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Labour of Love: A story of generosity, hope and Surrogacy
A story of generosity, hope and surrogacy
Shannon Garner met and married the man of her dreams, had two gorgeous children and lived an idyllic life on the New South Wales coast. So why did she decide one day to pursue altruistic surrogacy? And what made her choose a gay male couple from Sydney?
Labour of Love is Shannon’s honest and engaging story – a rollercoaster of emotion set against the backdrop of a highly regulated ‘industry’. This is no account of heartache and conflict but an uplifting story of ‘a collective love’ – one that involves a handful of people from very different walks of life who end up being so much more than family.
As Shannon travels her journey of body, mind and soul, she lays bare the loving reality behind surrogacy, but also the trouble she found along the way.
Finding strength in unexpected places, Shannon pushed past the negativity of others to discover the courage she needed to selflessly carry and birth a baby that will not be her own – and to bring the gift of a precious life and soul into the world, to be loved and cared for by her new adoring parents.
Shannon Garner met and married the man of her dreams, had two gorgeous children and lived an idyllic life on the New South Wales coast. So why did she decide one day to pursue altruistic surrogacy? And what made her choose a gay male couple from Sydney?
Labour of Love is Shannon’s honest and engaging story – a rollercoaster of emotion set against the backdrop of a highly regulated ‘industry’. This is no account of heartache and conflict but an uplifting story of ‘a collective love’ – one that involves a handful of people from very different walks of life who end up being so much more than family.
As Shannon travels her journey of body, mind and soul, she lays bare the loving reality behind surrogacy, but also the trouble she found along the way.
Finding strength in unexpected places, Shannon pushed past the negativity of others to discover the courage she needed to selflessly carry and birth a baby that will not be her own – and to bring the gift of a precious life and soul into the world, to be loved and cared for by her new adoring parents.
360 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2016
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 7, 2016
While I don’t read a lot of non-fiction, I do enjoy a good memoir so when I was contacted by Shannon Garner and asked to review the account of her journey through surrogacy, I couldn’t resist.
Altruistic Surrogacy is a subject that has always fascinated me and, while books like Dawn Barker’s Let Her Go (which I loved), shed some light on it, Shannon Garner has been through it.
Happily married with two beautiful children of her own, Shannon’s determination to pursue her desire to be a surrogate drove her to carry out meticulous research for a complex and emotional process that remains, even in today’s day and age, a controversial subject.
With honesty and insight, she explores the highs and lows of being an altruistic surrogate in Australia and, in the process, gives the reader a glimpse into an oft misrepresented process with all its legal, clinical and ethical complexities along with the (not always positive) perceptions of friends, family and strangers.
Her joys, struggles and fears are all here and I take my hat off to Shannon because it’s not only a difficult decision – one that affects not just the surrogate but her wider family – but it’s also a journey that only a very special few are able to make and her dedication, commitment and self-sacrifice is to be commended.
With the flair of a natural storyteller, Shannon has lovingly documented her (and her family’s) profoundly personal journey, answering a lot of questions while writing with heart, humour and a light and friendly tone that sets a warm and intimate atmosphere - which leaves me in no doubt that this is who she is in real life.
An absorbing, insightful and inspiring memoir with contemporary relevance, Labour of Love: A Story of Generosity, Hope and Surrogacy is a story of love, family, hope, pure selflessness and the joy of giving that I highly recommend to anyone who is thinking of heading down the surrogacy path as well as those who, like me, just find the surrogacy world to be so fascinating.
Altruistic Surrogacy is a subject that has always fascinated me and, while books like Dawn Barker’s Let Her Go (which I loved), shed some light on it, Shannon Garner has been through it.
Happily married with two beautiful children of her own, Shannon’s determination to pursue her desire to be a surrogate drove her to carry out meticulous research for a complex and emotional process that remains, even in today’s day and age, a controversial subject.
With honesty and insight, she explores the highs and lows of being an altruistic surrogate in Australia and, in the process, gives the reader a glimpse into an oft misrepresented process with all its legal, clinical and ethical complexities along with the (not always positive) perceptions of friends, family and strangers.
Her joys, struggles and fears are all here and I take my hat off to Shannon because it’s not only a difficult decision – one that affects not just the surrogate but her wider family – but it’s also a journey that only a very special few are able to make and her dedication, commitment and self-sacrifice is to be commended.
With the flair of a natural storyteller, Shannon has lovingly documented her (and her family’s) profoundly personal journey, answering a lot of questions while writing with heart, humour and a light and friendly tone that sets a warm and intimate atmosphere - which leaves me in no doubt that this is who she is in real life.
An absorbing, insightful and inspiring memoir with contemporary relevance, Labour of Love: A Story of Generosity, Hope and Surrogacy is a story of love, family, hope, pure selflessness and the joy of giving that I highly recommend to anyone who is thinking of heading down the surrogacy path as well as those who, like me, just find the surrogacy world to be so fascinating.
June 27, 2016
Labour of Love is a story beautifully conceived—emotive, engaging and honest—with the rollercoaster of emotions of any pregnancy juxtaposed with the very clinical aspects of a highly regulated ‘industry’ and its invasive administrative processes.
Importantly, Shannon’s memoir is not an account of heartache and conflict, but an uplifting story the author describes as “a collective love”—one that involves a handful of people who start out strangers and end up so much more than family. What Shannon has written is a positive story about selflessness in the hope more women will consider surrogacy and more people will understand why.
Told from the point of view of the surrogate, her no holds barred approach documents the journey before, during and after the pregnancy, including the lengths she goes to, mind, body and soul, to prepare and give “her little passenger” the best start in life.
What Shannon couldn’t have prepared herself for were the things she would learn about herself along the way, or the Internet trolls, the naysayers, and the critics keen to plant seeds of doubt, especially when mid-way through the pregnancy came the news that shocked the world and divided opinion—the story of Baby Gammy. Questions and constant scrutiny by the misinformed and curious, added to the responsibility of carrying another couple’s baby (one that wasn’t growing as it should) became overwhelming. Finding strength from unexpected places and painful childhood memories, desperate to show people she was, finally, good enough, Shannon pushes past the negativity of others and her own self-deprecating tendencies to find the courage she needs to selflessly carry and birth a baby that will not be her own.
I adore this story.
Importantly, Shannon’s memoir is not an account of heartache and conflict, but an uplifting story the author describes as “a collective love”—one that involves a handful of people who start out strangers and end up so much more than family. What Shannon has written is a positive story about selflessness in the hope more women will consider surrogacy and more people will understand why.
Told from the point of view of the surrogate, her no holds barred approach documents the journey before, during and after the pregnancy, including the lengths she goes to, mind, body and soul, to prepare and give “her little passenger” the best start in life.
What Shannon couldn’t have prepared herself for were the things she would learn about herself along the way, or the Internet trolls, the naysayers, and the critics keen to plant seeds of doubt, especially when mid-way through the pregnancy came the news that shocked the world and divided opinion—the story of Baby Gammy. Questions and constant scrutiny by the misinformed and curious, added to the responsibility of carrying another couple’s baby (one that wasn’t growing as it should) became overwhelming. Finding strength from unexpected places and painful childhood memories, desperate to show people she was, finally, good enough, Shannon pushes past the negativity of others and her own self-deprecating tendencies to find the courage she needs to selflessly carry and birth a baby that will not be her own.
I adore this story.
July 1, 2016
The title of this book, 'Labour of Love: A Story of Generosity, Hope and Surrogacy' is beautifully fitting, but also incredibly understated. This book is a beacon of light in a world that needs more love, and now more than ever does this touching story need to be told.
Shannon's eloquently written journey reminds us that love is alive, that dreams are worth dreaming and that collective love is one of the most powerful gifts in our world. A collective love can, quite literally, change lives and create life; and that's exactly what this story is about.
Shannon's honesty, positivity and generosity radiate from the book. So strong is the conviction in her voice that it almost leaps off the pages (the world would hold more beauty if more people had her strength and selfless attitude to life). Even when Shannon questions her thoughts, challenges the negative stigma surrounding surrogacy in society, or pushes her body to do what she needs it to do, she is clear in her determination. Shannon considers the realities, yet focuses on the positive.
Admirably, Shannon has bared every aspect of her journey openly and with a raw honesty that is unashamed (and amusing in parts too). From her early thoughts of 'what if', why, and trying to find a couple, through to preparing for the insemination itself - we hear her inner thoughts as she navigates the questions, challenges and reactions of those around her. Over the 9 months of pregnancy - where regular visits with the lucky couple forged a strong and loving relationship - we hear all about the development of her "little passenger", as well as the unique pressures being a surrogate presented to her, ultimately giving Shannon a determination that goes unmatched in love and selflessness.
The story is not without moments of anxiety, fear, uncertainty or concern, but at the end of the day, we are again reminded that love is a force that wins every time.
From the very beginnings, the love for this unborn child, this dream, was almost tangible, but the love that surrounds her now is unbreakable in its strength, and unmistakeable in its force.
This is a story that everyone would benefit from reading, however, individuals with preconceived ideas about surrogacy, advocates against surrogacy, those thinking of being a surrogate, or couples wanting to go through the surrogacy process will find messages of real hope and real reward.
If you're looking for a little bit of love in a world gone mad, then read 'Labour of Love: A Story of Generosity, Hope and Surrogacy' - here, you'll find an abundance of love sure to keep you smiling for days, and grateful that people like Shannon exist.
Shannon's eloquently written journey reminds us that love is alive, that dreams are worth dreaming and that collective love is one of the most powerful gifts in our world. A collective love can, quite literally, change lives and create life; and that's exactly what this story is about.
Shannon's honesty, positivity and generosity radiate from the book. So strong is the conviction in her voice that it almost leaps off the pages (the world would hold more beauty if more people had her strength and selfless attitude to life). Even when Shannon questions her thoughts, challenges the negative stigma surrounding surrogacy in society, or pushes her body to do what she needs it to do, she is clear in her determination. Shannon considers the realities, yet focuses on the positive.
Admirably, Shannon has bared every aspect of her journey openly and with a raw honesty that is unashamed (and amusing in parts too). From her early thoughts of 'what if', why, and trying to find a couple, through to preparing for the insemination itself - we hear her inner thoughts as she navigates the questions, challenges and reactions of those around her. Over the 9 months of pregnancy - where regular visits with the lucky couple forged a strong and loving relationship - we hear all about the development of her "little passenger", as well as the unique pressures being a surrogate presented to her, ultimately giving Shannon a determination that goes unmatched in love and selflessness.
The story is not without moments of anxiety, fear, uncertainty or concern, but at the end of the day, we are again reminded that love is a force that wins every time.
From the very beginnings, the love for this unborn child, this dream, was almost tangible, but the love that surrounds her now is unbreakable in its strength, and unmistakeable in its force.
This is a story that everyone would benefit from reading, however, individuals with preconceived ideas about surrogacy, advocates against surrogacy, those thinking of being a surrogate, or couples wanting to go through the surrogacy process will find messages of real hope and real reward.
If you're looking for a little bit of love in a world gone mad, then read 'Labour of Love: A Story of Generosity, Hope and Surrogacy' - here, you'll find an abundance of love sure to keep you smiling for days, and grateful that people like Shannon exist.
March 13, 2017
#bookreviews #aussiereading #AWW2017 #non-fiction
A story of hopes and dreams, and the journey that made them real.
Labour of Love is an exploration and a reflection of one woman’s surrogacy journey, and the greatest gift of all – a healthy child.
In 2013, Shannon Garner made the decision to carry a child for a childless gay couple, Jon and Justin. She loved being pregnant, and had borne the two children she and her husband, Andrew, wanted to complete their family. In an act of selfless generosity, she offered to carry a child for Jon and Justin, using donor eggs.
This book documents in a very personal and intimate way, the thinking, dreaming, and the processes that went into reaching that decision. It also charts the sometimes challenging emotional considerations of carrying a child for other people. Her story makes clear the depth of responsibility she felt as she cared for another couple’s precious child in her womb, and she explains the numerous legal, medical, and other considerations, as well as the state of surrogacy in Australia at the present time. Shannon makes clear that it wasn’t all easy sailing, but the incredible joy of her selflessness, combined with the donation of eggs from a friend of Jon and Justin, produced little Elise for her fathers.
The book finishes with a letter to Elise from her birth mother, and the wish that one day, Elise will understand how very much she was wanted and loved, the joy she has brought, and the way her presence has united several families into a big extended family.
I recently met Shannon, who is pregnant with a second surrogacy child for Jon and Justin. I am in awe of her gift, and her selflessness. Her journey is emotional and uplifting, inspiring and a joy to read.
A story of hopes and dreams, and the journey that made them real.
Labour of Love is an exploration and a reflection of one woman’s surrogacy journey, and the greatest gift of all – a healthy child.
In 2013, Shannon Garner made the decision to carry a child for a childless gay couple, Jon and Justin. She loved being pregnant, and had borne the two children she and her husband, Andrew, wanted to complete their family. In an act of selfless generosity, she offered to carry a child for Jon and Justin, using donor eggs.
This book documents in a very personal and intimate way, the thinking, dreaming, and the processes that went into reaching that decision. It also charts the sometimes challenging emotional considerations of carrying a child for other people. Her story makes clear the depth of responsibility she felt as she cared for another couple’s precious child in her womb, and she explains the numerous legal, medical, and other considerations, as well as the state of surrogacy in Australia at the present time. Shannon makes clear that it wasn’t all easy sailing, but the incredible joy of her selflessness, combined with the donation of eggs from a friend of Jon and Justin, produced little Elise for her fathers.
The book finishes with a letter to Elise from her birth mother, and the wish that one day, Elise will understand how very much she was wanted and loved, the joy she has brought, and the way her presence has united several families into a big extended family.
I recently met Shannon, who is pregnant with a second surrogacy child for Jon and Justin. I am in awe of her gift, and her selflessness. Her journey is emotional and uplifting, inspiring and a joy to read.
August 18, 2016
I read Labour of Love because Shannon is a friend, not because I'm particularly interested in surrogacy. Yet I never could have understood what a sacrifice Shannon and her family made for two men she didn't even know until I read the book. The level of detail is amazing, and the author's ability to recall conversations and situations brings the story to life on the page.
The tension builds incrementally throughout the book until the final chapters had me holding my breath with worry for tiny Elsie. Rarely will you read of such an altruistic act, described with honesty and humility.
Well done Shannon, you really can write, and I loved reading your book!
The tension builds incrementally throughout the book until the final chapters had me holding my breath with worry for tiny Elsie. Rarely will you read of such an altruistic act, described with honesty and humility.
Well done Shannon, you really can write, and I loved reading your book!
July 5, 2016
A heart warming story of love and hope. It's not just a story for those interested in surrogacy but for anyone who wants to be inspired by a gorgeous soul willing to step out and help someone else the best she could. Beautifully written, easy to read and a page turner that'll leave your heart swollen and full of joy. Loved it!
April 24, 2017
I loved this book. Shannon takes you on a heartfelt journey through her experience of surrogacy, giving an intimate glimpse into what it’s like to grow a baby for someone else. Honest and engaging, Labour of Love is a beautifully written memoir about the power of love.
Shannon’s interactions with her young children are just gorgeous and really made me smile. Her friendship with the boys is moving. Her husband’s fishing trips made me grind my teeth! And I really felt for her in the tough times – the physical and mental tolls of pregnancy, the constant tests, the self-doubt, the judgemental snipes of others.
Yet through the chaos, she always manages to spin her thoughts towards the positive, to find something in every setback to learn from. Her story is about following your heart, believing in yourself. And how a generous gift of love has the power to bless so many lives.
Shannon’s interactions with her young children are just gorgeous and really made me smile. Her friendship with the boys is moving. Her husband’s fishing trips made me grind my teeth! And I really felt for her in the tough times – the physical and mental tolls of pregnancy, the constant tests, the self-doubt, the judgemental snipes of others.
Yet through the chaos, she always manages to spin her thoughts towards the positive, to find something in every setback to learn from. Her story is about following your heart, believing in yourself. And how a generous gift of love has the power to bless so many lives.
July 3, 2016
This is the first memoir I have read. I found it an easy read with a beautiful story behind it. Surrogacy is a very grey area in Australia, this book opens the mind to the opportunities that are out there for couples wanting to become parents and unfortunately struggle to conceive. Well Done Shannon.
July 4, 2016
A heartwarming, beautifully written book. An insight into a world of unconditional love & compassion. Truly remarkable. I cried & laughed & cried again of pure joy & happiness.
January 6, 2017
Such a moving and inspiring book. Shannon's courage moved me. I hope that one day when I'm ready to follow my dreams to become a parent I meet someone as caring as Shannon
August 2, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It’s quite rare to find an audiobook read by the author.
However, I didn’t feel that the author was being completely honest throughout the book. She liked to explain the negativity surrounding surrogacy in Australia so I felt that sometimes she was trying to make herself a positive light on the subjects she faced. I wished she had talked more about the negative issues and feelings because I do think she held back.
Apart from that it was a good read. I’d have liked to have heard more from her husband as well. Overall it was a good book, but I missed honesty and some views.
However, I didn’t feel that the author was being completely honest throughout the book. She liked to explain the negativity surrounding surrogacy in Australia so I felt that sometimes she was trying to make herself a positive light on the subjects she faced. I wished she had talked more about the negative issues and feelings because I do think she held back.
Apart from that it was a good read. I’d have liked to have heard more from her husband as well. Overall it was a good book, but I missed honesty and some views.
September 14, 2016
I was enthralled by Labour of Love. It gave me a true insight into the World of surrogacy. Shannon wrote this book from her heart and with such honesty. Her selflessness and compassion are an integral part of her decision to become a surrogate, without which a little girl would not have become part of such a beautiful extended family.
Libby Douglas
Libby Douglas
July 27, 2016
This book is an absolute gem: a raw, honest, warmly engaging and emotionally seductive read. A woman's personal story of her journey through surrogacy, to bear and deliver a child for a couple unable to have their own baby. Shannon writes with such passion and feeling, and I found her story utterly un-put-downable, quite literally.
Labour of Love is not just Shannon's story alone: it is that of her own family, an egg donor, a male couple with a profound desire to become parents, and the relationships which bloomed beautifully amongst and between all involved, during this most special roller coaster journey. This is an astoundingly beautiful and deeply touching story, which the author is incredibly brave and generous to have produced for all to experience.
I personally think Labour of Love is a book every parent or person desiring to have children should read. It is a book about human nature: our passions, loves, insecurities and fears, joys, life journeys and desires. It is also about the miracles of modern medicine, and the unpredictable, sometimes terrifying fragility of life. It is simply but beautifully told, and more emotionally captivating than anything I have read in years.
Do yourself a favour: you will be profoundly richer in spirit from the experience.
Labour of Love is not just Shannon's story alone: it is that of her own family, an egg donor, a male couple with a profound desire to become parents, and the relationships which bloomed beautifully amongst and between all involved, during this most special roller coaster journey. This is an astoundingly beautiful and deeply touching story, which the author is incredibly brave and generous to have produced for all to experience.
