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Room for Another
ROOM FOR ANOTHER: A Courageous Adoption Story based on true events
Every choice you make carries a consequence. What if your consequence was an unwanted pregnancy?
Having retired from teaching and journalism, Theresa receives a phone call from a friend asking for a favor. Would she help out two girls who are struggling with a high school writing assignment?
Theresa graciously agrees to share part of her life for the biographical paper. She surprises her unsuspecting young interviewers with stories of a broken childhood, tales of love found and lost, and the strength summoned to make the hardest decision of her life.
The sharing of her past not only provides fodder for Theresa’s students, but also prepares herself for one of the most impactful introductions yet to come.
Room For Another is a fictionalized account based on true life events of author Diane M. Dresback’s biological mother. The one thing that Diane learned about her mother was that it didn’t matter if you were blood, step, half, ex, in-law, adopted, or anywhere in-between—everyone was family and she always had room in her heart for another.
Every choice you make carries a consequence. What if your consequence was an unwanted pregnancy?
Having retired from teaching and journalism, Theresa receives a phone call from a friend asking for a favor. Would she help out two girls who are struggling with a high school writing assignment?
Theresa graciously agrees to share part of her life for the biographical paper. She surprises her unsuspecting young interviewers with stories of a broken childhood, tales of love found and lost, and the strength summoned to make the hardest decision of her life.
The sharing of her past not only provides fodder for Theresa’s students, but also prepares herself for one of the most impactful introductions yet to come.
Room For Another is a fictionalized account based on true life events of author Diane M. Dresback’s biological mother. The one thing that Diane learned about her mother was that it didn’t matter if you were blood, step, half, ex, in-law, adopted, or anywhere in-between—everyone was family and she always had room in her heart for another.
Paperback
Published November 8, 2018
1149 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Diane M. Dresback
11 books14 followersDiane M. Dresback enjoys sharing stories through novels, self-help books, and films. She writes unique women’s thrillers that often tackle thought-provoking subjects and are quick, engaging reads. Usually, they involve strong female characters paired with a psychological, sci-fi, or medical element. Her latest fiction story is a trilogy that begins with one character waking up in a stranger's body.
She also ventures into true stories, such as her two adoption novels, which are based on her own and her brother’s adoption journeys, and a book featuring stories from 25 inspirational women who share their struggles and triumphs to bring hope and inspiration to others.
In 2007, Diane M. Dresback began working in the independent film industry in Arizona. She has written, directed, and/or produced over 40 short films, winning numerous awards. She has also written several feature-length screenplays adapted from her novels, as well as one she co-produced, called Paranoia. Diane received the 2012 Arizona Filmmaker of the Year Award from the Phoenix Film Foundation.
Diane has over 27 years of corporate Human Resources and Training experience, with most of that time in management and executive-level positions in the financial and travel industries. She holds a Master’s degree in Adult Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services.
She also ventures into true stories, such as her two adoption novels, which are based on her own and her brother’s adoption journeys, and a book featuring stories from 25 inspirational women who share their struggles and triumphs to bring hope and inspiration to others.
In 2007, Diane M. Dresback began working in the independent film industry in Arizona. She has written, directed, and/or produced over 40 short films, winning numerous awards. She has also written several feature-length screenplays adapted from her novels, as well as one she co-produced, called Paranoia. Diane received the 2012 Arizona Filmmaker of the Year Award from the Phoenix Film Foundation.
Diane has over 27 years of corporate Human Resources and Training experience, with most of that time in management and executive-level positions in the financial and travel industries. She holds a Master’s degree in Adult Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 30, 2024
A wonderful story of adoption.
March 12, 2024
Lovely read.
So happy though to see such a lovely adoption story. Of how no matter what things finally worked out.
Must have been so hard to give your child up. I dont know how she did it but what a marvellous turn around.
I'm so glad they met before passing.
Beautiful
So happy though to see such a lovely adoption story. Of how no matter what things finally worked out.
Must have been so hard to give your child up. I dont know how she did it but what a marvellous turn around.
I'm so glad they met before passing.
Beautiful
January 31, 2024
Wonderful story
This book was very well written and it made you feel like you knew the characters in real life. As the mother of an adopted child, I can only dream of the day when my son would be able to meet his biological family
This book was very well written and it made you feel like you knew the characters in real life. As the mother of an adopted child, I can only dream of the day when my son would be able to meet his biological family
July 17, 2023
Room for Another
This story tells about a woman's life and all the choices she made. It talks about decisions, hard decisions to make and live with. It also speaks of hope and kindness.
This story tells about a woman's life and all the choices she made. It talks about decisions, hard decisions to make and live with. It also speaks of hope and kindness.
November 4, 2024
Really Heartwarming (Spoilers Ahead!)
I think because of trauma in my past, I tend to gravitate towards true stories that also illustrate struggle, trauma etc. Many books I've read of this sort have unfortunately been more painful then peaceful. THIS book definitely has a different "feel" to it! Not that there isn't pain and struggle at times for those things certainly existed. But the entire time I was reading this book I had an odd sense of peace; moreover, the sense that "God is here within this book, these circumstances, these people so it will turn out for the best."
I was and am beyond impressed with Theresa... Not only her resilience after losing her dear mom at such a young age but also, her maturity and especially her unselfishness when deciding how she would handle an unexpected pregnancy at a young age despite wishing she could keep her baby girl! I can only imagine how HARD it was to hand that precious life she carried for 9 months over to strangers thinking she would likely never know if things turned out as good as she'd hoped! Likewise, "Melissa" is so like her birth mom in that way: strong, loving, determined and unselfish. And dear Uncle "Phil," how kind of him to invite a stranger, a pregnant young woman into his home to have her baby from there simply because his brother and his wife would be adopting the infant. And it goes on as to wonderful quality people with great character because the adoptive parents I'm sure lived with both anticipation and great anxiety -- what if Theresa had wanted the baby back during that 6 month waiting period? But they moved forward despite the risk, loved their children and gave them a wonderful life.
I really enjoyed this book and am glad "Melissa" got to know her biological father as well and that Teresa's children got to know Melissa and were so accepting and understanding. As ultimately were her bio dad's family. Not everyone has a positive outcome!
Lastly I think Theresa's dad and stepmother were a disappointment -- her father should have always put his daughter first and Dorothy needed some therapy if she felt so negatively about a child who'd lost her mom. Personally it seemed she felt jealous or threatened by Theresa as if somehow she herself would lose out on attention. It was also so mean of her to put her stepchild out on the porch rather then in the family home and especially to not buy her school clothes but again, Theresa just moved on and found her own solution.
I think because of trauma in my past, I tend to gravitate towards true stories that also illustrate struggle, trauma etc. Many books I've read of this sort have unfortunately been more painful then peaceful. THIS book definitely has a different "feel" to it! Not that there isn't pain and struggle at times for those things certainly existed. But the entire time I was reading this book I had an odd sense of peace; moreover, the sense that "God is here within this book, these circumstances, these people so it will turn out for the best."
I was and am beyond impressed with Theresa... Not only her resilience after losing her dear mom at such a young age but also, her maturity and especially her unselfishness when deciding how she would handle an unexpected pregnancy at a young age despite wishing she could keep her baby girl! I can only imagine how HARD it was to hand that precious life she carried for 9 months over to strangers thinking she would likely never know if things turned out as good as she'd hoped! Likewise, "Melissa" is so like her birth mom in that way: strong, loving, determined and unselfish. And dear Uncle "Phil," how kind of him to invite a stranger, a pregnant young woman into his home to have her baby from there simply because his brother and his wife would be adopting the infant. And it goes on as to wonderful quality people with great character because the adoptive parents I'm sure lived with both anticipation and great anxiety -- what if Theresa had wanted the baby back during that 6 month waiting period? But they moved forward despite the risk, loved their children and gave them a wonderful life.
I really enjoyed this book and am glad "Melissa" got to know her biological father as well and that Teresa's children got to know Melissa and were so accepting and understanding. As ultimately were her bio dad's family. Not everyone has a positive outcome!
Lastly I think Theresa's dad and stepmother were a disappointment -- her father should have always put his daughter first and Dorothy needed some therapy if she felt so negatively about a child who'd lost her mom. Personally it seemed she felt jealous or threatened by Theresa as if somehow she herself would lose out on attention. It was also so mean of her to put her stepchild out on the porch rather then in the family home and especially to not buy her school clothes but again, Theresa just moved on and found her own solution.
January 17, 2024
Recommended Read
Theresa is asked to be interviewed by two teenagers for a high school writing assignment. In her story, Theresa reveals her struggles with an unexpected pregnancy. Her account is a fictionalized story based on the author's biological mother's life. Diane writes, about her own life with her loving adoptive parents and her search for and relationship with Theresa, her biological mother. The story is written from Theresa's perspective. It is well written and flows smoothly. I will recommend this book and look forward to reading others by this author.
Theresa is asked to be interviewed by two teenagers for a high school writing assignment. In her story, Theresa reveals her struggles with an unexpected pregnancy. Her account is a fictionalized story based on the author's biological mother's life. Diane writes, about her own life with her loving adoptive parents and her search for and relationship with Theresa, her biological mother. The story is written from Theresa's perspective. It is well written and flows smoothly. I will recommend this book and look forward to reading others by this author.
October 3, 2024
An Amazing Story Filled With Love
I listened to this book on Audible.
loved this story, both as a novel and the actual story of a mother and daughter.
I believe there is no greater mother’s love than giving a baby up for adoption. It is the ultimate sacrifice. I mm not sure I could have been so selfless had I been in a similar situation.
Knowing this book is based on an actual adoption makes it even more special.
Thank you for sharing your amazing story.
I listened to this book on Audible.
loved this story, both as a novel and the actual story of a mother and daughter.
I believe there is no greater mother’s love than giving a baby up for adoption. It is the ultimate sacrifice. I mm not sure I could have been so selfless had I been in a similar situation.
Knowing this book is based on an actual adoption makes it even more special.
Thank you for sharing your amazing story.
May 27, 2025
😍
I LOVED this memoir! It’s so rare anymore to find something well written, interesting, and clean! This memoir is all three. I particularly loved its presiding theme of how there’s always room in our heart for more loving relationships, and how God times things in our life to fit His plans. I am definitely going to be reading the sequel, “A Hand For Me.” I already have it downloaded!
I LOVED this memoir! It’s so rare anymore to find something well written, interesting, and clean! This memoir is all three. I particularly loved its presiding theme of how there’s always room in our heart for more loving relationships, and how God times things in our life to fit His plans. I am definitely going to be reading the sequel, “A Hand For Me.” I already have it downloaded!
July 19, 2024
Such A Great Book
This was such an inspiring story and so well written. She lead such a difficult life growing up but was so kind and loving. She gave her baby a better life by letting her be adopted. She still loved her throughout her life. I would recommend this book. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
This was such an inspiring story and so well written. She lead such a difficult life growing up but was so kind and loving. She gave her baby a better life by letting her be adopted. She still loved her throughout her life. I would recommend this book. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
August 1, 2024
This is such an amazing book I couldn't put it down! The author did such a wonderful job writing it I really felt a connection. The photographs she shared on her website really tied it all together. I don't want to give anything away, just read the book! I am a mother of an adopted child and I hope she can have a positive relationship with her bio family if she chooses to.
5 stars!
5 stars!
August 19, 2024
Very moving story of adoption and family
I enjoyed the story and find it amazing the mother was able to do so well with her life after such a terrible childhood. I am not sure where she got her values and the ability to get her education and make the many wise choices she made. Very good read
I enjoyed the story and find it amazing the mother was able to do so well with her life after such a terrible childhood. I am not sure where she got her values and the ability to get her education and make the many wise choices she made. Very good read
September 3, 2024
Room For Another. by Diane M. Dresback.
What an amazing story …. This was a well written book with a bit of author licence to change a few facts to protect certain parts of the story. A story with the good and bad parts of what it was like for Theresa after her mother passed away and her life with her father after he remarried … the way she was treated … her giving her child up at birth …
Recommend this book highly ….
What an amazing story …. This was a well written book with a bit of author licence to change a few facts to protect certain parts of the story. A story with the good and bad parts of what it was like for Theresa after her mother passed away and her life with her father after he remarried … the way she was treated … her giving her child up at birth …
Recommend this book highly ….
January 15, 2024
Wow, what a story
I can't believe how great this author can write such a powerful story even as it is real. The way she presented the story it made you feel like you were right there as everything happen.
I can't believe how great this author can write such a powerful story even as it is real. The way she presented the story it made you feel like you were right there as everything happen.
February 17, 2024
Expected Something More
As an adoptive mother I guess I needed to read something different. This was just a listing of terrible treatment occurring in someone’s life. Not an enriching read at all.
As an adoptive mother I guess I needed to read something different. This was just a listing of terrible treatment occurring in someone’s life. Not an enriching read at all.
March 23, 2024
Room for another
This was an inspirational book for many who have gone down the road of adoption. Told with heartfelt emotions from both mother abd daughter. A truly lovely story to read
This was an inspirational book for many who have gone down the road of adoption. Told with heartfelt emotions from both mother abd daughter. A truly lovely story to read
May 3, 2024
This story had me all in my feelings both good and bad. I too was adopted and began meeting my biological family at the age of 21. This story and my life was a huge emotional roller-coaster. I cried, laughed and cried some more.
May 7, 2024
Sweet book. The older I get, the more I wish my birth mom would have tried to get in touch with me, like the sweet letter from the birth mom in this story. I was raised by great parents and have had a wonderful life, but I will always wonder about my birth mom. ❤️
June 22, 2024
An Incredible Story
I couldn’t put this story down. The story was heartbreakingly engaging. It made me cry in multiple places, but it also reinforces the resilience of the human spirit. I can’t recommend it enough!
I couldn’t put this story down. The story was heartbreakingly engaging. It made me cry in multiple places, but it also reinforces the resilience of the human spirit. I can’t recommend it enough!
February 17, 2025
Heartwarming
This is an uplifting story! It is told from a birth mother’s perspective but in an easy to understand, compassionate way. Forgiveness and love are exuded throughout the story.
This is an uplifting story! It is told from a birth mother’s perspective but in an easy to understand, compassionate way. Forgiveness and love are exuded throughout the story.
May 15, 2025
there was moments I lost the rhythm/flow of my reading due to mistakes in there like writing about 1 person but half way through that part writing a different name in there and going back to correct name after
January 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I definitely recommend it!
February 4, 2024
What a detailed and wonderful attic adoption
I liked this story and all the detail it includes about adoption and bringing to the surface so many aspects and people included.
I liked this story and all the detail it includes about adoption and bringing to the surface so many aspects and people included.
February 5, 2024
very good book and well written.
Excellent book! I could feel the emotions that went into writing it. Gives a good perspective from both points of view.
Excellent book! I could feel the emotions that went into writing it. Gives a good perspective from both points of view.
February 26, 2024
Fiction
March 4, 2024
Great story and enticingly written! I love books that my smile and cry … and make me re-evaluate the life I’ve had and continue to have.
March 13, 2024
Sweet story
Very sweet story told by the birth mother and adopted.
I enjoyed hearing of the relationship they were able to create.
Very sweet story told by the birth mother and adopted.
I enjoyed hearing of the relationship they were able to create.
April 13, 2024
Loved this book .. as a adopted child of the 50s I wish my story had such an ending .. couldn’t put it down ..
May 2, 2024
Not for me
Nothing wrong with this book. It was just not the kind of book I usually read. We have to try different things in life
Nothing wrong with this book. It was just not the kind of book I usually read. We have to try different things in life
August 17, 2024
Room For Another
Oh my goodness...this was an amazing and beautiful story. Theresa was such a strong, wonderful woman! I loved all of the characters! Definitely a must read! ❤
Oh my goodness...this was an amazing and beautiful story. Theresa was such a strong, wonderful woman! I loved all of the characters! Definitely a must read! ❤
August 29, 2024
Well written, I laughed and cried. This book really shows how much time has changed and for the better
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews