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The Long-Awaited Child
A Powerful Novel From Tracie Peterson
"A child of my Own. Flesh of my flesh..." That is the deep yearning that fills Tess's heart. Despite years spend under a doctor's care and advances in medical technology, she and her husband have discovered their options have been exhausted, leaving them with arms empty, long-held dreams shattered.A unique opportunity arises in the form of a young pregnant teen desperate to free herself from her misguided decisions. Drawn together by their mutual needs, Tess and Sherry see a solution in what the other offers. But what appears to be an ideal agreement soon tests the fragile threads of Tess's fledgling faith....The answer is very different from what they were expecting....
"A child of my Own. Flesh of my flesh..." That is the deep yearning that fills Tess's heart. Despite years spend under a doctor's care and advances in medical technology, she and her husband have discovered their options have been exhausted, leaving them with arms empty, long-held dreams shattered.A unique opportunity arises in the form of a young pregnant teen desperate to free herself from her misguided decisions. Drawn together by their mutual needs, Tess and Sherry see a solution in what the other offers. But what appears to be an ideal agreement soon tests the fragile threads of Tess's fledgling faith....The answer is very different from what they were expecting....
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
90 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Tracie Peterson
253 books3,141 followersTracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.
pen name: Janelle Jamison
pen name: Janelle Jamison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 7, 2014
A must read. Tissues please. Emotions check. Understanding/ experience check. Does every woman feel they need to be a mother? For some yes. Others don't get the opportunity or choose not to. Mothering isn't natural as many children can vouch for that after their experience. Where does the nurturing n love come from? This story deals with a lot of emotional issues surrounding women's bodies n wanting to be parents. Reminder of Job's friends in the bible come to mind with some characters in the story. Loss, how does one cope.
February 2, 2026
I read this when it was new back in 2001 when I bought the paperback. Tracie was one of my earliest CF authors.
I read this two or three times. It’s been a quarter century since I read it but it’s remained my favourite of her books to date. It’s a beautiful novel!
I read this two or three times. It’s been a quarter century since I read it but it’s remained my favourite of her books to date. It’s a beautiful novel!
October 12, 2017
Besides all the corny, cheesy, roll my eyeballs conversations I couldn't stand the main character. Tess was such a selfish, uncaring person. All she cared about was her pain, her desires, and her broken dreams. Then enters Sherry a broken child who has gotten herself pregnant and has no where to go. Luckily for Brad and Tess they get the opportunity to help Sherry out. Do you think Tess is caring and thoughtful towards Sherry? Only to a certain extent. Where's Brad in this story? I thought he should've had a more active roll in the relationship between Tess and Sherry. I think Tess gets what she deserves when it comes to her relationship with Sherry. I'm glad they found Jesus and could heal their hearts, but this book is a huge disappointment to me. A waste of my time.
June 30, 2016
All Tess was wanted was a child of her own. After struggling for ten years with infertility she finally agrees to consider adoption. She and her husband, Brad, take in a pregnant teenager with the expectations that they would adopt the baby once it was born. At first I was bit annoyed with Tess and felt more empathy for Sherry because of her difficult life. Tess seemed like a selfish individual and concerned only with her own pain. She held Sherry at arm's length since she was only means of getting the baby she always wanted, not really considering the pain the teen was in. Eventually Tess comes to her senses and when the baby is born dead she realizes that she actually loves Sherry and she and Brad decide to adopt her which I thought was quite a sensible and kindhearted thing to do.
July 25, 2020
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
**
All Tess was wanted was a child of her own. After struggling for ten years with infertility she finally agrees to consider adoption. She and her husband, Brad, take in a pregnant teenager with the expectations that they would adopt the baby once it was born. At first I was bit annoyed with Tess and felt more empathy for Sherry because of her difficult life. Tess seemed like a selfish individual and concerned only with her own pain. She held Sherry at arm's length since she was only means of getting the baby she always wanted, not really considering the pain the teen was in. Eventually Tess comes to her senses and when the baby is born dead she realizes that she actually loves Sherry and she and Brad decide to adopt her which I thought was quite a sensible and kindhearted thing to do
**
Tess and Brad Holcombe are a career oriented couple, married over 10 years, with seemingly everything going for them. Except that Tess cannot get pregnant and give Brad the family he desires . Tess was adopted and although her adoption turned out well with loving parents, she deeply desires for her own flesh and blood . Tess eventually turns, in her despair, her choices and desires over to the will of God.
Judge Barbara Woodsley deals with juveniles every day in her courtroom and although Sherry Macomber is not a bad teen , she has been in and out of foster homes her whole life and now at age 14, she finds herself pregnant. Judge Woodsley has always taken a special interest in Sherry and once Sherry decides she can't go through with the abortion she had planned, is open to adoption with the caveat that the couple will take Sherry in and allow her to have the baby and spend a couple of months with him before totally turning him over to the adoptive couple. Tess and Brad agree to this arrangement and now must trust God for the outcome.
**
All Tess was wanted was a child of her own. After struggling for ten years with infertility she finally agrees to consider adoption. She and her husband, Brad, take in a pregnant teenager with the expectations that they would adopt the baby once it was born. At first I was bit annoyed with Tess and felt more empathy for Sherry because of her difficult life. Tess seemed like a selfish individual and concerned only with her own pain. She held Sherry at arm's length since she was only means of getting the baby she always wanted, not really considering the pain the teen was in. Eventually Tess comes to her senses and when the baby is born dead she realizes that she actually loves Sherry and she and Brad decide to adopt her which I thought was quite a sensible and kindhearted thing to do
**
Tess and Brad Holcombe are a career oriented couple, married over 10 years, with seemingly everything going for them. Except that Tess cannot get pregnant and give Brad the family he desires . Tess was adopted and although her adoption turned out well with loving parents, she deeply desires for her own flesh and blood . Tess eventually turns, in her despair, her choices and desires over to the will of God.
Judge Barbara Woodsley deals with juveniles every day in her courtroom and although Sherry Macomber is not a bad teen , she has been in and out of foster homes her whole life and now at age 14, she finds herself pregnant. Judge Woodsley has always taken a special interest in Sherry and once Sherry decides she can't go through with the abortion she had planned, is open to adoption with the caveat that the couple will take Sherry in and allow her to have the baby and spend a couple of months with him before totally turning him over to the adoptive couple. Tess and Brad agree to this arrangement and now must trust God for the outcome.
January 1, 2024
This is officially my last read of 2023!
This one was slow going for me, and I found it hard to root for the main character at times.
We follow Tess, as she and her husband Brad try to have a child. After many unsuccessful attempts, Tess comes to terms that she is unable to have children of her own.
After some time and much coaxing from Brad, she considers adoption. They take in Sherry, a fourteen year old teenager who is expecting a child after a night of poor judgement. She wants to give her unborn child up for adoption and agrees that the Holbrooks are the best fit. She has one condition though: she stays with them until the baby is born and until they reach three months of age.
In terms of Tess’s character, I feel that like she treated Sherry badly, only thinking of her chance to be a mother. Having been a beneficiary of adoption, I felt like Tess would have understood better what Sherry was going through and as such would have treated her with greater compassion.
We also never got huge scenes with Brad who I think bonded with Sherry better than Tess at times. In the midst of grief and trial, I only saw Tess and Sherry really connect at the end.
Overall, this story had a happy ending and taught that when we rely on God through our trials, He is always there.
This one was slow going for me, and I found it hard to root for the main character at times.
We follow Tess, as she and her husband Brad try to have a child. After many unsuccessful attempts, Tess comes to terms that she is unable to have children of her own.
After some time and much coaxing from Brad, she considers adoption. They take in Sherry, a fourteen year old teenager who is expecting a child after a night of poor judgement. She wants to give her unborn child up for adoption and agrees that the Holbrooks are the best fit. She has one condition though: she stays with them until the baby is born and until they reach three months of age.
In terms of Tess’s character, I feel that like she treated Sherry badly, only thinking of her chance to be a mother. Having been a beneficiary of adoption, I felt like Tess would have understood better what Sherry was going through and as such would have treated her with greater compassion.
We also never got huge scenes with Brad who I think bonded with Sherry better than Tess at times. In the midst of grief and trial, I only saw Tess and Sherry really connect at the end.
Overall, this story had a happy ending and taught that when we rely on God through our trials, He is always there.
October 28, 2017
I’m conflicted about how I feel about this book...
I felt like this wasn’t the most thought out or planned book. I thought that having the extra part where the baby’s fathers family wanted custody just didn’t fit with the flow of the book, and that the ending was a little choppy, as if the author just wanted to be finished writing the story. Also, the main character Tess was quite annoying, whereas her husband I felt was perfect. I felt like that should just have been evened out a bit. Also an issue I had about Tess was that even though she had gone through all Sherry had, she still was selfish and put her needs before Sherry’s even though she had been raised better than that, and after experiencing all that pain, I felt like she should know and understand Sherry more.
Liked the main plot, but needed more planning and flow to the story.
I felt like this wasn’t the most thought out or planned book. I thought that having the extra part where the baby’s fathers family wanted custody just didn’t fit with the flow of the book, and that the ending was a little choppy, as if the author just wanted to be finished writing the story. Also, the main character Tess was quite annoying, whereas her husband I felt was perfect. I felt like that should just have been evened out a bit. Also an issue I had about Tess was that even though she had gone through all Sherry had, she still was selfish and put her needs before Sherry’s even though she had been raised better than that, and after experiencing all that pain, I felt like she should know and understand Sherry more.
Liked the main plot, but needed more planning and flow to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2018
Adoption of a child while carrying for the mother who is a child herself causes lots of pain, angry and confusion for all parties.
Tess being adopted only wanted someone to call all her own and be blood related to but that was not to happen. Her friends adopt and she sees that maybe this can work but when they have problems Tess guards her heart even more causing more stress between her and the unwed pregnant teen staying with her.
Things were looking pretty bleak in the ending department but then one small conversation turned that around and helped things to end much better than they were headed.
Tess being adopted only wanted someone to call all her own and be blood related to but that was not to happen. Her friends adopt and she sees that maybe this can work but when they have problems Tess guards her heart even more causing more stress between her and the unwed pregnant teen staying with her.
Things were looking pretty bleak in the ending department but then one small conversation turned that around and helped things to end much better than they were headed.
September 30, 2017
A Mother's Wish is Realized
Being a 68 year old woman who was adopted at age 4 months due to the death of my biological mother I had a curiosity probably not shared by every reader. The novel had ups and downs but most believable. Surprisingly I loved the ending and enjoyed the progress along the way. I would suggest the novel to anyone who enjoys a great story with twists & turns.
Being a 68 year old woman who was adopted at age 4 months due to the death of my biological mother I had a curiosity probably not shared by every reader. The novel had ups and downs but most believable. Surprisingly I loved the ending and enjoyed the progress along the way. I would suggest the novel to anyone who enjoys a great story with twists & turns.
October 18, 2023
Christian Contemporary Fiction
This was a roller coaster of emotions! Topics of infertility, adoption, death, loss, abuse, drug addiction, etc. etc.
Having chosen to give my first child into the loving arms of an adoptive family, I connected with many of the emotions and thought they were honest and raw. This is beautifully written with a tender hand, I loved this story of hope and healing. I especially loved their growth in their relationships with God and each other!
This was a roller coaster of emotions! Topics of infertility, adoption, death, loss, abuse, drug addiction, etc. etc.
Having chosen to give my first child into the loving arms of an adoptive family, I connected with many of the emotions and thought they were honest and raw. This is beautifully written with a tender hand, I loved this story of hope and healing. I especially loved their growth in their relationships with God and each other!
