Anchored: Finding Hope in the Unexpected

by Kayla Aimee

You count a pregnancy by weeks and Kayla Aimee had only ticked off 24 of the 40 when she unexpectedly went into labor. She thought her church upbringing had prepared her for every circumstance but when tragedy struck and threatened to take the life of her newborn daughter, it felt as though once solid ground had turned to glass beneath her feet, destined to shatter everything she held sacred.

When swept into a story of suffering, we all find ourselves vulnerable, questioning everything we thought we knew as we wonder, “Where is God in this?” With everything feeling as fragile as her one and a half pound daughter, Kayla finds herself asking that same question as she faces her greatest that she may have finally become a mother just to lose her only child.

Both poignant and humorous, Anchored recounts Kayla’s gripping story of learning to navigate her newfound motherhood in the most unexpected of ways, from holidays in the hospital and middle-of-the-night phone calls to the joy of coming home. With vulnerability and plenty of wit, Kayla lays bare her struggle to redefine her faith, her marriage, and herself within the context of a tragedy she never saw coming. For anyone who has felt their faith in God falter, Anchored extends a gentle invitation to join her as she uncovers a hope that holds.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Christian, Parenting, Christian Living, Faith, Biography Memoir

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2015

About the author

Kayla Aimee is a writer, mother and slightly spirited southern girl who spends her days uncovering hope and humor in unexpected places. She makes her home and garden in northern Georgia with her husband and daughter Scarlette, a former 25-week micro-preemie. Kayla shares stories of faith, family and her favorite things at www.kaylaaimee.com. Her first book, Anchored: Finding Hope in the Unexpected releases with B&H publishing on July 1, 2015

Reviews

[Rebecca Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I'm not a big fan of reading about babies or births or anything that hurts my heart about not having a child of my own, but for some reason I was drawn to this book... & so glad I did.

This is the story of Kayla Aimee & the birth of her daughter Scarlette as she came into the world earlier then she should have. The things that precious baby went through & the story of her life & the way that Kayla survived it all, with her humor, with her heart, with her family, with her faith & hope in God, its such a good story.

Its written in such a grabbing way. I didn't want to stop reading. One second, you are aching for this little tiny baby that is so small she can fit in your hand & the next, you are laughing at the memories that Kayla shares with you reflecting on her life & memories. It's such a mix of emotions - all making up a fantastic read.

I have since found out Kayla Aimee is a blogger & I just love reading her writing even more when I can. She's got such a joy that shines through her words. I'm going to be adding her to my list of people that I know that we'd be best friends if we lived near one another. :)

[Dawn Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayla Aimee's path to motherhood is one that no mother would chose to walk. In Anchored, she shares the story of her daughter Scarlette's birth as a micro-preemie with both raw honesty and humor. Five and a half months in the NICU transformed Kayla from a hesitant, insecure new mom into a competent and vocal advocate and caregiver for her child while preparing her daughter for life beyond hospital walls.

Women will find themselves in this love story from mother to child, regardless of their birth own experience. Kayla reminds us that it's not our own strength or faith that carries us, but a merciful God who extends us His grace. This is a story that needs to be told and a comfort to those looking for God in the midst of pain.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading Kayla Aimee's blog right after Scarlette was born. I remember checking her blog daily to get updates on little Scarlette's progress. Kayla is an exceptional writer with a great sense of humor. She is real and honest and very likable. When she released this book, I knew it would be something I had to read.

Even though I knew some of Scarlette's story, I was fully engrossed in this book. It is emotional and raw and inspiring and completely un-put-downable.

I feel this is a must read for those who give birth prematurely, yet very readable for anyone who roots for those who have the odds stacked against them.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down to read this book and haven't moved. I read the entire thing in one sitting. This book is so powerful and beautiful. It's definitely a book for any parent going thru a NICU experience but it's also a wonderful book on faith and hope. I cannot recommend this highly enough. If I could give it 100 stars, I would.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. If a book can make you laugh, make you cry and stir your heart, it's got to be good. The way Kayla writes and tells their story is beautiful. She makes you feel like she's sitting their with you, having a heart-to-heart chat. I laughed so many times over her sweet southern charm. :)
I cried time and again while reading of this family's struggles. All they went through with little Scarlette being born so premature is heartbreaking. Kayla tells it all – the numerous trials they experienced and how hard all of it was on her marriage. Her daughter Scarlette, born weighing the equivalent of six sticks of butter, is an inspiration to us all.
Jeff, Kayla and little Scarlette – thank you for sharing your story with us. May God continually bless your precious family.
If you want to laugh hysterically, cry with true emotion, and put the book down with a "wow", then this book is for you. :)

***I received this book for free from B&H/Lifeway in exchange for my honest review.***

[Jessica Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

All mothers will relate to Kayla Aimee’s fierce love of her daughter in this must-read memoir. Her writing is the perfect blend of passion, grace and humor that had me laughing and crying throughout the book. - See more at: http://www.themomcreative.com/2015/06...

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm excited to read this book, though I know it will pull on all my emotional strings!

[Angieleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I did receive a gifted copy of this book, it was not in exchange for a review. All opinions are 100% my own.

It is hard to write this review as I have followed Kayla's blog for over seven years now. I knew most of Scarlette's journey from her fifteen weeks too soon feisty entrance to the sweet picture her mama posted of her with her grandfather for Father's Day.

What I did not know was just how battered and broken and raw and alone {by her own choice} Kayla was during the one hundred and fifty six days that Scarlette was in the NICU. Anchored isn't just about the miraculous and sometimes surprising journey that Scarlette has made, or even about how Kayla felt as the mother of a micro-preemie; it's about how shattered and broken Kayla's once unwavering faith in a God she loved far more than great fitting jeans was and how she made it back from the brink of losing all of her faith.

As someone who laughs at times about edited stories whose full details cannot be divulged due to Kayla's agreement with her husband about Things That Should Not Be Shared With The Internet, I was completely surprised at how transparent and vulnerable she was about her marriage and other struggles she had to face.

I didn't need to read Kayla's blog or even this book to know how hard it is on a marriage to have a sick baby. My firstborn came into this world a little too soon and spent the first 24 days of his life fighting to survive. I was, however, shocked to learn that 97% of marriages//relationships end in divorce while making it through each day while your child lay fighting to survive in the NICU.

Out of the ashes God has brought the beauty of Kayla's extremely strong and fully transformed faith to the forefront. That faith is evident in all that she does and says. That faith has paved the way for her to share her struggles and lay bare what she has been through and what it's like to come out the other side. You don't have to be a mother to read this book; in fact, I recommend it to anyone who is questioning their faith while dealing with something beyond their control and what it's like to be used by God to bring glory to Him.

See, it's through Kayla's blog and her faith that I even know Him at all today. For that I am eternally grateful.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the joy of meeting Kayla Aimee several times while attending gatherings for a scrapbooking website that we mutually designed for and was audience to some of her hilarious antics. She's been making me laugh for a long time. Things got serious, though, when she began to share on her blog about her struggles with pregnancy and then, ultimately, the untimely birth of her daughter. I was humbled and overcome with compassion for the journey that she so courageously and transparently shared. It was my privilege to fervently pray for Scarlette's life. And I'm grateful to Kayla for continuing to share the growth and antics of her lively, beautiful (and even precocious) daughter with her readers because, after all, we DID fall in love with her! I always thought she should write a book! Because I've always loved her writing and, well, she had quite the story to tell.

Kayla's story in "Anchored" did not disappoint. And while I'd thought she had been so graciously vulnerable and transparent on her blog, She opens that private door even wider in this book, bravely allowing the reader in to be privy to some of her deepest fears and struggles. Not only in trying to grasp her never-imagined role as a NICU mom to a critically ill child, but also to the the inevitable struggles someone in her situation (or any trauma) faces in their marriage and even their faith. She gets real and I so appreciate that. But what I also love is her sensitivity to the reader in sharing so vividly her days in the NICU. She ties the story together with moments of poignancy and humor, adding a necessary levity when most needed. I came to tears many times throughout this heart-wrenching story. And I laughed and shook my head in wonder as well. I could not put it down - even though I very well knew the ending.

This book is about love and grace and questioning God and finding out what you're made of. It's about coming to terms with what you've been given in life. This book is hard, yet honest and inspiring. Above all, it is about hope - looking for hope, finding it and holding on to it through it all.

[Trinity Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anchored by Kayla Aimee is such a beautiful, inspiring true story. I know it has and will bring hope and peace to many mothers/fathers who have babies premature.
In this beautiful story little Scarlette was only a 25 week preemie when she was born, you will be amazed and shocked at the things a premature baby has to go through.
One thing that really stuck with me is little Scarlette quit breathing so many times that she had to be connected to a machine that shook her all of the time to keep her breathing. She had broken wrists because of so many medical procedures. Kayla said that her baby only weighed about as much as six sticks of butter and fit in the palm of your hand. Her ears were only holes because she wasn’t fully developed.
This precious woman didn’t want to leave her daughters side and she didn’t very often. Several times her insights helped her daughter that a nurse may have missed.
Besides the regular reasons of having a premature baby, like praying they live and have a normal life, there are also the financial and personal problems. Many families split up when they go through this.
I admire Kayla and her husband for all they did and for writing this book. It’s a book ever person should read. Kayla grew so much closer to the Lord and He is always there for her and all.
I follow her on face book and she is pregnant now with her second child and is 36 weeks along. She has been on bed rest for a while.
Highly recommend you read this precious book.


I received my free copy from Net Galley for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading Kayla Aimee's blog when a friend forwarded me a post about plane travel. I immediately added her to my feed reader, because she was hilarious. And then as time went by I started poking around on her website and found Scarlette's story and I read it almost nonstop. And I shed some tears. At the time I wasn't pregnant, but I was working on it. A couple years later when I went into the hospital at 21 weeks 1 day pregnant not knowing if I would make it to 21 weeks 2 days (let alone 25 weeks) the first website I pulled up was Kayla Aimee's. I reread the beginning of Scarlette's story and sobbed. Then I found her email and sent her a message about my situation and that if anything gave me hope it was Scarlette's story. And then when she responded a couple days later I sobbed even harder. Whenever someone asks me about preemie resources her website is the first link I share. So I knew I would read this book and I knew I would love it. And while I'm not in the Christian demographic, I still found the faith and religion part of her story interesting. Two years after my own micropreemie experience, I found myself sobbing noisily while reading about Scarlette's birth and early NICU days. And then chuckling at a story about Kayla Aimee's awkward adolescence or something that happened at the hospital. This has gone on a bit longer than I normally write, but in any case it's a good story and a good book. Even if you don't think you can get past the religion give it a try anyway.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written book. The subject matter is serious, birth at 25 weeks, but the author's writing style and humor make the book a delight to read. She takes us through her experiences, her shattered faith, the emergencies, taking an active part in her daughter's care. It is also a very honest book as Kayla shares the pressures on the marriage and their finances. This may be a difficult book for parents to read if they have lost a preemie. For others, this is a very informative book written in a compelling style. I really liked it.
You can see my complete review at http://bit.ly/1Nc0n18.
I received a complimentary galley of this book through Icon Media for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured Anchored within a couple hours of receiving it in the mail. I've followed Kayla Aimee since before she started sharing Scarlette's story online. I was drawn to Kayla as I, too, experienced years of infertility. Within the pages of Anchored, I love the way Kayla wove bits and pieces of her NICU story into her previous life experiences and how they shaped her faith. I could find myself nodding along and identifying with her painful story and how the grace of God sustained her through the most difficult time of her life. In my own life, I know the meaning of receiving beauty for ashes and how it comes in the most unexpected ways. God is and always will be there in our darkest hours and we can have hope in that promise!

[Denise Tyriver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayla Aimee and her husband Jeff go through what no new parents ever wants to. They find themselves as parents of a micro preemie. Scarlette is born at 25 weeks and has a myriad of health issues. Kayla describes in detail, the highs, the lows and the really low with humor, grace, humility and vulnerability. I couldn't put this book down and read it as fast as I could. It is a reminder that even in the midst of our trials and pain,
God is present. He hears us and no matter the outcome, "He remains". I don't recommend this book for anyone currently expecting but for everyone else, yes!!

[Stephani Gioia]

I am counting down the days until release day! A preemie mom to twin boys, now 5, I found Kayla Aimee's blog shortly after their birth.

The heartwarming and funny blend together seamlessly on her blog posts and I expect nothing short of fantastic from this book regardless of whether or not you have made the painful journey through preemiehood.

[Charity Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the story helps you see what it is like to have a child in the NCIU I didnt feel like she really gave much advice if you were going through it also. Mainly just told her story. I didnt find it spiritually deep either.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story of a mom who watches her child suffer and is broken by it/struggles with the Lord over it, and yet sees grace through it all. I found her faith inspiring and her courage moving.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. It's amazing to see how God works in the bleakest of circumstances.

[Megan Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kayla Aimee struggled to get and stay pregnant. When she became pregnant with her daughter, everything was going along like normal until her 24th week when the doctors discovered she was contracting and dilated. They put her on bedrest and managed to keep the baby inside until her 25th week when they performed an emergency c-section. Her daughter lived in the NICU for months as the family waited in tense uncertainty to see if she would survive. Kayla shares her experiences and fears and how that affected her faith in the hope of helping, supporting, and/or encouraging other Mother's of micro-preemies.

It was a very vulnerable and open story of her experience. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been to not know day-to-day whether your child would survive. I had two points of similar experience with Kayla in that with my first child I was unknowingly having contractions (I didn't feel anything either) and I also ended up having an emergency c-section with my daughter shortly after my 36 week check-up (went from the doctor's office to the hospital across the street). It was traumatic enough for me and I had a mostly healthy baby who went home with us when we did a few days later. I'm thankful Kayla was willing to share her story.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my cousin-in-laws suffered a miscarriage a few years back, she lost what would have been her fourth child and only daughter (she has since had another son). She still grieves the loss of her little girl. I bought this book thinking that it would help her grieve but decided to read it first to make sure that it would be appropriate for her situation. It’s not.

This book would be good for someone who has fertility problems or has a child that is born with a lot of health problems.

She describes the 160 some days and nights in the NICU and how her daughter had to be transported from one hospital to another. How when she was finally able to bring her daughter home at 5 months still hooked up to machines and monitors. How her doctor told her because she already had a high risk pregnancy she shouldn’t have anymore children (after I finished this book I found her on Facebook and learned that despite using multiple methods of birth control she got pregnant again but was able to carry her second child to term).

It was a quick read and I would recommend this book to anyone who needs to have their faith renewed.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so Kayla is my neighbor, and Scarlette is my little brothers best friend, we were sitting outside talking about books (like one does when they have not much else to do) when she brings up that she used to write books. Now I had no idea that she used to write. I just knew that she worked in “marketing” from home. So obviously I asked if I could read one of her books and she said that she’d definitely send one over with Scarlette the next time she came outside to play with my brother. As soon as Scarlette brought me the book she says “You get to read about mee!!!” She told me about how on the dedication page is her actual footprint. She was so proud that her mom wrote a book about her. When I went inside I felt like I needed to read this immediately. And once I did I couldn’t stop unless I absolutely had to. So basically what I’m trying to say is that this book is amazing and you should definitely read it!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anchored Is an intense book on a subject that effects so many couples on a daily basis - it hurts in such a big way - what is it ? Not gonna tell you - you have to find out for yourself. It is a book of deep unending intense love that you didn't know you could have until this thing happens. The main character shows how strong she is when she takes one step at a time and relies on the LORD. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anchored is the story of Kayla Aimee's journey from struggling to get pregnant, to great excitement when she did get pregnant, and then the incredibly painful events that followed the premature birth of her daughter, Scarlette. Kayla shares so openly about how her faith was shattered and she was barely able to hold on by a thread, of the incredible pain her baby went through, and of her nearly destroyed marriage. The story is so touching and is often humorous. I found myself wiping tears and then laughing hilariously. Kayla's story is not a deep theological treatise on faith and hope; it is her very personal story of how she found that God was there with her all along the way.

[Lauren Bates]

I enjoyed this book immensely. Aimee writes about her own personal struggles in a real way, showing vulnerability and authenticity throughout. Her struggle as a NICU Mom brings to light how God can be our hope even in the darkest times. That vulnerability also shows us that sometimes it's ok to question God when we don't understand; that in fact, that can help build our faith. She writes as though she's telling you the events over a cup of coffee, and that personable approach makes it an easy read, even though the material is often painful. I would recommend this for anyone struggling with faith.

[Rachel G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful read. Kayla Aimee writes her story in a way that makes you feel she is having a conversation with you. It is a deeply emotional and raw story.
My beautiful pregnant friends, be cautious: this is the story of a micro-preemie. Wait to read it if it will bring up worries or fears about your own pregnancy.
"I did not bow my head reverently toward the holy but instead pushed back, pouring out my pain in both defiance and desperation. I did not understand any of it but I still believed in grace and decided that if God was sovereign then He could hold my hurt."

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the few men who have confessed to reading this book. And, I'm all the better for it!

Originally, I bought this book for my wife. After reading this book with an open mind (and heart), I'm glad to have peeked inside.

I spend my reading poring over philosophy, theology, and technical guides. So, the emotionally-driven (and witty) narrative was a welcome alternative.

I hug my kids a little tighter these days. Thank you, Kayla.

[Stephany · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautifully written. I have followed Kayla Aimee's blog since she was pregnant with Scarlette, so I was familiar with her journey with Scarlette in the NICU and then when she came home, but I still wanted to read her book. It's a beautiful story of grief and hope and love and loss. Worth a read.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! It's hard to read all that they went through with their baby born at 24 weeks. But so refreshing to see an honest open look at what goes on in treating these babies and how hard it is on the family.
I enjoyed this, her writing style is fun! She's not afraid to share even if it makes her look bad.
Thank you, Kayla Aimee!

[Laci Steed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a must read for anyone going trough any kind of suffering or trial. Kayla’s journey from despair to hope, was inspiring and encouraging. Her witty and adept writing, make it feel like you were sitting across from her having coffee and chatting. It was a quick and easy read, even though it was a difficult subject. Truly enjoyed this book!

[Mindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about what it is like to survive being a mom of an extremely premature baby. Beyond that, it is the story of someone who received amazing support from friends, church, and family and how she grew in her walk with God. She doesn't skip over the heartbreak, the PTSD of it as a survivor. It is honest, gripping and funny at times. Worth reading.