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Joy Isn't Canceled: What Grief Taught Us About Pain, Peace, and Purpose
When suffering takes you by surprise, joy isn't cancelled.
In Joy Isn't Canceled, Carlos and Alexa invite you into their honest journey through loss to discover unexpected hope, community, and strength.
When Carlos and Alexa PenaVega lost their newborn daughter, Indy, their world stopped. Grief arrived without warning, and nothing felt certain anymore. How would such an incredible loss impact their marriage, parenting, community, and faith?
Joy Isn't Canceled is their vulnerable, deeply honest account of navigating unimaginable pain while discovering the faithful nearness of God. Moving between both of their perspectives, Carlos and Alexa
How worship carried them when words failedHow community showed up before they knew how to ask for helpHow grief reshaped their marriage and familyHow vulnerability became the unexpected doorway to strength
With warmth, faith, and courage, they offer you a companion for the darkest seasons, reminding you that even when life breaks apart, God is present, your story is not over, and joy can rise from the very places you thought were beyond repair.
In Joy Isn't Canceled, Carlos and Alexa invite you into their honest journey through loss to discover unexpected hope, community, and strength.
When Carlos and Alexa PenaVega lost their newborn daughter, Indy, their world stopped. Grief arrived without warning, and nothing felt certain anymore. How would such an incredible loss impact their marriage, parenting, community, and faith?
Joy Isn't Canceled is their vulnerable, deeply honest account of navigating unimaginable pain while discovering the faithful nearness of God. Moving between both of their perspectives, Carlos and Alexa
How worship carried them when words failedHow community showed up before they knew how to ask for helpHow grief reshaped their marriage and familyHow vulnerability became the unexpected doorway to strength
With warmth, faith, and courage, they offer you a companion for the darkest seasons, reminding you that even when life breaks apart, God is present, your story is not over, and joy can rise from the very places you thought were beyond repair.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 16, 2026
Joy Isn’t Canceled by Carlos & Alexa PenaVega • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read: 10/16 2026
🌸 Review 🌸
Thank you so much Nelson Books and NetGalley for this ARC!!
This was such a beautiful story about grief, strength, resilience, and faith. Carlos and Alexa had me crying in the Introduction, so it’s definitely a tearjerker. They also each give you a lot of things to really think about and reflect on. Everyone handles situations differently. Grief is inevitable and comes in all shapes and sizes. You don’t need to have lost a child to be able to relate to this message. I wanted to share these two messages that stuck out to me the most:
“When the storms come, when life breaks your heart, the soil around you is what holds you up.” - Carlos (Ch. 7, Pg. 106)
“When you live for Jesus, you're living for something eternal.
Something far bigger than success, comfort, or applause. Bigger than anything this world can offer.
Remembering how temporary life is actually helps when we're weak or overcome by grief. It lifts our eyes. It reminds us this isn't all there is.
Isaiah says it this way: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" (Isaiah 40:29).
Strength in weakness sounds impossible until you're forced into it, until grief knocks the wind out of you, until your body fails you, until everything you thought you could control slips through your fingers.
And then you discover something you never would have chosen, but desperately needed to learn. When your hope isn't in yourself anymore, God meets you there, and somehow, in the middle of your weakest moments, He gives you strength you didn't know was available.” - Carlos (Ch. 8, Pg. 128)
Releases November 3, 2026
Read: 10/16 2026
🌸 Review 🌸
Thank you so much Nelson Books and NetGalley for this ARC!!
This was such a beautiful story about grief, strength, resilience, and faith. Carlos and Alexa had me crying in the Introduction, so it’s definitely a tearjerker. They also each give you a lot of things to really think about and reflect on. Everyone handles situations differently. Grief is inevitable and comes in all shapes and sizes. You don’t need to have lost a child to be able to relate to this message. I wanted to share these two messages that stuck out to me the most:
“When the storms come, when life breaks your heart, the soil around you is what holds you up.” - Carlos (Ch. 7, Pg. 106)
“When you live for Jesus, you're living for something eternal.
Something far bigger than success, comfort, or applause. Bigger than anything this world can offer.
Remembering how temporary life is actually helps when we're weak or overcome by grief. It lifts our eyes. It reminds us this isn't all there is.
Isaiah says it this way: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" (Isaiah 40:29).
Strength in weakness sounds impossible until you're forced into it, until grief knocks the wind out of you, until your body fails you, until everything you thought you could control slips through your fingers.
And then you discover something you never would have chosen, but desperately needed to learn. When your hope isn't in yourself anymore, God meets you there, and somehow, in the middle of your weakest moments, He gives you strength you didn't know was available.” - Carlos (Ch. 8, Pg. 128)
Releases November 3, 2026
November 3, 2026
Thank you to Nelson Books and Carlos, NetGalley and Alexa PenaVega for allowing me to read this ARC of Joy Isn’t Canceled. My thoughts are my own.
Happy Book Birthday to Joy Isn’t Canceled! After reading this book, I can see how much thought and care went into its creation and why it is such a necessary read for everyone, young and old, as we all experience grief in one form or another.
Joy Isn’t Canceled doesn't read like a self-help book. I'm sure that as the PenaVegas were putting their story down on paper, they had a desire to reach the masses with words of encouragement. But this isn't a book with a set of instructions to lead readers through the grieving process. Rather, it is a deep and personal memoir of the grief they endured following the passing of their newborn daughter, Indy.
Written from alternating perspectives of the couple, Joy Isn’t Canceled brings each moment to life, first from one perspective and then the other. While some might find this distracting, I think that, given the subject matter, it works beautifully. It takes individual moments of their story and provides an emotional account from both husband and wife, father and mother, illuminating how men and women can experience and process grief differently.
Honestly, I loved this book. I went in not knowing what to expect. Another step-by-step guide? Perhaps. Something catchy? Definitely. But if that's what you're looking for, I wouldn't recommend this book for you.
On one hand, until you've experienced the kind of grief the PenaVegas endured, you have no real concept of what it feels like to be a parent carrying the deep sorrow of losing a child. I can relate to a portion of that grief, having similarly lost my first pregnancy following an emergency ectopic surgery. However, what I find beautiful about their book is that we all experience grief. I think this book, and the encouragement woven throughout it, speaks beyond pregnancy and infant loss. The way they processed their grief, found reasons to rejoice even in the sorrow and pain, and grew stronger through it all speaks to something universal. These are the kinds of stories we need to see more of, and there is something incredibly valuable about reading firsthand accounts of people learning to navigate life after loss.
I think this is a wonderful book to pick up if you are dealing with the trauma of loss. I also think it's a wonderful book to gift someone who is walking through that same difficult season.
I feel honored to have read this book. The PenaVegas have a voice I want to hear more of, and I look forward to reading more from them.
Happy Book Birthday to Joy Isn’t Canceled! After reading this book, I can see how much thought and care went into its creation and why it is such a necessary read for everyone, young and old, as we all experience grief in one form or another.
Joy Isn’t Canceled doesn't read like a self-help book. I'm sure that as the PenaVegas were putting their story down on paper, they had a desire to reach the masses with words of encouragement. But this isn't a book with a set of instructions to lead readers through the grieving process. Rather, it is a deep and personal memoir of the grief they endured following the passing of their newborn daughter, Indy.
Written from alternating perspectives of the couple, Joy Isn’t Canceled brings each moment to life, first from one perspective and then the other. While some might find this distracting, I think that, given the subject matter, it works beautifully. It takes individual moments of their story and provides an emotional account from both husband and wife, father and mother, illuminating how men and women can experience and process grief differently.
Honestly, I loved this book. I went in not knowing what to expect. Another step-by-step guide? Perhaps. Something catchy? Definitely. But if that's what you're looking for, I wouldn't recommend this book for you.
On one hand, until you've experienced the kind of grief the PenaVegas endured, you have no real concept of what it feels like to be a parent carrying the deep sorrow of losing a child. I can relate to a portion of that grief, having similarly lost my first pregnancy following an emergency ectopic surgery. However, what I find beautiful about their book is that we all experience grief. I think this book, and the encouragement woven throughout it, speaks beyond pregnancy and infant loss. The way they processed their grief, found reasons to rejoice even in the sorrow and pain, and grew stronger through it all speaks to something universal. These are the kinds of stories we need to see more of, and there is something incredibly valuable about reading firsthand accounts of people learning to navigate life after loss.
I think this is a wonderful book to pick up if you are dealing with the trauma of loss. I also think it's a wonderful book to gift someone who is walking through that same difficult season.
I feel honored to have read this book. The PenaVegas have a voice I want to hear more of, and I look forward to reading more from them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gutted. The PenaVegas teach readers where real, true peace that surpasses human understanding comes from and where to find the only hope this world can offer. I'm so impressed, honored to have read this book, trying not to be speechless.
My sister lost her baby in childbirth very similarly and she hasn't been the same since. There are unanswered questions - do we all have them about this broken world?- but the PenaVegas help readers see that they don't need to be answered and might not even matter in the big picture. What a relief. That we don't need to have all the answers?
I loved the 5 big take aways for what to do when tragedy and heartbreak comes- and aren't we all looking for a checklist? Something to try and "fix" it? Try worshipping in the midst of the pain, connect with real church community, and nourish your body. Seek to please God, not man. And no matter what stage of life you are in right now, get prepared for grief, because it's coming one day, one way or another.
Philippians 4:6-7 "do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Amen.
1) Worship
- "Joy doesn't just come when heart circumstances change. Sometimes it comes when we choose to turn toward God in the middle of them.'
- "I was focused on god. And somehow, that made it possible to keep moving forward."
- "Worship.. is choosing to celebrate, even when we don't feel like it even when everything else wants to shut down. We remember the good."
2) Real community
- Show up to fill real needs in your own way, quietly bridging the gaps.
- Pray for everyone, vocally as well as privately.
- Love others who have been through the same thing. Perhaps you were made to be a mentor through this kind of suffering?
- What beauty and grace of being able to grieve openly 💖
3) People pleasing isn't always pleasing to God
- "God, I want me back. The me you created me to be. Not fear, not timidity. Not this people pleasing Alexa. But the confident, fiery, determined Alexa.... I'm so frustrated with myself. Give me that balance, lord.... God, I really need you."
- Please God first and everything else will fall in line.
4) Prepare for grief
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
- The questions isn't will Grief will come, but when. - Either you die first or the people around you do. Take the steps to bless their lives if you go first, or guard your heart with Truth if they do.
5) You need Jesus and bodily nourishment
- Not Netflix marathons. Not sweet treats.
- Fasting with God is one way to speed up spiritual growth.
- Be in the Word, be prayerful, listen to the Holy Spirit.
Lex posted a story on Instagram about Mark 5. The community is weeping and wailing loudly because a little girl was pronounced dead- a very standard practice at that time. Jesus "did not let anyone follow him (in) except Peter, James, and John the brother of James" after Jesus saw the commotion. Jesus questions the commotion and wailing, telling them the child is not dead but asleep. They laugh at Him. Lex encouraged believers, "don't let them in your house". Don't let their spiritual blindness and negativity corrupt your peace. None of us are promised health, wealth, or longevity. To weep and wail over God's plan is understandable, but maybe it doesn't honor God or show a deep understanding and Trust over His sovereignty? A belief in the glory of Heaven? That Heaven is better than 80 years on Earth? Incredibly heavy and hard, I know, but biblical? I think so....
Thank you to Carlos and Alexa PenaVega, Nelson Books, and NetGalley for the honor of reading this book 💖
My sister lost her baby in childbirth very similarly and she hasn't been the same since. There are unanswered questions - do we all have them about this broken world?- but the PenaVegas help readers see that they don't need to be answered and might not even matter in the big picture. What a relief. That we don't need to have all the answers?
I loved the 5 big take aways for what to do when tragedy and heartbreak comes- and aren't we all looking for a checklist? Something to try and "fix" it? Try worshipping in the midst of the pain, connect with real church community, and nourish your body. Seek to please God, not man. And no matter what stage of life you are in right now, get prepared for grief, because it's coming one day, one way or another.
Philippians 4:6-7 "do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Amen.
1) Worship
- "Joy doesn't just come when heart circumstances change. Sometimes it comes when we choose to turn toward God in the middle of them.'
- "I was focused on god. And somehow, that made it possible to keep moving forward."
- "Worship.. is choosing to celebrate, even when we don't feel like it even when everything else wants to shut down. We remember the good."
2) Real community
- Show up to fill real needs in your own way, quietly bridging the gaps.
- Pray for everyone, vocally as well as privately.
- Love others who have been through the same thing. Perhaps you were made to be a mentor through this kind of suffering?
- What beauty and grace of being able to grieve openly 💖
3) People pleasing isn't always pleasing to God
- "God, I want me back. The me you created me to be. Not fear, not timidity. Not this people pleasing Alexa. But the confident, fiery, determined Alexa.... I'm so frustrated with myself. Give me that balance, lord.... God, I really need you."
- Please God first and everything else will fall in line.
4) Prepare for grief
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
- The questions isn't will Grief will come, but when. - Either you die first or the people around you do. Take the steps to bless their lives if you go first, or guard your heart with Truth if they do.
5) You need Jesus and bodily nourishment
- Not Netflix marathons. Not sweet treats.
- Fasting with God is one way to speed up spiritual growth.
- Be in the Word, be prayerful, listen to the Holy Spirit.
Lex posted a story on Instagram about Mark 5. The community is weeping and wailing loudly because a little girl was pronounced dead- a very standard practice at that time. Jesus "did not let anyone follow him (in) except Peter, James, and John the brother of James" after Jesus saw the commotion. Jesus questions the commotion and wailing, telling them the child is not dead but asleep. They laugh at Him. Lex encouraged believers, "don't let them in your house". Don't let their spiritual blindness and negativity corrupt your peace. None of us are promised health, wealth, or longevity. To weep and wail over God's plan is understandable, but maybe it doesn't honor God or show a deep understanding and Trust over His sovereignty? A belief in the glory of Heaven? That Heaven is better than 80 years on Earth? Incredibly heavy and hard, I know, but biblical? I think so....
Thank you to Carlos and Alexa PenaVega, Nelson Books, and NetGalley for the honor of reading this book 💖
November 12, 2026
I sobbed during the first 10 pages of the book because I have experience loss in my own way and I can’t imagine what Carlos and Alexa went through. They went through a lot losing their little one Indy but they didn’t give up on God’s love! Such a great book! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was amazing. I had no idea I was reading about "Spy Kids" star Alexa PenaVega. I loved watching those movies with our kids but didn't connect the two until there was a part in the book where a firefighter said, "It's the Spy Kids girl." Anyway, that revelation made the book richer because I admired Carlos and Alexa's faith even more ... knowing it was tested in the careers they had and yet it was so deep.
This book was so good. I read it in less than two days. I couldn't put it down. Having lost a baby myself, and that being the first time in my life I allowed myself to grieve the way God invited me to instead of listening to how others wanted me to grieve, this book was cathartic for me, even though our baby would have been 19 the week I read the book. So much of what Alexa shared (and Carlos) I could relate to. I loved how they gave useful tips throughout the pages, it wasn't just a book about their story but how to help others navigate all kinds of grief. Our family has been going through grief for the past three plus years (again) and so much of what they shared really hit home. The parts about taking are of our bodies because they keep score - we can't keep stuffing emotions. Our bodies are physical yes, but also emotional and if we don't let the feelings out, they will show up as physical symptoms that force us to take care of them.
I could go on and on but instead I'll just encourage you to read this book for yourself. Before you have to grieve, while you're in the midst of grieving or even years after the initial onset of grief, this book is encouraging, challenging, inspirational, and real. I have to be honest, I believe the Holy Spirit nudged me to get this book. I had planned on skimming it, reading intently their story and then skimming over the rest because I didn't think it was something I needed to read but wow, I read every single sentence, some more than once. This book was EXACTLY what I needed even though I didn't realize it at the time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley and wasn't required to read or give a review. All opinions are my honest feelings.
This book was so good. I read it in less than two days. I couldn't put it down. Having lost a baby myself, and that being the first time in my life I allowed myself to grieve the way God invited me to instead of listening to how others wanted me to grieve, this book was cathartic for me, even though our baby would have been 19 the week I read the book. So much of what Alexa shared (and Carlos) I could relate to. I loved how they gave useful tips throughout the pages, it wasn't just a book about their story but how to help others navigate all kinds of grief. Our family has been going through grief for the past three plus years (again) and so much of what they shared really hit home. The parts about taking are of our bodies because they keep score - we can't keep stuffing emotions. Our bodies are physical yes, but also emotional and if we don't let the feelings out, they will show up as physical symptoms that force us to take care of them.
I could go on and on but instead I'll just encourage you to read this book for yourself. Before you have to grieve, while you're in the midst of grieving or even years after the initial onset of grief, this book is encouraging, challenging, inspirational, and real. I have to be honest, I believe the Holy Spirit nudged me to get this book. I had planned on skimming it, reading intently their story and then skimming over the rest because I didn't think it was something I needed to read but wow, I read every single sentence, some more than once. This book was EXACTLY what I needed even though I didn't realize it at the time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley and wasn't required to read or give a review. All opinions are my honest feelings.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Joy Isn't Cancelled is a raw and honest dive into Carlos and Alexa's experience with grief and healing. I'm not overly familiar with the two of them from Spy kids or Big Time Rush, but did get introduced to them on Dancing with the Stars and from what I remember... this book is quite authentically true to who they are (free spirited, loving, creative souls). They believe in God's spirit and presence in their life- and His supernatural intervention which brings healing, contentment, peace and joy even in the midst of heart-wrenching, devastating grief...and that's the threads that weave this book together. The book revolves around their daughter, Indy's death, who was born asleep. At times...the narrative is disjointed...but their perspective does offer solid testimony about growing our relationship with Christ for when things to come, we are prepared (preparing soil), the power of community, regret, and how to grieve with children. Carlos and Alexa do mention that they aren't into traditional medicine and that was a bit hard for me to relate to, the sections that talked about illness and healing. And I will say, this book is written and geared towards believers...I think it would be very difficult to pick up and find it relatable if I wasn't a believer...whereas other books about grieving from a faith perspective might be more accessible. Overall, I really admire Carlos and Alexa for taking this step of faith in their healing to write about these experiences and I hope God continues to bless them through it.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Nelsonbooks for the ARC.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Nelsonbooks for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have followed Alexa & Carlos for years now. You may recognize her from Spy Kids or both of them from Hallmark movies. I have enjoyed watching them on the screen for years.
I remember when they lost Indy, it was gut wrenching. One day you're seeing normal life on her IG stories, anticipating this beautiful new baby's arrival, and the next we're finding out she had passed away before ever having taken her first breath. Soul crushing.
I have never lost a child so my grief journey from losing other close family members and friends through the years are in no way a comparison to Alexa losing her baby girl and were completely different. No grief journey is the same. I think people's needs and wants differ depending on their culture and lifestyle.
This book will not be for everyone. I appreciate the way Alexa and Carlos approached their grief and how it helped shape their own hearts, family, & marriage moving forward.
Thank you to Netgalley and Nelson Books for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I remember when they lost Indy, it was gut wrenching. One day you're seeing normal life on her IG stories, anticipating this beautiful new baby's arrival, and the next we're finding out she had passed away before ever having taken her first breath. Soul crushing.
I have never lost a child so my grief journey from losing other close family members and friends through the years are in no way a comparison to Alexa losing her baby girl and were completely different. No grief journey is the same. I think people's needs and wants differ depending on their culture and lifestyle.
This book will not be for everyone. I appreciate the way Alexa and Carlos approached their grief and how it helped shape their own hearts, family, & marriage moving forward.
Thank you to Netgalley and Nelson Books for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Beautiful and Inspirational
What an inspiring read for anyone, but especially anyone who has experienced this type of loss. It's a beautiful story of loss, grief, healing, and faith. Alexa and Carlos narrate their sides of what they went through with total honesty throughout their journey of pain, healing, and growth.
Through it all, they also found personal and spiritual growth. Their accounts of these experiences are raw and deeply touching. One example among many is the soil and how the preparation and care of the soil are key to flourishing and spiritual growth.
Their story is profound, impactful, and moving, and it will deeply touch your heart. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.
What an inspiring read for anyone, but especially anyone who has experienced this type of loss. It's a beautiful story of loss, grief, healing, and faith. Alexa and Carlos narrate their sides of what they went through with total honesty throughout their journey of pain, healing, and growth.
Through it all, they also found personal and spiritual growth. Their accounts of these experiences are raw and deeply touching. One example among many is the soil and how the preparation and care of the soil are key to flourishing and spiritual growth.
Their story is profound, impactful, and moving, and it will deeply touch your heart. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.
August 30, 2026
This book is so beautiful and well-written. Carlos and Alexa give us insight into how their faith and community helped them grow through their grief after losing Indy. I am currently going through the grieving process myself, and the Bible verses mentioned came at the perfect time—I really needed to hear them.
This book is so personal, emotional, and moving. I have cried, prayed, and smiled while reading it. It completely shifts your perspective on life and deepens your faith, giving you a renewed sense of hope and encouragement to move forward. Reading this will truly help bring you closer to God.
This book is so personal, emotional, and moving. I have cried, prayed, and smiled while reading it. It completely shifts your perspective on life and deepens your faith, giving you a renewed sense of hope and encouragement to move forward. Reading this will truly help bring you closer to God.
July 28, 2026
Holy wow, this is a good book!
I am so proud of Los and Lex for sharing their story. They bring so much glory to the Lord with their honesty and vulnerability. Sweet Indy has made such an impact on earth through her parents. ❤️
Joy Isn’t Cancelled is applicable to everyone, not just parents who’ve lost a child. It’s about grief, but more than that it’s about moving forward in God’s grace and mercy, and finding Him through community.
This book made me cry and hug my blankies, but more importantly it made me take those tears to Jesus. ❤️
I am so proud of Los and Lex for sharing their story. They bring so much glory to the Lord with their honesty and vulnerability. Sweet Indy has made such an impact on earth through her parents. ❤️
Joy Isn’t Cancelled is applicable to everyone, not just parents who’ve lost a child. It’s about grief, but more than that it’s about moving forward in God’s grace and mercy, and finding Him through community.
This book made me cry and hug my blankies, but more importantly it made me take those tears to Jesus. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review forthcoming. But definitely a good read
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews