Together Again: A Spiritual Adoption Story

by Laurie Stephens, Sharon Grey (Illustrator)

Have you ever felt as though you have known someone forever when you actually just met? Or felt a connection with your child or spouse that has an effortless, timeless quality? Together Again is the true story of such a soul connection between mother and daughter. Their story spans heaven and earth and thousands of miles as the two souls are reunited through the miracle of adoption. Their journey is spiritual as well as physical. The story is told from the child's perspective: Do you remember where you lived before you were born? I do! I once live in heaven with my mommy and other people I love; then I was born in China. My mommy searched for me, found me across the ocean, and adopted me. From heaven to China to America ---we are together again! Author, Laurie Stephens is a writer, dreamer, and a mom who loves laughter and this spiritual journey known as life. She works in the field of non-profit fundraising and marketing. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Laurie currently resides in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, with her two incredible daughters.

30 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2011

Reviews

[Dani Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of Together Again happens to be a very special woman in my life, Laurie Stephens, my nothing but perfect stepmother who wrote the book about my baby sister, Lily Grace. Obviously it has a very personal connection and it is one of my favorite books because it shares an incredible story that I have experienced in real life. Even if you are unable to relate to the plot, the writing and realisticness is enough to bring tears of joy to your eyes!

The story is of Laurie, who unable to have children and not yet married at the time, adopts a baby girl from China. This sweet little "Buddha Baby", as they called her in China, happens to be my baby sister, Lily Grace. Laurie feels that their hearts and spirits were connected in Heaven before they were here on Earth and that they were just waiting for the perfect and appropriate time to meet each other.

The author most definitely speaks from the "I" and shares her true feelings that come along with the experience of adopting a baby. Though it is a short picture book, there is a lot of deep information and background to be seen.

There is definitely a beginning, middle, and an end that is very easy to follow. The beginning is when the two of their spirits are in Heaven but they know that they will one day be together. The middle is the whole experience of the adoption and actually going to China. The end is when Lily Grace was brought to a strange new country with a strange new family and they way she so quickly adapted to all of us who showered and still shower her with love to this day!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think adoption is a great and wonderful thing. I think it is important for adoption stories to be told for the benefit of the adopted children as well as those considering adoption for themselves. This is a sweet story of one such adoption. That being said, I felt it was a little awkward in the delivery. I just didn't feel the true emotion from the narration - it would have been more touching had the mom been the voice telling the story.