Cradled in Hope: Trusting Jesus to Heal Your Heart as He Holds Your Baby in Heaven – A Biblical Guide for Grieving Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss

by Ashley Opliger

A mother's heart is shattered and forever changed when she loses a precious baby. Overwhelmed by sadness, she feels abandoned by God, questions his goodness, and wonders how she will move forward in life while in such deep pain. Ashley Opliger, founder of Bridget's Cradles, wrestled with these same things when her daughter, Bridget, was born into heaven at twenty-four weeks. Amid her anguish, she found faith in God to not only heal her heart, but to change her life--and the lives of others.

Here she creates a safe place for grieving moms to cry, ask why, and bring their sadness, anger, bitterness, loneliness, shame, and hopelessness to one who can hold it all--Jesus. She gently guides heartbroken moms on a journey to trust him to heal their hearts, restore their joy, and use their grief for good. But most importantly, she reminds them that no matter where they are on their grief journey, God promises to give them a hope-filled future, both on earth and in heaven with their babies for all of eternity.

Genres: Grief, Christian

280 pages, Paperback

Published July 22, 2025

Reviews

[Stephanie Cowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ I hope I never have to recommend this book to a friend - and I truly mean that.

This book made me take a deeper look inside during a really hard season. It helped me realize I’m not alone in some of the thoughts and questions I had after losing my baby, and it even helped answer many of them.

More than anything, this book helped me move forward in my grieving. It met me right where I was and helped me take the next step forward.

[Kelcey Crone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be in the hands of every mother who has experienced loss. The connection and support you feel from the author as you read Cradled in Hope is unmatched. It is beautifully written and biblically sound. I would recommend this book to anyone who has experienced the heartache of losing a loved one. It is written for moms, but I truly believe there is healing in these pages for all losses.

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I hadn't heard of the Bridget's Cradles ministry prior to reading this book, I am so grateful to learn about the impact that it has had on countless families across America after the author, Ashley Opliger, experienced the tragic loss of her daughter at twenty-four weeks. I appreciate that this book is written from a biblical perspective that seeks to console and counsel grieving mothers. Hearing Ashley's story, along with accounts from other moms who have lost their child or children, reminds us that these are stories that need to be told more often in our churches. In raising awareness about pregnancy and infant loss by offering families a tangible way to grieve through handmade cradles, this book and ministry are making a difference for those who may not feel seen by other Christians or by their churches.

As a result, Cradled in Hope is both a powerful aid and a meaningful story of God at work in the midst of our despair. I love that this book is practical, clear in its references to the Bible, helpful through the usage of charts and diagrams, and worshipful in offering up heartfelt prayers for families to draw closer to God. This is likely the first book I've read on this topic that also delves into biblical prophecy and what it can mean as we process the emotions of grief and loss. Readers looking for a comprehensive resource that will walk them through pregnancy and infant loss on earth while continually pointing to a loving Father in heaven will glean much hope and comfort in this book, making it a special gift to receive and to give to others.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Jannakabug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember when I met Ashley 2 1/2 years ago and she said she was writing a book. And now here it is!! This book is her such a good representation of her life, her loss, and her ministry. Losing Bridget was never in her life plans, but the GOOD that she has done with her loss, is never-ending. And now, people will feel the love and care forever!
If you are reading this book, you are probably part of a club you did not want to be in. Losing a child, is not they way you want to connect with others. But this book, helps you navigate EACH step. Even ones you did not even think of! It is almost 3 years since my loss and I have been comforted and have learned from these words. Reading this, will help you on this roller coaster of grief. It will calm your heart and mind. It will be a resource you come back to again and again.

[Jennifer Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little over a month after losing our daughter during birth, I was wrestling with How? How were we supposed to survive this? I wanted an instruction manual. This is exactly the guide that I needed and wish had been available.

Our sweet girl went to be with Jesus 2.5 years ago and this book is comforting even now.

She answers the question of how? She points the reader to Jesus. She prays with the reader. She gives the reader action steps. She shares her biblical sources as she shares about her own grief journeys and how Jesus is comforting her and correcting the lies that the enemy is telling her. She walks the grieving mom through so many of the emotions and questions that arise.

[Tara Steinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a deeply compassionate and validating companion for mothers grieving miscarriage or infant loss. It speaks directly to the heartbreak, confusion, and isolation that so often follow these experiences. Rather than rushing grief, the book honors loss as something real, enduring, and worthy of space.

One of its greatest strengths is how clearly it affirms that a mother’s grief is legitimate no matter how early the loss, no matter how much time has passed. The tone is tender and reassuring, helping readers feel seen rather than minimized. It makes you feel like you are sitting with someone who truly understands the pain and doesn’t turn away from it.

The spiritual dimension will especially resonate with religious readers. Faith and hope is woven in offering comfort and healing for those navigating grief within a faith framework.

Overall, this is a beautifully written resource that reminds grieving mothers they are not alone and that their love, loss, and pain matter.

[Irving Osuna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend Cradled in Hope to any parent who is grieving. This book understands a type of loss that most people do not know how to talk about, and it does not try to sugarcoat it. Ashley writes from real experience, and you can feel that on every page.

What I appreciated most is that the book does not rush healing or push clichés. It allows space for pain, questions, and hard days, while still pointing toward hope in a way that feels honest and realistic. This is a book that meets grieving parents where they are and reminds them they are not alone.

[Casey Siegrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cradled in Hope is written with so much compassion and hope. Ashley shares about her own journey after the stillbirth of her daughter, Bridget and her journey with Jesus during her grief journey. This book includes so much truth and Scripture and practical ways to honor your baby. Cradled in Hope is a must read for any mom that has experienced pregnancy loss.

[Amber Walthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m only 6 chapters in but I already would highly recommend this book to a grieving mama. I lost my baby boy a month ago and there is so much in this book that I have highlighted and is an encouragement to me that really touched my heart. Ashley beautifully wrote her heart and soul in this book and put into words exactly what I’ve been thinking and feeling. ❤️

[Haley Kardokus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly what I needed after losing my precious daughter, Mattie, at 13 weeks.

It has helped fix my eyes on heaven and the reunion that awaits me one day thanks to Jesus and his good plan for my life.

[Mackenzie Hirschauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. While it does mostly focus on healing your heart while grieving your baby in Heaven, it has a LOT of great information around Jesus and Heaven. I’ve grown up in the church and went to a Lutheran school, and I still learned so much.

Everyone should read this, regardless of if you’ve lost a baby

[Breanna Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will forever gift this to a momma experiencing loss and immense grief. I had never heard of Bridget’s Cradles before this. I found the book on Amazon while I was searching for books on miscarriage, right after my own. It has sweet nuggets of wisdom that helped me to continue looking to Jesus in this season. It was also comforting to hear so much of the authors own struggles, thoughts and feelings. It made me feel less alone and validated my feelings. ♥️ I read a chapter each day during my quiet time, I’ll miss the routine, it gave me so much peace and healing.

[Alisha Chilcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! It's so obvious from page one how much heart, time, and energy was put into this book, it's so well written. Cradled in Hope made me feel like I'm not alone in my pregnancy loss experience and grief by hearing someone else's story so similar to what I went through emotionally and physically, during and after my loss. I felt so seen and understood when reading about Ashley's personal story, like she was saying "Come along with me, I've been there too and we can work through the heartbreak together. God's got you!
Just stick with Him!" I wasn't expecting so much theology, but I really enjoyed it being that way!
Even though I go to church every Sunday, I'm not one that has spent much time reading the Bible outside of church, so for Ashley to bring in so many Bible verses and Bible stories, it felt like she had pulled out all the parts of the Bible just for me that would pertain to my situation of pregnancy loss and grieving my daughter. Being able to hear so much of God's word speaking to me was really comforting and informative. Highly recommend for anyone who is trying to not lose their faith after a devastating loss, and even for those whose faith is strong! I think it can help your faith grow even more digging into biblical truths through this book!

[Michelle Pavlovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a beautiful resource for grieving moms. When I lost my 6 month old daughter due to medical complications in March 2025, the Cradled in Hope podcast was one of the first resources that helped me to start seeking God’s comfort and Truth again.

This book is so well written and thorough. I found myself nodding (and crying!) along the whole time I was reading. I did have to pace myself while reading, because it is such a tender subject and I wanted to properly absorb everything that I read. I love that Ashley wrote each chapter as a resource for various topics and I can keep going back to God’s Truth as it’s written in this book when I’m struggling in a specific area. I am so impressed with how grounded in scripture this book is. Ashley clearly put her heart and soul into all the writing. I’ve read a lot of grief books since my sweet Anna Joy died, but this one would be my #1 recommendation for any mom grieving baby loss.

[QAmber Wiliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cradled in Hope takes you through all of the overwhelming feelings you go through in all stages of grief & trauma. It takes you through biblical healing & reassuring belief that we will see our babies & loved ones again one day.

I couldn’t put it down. It was personally hard, but comforting to read at times. You’ll understand once you start turning the pages. I loved it so much that I’ve started reading it again.

One of my favorite reminders from the book.
“This world is not our permanent home.”
“Now is your time to grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (John 16:22).

[Charlotte Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. I am not a parent of a child who was lost, but I know of a family member who has lost a child. This book spoke to me in a way I will be forever grateful for it wisdom. It is written so EVERYONE can be more compassionate and understanding of the grieving process for mothers, fathers, and family members. It is very biblical represented with many scriptures to read within the book and also bible verses to dig deeper and learn more what Jesus has for us in Heaven.
Well done (Ashley) God's good and faithful servant.

[Andrea Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by someone who has walked this path, and understands how it feels to lose a child- this book is a much needed resource to give you hope and guidance through one of the hardest times in your life. Ashley uses biblical truths and soul-baring honesty to take readers on a journey to help find healing for their hearts.
As a grandmother who has a granddaughter in heaven, this book spoke to my heart and was helpful to better understand what my daughter in law felt and went through and to help me be a good support for her.
Cradled In Hope has my wholehearted recommendation.🌻

[Annelise Ord · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for every grieving mom ❤️

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cradled in Hope is a heartfelt book aimed at mothers navigating the painful journey of pregnancy and infant loss, and Ashley Opliger’s intention to bring comfort and theological insight is clear throughout. Having read it with personal hopes of connecting more deeply to Ashley’s story and how she leaned into faith after losing her 24 week daughter Bridget, I found myself with mixed feelings about the experience.

MY SUMMARY:
Overall, I would give Cradled in Hope a solid 5 out of 5 stars for those seeking theological answers specifically about pregnancy and infant loss within Ashley’s denominational tradition. It’s clear this book fills an important niche and provides gold-star theology for that purpose. However, for me personally, it missed the mark as a memoir or a deeply personal story of faith in grief. I was hoping for more of Ashley’s personal journey and encouragement on how to lean into Jesus through loss, rather than revisiting familiar sermons or doctrines I’ve heard before—some of which I don’t fully agree with. I’d recommend this book for moms looking for solid Baptist theological grounding, rather than for those seeking a narrative memoir of healing through grief. My personal preference is for the latter, as it allows readers to interpret the content on their own. You should know that when I reivew books I tend to criticize them to death, so take all of this with a grain of salt.

TONE & TRIGGER WARNINGS:
One aspect that stood out to me was the frequent footnotes and trigger warnings scattered throughout the book. While I understand the desire to be sensitive and cautious, especially around such difficult subject matter, the level of these warnings felt a bit excessive. When reading a baby loss story, it’s almost expected that medical trauma and heartache will be part of the narrative, so constant alerts seemed unnecessary and somewhat distracting.

EXPECTATIONS VS REALITY:
The title and subtitle led me to expect a more personal memoir-style journey focused on Ashley’s grief and the beginnings of Bridget’s Cradles ministry. However, only about a quarter of the book was devoted to her story, while the majority delved deeply into Christian theology. This theological exploration was rich but very focused on a particular denominational perspective, which was not clearly communicated upfront. For readers from different Christian backgrounds, this might cause some confusion, as the interpretations of scripture and theological concepts like limited atonement, predestination, and the age of accountability presented in the chapter "For He Is Good" are not universally accepted among all Christians.

READING YOUR BIBLE:
There was a particular sentence early in the book that really stood out to me—Ashley mentions how reading the Bible can be a source of encouragement and comfort during grief. In my personal experience, and that of about two dozen Christian loss moms I’ve connected with through my ministry, it’s often been the exact opposite. For many of us, reading the Bible was the last thing we wanted to do in the midst of our grief. I had to put my Bible down for years to avoid the overwhelming feelings of anger and doubt toward God. My friends shared similar experiences; they too stepped away from Scripture for months or even years before returning with softer hearts, more open to hearing from the Lord—and importantly, none of us lost our faith through that process.

It’s okay to take time away from your faith as part of healing. Losing a child fractures every relationship in your life, including your relationship with Christ. Like any friendship Ashley discusses in her book, sometimes that relationship needs to be approached with caution and care during grief. If you feel drawn to lean into God, do so, but it’s also okay if you need space and find yourself pushing Him away for a while. Healing looks different for everyone.

STRUGGLES WITH THEOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONS:
I found myself struggling a bit with the theological discussions, especially in the chapter about God’s goodness and sovereignty. To me, these sections felt like attempts to neatly explain or justify something as profoundly messy and painful as the loss of a child through rigid doctrinal frameworks. Life is universally unfair—and that unfairness doesn’t get smoothed over just because God is good or sovereign. We should be simply celebrating that life is UNFAIR because Christ took our penalty to pay - and that means eternal life with him! We should be thankful that life is unfair because God is good to us.

HIGHLIGHTS & THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES
On a brighter note, the chapter titled "A Renewed Mind" was a highlight for me. It contained many practical and encouraging insights that I believe could be helpful to any mother grieving a loss, whether recent or long ago. I'll definitely be referencing back to this chapter in the future. The inclusion of discussion questions at the end of each chapter in the book was also a thoughtful touch, making the book more usable in group settings or study contexts.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been an absolute lifeline to me in the months following losing my baby by miscarriage. It is saturated in God's word. She addresses being angry at God and why would God allow this to happen - type of questions - in full detail. I swear every chapter was EXACTLY what I needed to read in that moment. It was a total God thing. At the end of each chapter she lists about 3 scriptures to look up, 3 questions to answer for yourself, and 3 healing steps. I pushed myself to read every scripture, answer every question and do every healing step possible. This helped me soooo much. In such deep grief I had no motivation to do anything. But I told myself I would do what this book told me to do and that was exactly what I needed. It was short and sweet steps to take that made me feel better afterwards and led me to the Lord. I have walked through this book very slowly. I didn't want it to end. The Lord is the ONLY one who can comfort you in these moments. Once you allow Him to hold you, you will be able to slowly start healing one day at a time. The companion guided journal is available for free in digital format on her website. I purchased the print copy from amazon because I prefer to hold it in my hands and write in it physically. This journal a great resource as well and I'm so glad I got it! Thank you Ashley for walking me through the hardest season of my whole life. You are truly a blessing to me.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books you don’t just read — you hold onto.

If you’ve walked through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, you know how isolating and confusing the grief can feel. People try to say the right things, but nothing quite touches the ache. This book does.

It doesn’t rush you.
It doesn’t preach at you.
It simply sits beside you and gently points you back to Jesus.

What I loved most is how tender and biblical it is. Every chapter feels like a soft place to land — full of Scripture, truth, and reassurance that your baby is safe in Heaven and that your grief matters deeply to God. It acknowledges the heartbreak while still offering real hope, not clichés.

There’s something incredibly comforting about the image woven throughout the book: that while you’re missing your baby here, Jesus is holding them there.

It’s honest.
It’s compassionate.
And it feels like it was written by someone who truly understands this kind of loss.

I would recommend this to any grieving parent — or honestly, to friends and family who want to better support someone walking through loss. It gives language to emotions that are often hard to explain and reminds you that faith and grief can exist together.

A beautiful, gentle, hope-filled resource. 🤍

[Athena Howlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was (and still is) incredibly helpful following my son’s stillbirth. The biblical references at the end of each chapter I found so useful and helpful. Opliger’s tone is also so comforting! Knowing that I am not alone in this through all the depths of grief and the temptations that enemy puts upon us most vulnerable, has removed this huge weight off my shoulders. Side note: her testimony is powerful! Writing this book about her loss, while grieving the loss of her father is really inspiring. Knowing that she put so much into helping me (and everyone else who read and will read this book) while in the trenches of fresh grief helped me understand that, while incredibly painful, grief is not what defines me. I can also help others and change my perspective while in my own grief. And the theology in the book appears to be sound. I would highly highly recommend this to anyone grieving the loss of a small child. I found it to be incredibly helpful. I wish the best to anyone reading this review— I wish you didn’t have to search for a book to help you through this. You are not alone, God loves you and your baby always.

[Paul Farris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this book was written for moms who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, I truly believe Cradled in Hope is for anyone who has experienced grief, trauma, or deep heartbreak. I wish I would have had this book following the sudden loss of my brother in 2016.

The book offers so much more than just comfort - it offers real healing. Each chapter is theologically rich and includes a prayer to Jesus, Scripture, journaling prompts, and practical ways to move through pain and heartbreak. It’s not just a book you read; it’s a guide to help you process your emotions and heal in a way that’s centered around Jesus. Ashley does a great job of being real and honest about her heartbreak, but she always brings it back to God’s character, His promises, and the hope of Heaven.

I highly recommend Cradled in Hope. It's a book that will encourage you and help you find peace and purpose in the midst of your pain. If you're hurting or know someone who is, this is the book they need.

[Lorie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pregnancy and Infant loss....the hard topic no one wants to talk about but if people did maybe so many would not feel alone. There can be healing in conversation. There can be healing in sharing. There can be healing in and through this book. Ashley Opliger speaks truth in the hard. People can try to heal without God but as Ashley put it.... If you incessantly dwell in sadness, the passing of time will keep you stuck in grief. The key to healing is Jesus who transcends time and promises you a future with your baby. As the psalmist declared, he heals the brokenhearted and binds up their
wounds Psalms 147:3.
Well done Ashley. I especially liked how the book is designed out. You can read from start to finish or go to a chapter based on the current need. The Prayers to Heaven, Truth to Cling to, Time with Jesus, and Healing Steps are the tools that readers will receive individual healing from our Heavenly Father.

[KC Repage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cradled in Hope is a tender, faith-filled book for mothers walking the unthinkable road of miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.

As a mom who has lost a child, this book deeply resonated with me and rooted me in my faith during a time when everything felt shaken. Ashley’s voice is both vulnerable and steady, weaving her personal story with Scripture, prayers, and compassionate guidance that point grieving moms toward the steady presence of Jesus in the middle of overwhelming sorrow. What makes this book especially meaningful is the lived ministry behind it—through Bridget’s Cradles, Ashley has walked alongside thousands of families, and that depth of understanding is felt on every page.

This is not a book that tries to “fix” grief. It honors it. And then, slowly and carefully, it offers real hope: the hope of healing, purpose, and eternal reunion grounded in the gospel. For mothers whose arms feel painfully empty, Cradled in Hope is a reminder that they are not alone.

[Emily Shove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley will meet you exactly where you are within these pages from start to finish. I certainly felt like both a close friend and Jesus were with me the whole time with tender care and without judgement. Through my grief journey, I desperately need my feelings to be validated and at the same time be pointed to Jesus - this is exactly what I got with this book. I received biblical truths to remind me of the true character of who God is and how He loves deeply even in the midst of great tragedy. This book helped me shift my gaze to the Only One who can fill me up with the hope of heaven. You are not alone. May you shift your gaze as I have, to be reminded that one day all will be whole and well and we will be with our babies one day for eternity.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers true hope for the hurting hearts of grieving parents. There’s a lot of material out there that offers hope of learning how to cope with grief and co-exist with trauma and grief. What the author does with this book can only be done by pointing the reader to the true hope and healing we have in Christ. Healing will never mean forgetting, but she gently guides the reader through scripture that teaches how to allow God to turn our pain from purpose and how to let Him restore joy, even in the midst of heartache. A must read for mothers and fathers grieving the loss of a baby. Rich in theology but not too difficult for the reader who may be new to faith.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley has been a resource to me since losing my full term son in 6/2021. Since long before she was ever an author, she has been teaching me more each year about the outlook of a parent to a child in Heaven and how to look forward with expectant hope of our home in Heaven with our King. I hold onto the words she says which hold Biblical truth behind each chapter in this book. God understands, He loves us deeper than we can imagine, and He loves our children even more than we do. I pray this book blesses you in your time of grief.

[MaKayla White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased this book yesterday and could not put it down (just finished before writing this reveiw). Ashley Opliger does a great job relaying the realities and raw moments of child loss while also portraying the true hope found in Jesus. This book was easy to read, educational, theologically sound, compassionate, and relatable. Highly recommend. I pray this book blesses those who read it, as it has blessed me.

[Teresa Golik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best biblical grief book I have read. Theologically sound and considerate to bereaved families and their deep grief/emotions. Very helpful information with reminding of the hope of Heaven and seeing our babies again.
It is laid out very well and easy to read. The author shares personal stories and her walk through grief and hardships. I bought extra copies to share with others through hospitals, churches, libraries, counselors, and funeral homes.