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Emma's Hero

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“God won’t give me more than I can handle? I’m pretty sure He just did.”After a year of loss and bad choices distance Emma Reynolds from her lifelong beliefs, she finds herself pregnant and alone at a twenty-week ultrasound, hearing the words “incompatible with life.” When her son, Theo, survives birth, she fights to give him the best care possible. As each day passes, Emma’s love for Theo grows—along with her fear of losing him. She can’t understand why God allows her son to suffer.Seventeen-year-old blogger, Mason Hughes, feels lonely and worthless after his father left their family years ago. When he ignores his mother’s push to “contribute to society,” she volunteers him to help Emma each week. Wishing he’d applied for any other job, Mason has no choice but to grocery shop and practice his rusty social skills with a mother and son he doesn’t know.Paramedic Ben Sullivan has earned himself the title of “most eligible” bachelor among his friends as they continually set him up on blind dates. While he’d love to avoid the uncomfortable events, his heart can’t help but seek the one thing missing in his life—a marriage like his parents have. If only he could find the woman himself.As Theo’s tiny life connects them to each other, their loneliness breaks under the love of community, and they will never be the same.

314 pages, Paperback

Published March 19, 2024

42 people are currently reading
252 people want to read

About the author

Carrie Walker

2 books343 followers
Carrie Walker lives in Michigan with her husband and seven children. From her ten years serving as a high school youth minister, adventures around the globe, and raising a family, many stories have been knit within her heart.

As an avid reader she pens what she loves to read, contemporary stories that bring hope to a hurting world. Weaving romance among story lines of characters in struggle, she aims to show God working in all situations. When she’s not playing board games with her husband, shuttling kids in the Walker bus or wishing for snow, Carrie can be found at the keyboard bringing those stories to life.

Carrie’s writing has been recognized in many contests. Her debut novel, Emma’s Hero, placed in the ACFW Crown Award, Monroe Walton Center for the Arts Award, and won the 2020 ACFW First Impressions Contest.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Deena Adams.
490 reviews113 followers
April 15, 2024
What a powerful debut by this author. The characters were so authentic and became like personal friends. From the hero and heroine to the minor characters, each drew me in and made me love them.

The author's medical research was obvious as she described the process poor Emma had to follow to care for her son, Theo, through his multiple seizures and extensive needs. My heart went out to her and her adorable son, and several scenes brought me to tears as I envisioned what it must be like for a mom to navigate such a difficult diagnosis. This character did so with such deep love, grace, and strength. Very inspiring!

The male protagonist, Ben, was the perfect hero. His positive personality and the love and concern he showed for Emma and Theo grabbed me at the beginning and held on until the end.

Teenage characters, Mason and Clare, added an extra layer of depth and meaning to this beautiful book. It was heartwarming to watch Mason grow from a lonely, broken, introverted video game geek to a kind, caring, and nurturing young man. I'm excited they will get their own story!

The storyline of Emma's Hero was so well executed as we walked with Emma on her journey of healing from past mistakes, dealing with grief and loss, fear of losing her precious son, and into the beautiful life God had planned for her.

If you can't tell from my review, the characters and their realness really stood out in this story. Definitely one of this author's strengths.

If you enjoy books by Deborah Raney and Karen Kingsbury, give this one a try! I think you'll love it.

*Thank you to the author/publisher for an advance copy of this book. A positive review was not required, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jeanette Durkin.
1,608 reviews50 followers
February 22, 2024
This is an extraordinary book! It touched my heart in so many ways. It captures the essence of motherhood. That knowledge that you will do anything to protect your child. It also is a reminder that it truly takes a village to raise children.

My favorite quote is: ..."so many beautiful people had entered her life and carried her through some of the greatest struggles she had known- heroes, big and small, guided by the hand of God."

I loved how the characters' lives became intertwined with each other. Each person's lives and actions created a ripple effect that touched someone else's life. Each character grew in compassion and empathy for others.

This book will stay with me for a long time. Little Theo has a special place in my heart.

I look forward to reading more books by this author!
I was provided a copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Carolyn Bryant.
936 reviews79 followers
February 11, 2024
Emma’s Hero is a gripping, thought-provoking story that keeps you on an emotional roller coaster--some parts made me laugh; some really made me contemplate; and some brought tears. I was not sure what to expect from this debut novel but was quickly captivated by the story. The well-structured, smoothly flowing plot grabbed me from the beginning and kept me reading expectantly to the end. The beautifully crafted characters are engaging and believable. I grew to care about them as they battled difficult circumstances. Detailed descriptions of the demanding extensive care required by Theo’s medical condition evidence extensive research and add depth to the story. I especially appreciate the strong, insightful faith thread woven throughout and the reminder of how helping others in a time of need can become a transforming blessing on your own life. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful though at times heart-wrenching story and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
1,036 reviews33 followers
April 5, 2024
After a season of grief and bad choices, Emma Reynolds finds herself pregnant and alone in a new city. When her 20-week ultrasound reveals that her baby boy has a birth defect incompatible with life, Emma must choose whether to continue carrying her baby or cherish the short life he will live once he is born.

Emma's Hero is the story of not only Emma but also paramedic Ben and struggling high school senior Mason. Together their lives intertwine with baby Theo's in a way that none of them expected. They're challenged to look deeper, dream bigger, and love to a greater degree.

This book really touched my heart because when I was 13 my family lost a baby to a similar birth defect. Theo's story rang with authenticity since I have experienced the same with my sister.

I am not going to spoil the story, but I will tell you that this book is about life and hope. It is hard to read about a sick baby, but Emma's Hero offers us the chance to walk in the characters' shoes and learn about the value of life along the way. If you need spoilers before you feel comfortable reading the book, please message me and I will tell you privately. No matter the outcome, this is a book that has the potential to change lives. Maybe even yours!

What a well-done debut for Carrie Walker. I look forward to more from her!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,578 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2024
I really loved this story. Yes, it is a tear jerker but so inspiring. I think this story touched me so much because my son had seizures when he was little. No, he didn’t have the same illness as Theo but his seizures were caused by fever. This story made me remember the times we were in the hospital with him and especially one Christmas Eve. I recommend this book. This story shows readers that good can come from bad things. I really like how Theo’s life helped Mason and changed his life. The picture below I shared on my Facebook page. This is a clean read. I really could say so much more about this book but I will just say I think all should read this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rebecca Trump.
Author 1 book78 followers
March 15, 2024
Emma’s Hero is the debut novel of Carrie Walker. Ohhhh, this book was grand. Waves of tragedy and hope, always followed by moments of God’s blessings and love. I was moved to tears at times, so well-written was this tale. I am eager to read more from this author. You will be blessed reading this story!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
Profile Image for Andra Loy.
Author 1 book11 followers
March 18, 2024
Wow. It doesn't get more touching than this. The story of how one tiny baby's life impacts so many around him was beautifully woven between three POVs - a struggling single mother, a paramedic looking for love, and a lonely teenager. I'm not an emotional reader, but this book...let's just say it hit me in all the right places. It delivers a powerful message, a beautiful love story, and so many deep, touching quotes that linger long after the last page.
Even Walker's inspiration for this story...wow. If you want fiction with a purpose that will enact change and give hope and beauty to a broken world, this book is it.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Sara.
3 reviews
February 13, 2024
More than just a heartwarming romance (it is that too), Carrie weaves a story about interconnected lives and how grace flows from one person to the next. At the center of the story is the struggle of a medically fragile newborn Theo and his mother Emma's path to realize that she is not alone.

I especially liked the character Mason, the teenager who is "volunteered" by his mother to run errands for Emma. It is clear that Walker knows the mind of a teen. Equally convincing is Emma's voice as a new mom struggling to keep her child alive and her faith afloat. Add in a charming paramedic, and you have the right mix of all a story needs.

"Emma's Hero" is an uplifting book that is definitely worth a first and repeat read.
Profile Image for Aprilmilly.
34 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2024
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. I found myself frustrated with each of them and also cheering for each of them at different moments throughout the story. Emma’s story really gave me a new perspective on life with a critically ill child. This was an amazing debut from author Carrie Walker. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to be released.
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book517 followers
April 10, 2024
4.5 stars

Let me just say upfront that nothing I say about Emma’s Hero could possibly come close to adequately conveying the depth of feeling and beauty to this story. Carrie Walker’s debut novel is tender and heartfelt, and she unpacks the characters’ sometimes-raw layers with thoughtful care and authenticity. She doesn’t shy away from the ‘hard’ but also ushers in plenty of grace and goodness, a reminder to all of us that as children of God we are never alone even in the fiercest storm.

Emma is in an impossibly difficult position as a single mom-to-be, still grieving the loss of her own father, and now facing a terminal illness for her unborn baby. Her bravery is evident from the beginning, even if she would likely laugh at that assertion, and Walker honors real-life moms in similar situations with her portrayal of this fictional one. I felt Emma’s fear, frustration, and helplessness as little Theo (who completely took over my heart) and his multitude of health issues took her through the wringer, despite his continued defying of the odds. Some of the tenser medical moments stole my breath as I found myself nearly praying for this warrior mom and her warrior baby, but rest assured that this isn’t a heavy book. It deals with some heavy stuff, certainly. But there is always an undercurrent of joy and hope and love that overflows from little Theo’s trusting gazes to the support network that God sends their way. Not to mention an incredibly sweet romance with a paramedic named Ben who steps up to the plate in big & small ways – and not just for Emma & Theo.

Along those lines, one of my favorite things about the title of Emma’s Hero is how many different people it could apply to within this story. There are a host of heroes that you’ll encounter on these pages, but it’s Mason who touched me the most (outside of Theo, of course). I couldn’t help picturing my 18-year-old nephew when I read Mason’s scenes, and perhaps that’s why I developed such a tender spot for this video gamer/blogger/reluctant hero. Except I’m pretty sure that even if you don’t have a teenage boy in your life you’ll love Mason as much as I do, because his character growth over the course of this story is so poignant. I’m super excited that he’s the lead character in book 2 and I can’t wait to read it!

Bottom Line: When everything else crashes around us, faith, hope, and love remain – and Emma’s Hero by Carrie Walker is a touching reminder that sometimes we encounter this anchoring trio in unexpected ways and from unexpected people. People like the ones in this story who quickly stole my heart, from rescuer-at-heart Ben to awkwardly endearing Mason, infinitely precious Theo, and fiercely-loving Emma. As we ride the roller coaster of Theo’s medical crises with Emma, Ben, and Mason (as well as other memorable characters), Walker beautifully captures the the power of prayer, the outpouring of grace God gives us for each day and the importance of paying attention to (and acting on) those little nudges from Him. Highly recommended for fans of Cynthia Ruchti, Nicole Deese, and Amanda Cox!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Kelsey Gietl.
Author 12 books108 followers
December 7, 2025
A powerful and inspiring pro-life debut! This novel shows how God has a purpose in all things, even when they don’t seem to make sense. It’s beautiful how every person has a lasting impact, no matter their disabilities or how long their life may be. I wasn’t familiar with HPE before reading this and loved that the author was inspired to write this because of her friend’s baby with the same condition. What a wonderful tribute!
4 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2024
Great read!

Emma’s Hero is a great story. I couldn’t put it down. The characters are interesting and I loved the God aspect of the book. When bad things happen to good people is it a punishment from God? I cannot wait for Carrie’s next book!
Profile Image for Gina.
80 reviews5 followers
April 10, 2024
This book very tenderly but completely filled my heart! It was inspirational but also relatable, as I could identify with different characters, their journeys, and the faith that enables one to continue to hold on to Hope! I pray that the message of this book will touch many hearts as we each consider who is Emma's Hero.
Profile Image for Elisabeth.
399 reviews6 followers
April 6, 2024
What an authentic, moving debut novel! Emma’s Hero explores the intrinsic value of life and how seemingly small things can have a big impact on others’ lives. Each of these characters felt so real to me with their fears, struggles, questions, and doubts. Seeing how Theo’s life and medical needs brought Emma, Ben, Mason, and Clare together was such a beautiful picture of community and what it means to serve one another in love. I love reading medical dramas, and the amount of medical research that went into this book is absolutely fantastic. A novel that is unabashedly pro-life, infused with grace and hope, this one is not to be missed!
Profile Image for Lady W.
452 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2024
I was so invested in this story that I started to believe these characters to be real! I am going to try so hard not to put any spoilers in this review because I have so many feels! The way this story took me on a rollercoaster of emotions.

This book is so well written that I was immediately immersed into the story. I felt like I was right there with Emma the entire time. Emma was such a real and likable character. Actually, every character was so likable. Who doesn’t need a best friend like Jessica? Ben was so strong and caring. Mason, who is trying to figure out who he is during his senior year of high school, was so real. His mother trying to guide him and not be overwhelming (been there 🤣). The character development was great. And little Theo was the biggest fighter of them all.

This book had me on the edge of my seat. I could relate to each person. Their emotions where realistic and raw.
There was a point towards the end that got my adrenaline pumping! That was a wild ride. I was so invested and that ending was the cherry on top!

I’m glad we got an epilogue. I loved the Letter to the Readers. Well that letter got me right in the feels.

Also, can we talk about how beautiful that cover is?
Profile Image for Karen.
60 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2025
This book is a very special book. It’s about loving, sacrifice, friendships, and the importance of each person who enters your life, especially when everything goes wrong.

My eyes welled up many times while reading this book, because a baby with a serious health condition has the spotlight. I had a friend whose baby was diagnosed with a similar condition. She was advised to abort, but she refused. Her marriage fell apart because of it, and she had to leave her practice to stay at home and care for her baby boy and young daughter. The doctors told her he wouldn’t make it through delivery, but he did. He lived to be 6 years old. This book became very personal, because it brought a spotlight to a lot of things I hadn’t considered my friend had no doubt faced.

I especially appreciated how the author included the many positive and brilliant things that happened while Emma was going through an extremely difficult and stressful season in her life, and the way God’s hand was seen in the hardship. She never made light of the problems, but definitely highlighted how God showed up in the middle of it all.
Profile Image for Parkland Mom.
798 reviews20 followers
March 30, 2025
4.25 Stars
Completed: Mar. 29/25

Series: Faith Endures, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CFG's "purchased in the past but haven't read yet" -- purchased one year ago

Book #39 of 2025: new-to-me author

This was a really heartwarming novel. I learned a lot about the condition that Baby Theo has. The author conveyed the countless aspects, machinery, medications, etc needed. I have mad respect for those who have lived this. Every additional day you can have with your child is worth it all.

The three stories braided together well and God truly wove a beautiful result. EVERY life is important and of value. God never leaves us alone, no matter the situation. We need more people in the world that are like the characters in this book. Ben is an absolute gem and a wonderful example of a truly good man. The maturity of Carrie is quite remarkable. Mason and Clare
are amazing teenagers. And then there is Baby Theo... I think every reader wants to reach inside the book and hold him for a while.
Profile Image for Iola.
Author 2 books28 followers
December 30, 2024
Interior designer Emma Reynolds is doing great after a bad year … until her twenty-week scan reveals her baby boy has semi-lobar holoprosencephaly, a brain abormality that causes seizures, developmental delays, diabetes, and other health problems. Despite the obvious challenges ahead, she is determined to keep her baby.

EMT supervisor Ben Sullivan sees the distraught woman as he’s delivering a patient to the hospital. He can’t do anything but pray … but God brings them back together when he is the EMT who answers the emergency call for Theo’s birth.

Mason Hughes is a high school student with no idea what to do with his life. He’s less than pleased when his mother signs him up to shop for Emma once a week. He’d rather be playing Minecraft or Fortnite and building his blog. In that, he echoed the preferences of many teenage boys.

As the title implies, Ben is the real hero of this story. He’s a Christian, an EMT (always a great start), and a genuinely good guy. His main fault is that he likes to be in charge, which makes it difficult for him to give his backup EMTs the freedom to actually do their jobs. However, his desire to take charge never crosses the line into being controlling, and I appreciated that.

Mason also turns out to be a hero in his own way, mostly because of Ben’s encouragement and good example.

I will admit to some apprehension from the opening line—so many novels have All the Bad Things happen to their characters that I was afraid Emma was going to lose her job and have to figure out not only how to raise a child with special healthcare needs on her own, but have to do it with no job and no medical insurance. Fortunately that turned out not to be the case.

I found Emma’s character a little confusing at first. Where is her baby’s father? He’s not mentioned, which got me wondering why not. The question was eventually addressed, but that did mean it took a little longer for me to warm to Emma as a character. She came into her own once Theo was born and we could see her inspirational tenacity and determination to keep Theo alive.

What I especially liked was the character growth from each of the three main characters, especially Emma and Mason. In some ways, they are different sides of the same coin: Emma is the single parent raising her son alone who still needs to forgive herself and accept God’s forgiveness, and Mason is the son of a single mother who needs to forgive the father who abandoned him.

Emma’s Hero was inspired by a real-life baby. It’s great to see Christian fiction—especially Christian romance—that deals with some of the hard situations and show we can rely on God to bring us through.

Recommended for readers who want a solid Christian romance and aren’t going to be triggered by a baby with a life-threatening condition.

Thanks to Mountain Brook Ink for providing a free ebook for review.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,100 reviews134 followers
April 26, 2024
There are times that a special story will grab your heart and slowly with each beat you feel every emotion. This story is one where a young baby named Theo given little hope to survive will touch lives that are broken, hopeless and lack confidence. A baby is a miracle and no matter what the doctors tell Emma she is determined to have this child that God has blessed her with. She has taken on quite a challenge but everyday she becomes this mother who fights for the life of her child.

Theo has been born with an illness that doesn’t give him a good prognosis. The poor baby has to be constantly watched and I can’t imagine that every moment he may start a seizure, Emma prays God will save him. Emma is a fierce warrior for her child but she does have a little bitterness toward the man who abandoned her when he found out she was pregnant.

Ben is at the right place and at the right time when Emma goes into labor. His skills as a paramedic help calm Emma down. I liked how he stayed with her and was able to see a miracle happen. That moment gave Ben a new outlook on life. This child fights for his life everyday. Ben has a special bond with Theo and Emma and wants to be part of their lives.

Mason is a troubled teen who has been volunteered by a church group to drop off weekly groceries and medicine to Emma. I loved this part of the story because it gave Mason a feeling of helping others and feeling needed. His loneliness begins to fade as he becomes attached to sweet Theo. As Clara comes into the picture she sees how much Theo has changed Mason and is drawn to the child as well.

This beautiful story shows the struggles a young unmarried mother has with a disabled child and the people who step up to help. New relationships are formed and faith starts to show in each of our main characters. This is a must read book and don’t miss the author’s notes that show how this story cam about. I kept thinking of this scripture, “ and a child shall lead them.” For me Theo was here for a reason and God used him in a mighty way.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,072 reviews66 followers
April 3, 2024
The fragility of life and the abundance of life is on display in this thought-provoking book. I have cried tears of joy and tears of sorrow as I read this story and fell in love with the characters. I could almost physically feel their pain.

Emma Reynolds hears the words no mother-to-be wants to hear when she goes for her ultrasound. The doctor basically tells her that her baby is incompatible for life. Emma decides to give her son the opportunity to live. This tiny little baby will make an impression on people's lives that will not soon be forgotten. His life has purpose.

Ben Sullivan is a paramedic. His friends and family are constantly trying to set up him, but he has not found the one yet. He stole my heart from the first few pages when he saw Emma in the hospital and prayed for her just because she looked like she needed prayer. He did not know Emma, nor did he know her circumstances. He just felt the nudge to pray for her.

Mason Hughes is a 17 year old blogger who feels invisible to the world around him. The only place he feels seen is in video games and on his blog. He does not feel that his life has any purpose. He has no friends. His mother decides he needs a life lesson and signs him up to deliver groceries and medicine to Emma and Theo. His life is about to turned on its ear.

These three characters' lives will be intertwined in the care of a little boy who has already defied the odds by living outside the womb. They need each other for different reasons and divine intervention has put them together.

I will not soon forget this book, nor the characters in it. This book made an impression on me that I cannot even put into words. One quote stood out amongst all the others when Ben admits, "I try so hard to be the rescuer sometimes, but God is always the one working."

If you want to be blessed, you need to read this book as I learned that blessings can come in many different forms, even scary and sad ones.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Edward Arrington.
1,182 reviews12 followers
February 6, 2024
Have you ever found yourself in almost unbearable circumstances after a bad choice you made or a sinful action you committed in a weak or selfish moment? Did you feel that God was punishing you for what you had done? Emma was in that predicament. She gave in to temptation that had life-changing consequences, and she felt God had turned his back on her. Wishing and praying for a do-over in bad situations never accomplishes a thing. Although our heavenly Father does not plan for us to fail, He knows before it ever happens and often brings good out of the bad things happening all around us. Emma could never have planned out all that occurred as a result of her wrong choices. She was along for the ride of her life as events played out, not without the involvement of a number of other wonderful people, most of whom she had never known until she needed them. Her life was certainly not carefree after meeting Ben, Theo, Mason, Clare, Jake, and a host of doctors and nurses. But she realized she did not need to carry all of the burdens on her own. Two of my favorite people in the whole story were Mason and Clare, high school seniors who barely knew each other until Emma and Theo drew them together. They were special teens just needing a place to really bloom and to realize their own worth. This is a beautiful story of how people in need often have more to give than those who come around them to meet their needs. Great story with valuable lessons. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
1,901 reviews
April 21, 2024
Emma’s Hero by Carrie Walker is a Christian Contemporary Romance. This book centers around a young, single mother named Emma who finds herself pregnant with a baby. Her twenty-week ultrasound changes her life forever. She receives the devastating news that her son has a condition that typically results in the baby being incompatible with life.

When she goes into labor and calls for emergency assistance, paramedic Ben Sullivan enters their lives and works to prove that he and God both care for the two of them. Add in a lonely seventeen-year-old blogger, Mason Hughes, who feels worthless, and this story becomes exceptionally moving. When his mother volunteers him to help Emma and her son each week, he grows closer to them and finds God’s purpose in his life.

I found myself caught up in the story and unable to avoid being moved to tears. The author weaves a book filled with faith, hope, love, family, and chances to do the right thing. The book includes extra characters, including Emma’s best friend, Emma’s mother, Ben’s family and friends, plus Mason’s mother and his classmates, and the story gains a richness that makes it impossible to put down.

You should be sure to read the author’s notes at the end of the book, which explains the inspiration behind this story. It truly needs to be shared.

So, if you want a Christian Contemporary Romance, check out Emma’s Hero by Carrie Walker.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
158 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2024
I recently finished reading Emma's Hero, a book by Carrie Walker. It is a beautifully written story that is sure to touch your heart and make you feel the same emotions as the characters, especially Emma. This seems to be Walker's debut novel, and it is an impressive start.

The story does not shy away from faith or hard decisions. It portrays the not-so-pleasant aspects of life that we may encounter, but it also shows us that even in those times, God is there for us. If we reach out to Him, He will bless and care for us.

Emma has made some poor choices, and her father is trying to get her to turn her life around. However, he passes away, leaving Emma with a lot of regrets. I can relate to this in my own life, but God is always gracious to us. Emma receives news that her son will have severe complications if she gives birth to him. The doctors say he may not even live to see his first birthday. Emma is devastated, but she knows that she will not abort her baby.

Ben, the main male character, is a kind and compassionate man who wants to start a family of his own. He notices Emma, but she is crying, so he chooses not to approach her at that moment. Instead, he prays for her. When Emma gives birth, Ben is there as an EMS worker. Emma and Ben feel a connection, but their situation does not lend itself to starting a relationship. Will they make it work, or will they go their separate ways?

This book provides hope and encouragement to those who may receive a similar diagnosis for their children. It shows that even when life seems difficult and painful, our children are still precious. I needed a box of tissues while reading this emotional but joyful story. It is an excellent book, and there is a second one coming, which focuses on two supporting characters. I am looking forward to reading more from Carrie Walker.

I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
1,575 reviews30 followers
May 5, 2024
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Emma’s Hero is a beautifully written book that will grab your heart and won’t let go. Emma is a scared but determined young lady as she faces life with a special needs son. She will do everything she can to make sure he has the best care possible. With the help of Ben, who is a Paramedic and teenager Mason, life was easier for Emma.

What an amazing debut book by Author Carrie Walker! I cried more than usual as I read this wonderful book. I just love Emma, and and the sweet mom she becomes. And Mason. I love how he develops into the sweetest young guy as the story unfolds. I like how Ben prays for Emma long before he meets her. And the three of these characters will stay with me for a long time, along with the beautiful and sweet Theo. This is for sure a book I will keep and read again. I can’t wait for the second book in this Faith Endures Series, and what Carrie Walker has for us next. I’m giving this special book Five Stars. If you enjoy new authors, or contemporary Christian, or just a good clean book to read, you have to try Emma’s Hero. You will not be disappointed!!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,800 reviews49 followers
April 28, 2024
Contempory Christian Romance novels are a favorite genre of mine. I also LOVE reading books from new authors. Emma's Hero by Carrie Walker is the latest in this genre that I have read.

WOW, I can honestly say that my heart was very touched by this storyline. I don't think I have teared up while reading a book as much as I did with this storyline. Emma's story of being a Single Mom with a Special Needs son, Theo, is so heartwarming. I really LOVE the character Mason. His compassion and understanding for Emma and Theo just tugs at my heartstrings. Even though his mom forced him to help Emma and Theo, he has come to LOVE helping on a weekly basis. Paramedic Ben Sullivan does have a desire to marry one day but has never "found the one". He sees Emma at the hospital and decides to pray for her, even without knowing her. The connection between Ben and Emma when they finally meet is so tender and heartfelt. The book captivated me from the very beginning and only got better as I read. The author really did her research, especially in regards to the medical aspect of the book. The storyline is one of Faith, LOVE and Friendships. I am excited to read more books from Carrie Walker in the future. She really is an AMAZING writer and her debut novel is a MUST READ! GREAT BOOK!
Profile Image for Becca Hope.
231 reviews8 followers
May 1, 2024
I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The author does a wonderful job drawing the reader in by creating characters that you will care about and writing a plot line that will keep you turning the pages.

Emma is an incredibly strong character, and her deep love for her son and her desire to take care of him is admirable. She refuses to give up on him, she refuses to let the doctors be right about him. And she does everything and anything she can to make sure that he is safe and comfortable. I really appreciated her character.

Ben is incredibly sweet and caring, and the way the he wants to help Emma and her son, even when they are still practically strangers to him, is heart-warming. He genuinely has a good heart, and his love for Christ is evident in his love for people.

I loved Mason the most out of all the characters. A misunderstood teenager who is trying to find his purpose in life? I really appreciated seeing his growth throughout the novel, and I loved the way that Emma and Ben made him feel like family.

Overall, this story is an incredibly sweet one about how when you trust in God, you can overcome anything.

I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
Profile Image for Tawni Suchy.
Author 11 books722 followers
October 8, 2024
I don’t have the right words to explain how this book made me feel. All the emotions. When I say the topics in this book were heavy—they were heavy. But the message of God’s goodness even in the hardships hits home time and time again in this story. Just wow. If you’re looking for a book with heavy hitting themes, God’s goodness, characters coming to Christ and back to Christ after straying, a resilient baby boy, a mama who does everything she can to help her baby boy, and a hero who loves selflessly in every way…Emma’s Hero is the book for you. The story runs on multiple POVs. The heroine, hero, and unexpected secondary hero whose lives are woven together thanks to a baby boy the doctors didn’t think would make it. In the midst of impossible circumstances God’s goodness and will shined through.
There are some difficult topics discussed in this book including but not limited to: death of a parent (before the story takes place) and a critical medical diagnosis on an unborn baby.
But how the story comes together is faith-strong and heartwarming.

Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️
💋
17+ due to the topics noted in my review
Profile Image for Carole Jarvis.
564 reviews59 followers
January 3, 2025
How sweet to discover new-to-me author, Carrie Walker! Emma's Hero introduced me to a cast of unlikely heroes that I hope to spend much more time with in future stories. It's a story of personal and spiritual growth, caring, forgiveness, love, commitment, courage and determination.

Emma learns of a potentially fatal birth defect in her unborn son, incompatible with life in the words of her doctor, yet chooses to give life - her all - to this child. Emma encounters an elderly woman (an angel?) who tells her that God won't give her more than she can handle, with Him - with Him being key here. What a needed reminder for us all!

Ben is a lovely character, a Christian paramedic who also has some life lessons to learn. And I adored Mason, a video game/social media savvy teenager who becomes a reluctant hero. Baby Theo brings all these characters together, reminding us how God works through hard times and that every life has purpose.

Emma's Hero is an emotional, heartwarming story. I am thrilled to discover the writing of Carrie Walker. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Barbara Campbell.
1,810 reviews44 followers
July 3, 2025
What a beautiful, poignant, emotional yet overall uplifting read. Emma finds herself pregnant and alone with a child deemed “incompatible with life.” There are choices to be made and she finds herself fighting for her child as she strives to give him the best care she can for however long the Lord allows. In the midst of it all she encounters Ben Sullivan, a paramedic who comes to her rescue over and over and Mason Hughes, a 17 year old who is reluctantly helps Emma and over time finds friendship, acceptance and purpose.

This is a story about love. Yes, some of it is romantic love, but honestly that isn’t the focal point. This is truly a story of God’s love for all people and the love that grows in the Believer’s heart as he/she chooses faith over and over again.. a love that pours out onto others and finds root in the most unexpected places.

One thing I loved so much was how Theo’s life, while not picture perfect, had value. I have a friend who adopted a child who had several cerebral palsy and a number of other issues. Many would (and I sure did) see him as a burden and assumed he had no quality of life and added nothing to the world. They were wrong. I confess I was unsure when she and her husband first adopted this unwanted child, but I had the privilege of following their story and spending time with them and their son and trust me.. he was created by a loving God on purpose and for purpose.. He had value in this world.. and He enjoyed life. It was truly a beautiful thing to see. Theo reminded me of that boy, who now resides in Heaven. I know there are many more out there like him who need a voice and Carrie Walker has given them that.
Profile Image for Naomi Craig.
Author 9 books246 followers
March 30, 2024
In a beautifully poignant writing style Carrie walker has crafted a true to life portrayal of the struggles heartache and joy of a single mom dealing with a likely terminal diagnosis of her newborn.

I cried so many times and felt all that Emma went through. A celebration of life! Enjoy each day with your loved ones as if it’s your last

This book is for you if you like swoony emt heroes
You or someone you know is a caregiver
You’ve loved someone who has a disability.
You want to do more with your life

Quotes

It’d been forever since she’d felt the hand of God. Or searched for it.

God won’t give me more than I can handle? I’m pretty sure He just did.


“Do you know what I hear when you say ‘might?’” With a heavy sigh, she shook her head. He placed his hand on her arm. “God has room to work.”

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. This in no way affected this review. These thoughts are my own.
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