Hope Deferred

Remnants #2

by Elizabeth Maddrey

Christian fiction for women.

Can pursuit of a blessing become a curse?

June and July and their husbands have spent the last year trying to start a family and now they're desperate for answers. As one couple works with specialists to see how medicine can help them conceive, the other must fight to save their marriage.

Will their deferred hope leave them heart sick, or start them on the path to the fulfillment of their dreams?

Genres: Christian Fiction

220 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2014

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.

Reviews

[Megan Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has ever suffered from infertility knows the pain, confusion, and bitterness resulting from this undesirable life circumstance.

Hope Deferred, the sequel to Faith Departed, continues to follow twin sisters June and July in their quest to build a family. Whereas the first novel focuses on the sisters’ initial realization and acceptance of their inability to conceive and maintain pregnancies, the second novel in the Remnants series yanks back the curtain on the marriages of the infertile couples and the weight of decisions, expectations, and disappointments.

Still grieving the loss of their dreams of perfect pregnancies, June, July and their spouses begin the grueling path of visiting reproductive endocrinologists, educating themselves on various methods of assisted reproduction, and investigating types of adoption. Moral dilemmas, overwhelming choices, and financial burdens accompany the pathway of any infertile couple, and Hope Deferred depicts the gritty side of this as well as the struggle between trusting God and pursuing a child at all costs.

With brutally authentic storytelling, Maddrey exposes the pitfalls of exploring reproductive choices, the toll the process takes on a marriage, and the doubts encountered as a result of one’s faith being shaken to the core. In an unapologetic, stream-lined, and emotionally raw telling of the all-too-common struggle with modern infertility, this novel grabs the reader by the hand and pulls them into the anguish, the arguments, and the devastating emotion of dreams denied, hope deferred, and futures unknown.

This novel will certainly speak to those who have endured this pain and frustration, but it will also educate those blessed with easier paths so that they might understand and come alongside those hurting. The glimpse into the lives of these couples is sometimes heart wrenching, but the beauty of this story lies in its honesty and its ultimate redemptive message.

[Shari Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome book about a delicate issue. Twins, June and July, both want to get pregnant and start their families, but for different reasons neither one is able to, due to infertility. As they set out to explore their different options, they must come to the realization that God’s plan for each of them is different than their own hopes and desires. As they explore new options they find God’s best for their lives. This book is excellent in its portrayal of infertility, its treatments, and the emotions women feel during this challenging experience. I know, because I was one of those women. The process of adoption is clearly explained and portrayed as a positive alternative. This book would be excellent for a woman to read who has a friend dealing with these issues as it would help her to understand the depths of the pain her friend is feeling. I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novel based on a set of twins June and July who are both trying to conceive. For June and her husband Toby, they struggle with trying to figure out why they can't have a baby alongside discovering just how far they can pursue things until their insurance fails to cover anything further. While Toby remains optimistic, he understands June's struggle and desire to have a baby, and offers to support her any way he can. When their doctor reveals she has done all she can for them, she recommends they seek more testing with an reproductive endocrinologist. But June knows, if they do they, the likelihood of the insurance company covering that will be almost 0% and they will have to pay all the costs to have further testing and treatment.

It doesn't make things any easier knowing the her sister July at least got pregnant but when they learned it was an ectopic pregnancy and threatening July's life, her husband Gareth was more than relieved when they miscarried. Now he is more than apprehensive to try again without knowing if July's health will be at risk. He isn't willing to risk the potential of having a child only to lose July in the process and leave him as a single parent. He is fine with the way things are right now, but July isn't. She just isn't sure how to convince Gareth to give it another try. When they find themselves at opposite ends of the playing field and arguing more than they are willing to talk things through, July gives him an ultimatum, either seek options to find out why they can't have a baby or get marriage counseling.

As both couples try to come to terms with having a child, they are pulling on opposites of the marriage spectrum. One is willing to work together to see what options they have while the other struggles to maintain the sanctity of their marriage. It is a difficult process and I think the counseling sessions that July and Gareth attend show how we can see things differently than through the eyes of our loved ones in difficult situations. While each of them struggles in uniquely different ways through the crisis, the twins try to rally their own level of support for one another while dealing with other couples and friends that are having no problems becoming pregnant and having babies.

I received Hope Deferred by Elizabeth Maddrey compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Hope Springs Books for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is the second novel in the Grant Us Grace Series and deals with the struggles of trying to have a child on various levels. It gives one insight into struggles of infertility and knowing what God's stand in the matter is, how to keep the lines of communications open between married couples and also how to be understanding around those who want a baby but all the options for them are simply not working. I think Elizabeth did an exceptional job at showing both sides of the coin in this situation and one I can give a 4 out of 5 stars for!

[Cassandra Sines · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hope Deferred" was a very well written book about the very difficult topic of infertility. Ms. Maddrey takes a very difficult subject and writes about it with grace and with gentleness through the story of two couples, who the wives happen to be sisters, twin sisters at that.

These two couples have two very separate journeys that they take on their path of infertility to try and become parents. I think that Ms. Maddrey does a wonderful job of describing the emotions of each couple, both husband and wife, and what they go through, and showing what a strain infertility can put on a marriage, if you let it.

I love the fact that Ms. Maddrey allows one couple to struggle with their decision, but takes them to the point of counseling to show us that it is okay to seek outside help with talking through the issue of infertility. Infertility is not a taboo subject and should be discussed with each other.

As for myself, I really thought I might have a hard time reading this book as I, myself, am infertile and have never been able to become pregnant. However, with the tenderness that the book was written, I never did. Now, don't get me wrong, there were a few tears shed; however, they were few and far between!

About the only thing I did not like about the book was the very abrupt ending and only having an answer about one couple. I would have liked to know abut the other couple as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Deanna Warnock · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this book had a theme song it would definitely be Laura Story's "Blessings". If you are familiar with the words to that song it says, "'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops? What if Your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near? What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?"

Hope Deferred is book two in the Remnants Series. It continues the story of twin sisters, June and July. This book lays bare their struggle with infertility. It is a raw and emotional look at a reality that is all to real for so many couples.

It is refreshing to see the author include the spouses and their emotions in this storyline. This emotional, spiritual and marital roller coaster is one that is often portrayed from the point of view from the wife, but often the husband's perspective is left out.

I must admit that I am not a fan of "cliff hanger" endings. I do not like being forced to read the next book in a series to find answers. I find that very manipulative and is not something I admire in a writer.



Please note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Chalfont House and CFBA in exchange for my honest review.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review:

Infertility to such a sensitive topic yet so relevant to the world we live in. I myself was blessed enough not to ever experience infertility. I have problems carrying a pregnancy to term and usually complications after the pregnancy as well.Hope Deferred deals with the stories of two siblings that just happen to be twins, June&July that all their lives have done things together---probably due to the fact they are twins. But in Hope Deferred, they will have to come to grips with the fact that they each have a different path designed by God.

The dialogue and lives laid out before me in the book seemed like it was true to life. It had believable characters and that the story centered around infertility more than anything else and the choices that we are sometimes forced to make. This was an okay book, it didn't really appeal to me like I thought it would have.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.

[Andi Tubbs · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is book two in the Remnants series. I have not experienced infertility. I was blessed to give birth to three of the greatest daughters in the world. However, my parents did, my mother couldn't get pregnant and so my brother and I are adopted.
I sadly did not care for this book. I also did not like that there was a curse word in the book. I can't recommend this book.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a continous journey for twin sisters and their respective spouses. Anyone who has ever suffered infertility can relate. This was just like it happening to you or someone close to you. This was a wonderful book that makes you stop and think and grateful if you have healthy kids.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was easier to read than the first one in the series. It is very well-written. It is just that I never had to deal with most of the problems the main characters deal with, so it was hard to relate. Hopefully I'll be more sensitive when I'm around people with those problems.

[Rhiannon Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

What you'll find inside:
*Continued series, must be read in order
*Clean, Christian romance
* Emotional storyline

Triggers:
*Infertility, adoption

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really irritated me. I don't usually find a book that just seems to be a dud, but this one was.

SPOILER ALERT****
The book follows two couples who are infertile. I could identify with this because 30 years ago I gave birth after 2 surgeries and 6 years of infertility. However, my experience was nothing like theirs.

The first couple, June and Tobe, were not as bad as the other couple. June had an ovarian problem which caused weight gain and she could not ovulate, so therefore, IVF did not work. She and her husband were disappointed, but not opposed to adoption, which in the end, worked for them. Their marriage seemed strong.

The second couple, July and Gareth, July is June's sister, had a problem with July carrying the baby, she having had previous miscarriages. She had lost one fallopian tube, so IVF was their choice. She refused to consider adoption. This couple's marriage seemed way too shaky to me to bring a child into. They were both very immature and wanted their own way. They forgot that a marriage must be totally solid before a child comes into the mix. The home will not be a happy one unless the marriage is. They both seemed like children to me. I'm sorry, but they were whiney and ill mannered.

Also, in the end, July becomes pregnant but the issue is left hanging as to whether or not she carries the child to term. That's an important issue, too, because she suffered miscarriages before. So the reader is left without a sense of closure.

And, and this is a BIG issue for me: there was profanity in the book. Just one word but this is a Christian fiction book. There should not be ANY profanity. The Bible says that we are not to use coarse language. That completely shocked me when the author inserted the curse word.

I'm sorry, but this book did not appeal to me at all and I will not consider reading more by this author. I rarely give a bad review but this time I must call it like I see it.

**I was provided a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

[Lyndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strongly thematic novel that follows the story and travails of two sisters as they and their husbands wrestle with the pain, confusion, uncertainty, and self-imposed guilt that infertility often brings to those who want to start a family. Each couple pursue different options and their respective but intertwining journeys (told in alternating chapters), along with the author's typically rich character development, keep the storylines moving nicely.

The novel does bog down a bit in the middle, however, as the various medical procedures are discussed (and for the reader, seemingly rehashed) in detail. For those unfamiliar with all the medical terms, abbreviations, and family planning options available, it can be a bit daunting. But for the reader who has first-hand experience with issues of infertility, this heart-felt and heart-motivated novel shares the realistic joys and sorrows that accompany many couples as they plan and try for children.

Hope Deferred is Book 2 in the Remnants trilogy, picking up the story of twins June and July (pronounced Julie) from the first novel, Faith Departed. The heartache of the sisters' failed attempts to start their families in the first book continue in this novel but fortunately ends with a glimmer of hope. I suspect the third novel, Love Defined, will bring this part of the sisters' journeys to an end and I look forward to finding out what happens.

These are not breezy novels. The story is not glib nor as romantically lighthearted as a few of Maddrey's other books. But overall, it's a well-written story that, like the author's other books, allows the reader to spend time and get to know the characters, giving us a sense that June and Toby, July and Gareth, and all the rest are our friends and that we're cheering for them and in some sense accompanying them along the way.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Deferred by Elizabeth Maddrey is book number two in the Remnants series, and continues following the lives of twins June and July (pronounced Julie) and their husbands Toby and Gareth, as they travel the road to try to conceive.
Hope Deferred explores the difficult subject matter of infertility, IVF, adoption, abortion and miscarriage. Elizabeth Maddrey is not afraid to be 'real' in her novels, and asks challenging questions of both her characters and the reader.
Although Hope Deferred is a novel, the issues it raises really make the reader think about where they stand on various topics. For example: when does life begin? Is it at conception or birth? The road the character's then take, clearly depends on which view they hold. Within the novel, there are characters that fall into both camps. Elizabeth Maddrey does not leave God out of the equation, as both couples turn to prayer, when trying to make huge decisions about what to do.
Hope Deferred shows how both infertility and trying to cope with it, can put a strain on relationships. Both couples face challenges to have children, and both approach these challenges with different solutions. One couple is clearly pulling in the same direction, but for the other couple who have opposing views, their marriage is strained.
Hope Deferred is yet another novel that I could not put down, and I was blessed to receive a copy. Elizabeth Maddrey tackles tough themes but in a sensitive manner. And as she sets out the facts and what is involved when a couple faces infertility, so I was learning as well as enjoying reading a novel.
There are three books so far in the Remnants series, and I certainly hope that there will be many more, as June and July continue in their quest for a family.

[Sharon Heaverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This ebook was sent to me by the author for an honest review.
"Hope Deferred" is the second book in Elizabeth Maddrey's Remnants series. I would suggest reading the first book before reading this one as it continues with the story of twin sisters, June and July, and their attempts at trying to conceive. The series is fiction, yet Christian based, and the the women have emotional upheavals and even question God's plan for them as mothers. It is an excellent story and I would recommend it especially to anyone who has had fertility issues or knows someone who has.
My only complaint of this book and it may be only because I was sent an ebook copy is that it was very difficult to distinguish between different scenes or situations in the story. There were no chapters and no breaks in the story and it was difficult to tell when it may have been a later time or a different day or even a different set of characters from what I had just read. I purchased the first book from Amazon and this was not an issue in that copy.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL WE WANT IS A BABY OF OUR OWN
This is book 2 in the Remnants series. I did not read book one, and I think at times reading book two I felt lost that maybe I missed things that was in book one that were critical. Therefore, I would recommend reading these books in order.
The story is compelling, twin sisters, June and July, each wanting a baby. July has been pregnant before but miscarried, and nearly died from an ectopic pregnancy. Both women struggle with infertility, and seek out medical help through a specialist, one who doesn't appear to hold their Christian values and seems very cold. Your heart breaks as you follow the story with all the pain and heartache that these women and their husbands must deal with. Trying to weigh out options, what they feel is morally correct for them. How it affects their marriages. So many emotions are so well described you hurt for them. I admire their standing on what they desire and question what is going too far. I appreciate how these procedures are well explained in this story.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hope Deferred" is a heartfelt book that had me going on the roller coaster of emotion. The couples in the story were so real, so true to life in their circumstances and their responses to the challenge of infertility. My heart hurt for them as they longed for children. The book details in depth what two sisters and their husbands go through as they navigate the rough waters of trying for a child naturally and medically, and looking at adoption. I found it fascinating learning about the medical aspects of dealing with infertility, and the ethical and moral questions that come up as they go through their options. I could feel each person's pain and confusion trying to figure it all out, but ultimately having to trust God with their decisions and their lives. I really liked this book and highly recommend it. I enjoyed reading this author's work and look forward to more. Thanks to the publisher who provided a complimentary copy for an honest review.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I didn't read the first book of this series, I was able to jump right in and keep up with the story. I've never dealt with infertility, but I have a feeling this book portrays it in a very real way. The emotions of all four main characters were so raw and so powerful...I laughed and cried right along with them several times. Each twin takes a different journey toward parenthood, but the two couples are always there to support one another, no matter what. I definitely want to read the final installment of this series!

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this book to read and review, but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Deferred by Elizabeth Maddrey is the second book in the Remnants series. It continues June and July’s struggles to get pregnant and the toll that it is taking on their relationships with their husbands. It is hard on both couples and they must remember to be open with other. Communication, love, and faith are going to play important roles in their lives while they struggle with infertility. I loved this book and look forward to reading the next book in this series. I hope you enjoy reading Hope Deferred and it is available on Amazon.com. Happy Reading! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a continuation of the first book in the series. it was just as powerful as the first. Warning: It does have one swear word but the way it is used I did not feel it waranted giving the book a lower rating. I'm so in love with these characters who struggle with infertility a problem that so many couples have yet a vast majority of Americans do not understand. I find I have a more compassionate look on those who do as a result of this fictional series. This is a must read.