March 27, 2020
2.5 stars
I liked the premise of this story, but the writing wasn't impressive to me. Most of the dialogue was unrealistic and I didn't feel connected to the characters, didn't feel like they were real. I've read Peterson's Alaska books and Montana books, and I don't remember them being this way.
I liked the premise of this story, but the writing wasn't impressive to me. Most of the dialogue was unrealistic and I didn't feel connected to the characters, didn't feel like they were real. I've read Peterson's Alaska books and Montana books, and I don't remember them being this way.
April 20, 2021
This book is very good. I have felt many of the emotions that Tess felt in this book, not being able to have children myself. It is a great book about grief, sorrow, love and faith. The ending didn’t turn out how I thought it would but sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way you plan either. Very good read!
October 22, 2018
I enjoyed the audiobook. I thought it had some interesting twists and covered some important topics, but I couldn’t get past the narrator, Elizabeth Wiley. Her voice and phrasing seemed to lend the entire book a “not credible” air. This, I only gave the book 3 stars.
May 28, 2021
One of Tracked best!
This book is a departure from the usual mystery - romance novels T. Peterson usually writes. It's a pretty quick read & so full of emotions. You'll need some tissues as the conclusion is a powerful emotional surprise!
This book is a departure from the usual mystery - romance novels T. Peterson usually writes. It's a pretty quick read & so full of emotions. You'll need some tissues as the conclusion is a powerful emotional surprise!
May 29, 2024
This book was amazing!!
This story had me pulled into it right from the beginning. It brought me to tears and what each one endured. I could see my self in different areas of the book. But the precious reminder that God loves us and His ways and plans are always best.
This story had me pulled into it right from the beginning. It brought me to tears and what each one endured. I could see my self in different areas of the book. But the precious reminder that God loves us and His ways and plans are always best.
January 5, 2020
There was not a likeable character for me in this book. It was too predictable for my liking. To top it off, I listened to the audiobook and hated the narrator.
October 12, 2020
Good book
Not at all what I had expected. It was a good change from what I normally read but think I enjoy the historical fiction that Tracie Peterson writes the best.
Not at all what I had expected. It was a good change from what I normally read but think I enjoy the historical fiction that Tracie Peterson writes the best.
November 16, 2020
God is love
This book is beautiful. It shows God's plans . If we turn to him, He will guide our paths, maybe not the way we planned, but God is in control. His love surrounds us.
This book is beautiful. It shows God's plans . If we turn to him, He will guide our paths, maybe not the way we planned, but God is in control. His love surrounds us.
January 15, 2021
This was a good book about a lady who tried to get pregnant for years but couldn’t. It’s weird that I didn’t feel like I got very close to the characters, but I shed a lot of tears at one point!
July 21, 2021
Wow! The long awaited child. You just don’t know who that is until the end of the story. Beautiful, sweet story
November 10, 2021
I thought I knew how this would end, but I was surprised. A good read showing the love of God in the lives of people who struggle with their lives' issues.
April 6, 2024
This was a very good book about a couple who can't conceive a baby naturally and they decide to adopt.
August 28, 2024
Good read. Enjoyed and would recommend. Not the ending I expected, not disappointed though.
March 26, 2016
A case for adoption
Tess and Brad Holcombe are a career oriented couple, married over 10 years, with seemingly everything going for them. Except that Tess cannot get pregnant and give Brad the family he desires . Tess was adopted and although her adoption turned out well with loving parents, she deeply desires for her own flesh and blood . Tess eventually turns, in her despair, her choices and desires over to the will of God.
Judge Barbara Woodsley deals with juveniles every day in her courtroom and although Sherry Macomber is not a bad teen , she has been in and out of foster homes her whole life and now at age 14, she finds herself pregnant. Judge Woodsley has always taken a special interest in Sherry and once Sherry decides she can't go through with the abortion she had planned, is open to adoption with the caveat that the couple will take Sherry in and allow her to have the baby and spend a couple of months with him before totally turning him over to the adoptive couple. Tess and Brad agree to this arrangement and now must trust God for the outcome.
A very satisfying story and a great ending.
Tess and Brad Holcombe are a career oriented couple, married over 10 years, with seemingly everything going for them. Except that Tess cannot get pregnant and give Brad the family he desires . Tess was adopted and although her adoption turned out well with loving parents, she deeply desires for her own flesh and blood . Tess eventually turns, in her despair, her choices and desires over to the will of God.
Judge Barbara Woodsley deals with juveniles every day in her courtroom and although Sherry Macomber is not a bad teen , she has been in and out of foster homes her whole life and now at age 14, she finds herself pregnant. Judge Woodsley has always taken a special interest in Sherry and once Sherry decides she can't go through with the abortion she had planned, is open to adoption with the caveat that the couple will take Sherry in and allow her to have the baby and spend a couple of months with him before totally turning him over to the adoptive couple. Tess and Brad agree to this arrangement and now must trust God for the outcome.
A very satisfying story and a great ending.
February 28, 2016
I have a new favorite author and looking forward to reading other books by Tracie. This story speaks to me as a woman who does not have children and not by choice. I cried at the end because years ago I had a friend who had a similar experience of having a stillborn. It was the most heartbreaking thing I've ever witnessed. While the writing did seem a bit stilted at times, it was a great story that could be real. It wasn't too tidy of an ending and I was waiting for that. I'm glad for the use of prayer and Biblical inspiration. It was not too preachy, IMO. It's time Christians stopped being afraid to use the Bible and real faith experiences and talk about Jesus. I think the story could have been longer and some of the story lines could have been explored a bit more, including the Delbertos. Great story overall and highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2016
This book was a fantastic read! There are many times when Christian fiction novels are light reading and often has a romance as the theme. However, this one is very different. Tracie Peterson has done a superb job in portraying both the anguish of infertility and the pain of children who end up in the foster care system. The book centers around Tess, a woman in her thirties, who has been trying to get pregnant for 10 years, and Sherry, a 14 year old girl in the foster care system who has ended up pregnant. There is a strong Christian message in this novel but it is one of compassion and God's love.
August 12, 2007
I read this book in a day. It is one of those that makes you think about reality and feel guiltly for where you fault. The book speaks of God and the characters pray in a way where you feel like nobody really does, and you wish that you would and could. The emotions felt are so real, and so often ignored in the real world. This book is like reading two peoples diary to understand their why's and what for's. I enjoyed it. It is humbling and truthful. And sometimes truth hurts, but sometimes is is glorious.
February 12, 2016
The Long Awaited Child by Tracie Peterson is touching and highly emotional, and touches on infertility, treatments, adoption, loss, and hope. Narrator, Elizabeth Wiley draws a full range of characters and ages, although the material tends to leave her weepy in many places, that is the nature of the book, and not reflective on Ms. Wiley’s abilities. Somewhat predictive, it is a simple tale that draws on the high-strung emotions of the deeply ingrained maternal instinct. It is timely, heart wrenching at times, and very real.
January 21, 2009
A story about a couple who had been for many years trying to have a baby to no avail. Because of the wife's background she desired to have a child of her own flesh and blood. This was her want and need, her plan. God had other plans for her. As she slowly came around to letting go of her own plan and listening and following God's plan her life made an amazing turn about. Where is He taking her through this journey. Well read this book to see how God has blessed her. I loved this book!
February 10, 2015
A young infertile couple, having tried all paths to conceive and against advice of a close friend, welcome into their home a pregnant teenager with the expectation that they will adopt her baby. The twists and turns of this harrowing story will keep you avidly reading to the end.There is little character development, but those who have lived the infertility night-mare will identify with the emotional warp which this story details. A well worth-while read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews