard time dealing with it. I love how the author writes these issues that happen to everyday people. Then there is Madison, Pipers sister having issues of her own. I loved Evan’s character, Piper’s husband. He was so supportive of Piper.
This book was hard to put down. I felt so involved with the characters. One of the best books I have read.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.
Loved it! Such am emotional rollercoaster. Piper experiences post partum anxiety. Sharon takes us on a journey of uncertainty, diagnosis, upheveal and healing and grace. Such a hard topic for lots of mums as many feel like they are failing. But books like this give more awereness that allows open and frank discussions about the hardness of motherhood and how that looks like for different people. Loved how Evan handled it and tried his best to not get frustrated, but he is human. Such a great story!
I have followed this author for years; and read all The Ladies of Garfield and Crafted with Love series books, I found them all to be excellent! Piper by far is the best story I've read so far. This story covers the sensitive, embarrassing and fearful results of postpartum syndrome. I found myself crying with Piper as she struggled with this very real affliction. I loved the strength and trust that Evan had even when things were so bleak, he trusted that God would see them through.
What a horrible time she went through with postpartum depression. This is a cruel cruel cruel disease. Yes it is a disease in more than one way. I read this book through. It is now 12:48 am. I was not putting it down until I finished. God is gracious and merciful that we don’t go through in the norm!!!!
In this book you will read about dramatic sister, struggling after giving birth,and special friends who are always there to support you and help out. Piper and Evan are a special couple trying to get their lives together after having a baby. Madison is going out of her way to destroy Piper’s life. You will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
Throughout this tale of post partum anxiety and crazy sisters I got the distinct impression that the author wanted us to get the great support of loving families and partners in business can be a Godsend when you are struggling. Good job again to the author and the ladies of Garfield.
This story really kept my attention. No matter what kind of anxiety one struggles with, there really is a way to overcome it. We might not have the strength in ourselves, but only in Jesus. Very well done!
This book is full of emotions and deals with real life problems. Piper and Evan's story will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. It's a wonderful inspirational story that's full of hope and forgiveness and a reminder that God is always with us. Loved this book!
This book was difficult to read because of its content, but definitely an eye opener. Piper is dealing with postpartum depression and gets plenty of help. Madison is still dealing with the death of her surrogate daughter that Piper had birthed.
I enjoyed this story of Piper, which includes post-partum anxiety and other hard subjects. The author handles them with God’s grace, comfort and care. This can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series.
An eye opener into the world of post partum anxiety, a subject not well known about. I learnt so much about this condition and hopefully will be more aware of in the future!
Piper is an amazing, well written, must read. It deals with post partum depression that is not necessarily easy to recognize in yourself. The book has so many ups and downs that make you want to keeps reading to see what happens next. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend.
What a beautiful and tragic outcome from the ashes. The characters are loyal, strong Christian values and beautiful friends. This is an uplifting and inspirational story. Enjoy.
This is a powerful novel. It deals with strong issues: postpartum anxiety and mental breakdowns. I love the lesson of not hiding what you are going through, true friends and family will be there for you.
Great addition to the Crafted with Love series. Piper’s story is a faith filled one that deals with hard topics but in a sensitive and inspirational way.