Mourning Dove

by Leigh-Ann Ouellet

I never thought it could happen to me-until it did. Twice.
This raw and unfiltered memoir recounts the two back-to-back traumatic pregnancy losses I experienced in my late 20s and the wrath of emotions that followed. The unlikelihood of both losses. happening so close together-yet so unrelated to each other-baffled doctors and devastated loved ones around me. It left me navigating a grief I never expected in a society that often doesn't know how to talk about loss. I felt out of place in a world that prioritizes moving on rather than creating space for mourning.
This is a story of adapting to a plan I didn't make. A story of grief in its weirdest forms, and of finding my own way in a world that is so family-centric.
Mourning Dove is not a self-help book, nor does it offer solutions to complicated emotions. It's about resiliency, finding humor in the chaos, and realizing that life's idea of "family planning" was probably written by someone who has never met me. If you or a loved one have faced loss like this-or are facing it now-I hope my story provides inspiration and support. May you find the solidarity you seek.

138 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2025

About the author

Author of Mourning Dove - this book is not about birds.

Owner and Founder of LAO Publishing Inc.

Reviews

[Vicky Deveau]

Un sujet difficile mais une expérience très vrai pour bien des couples. Bien apprécier l’ouverture de Leigh-Ann de partager son histoire. Bien écrit!

[Monica]

funny & sad. all of the emotions.
simply written.
excellent read!

[Jocelyne Mallet]

I read this book in 2 days, it is an incredible touching, emotional story. The book is very well written and with a touch of humour which is hard to believe given the topic. Only Leigh-Ann is able to cover and share her story in such a touching way. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has gone to a similar experience or not. It is a truly well written, amazing book.
xoxo

[Nathalie]

I laughed, I cried, I felt things I didn't know existed!

A gem of a book! 🌟

[Isab Belliveau]

What a funny, tear jerking, and heartfelt story it is. Leigh-Ann perfectly conveys the rawness of her experiences while allowing you to feel her resilience-and in doing so, she projects that same strength onto you.

[Lisa LeBlanc]

A beautifully written and deeply moving story. Leigh-Ann’s courage in sharing such a personal journey offers comfort and strength to others walking a similar path. I absolutely loved this book. It made me laugh and cry. I couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend!

[Mathieu]

So proud of you!
This book is real, honest, and full of courage. I’m so proud of you for sharing your story and turning pain into something that will help others feel less alone.

[Renelle LeBlanc]

This book was just...wow! Such a great read from cover to cover. The realness, the emotions, the humor...so well written! Thank you for sharing your story through your grief. Def recommend!!

[Elody Jacob]

Couldn't put it down, I finished this in one evening! I appreciated Leigh-Ann's "no filter" writing, you're sure to experience a wide range of emotions while reading this book. 🤍🕊️

[Stefanie Poulin]

I really enjoyed this book. I don’t typically write reviews but this one really touched me. I had so much empathy for the author and everything she has been through.
I never realized how traumatic pregnancy loss can be. This really opened my eyes.
I loved that she was also using humour throughout the book. I literally laughed out loud. Great work !

[Jane Caldwell]

Wow is all I can say! This book was far more than words on paper; I truly felt like I was sitting with the author while she shared her story with me. Tears, laughter , anger and grief are only some of the emotions felt when reading Mourning Dove. As heartbreaking as her experiences have been , the author leaves us with a feeling of acceptance and hope. Highly recommend this book

[Amanda King-Howell]

The most heart wrenching story told with such grace and humor, you'll laugh through tears and fall in love with this family over and over again. The strength it took to tell her story will undoubtedly help carry others who are struggling.
A beautiful read that will help to lift your heart.

[Melissa Boudreau]

What a beautiful and powerful read. Leigh Ann takes us through her journey of pregnancy loss with honesty, emotion, and even a few laughs along the way. It brought tears to my eyes and made me appreciate my own children even more. Her authenticity shines on every page, amazing job Leigh Ann!!!!

[Terre]

What a roller coaster of emotions! 1 day and i was done reading. While reading, you really feel like you are sitting with a friend who is telling you her story (Their story). It’s not a easy topic but it definitely needs to be talked about ! I 100/10 recommend this book! 🤍🕊️

[Katherine]

Such an eye opener. Very well written.

[Candide St-Onge]

Beautifully written, touching and raw. I highly recommend to everyone.

[Maria Caldwell]

A truly great & inspiring read!

[Sherrycormer Cormier]

Omg what a great true story book. I love readying this book , couldn’t put it down read it in two days
Great job Leigh Ann
Xox

[Yvette]

Amazing story of resilience . Heavy topic, but also funny at times. Would recommend to anyone and everyone!

[Camille Ferron]

Such an incredible and touching book. Finished it in one sitting. Merci de partager ton histoire 🤍🕊️