At 33 weeks pregnant, Amy is certain something bad will soon happen, it had too many times before. Deep down she fears it’s only a matter of time before the baby she’s carrying will die. Despite the fact that Amy had been repeatedly slapped in the face with multiple miscarriages, she still can’t seem to quiet that tiny voice in the back of her head that’s screaming at her to not give up hope. Follow Amy’s true story as she stumbles through her journey with humor and warmth, all while dealing with the neuroses that came along with getting her hopes shattered time and time again. All she has to do is close her eyes and she’s lurched back to the memories of her losses; on the floor in her bathroom, in the hospital, and even at her place of work. No one knows what the internal mind of a woman who’d lost five babies and suffered so many let downs goes through. Can Hope ever truly survive memories such as these?
Number 1 Amazon Bestselling author Amy Daws writes spicy love stories that take place in America, as well as across the pond. She's most known for her footy-playing Harris Brothers and writing in a tire shop waiting room. When Amy is not writing, she’s likely making charcuterie boards from her home in South Dakota where she lives with her daughter and husband.
Well, I didn't know how I would get on reading this book as its a wee bit close for comfort. I lost a baby after 3 days of it being born, OK this was miscarriages, however, a baby is a baby and the emotions are the same.
I felt for every baby she lost. It must have been awful, the descriptive details in this book was horrendous and on occasion I had tears in my eyes for her and her husband.
I did think her husband was very supportive. And the emotions that were going through this authors head and heart were heartbreaking, but at the same time, uplifting.
A friend of mine years ago found it hard to get pregnant and when she did, she miscarried. I at the time was newly pregnant and I didn't know how to tell her.
Things like that come out in this book, however, people don't mean to be insensitive. There were many comments in this book that Amy Daws thought were awful and not well thought through so appeared to her to be insensitive. I learnt when my baby died, people just didn't connect their tongues to their brains, but, they meant well. Of course, we who have loss, we are more sensitive to others commments and reactions, but looking back, I knew that I would have been exactly the same. I still am. No one means any malice from comments at a persons misfortune or hurt.
I can't say I "enjoyed" reading this book as that would be the wrong word to use as its a subject matter that is close to many women's [and men's] hearts. I can say that it is well written, well documented, you can see the strength that both husband and wife pull on throughout these five [yes five] miscarriages. At the end knowing that there were reasons and help for her to carry a baby to full term.
I would recommend this book, but know that its a sensitive subject.
This book destroyed my heart. Amy Daws' story it raw, emotional, and heartfelt. I'm no stranger to the struggles of pregnancy loss but I luckily found the cause of mine (Lupus and clotting genes). One day, I hope we will be able to grow our family when my body is healthy enough. For now, I thought since it had been 2 years since my last pregnancy loss, I would be fine listening to this book at the gym. I was wrong; I also believed I was alone in the ladies weight room and someone snuck up on me to ask if I was okay as I was wiping my eyes. Like I said in my blog's facebook post, it's hard to explain that a book is ripping your heart out while you're exercising.
I did not expect Amy to be so straightforward about the struggles and to be honest, I thought a lot of the emotions I felt were problems only I had. The jealousy, sadness, and all around heartbreak of the experience. It's not something I would wish on anyone. Even though I'm not in any way religious, I found comfort in this book. Her story touched me and made me feel like I wasn't alone in my "insanity". There have been so many occasions when I felt crazy because of my lashing out at my husband or the jealousy I had for my pregnant friends. Each year that goes by, I find myself overcoming those feelings and this book helped in a lot of ways. While I am sad she had to endure those heartbreaks, I am so happy she wrote this book. I would recommend it to anyone that has struggled with pregnancy loss or infertility. I loved it and there is a good chance I'll re-read it in paper form later on.
(I listened to the audio version and I found the narrator to be fine. I haven't listened to many narrators to really give an opinion.)
Amy Daws, thank you for allowing me the privilege to read your memoir so I may bring readers this review.
**Warning** Tears will start falling when you read Amy Daws story. Be prepared to have tissues on hand if out in public. Trust me on this one!! I speak from experience!! I decided while waiting for an appointment that I would start Amy’s book. I knew that it was going to be a very emotional read-giving the subject matter. What I never expected was how much it would touch me so deeply. Tears started walling up with every triumph, setback, heartbreak, etc. To the point where someone tried to console me! I just looked at her and said I need to give Amy a hug!!
Do you know the saying what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?! After reading her story you will agree with me when I say Amy Daws is the strongest woman I know. Like most woman Amy wanted to be a Mom more than anything in this world. However, her journey was full of roller coaster of heartbreaking events. For every heartache Amy faced only made her more determined to try again. Like Amy said if the road to get here would have been easy we wouldn't have you. I think it takes remarkable courage for her to open up her heart and share her story with the world. I can only imagine how therapeutic it must have been for her to write this. I wonder by writing this book if it could help others in similar situations.
Amy couldn't have gotten through any of this without the love and support from her husband Kevin. Kevin was her rock through all good and the bad times. In a way he reminds me of myself. He is always caring about people’s feelings. He would always apologize for things he didn't need to apologize for. I have been known to do that too. I can’t imagine the pain he was going through with every setback they had. But through thick and thin he supported her. If I ever get to meet Amy and Kevin I am going to give them the biggest hugs ever!
This book pulled on my heart strings multiple times! Many parts of the book I teared up and some of them made bawl my eyes out. Parts of the book had me screaming why Amy?? The sweet sentiment of the necklace brought a smile to my face. But nothing made me happier to know that everything they went through was worth it with the birth of their baby girl!
I've read lots of different memoirs but never one concerning difficulties with conceiving and multiple miscarriages. It's perhaps a book where I initially 'wouldn't have wanted to go there' before-indeed, when this book was brought to my attention, I wondered if it was for me as I imagined it would be a very hard read. After having the opportunity to take part in an online interview with the author and finding out some background information about her and her book I really wanted to read it, she came across really well and I just had to have a dip in her book even though I was three quarters of the way through another at the time. I only started this last night and it was a really good book. Amy has a nice 'down to earth' tone coming across through the writing. It's amazing how she manages to have a quirky, humorous tone in some places given the subject matter. It is an emotional rollercoaster of a read. It's very well written and makes gripping reading as you become engrossed in it and all the while you really feel for Amy and Kevin. I liked the structure once I got into what was happening: She switches between her latest pregnancy and then switches back to a previous one, then back to the present, then another pregnancy and miscarriage etc. This works very well and it's not repetitive at all, it held my interest all the way through. At the head of most chapters there are small pieces of writing in bold italics which are from Amy's friends/family etc.-they give their views and perception how it was for Amy and Kevin and how they felt eg. one sister says how she felt awkward when she was pregnant and it had been easy for her yet so difficult for Amy. There are some very emotional chapters. Things that lots of people just don't even have an inkling of. Other options are discussed, a procedure tried. I just couldn't put this down, I was so rooting for everything to come right for Amy. What an amazing book, a beautiful story, so well told. One of the most accurate books I have read recently. It's well balanced as you have the tragic moments but the hope is running all the way through too. A five star read which I couldn't put down and read in a just a couple of days. It's one of those books where you feel you shouldn't be enjoying it given the subject matter but it was just that it was so well put over that I was compelled to read it and I just read on and on. You just have to marvel the things people go through and get through. She obviously finds it easier to talk about this rather than bottle it all up, she mentions that people usually tend to avoid talking about it and she hates how they just gloss over it, it helps to talk and I think writing this book will have been therapeutic for Amy and I can see it being helpful for others who have gone through similar experiences.
Its a very rare occurrence when a book actually makes me have to stop and sit down to process everything in my head. Chasing Hope brought out so many different emotions and completely floored me!
When I found out that this was a true story I was a little apprehensive. As a mother of three girls, I have luckily never had to go through anything remotely similar, however, the heart-wrenching story of Amy's struggles, really made me realise how lucky I truly am, and how grateful I am for my girls.
This story is so raw and honest, that you really feel as if you are there experiencing it with Amy. Everything she went through, I found myself in bits multiple times and honestly I wondered at times if I could carry on with the story. I needed to finish though, not to get to the end of the story but because I felt I needed to for Amy, who has written such an honest account of everything she went through, and I respect her so much for being able to share it all. What Amy and Kevin went through, I wouldn't want anyone to ever have to go through.
Amy went through such a hard journey and she is such an incredibly brave woman, to not only go through it once but to relive it through telling the story, and sharing it. This is truly the hardest review I have ever had to write as I don't think anything I can say would do this story justice.
I will be attending a signing in June were Amy is an attending author and I cannot wait to meet her!
As a single woman with no kids or pregnancies in my past, I wasn't sure how well I would be able to connect with the story. Even though I don't fit the demographic of Chasing Hope, there is one thing that never fails to interest me, and that is a true story of whether or not a person can stand back up after life knocks them down time and time again. Call me morbid, but I was hooked by the first time it kicked her over!
Amy did such a great job telling the account of her journey trying to have a biological baby with her husband Kevin, that my heart sank with the loss of each life they had conceived and hoped to bring into this world. Chasing Hope is an easy read and will no doubt have you not wanting to put down the book until she wins her battle! She doesn't pretend to have had a perfect outlook the entire time, but she never does give up. To be honest, I sometimes wanted to scream at her "Quit already!" I wasn't the only one! She discusses how some people in her life had expressed to her they thought she should take another route - adopt, find a surrogate, etc.
While I certainly wouldn't suggest that every woman struggling to have a biological child should take the path that Amy took, I must say that after reading the story and seeing pictures of her adorable little miracle, I am glad she never stopped chasing hope!
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When Amy approached me and asked me to proofread/beta read her story about her struggles, I wondered if I was the right audience. Yes, I'm a woman and a mom, but my children are adopted. I never tried to get pregnant and have my own biological children. I have never been accidentally pregnant nor had I miscarried. But, I read it and I think that if Amy could pull these emotions out of me, or someone who has never been pregnant, then she was going to hit a home run.
This book gave me all of "the feels" imaginable. I was sad, happy, pissed off, surprised, depressed, you name it - I felt it. I told my friend Jude that she needed to read this book. She told me that if she cried that she would "cut me." I don't think she's serious. But, if you don't want to cry while reading a book, don't get this one. This one will make you cry and it will make you scream and it will make you laugh and it will hurt your heart. However, you realize that while reading it, no matter how hard you have it in life, it could always be worse. If Amy Daws can have this amazing tragedy happen in her life and come out ok on the other side (i.e., with all of her marbles), then we can hope that we will too. I give this 5 outstanding books!
It's not very often that I have the time sit down and read a book cover to cover. This past weekend my family and I took a road trip to Illinois and when I was done with my turn to drive I started this book. It had my attention from the start. I knew what I was getting into was going to be emotional so I was prepared! I met Amy last fall at a book festival in our town. I spoke with her briefly and started following her on Social Media. Even though Amy and I have never hung out as friends, I felt like I knew so much about her while reading the pages. It was hard for me to imagine that dark time in her life because I met her after that time was past, so what I have seen of her (again, via social media), is a very happy, bubbly, outgoing person. I read the pages so fast that I was finished with this memoir before I knew it. I was sad, heartbroken, and happy for her. Of course I knew it was going to have a happy ending, but that didn't stop my heart from aching for her.
Amy's memoir "Chasing Hope" is full of real, raw emotion. It was so easy to feel like I knew exactly how she felt, even though I have never been through the horror of losing any babies. I haven't read a book of Amy's yet that disappointed. I am looking forward to getting my hands on her second memoir and diving in as fast and furiously as I did for Chasing Hope.
Amy, you are one very strong courageous lady. Hard to know how you were able to go on with all the loss you endured.
Kevin is a truly wonderful man, as he has had to ensure the same pain as you have, although men don't physically carried the pregnancy, they hurt just as much as the Mama.
Really pleased you have a sweet little princess in Lorelei Hope ad that you all never gave up hope.
I can't even begin to imagine suffering loss after loss, one was hard enough.
You are one very brave lady, putting this down on paper and then publishing your so very private moments.
You really have a lovely family, even if they were a bit insensitive at times, but then they really won't know what your feelings were, especially if they had not experienced it themselves, and I hope they don't either.
A story of love, heartbreak, loss, tremendous courage and humongous hope. A heart wrenching memoir about a very sad situation. To Mamma's who have been on the same journey this is definitely a very hopeful retelling of two peoples struggle to have a much wanted family.
I could not put this book down, once I had started it, and the personal comments at the start of each chapter had me sniveling more than once.
I was given a copy of Chasing Hope in an exchange for an honest review. Chasing Hope is a memoir of a woman’s struggle with infertility and tragic miscarriages. I think that every woman who has or had infertility issues should read this book as a way to hold onto hope. This is one of the best memoirs, I have ever read. I finished it one day although I did have to stop from time to time so I could cry. With each pregnancy and loss, I could sense her joy, fears, and eventual loss. I grieved right along with her and her husband.
What I enjoyed the most was the blurbs at the beginning of each chapter from each person who bore witness to what Amy and Kevin were going through. I do think that a lot of people could benefit from reading Amy’s story especially those who do not know what to say to someone who suffers from infertility issues. It could open up an honest dialogue about a painful topic.
I applaud Amy and Kevin for never giving up. Amy Daws, you are one of the toughest and bravest ladies I know.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I give this 5 Platypires!
This is the true story of Amy and Kevin Daws' journey through fertility problems, miscarriages, and, finally, having a daughter. It is a heart-tugging look at the turmoil, heartbreak, and depression surrounding all the miscarriages. It also tells of the fear, anxiety, and hope involved in having a successful pregnancy after so much heartbreak. The story also shows the importance of a strong support group of family and friends.
Too many couples would have divorced while dealing with so much loss. While Amy and Kevin did have some rough patches, they always knew their love for one another would see them through. They always clung to HOPE.
I was moved by this book in so many ways. Amy did an excellent job of telling this story without being overly dramatic or too depressing. I think that is quite a feat with a book of this nature. If you, or someone you love, has dealt with or is dealing with these issues, I encourage you to read this book.
I would like to offer some very personal feedback.
I started my first read-through and discovered I needed to stop being a reviewer/editor in order to get through the first reading of your story. "Chasing Hope" touched my heart so deeply, I found I couldn't focus on the mechanics of the story and the grammar and punctuation because I was so emotionally entrenched in the story itself. I have just finished my second read-through and feel that I can begin to offer feedback on content and the few mechanical errors with some degree of confidence in my professional abilities.
I have never found a book that touched me on such a deep level that I couldn't separate myself from the reading of it to do my job. My heart goes out to you and your family in so many ways, for the losses you have suffered, and for the joy your Lorelei Hope has brought.
"Chasing Hope" is a story that will stay with you for days, after you have finished reading it. The way the author shared her story, felt like I was sitting down having a cup of coffee with her while she shared the ups and downs on her journey to Motherhood. I read the book in one afternoon because I couldn't put it down. I laughed, and cried, and shared all of the author's emotions right along with her. It is an amazing book! Anyone who has suffered through infertility or miscarriages needs to read this book! Also, any woman who has a friend or sister who has gone through infertility needs to read this book to help understand what their friend / loved one is going through. I hope to see more books written by this author because she did an AMAZING job sharing her story!
I am not sure i can put into words about how i felt about this book, i can't say i enjoyed it because it would feel wrong, how can you enjoy a book about a true journey of wanting something so badly you go to hell and back to get it, more than once?! I thought i would be a mess reading this story as i knew what it was about but i wasn't until it got happy at the end and it was happy tears, i just spent the whole book in shock and pure admiration for this couple, it was tragically beautiful and written in a way where i feel like i know this journey personally and all i can say is this lady is amazing for having the courage and strength for putting this story out there and giving other a glimpse of HOPE xx
I was lucky enough to win an audio book copy of this Memoir - I listened to it over a couple of days - I can see why this Memoir is named Chasing Hope: A Mother's Story of Loss, Heartbreak and the Miracle of Hope. My goodness - the Author's inner-strength & tenacity certainly held-strong - just… !! I cannot begin to imagine how difficult those years were for the Author - but '5 angels & a miracle' later … need I say more ? - Brought tears to my eyes that's for sure. I found the book very informative too. Difficult to say I loved it because of what the Author went through but I did love it (hope that makes sense) I should like to thank the Author very much for sharing that part of her life with us readers.
OMG Amy Danielson Daws I just finished your book. I cannot stop the tears. Happy, sad, happy, sad. I am so full of emotion right now. Your book is up there in my top 5 books I have ever read and that is no joke. I could feel your pain every loss it was like I was right there. You drew me in with your honesty and rawness and never lost my interest. I cannot wait for book number two. You are strong, brave and so forgiving and humbled by your experiences. Lolo is as lucky to have you and Kevin as you are to have her. You will help many and change lives with this book of yours!!! Great job Amy!!!!
I love this book for so many reasons. I love that Amy was open about all her struggles with infertility for others to read. So many women feel so alone during this time and Amy has opened a door for women to know it's ok to talk about. It's also a great sense of hope for other girls who are maybe in a similar situation. It's so hard to give up and get discouraged, but Amy handled the whole process with such strength. The whole book holds your attention. I fell on love with Amy and her husband, and I was just as excited for them to finally meet their daughter as they were by the end. Such a great book! I can't say enough good things about it.
This is not an easy read. Although it is perfectly written, naturally exposed, you need to be strong minded to read this mémoire. I was drawn to it because it is a true story, written by the main caracter.
I loved it. It just puts you back into place, makes you realise how some people are not as fortunate as you are, although at the end of the day, Amy and Kevin did very well.
I'm in awe of this strong and hopeful couple. I'm in awe of Amy for writting such a journey.
I'm sure she gave hope to loads of woman out there.
OMG! What an amazing, awe-inspiring book. There were parts where I couldn't stop crying and I couldn't believe how brave one woman could be. The ending totally floored me and I couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the day. This is the best book I've read this year. Well-written, emotional, funny, just amazing. Bless you Amy and your beautiful family. Thank you for having the courage and generosity to share your journey with us and ultimately give us all hope.
This book is filled with so many emotions. Grief, hope, joy, heartbreak. You can really feel all the author's struggles as you read. Definitely an eye opener to the many struggles so many women face. Nice to see someone who isn't afraid to put it all out there..the good, the bad, the ugly..but it's real and sincere.
This memoir is an honest journey full of laughter, tears and hope. Amy does an excellent job letting us tag along with her as she goes through the best and worst times of her life. She is honest, straightforward and funny. This is an excellent read for anyone looking for hope as you struggle, especially with fertility.
This was an amazing book, a quick read, and packed full of heart, humor and hope!!! Amy has a way of telling the story that draws the reader in and makes you want to know more! She balances heart wrenching stories with her wit. And, most of all, she provides hope to those who are still waiting for their miracles to arrive. Awesome book! I highly recommend it!
This is a very brave memoir and I couldn't put it down once I started it. The author writes with such brutal honesty about infertility and miscarriages which was hard to read, but she balances it with humor, charm and hope. Keep your box of Kleenex close! It is very well written and I think her story will provide hope to many people struggling with these issues and their loved ones.
This author put into words exactly how I felt after experiencing several miscarriages and D and C's. Such a raw and real story of her experiences - such courage to share with the world! Excellent read - couldn't put it down! Great for anyone experiencing infertility and also those closest to them. Thanks for the good read!
There aren't enough words for me to eloquently say how very touching this book is. I hope going forward I can show mothers that has suffered this type of loss some comfort. I am so happy that Amy and Kevin finally got their miracle. Many blessings to their family!
Don't get me wrong, I liked this book but the flashbacks to explain stuff threw me...often. Maybe I wasn't in the mood for this subject matter either, I don't know. I liked getting a chapter or two of Kevin's perspective because I was feeling like it was definitely needed as the story progressed. This is my first Daws' book and I will read others.
Chasing Hope delivers the raw truth of infertility and miscarriage. I deeply felt Daws' determination and range of emotions throughout. I laughed. I cried. I got knots in my throat. I could not put the book down; read it through in one sitting. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Wonderful book! Filled with so much raw emotion. The loss of a baby is such an incredibly painful event to go through. Amy's ability to channel those emotions into this amazing book is incredible. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Grab a box of Kleenex cause you'll need them! Amy tells her story with such detail. It's an emotional inspiring read, gives women struggling to conceive hope to keep trying!