Unsung Lullaby

by Josi S. Kilpack

Book by Kilpack, Josi S.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Lds, Romance, Fiction, Adult, Christian Fiction, Contemporary

279 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.

I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book, but a little too much like real life to me. Set in Utah, about an LDS couple struggling to have a family, and some very unexpected trials, with meaningful outcomes. It was hard to read about the kind of heart ache that fortunately I haven't had to deal with in my life. I just prefer books that take me into a different world than the one I already live in, and away from the kind of sad things that happen around us every day.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my favorite books by Josi Kilpack. I appreciate that she used infertility and adoption as topics, but having been through both I wasn’t overly impressed with her understanding of them and the issues around them. But the main thing I disliked was the too-perfect characters with their carefully crafted flaws that are all too easily overcome. Gag. I think LDS authors should just stay away from using an LDS culture for the settings of their novels. It just never feels realistic.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book! I really enjoy Mormon stories where the people are real and face realistic challenges. The challenge for Maddie and Matt being faced with infertility was very real. I appreciated the feelings of anger and doubt, not wanting to attend hutch on Mother's Day and being angry with God in face of this difficult problem. However, Matt finding out he had a ten year old son was a little far fetched. Having the mother be a Navajo adds to the struggle of the family dynamics but I did like that there were real life consequences to mistakes that were made. But I didn't like that Matt was a liar liar pants on fire! In a marriage you have to base the relationship on truth and he didn't tell Maddie that he had ever had sex before getting married. Then he was being a weirdo about adopting! He felt that adopting was admitting that God had not forgiven him of his past sin. But I do like the well rounded was of the characters. I like that I was able to see them at their lowest points. It made them more relatable. How am your times do I think or do things that just make no sense at all? All the time! Really liked this book! Ages 13+

[Josi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my sixth published novel, the first one published by Deseret Book. It's about a couple with infertility. Since it's publication I've gotten all kinds of feedback--more than any other book I've written, mostly from women who struggle with infertility. Among the compliments I've gotten several comments pointing out that I had bad research or my facts weren't right. Except for a few things that I truly did mess up, most of my information was double checked by an OBGYN. There are a lot of intricacies to infertility and I only focus on a few. I've also had a range of comments about the main character--she's either too whinny or she's not emotional enough. Guess I can't please everyone :-)

[Mariah Critchfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed reading a lot of Josi Kilpack's other books. They're fun and creative. This one had an added depth. It deals with a lot of emotionally charged things: infertility, religion, premarital intimacy, racism, forgiveness, alcoholism, broken trust, repentance, change, relapse, neglect, faith, adoption, etc. It's hard to address topics like these in books. A lot of times the speaker can come across as insensitive, crass, or uninformed. But Kilpack did an excellent job of handling these issues in a beautiful way without sugar coating the difficulties the characters faced and the heaviness they felt.

This book is written with an LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) audience in mind, but those coming from other beliefs and religions could enjoy this as well.

This book reminded me to be more sensitive to the crosses others might be carrying. I would totally re-read this one again to increase my personal empathy.

Here are a couple of quotes that stood out to me:

"She didn't really care. Let them feel uncomfortable for a few seconds. It was no match for the continual discomfort she lived in every day--in part because of them. So many women--these included--took their fertility for granted, daring to complain about the blessings she ached for so much."

"Sometimes it's not about getting an answer as much as making a choice."

[Kellee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells of couple dealing with infertility and how different events can result in a totally different picture and circumstance. The book ends with Maddie visiting a place she’d gone to cry and pray but in her last visit she is happy and able to look back at all the heartache and be grateful for it bringing her to her current state. I enjoyed the last half of the book a lot but found the first have to be very drawn out. Overall a good book.

Maddie and Matt have not been able to have children. Going into their 3rd round of IVF only to find out she was pregnant was a huge shock and likewise, weeks later almost dying from an erupted ectopic pregnancy and losing her only surviving ovary. In addition to that, Maddie finds out about Matt’s past where he was seduced and despite having made amends and retribution—the women lied and he has just found out he is 1 of 5 men who might be the father of 9 year old Walter. Maddie and Matt work through that and when finding Walter is Matt’s son, they bring him to stay with them for the summer and gradually fall in love with him and want more custody rights. Story of perseverance, forgiveness, infertility, adoption, and love.

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. I felt like it was misleading, I assumed the husband's "past indiscression" was the cause of their infertility (how I interpreted the back) but after reading it and knowing what happens it's just that it will change their life forever but not be the cause of the infertility. Anyway, I was curious to read this book and get a perspective as this is something I have never had to deal with. I thought the story line was pretty extreme in places like the author didn't want it to be a boring book about infertility and needed to spice it up. For me, it was a little much and took away from the main plot. The main thing I liked was a look into her feelings before during and after and how her perspective changes. Anyway, I wouldn't recommend it, personally... (2 stars seemed pretty low though as it wasn't bad, just not my kind of book).

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNSUNG LULLABY is a story about a young couple who desperately what a baby, but are unable to conceive. To make matters worse, the husband is informed that he has a nine-year-old son, that he knew nothing about. Years earlier, as a teenager, he had a one night stand with a girls in the Indian placement program, whom he had never seen since. The wife, after much heartache, anger, and pulling away from her husband, finally forgives and decides that they need to be in this young boy's life.

I realize that I have probably given away too much in this short review, but there are many interesting details in the story and it is well worth reading. It is also a good example of the importance of chastity, fidelity, love and forgiveness.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of a couple struggling through infertility. The author describes the sorrow that Maddie goes through EVERY time a pregnant woman comes in to view, announces they are pregnant, the horrors of going to a baby shower--she goes in to a tail spin, crying for days, withdrawing to her bed to sleep through it. I really don't think a real person would be this devastated constantly.

I understand the sorrow women have with desiring a child. I have family members who could not conceive, one adopted and was extremely happy.

[Ryviera Shayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is Wow! I have only read a few of Josi's books but this one is by far an exceptional read. Josi has taken several different issues that are not only difficult and challenging - both for the reader and the author - but are also real and painful. She has taken and beautifully created a reading masterpiece that addresses marriage, miscarriage, adoption, the Atonement, inter-racial issues and overcoming heartache and has woven them together to create a sweet story with a tender ending.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story

The story started off great but it took a turn and I hated the character Maddie for even judging her husband’s old son the was forgiven. She reminded me of all the petty BYU girls and boys that want perfect, pious spouses. I was glad her attitude changed and she became a mature and loving wife, mother and adult. The middle section just boiled my blood. Glad it had a good ending.

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one took me a minute to get into, and might have been because of the topic. During the time I had picked up this book was when I was working with women who was going through this very situation and was really hard to see what life was like for them and how close it was to those who are in this book.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's about a young couple who couldn't have children and their hopes and dreams. It is a real issue and the author made it come alive so you could feel their feelings and pain and their love and trust in the Lord to help them heal and help them with their future.

[Suze Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could relate to this book in so many ways. The pain and disappointment that comes with infertility. The struggle and anguish over adoption. The joy that comes with God’s plan being WAY better than what you thought it could be. Another great story by Josi S. Kilpack

[Apzmarshl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very emotional book about infertility.
Another part of the book had to do with the struggle to forgive. It really struck me how ugly being unforgiving is. We all need to be forgiven for many things, thinking that you in turn could choose to not extend that mercy to someone else is offensive.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maddie is unable to have children, which she desperately wants. Husband Matt discovers he
has a child.

[Anne Bown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching. Touching on repentance, the grief of inability to have children, adoption, and many other topics.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beautiful. Heart-wrenching and raw, but very real.

[Dorry Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about a couple who wanted children so bad and it just didn't happen. Interesting how the past catches up with you and becomes part of your life.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book off the library shelf merely for it's size. How funny huh? I have several books on hold at the library and just wanted a little something for while I wait. At 279 pages, (an uncomplicated writing style and larger text..) it was a quick and easy read. To my amazement, this book is about infertility and the main character's name is Maddie, my daughters name. So, I knew it was meant to be for me to read! Haha. This book follows a couple on their journey through infertility and adoption with some BIG bumps along the way. I am not sure if the author has first hand experience with infertility or not, but she sure did nail many of the emotions of it. Another person commented in their review that Maddie was being whiny. She wined to no one but her husband and in her own mind. (and maybe her best friend ONCE....) Your husband is there to support you, so when it comes to infertility there is no such thing as whining. Plus, isn't she allowed to talk about it or what!? ;) I liked this book. the reason for three stars instead of four? This is going to sound pretty dumb, but I didn't like how the author reffered to all the local places, speaking of "Lagoon", "Olive Garden in Murray", "Fashion Place Mall", etc., and ETC! I like my fiction to be REALLY fiction, I live right here amongst all those places. I read to escape in my own mind. LOL!!! YES, she is a local author, I understand that some people like that, I just don't.

Good Book!!!! Great journey, keeps you interested, that's for sure.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, if this didn't have me in tears more than halfway through...so very touching and moving as a young married couple struggles with infertility and later comes to grips with a surprising discovery. People need to be more sensitive and understanding whenever married couples aren't able to conceive. I remember a couple who I attended church with, about 5 years ago they were devestated when their baby boy died shortly after birth. My heart went out to them and I never asked about it since I wanted to respect their privacy and their sentiments. However, others felt it was in their best interest to pepper them with questions about when they plan on having children again, which led the wife to send a mass e-mail politely asking everyone to cease with the questioning. I am happy to say that they are blessed with another beautiful little boy that was born about six months ago, and things seem to be going rather well for them. No matter what, I will always be respectful of anyone coping with infertility and/or the death of a child. It's a very painful and sensitive subject.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book with believable charactors. It tells about an LDS couple (if you don't know what LDS means, then you aren't one) fighting to hold their marraige together while they struggle with infertility. I can't relate to either, so I didn't 'feel' the story the way someone else might. But I did enjoy it and was eager to keep reading to find out what happened to the characters. The book is a little bit long, and part way through it started to feel too predictable, and I got a little bored. But then the story took a trist and I got interested again. All in all a good book that I think most women would enjoy (and if you are a sappy kinda gal, you'll probably love it). And now I'm just typing more words 'cause I want this to quillify as a super review 'cause I like being super.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh and cry. I myself have not been able to have children and I couldn't believe how dead on it explained my emotions through the first part of my infertility. If anyone wants to know how a women feels who is going through infertility and has to go to a baby shower the first part of this book explains it to a T. I remember once being told that I had no right to feel bad as I was headed to a relatives baby shower. Had that person read this book I am positive they would not have made that comment. It ends well, with where I am now, which is- knowing that the Lord has a plan for all of us, and if we leave it to him we will find happiness in whatever struggles we go through. Enjoy! I sure did.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book for anyone who has infertility problems. maddie and Matt have been trying to have a baby for 4 years. When they find out that they are pregnant they are thrilled but leary because there is still the chance that something could go wrong and it does. With the way that things happened she looses all chance of having her own children. matt has a secret that he has been keeping from Maddie thinking that he has resolved it in everyway, but a letter from his past comes at the worst time and he has to tell maddie. Although she can't have a baby, he might already have a son. Walter. Goes through the struggles of forgiveness and acceptance.

[Mommywest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Not only did I learn a lot about the struggles of couples with infertility, but this book also made me think about the consequences of our actions. Maybe we haven't done something as big as Matt, but even seemingly small choices can have a big effect on our lives. I also thought about the impact we can have on each other, and how the Lord knows who is needed where and when. Learning to trust the Lord and his timetable, forgiveness, and more are all part of this great story. Josi Kilpack is a master at making her characters very real--you even find yourself sympathizing with or feeling upset at them just as if it was happening to you. This is a great story!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book's main premise is dealing with infertility, it also deals with challenges in marriage, repentance, and forgiveness. I really like the advice given by the heroine's parents regarding forgiveness being a choice she is making rather than a feeling she would have. I had never thought of it that way before: Forgiveness is something that we choose to give. We don't always feel like it either, but the feelings come a little at a time as the forgiveness is applied to both lives. Deep gospel concept.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived through infertility this book was heartbreaking because it brought back so many memories and opened raw wounds. But it was good because it helped me sort through my thoughts and feelings about my experience over the years. No one can completely understand the feelings,emotions, heartaches, anger, challenges, etc...etc. unless they have personally experienced it, which I wouldn't wish on anyone. But reading this book helps to remind me that God's hand is in all things and He is aware of each one of us, has a plan for each one of us, and cries and laughs right along with us.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very eye opening for many reasons. I have family members who can't have children of their own. I have seen their heartache but have never felt that I fully understood just how they were really feeling. I found in reading this book that I have taken many things for granted and I can, to some small degree, understand what those family members are going through. It breaks my heart to know that even small conversations can be painful to them. I definitely recommend this book, it was an insightful experience that I won't forget any time soon.

[Thehofmannfamily Hofmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to read this book after I loved the culinary mystery books that Josi wrote. While this book is a totally different subject and vibe the writing is still really good. It deals w/ a 30 something woman who has been trying for a baby for at least a decade with no success, only sadness. After her lastest loss and then needing a surgery that made it so she could no longer try to conceave she is placed in an even more difficult situation when something from her husband's past comes back as a total shock. This is a very touching novel.