I personally think Labour of Love is a book every parent or person desiring to have children should read. It is a book about human nature: our passions, loves, insecurities and fears, joys, life journeys and desires. It is also about the miracles of modern medicine, and the unpredictable, sometimes terrifying fragility of life. It is simply but beautifully told, and more emotionally captivating than anything I have read in years.
Do yourself a favour: you will be profoundly richer in spirit from the experience.
July 8, 2016
A truly inspirational read filled with raw emotion and heartfelt life changing experiences, the author digs deep and bares her soul to describe her surrogate path.
Despite some ups and downs along the way and being surrounded at times by such negativity around her, Shannon finds enormous strength and the will to provide the best environment possible for the baby she carries in order to fulfil the wish of the baby's parents, as well as her own selfless dream. All this whilst having her own young family to care for makes for a challenging but very rewarding undertaking.
It is a heart warming journey of love, life and the most precious gift one can give. Shannon's story is also bound to encourage others to follow their surrogate dreams and help those to have the family they can't have on their own. Who wouldn't be moved by this touching story of love!
Despite some ups and downs along the way and being surrounded at times by such negativity around her, Shannon finds enormous strength and the will to provide the best environment possible for the baby she carries in order to fulfil the wish of the baby's parents, as well as her own selfless dream. All this whilst having her own young family to care for makes for a challenging but very rewarding undertaking.
It is a heart warming journey of love, life and the most precious gift one can give. Shannon's story is also bound to encourage others to follow their surrogate dreams and help those to have the family they can't have on their own. Who wouldn't be moved by this touching story of love!
August 20, 2016
Shannon's beautifully written account of surrogacy was something I'll never forget. It resonated with me and made me laugh, cry and sometimes cringe! It was raw and honest, and when a writer can evoke such feelings so easily in a reader I believe it signifies a great talent.
Labour of love is an inspirational story and not just because of Shannon's immense generosity and incredible sacrifice, but also because it depicts a woman achieving exactly what she set out to do and for all the right reasons.
Lately, the world has been worn thin in every facet. However, Shannon's moving account gives us all a sense of hope and belonging. I know that I myself finished this book and felt that fire in my belly which hasn't been burning for quite sometime. It motivated me and I believe a story like this could do the same for future generations.
Labour of love is an inspirational story and not just because of Shannon's immense generosity and incredible sacrifice, but also because it depicts a woman achieving exactly what she set out to do and for all the right reasons.
Lately, the world has been worn thin in every facet. However, Shannon's moving account gives us all a sense of hope and belonging. I know that I myself finished this book and felt that fire in my belly which hasn't been burning for quite sometime. It motivated me and I believe a story like this could do the same for future generations.
November 7, 2016
Labour of Love. A raw, honest, emotional experience of Shannons surrogacy journey. Held within the pages, her fears, uncertanties, self doubt but all matched with her strength, character, determination an empowerment on bringing families together. This was trully an amazing read, i laughed, i cried, i felt her frustrations, her love. I felt like i was on this journey with her, clutched to every word written, every emotion experienced. It leaps of the pages and speaks volumes about how precious a "gift of life" is, something so many can take for granted. A love and life created by many people to bring to existence the beautiful Elsie. A raw, engaging, gorgeous account of how Jon and Justin came to be Fathers and how Shannon found a strength some of us dont realise exists. A fantastic read for any Intended Parents out there or any Surrogates or Potential surrogates.
July 14, 2016
Surrogacy remains a controversial topic in Australia. Shannon Garner's heartfelt memoir is both an uplifting personal account of her own surrogacy experience, and an important contribution to public conversation on surrogacy. Shannon's story suggests that the success of a surrogacy arrangement has at least as much to do with trust, love and open-heartedness on the part of all parties, as it does with regulation and clinical support. That said, this is an intimate account that only weighs in on the 'issues' toward the very end. Inspiring and thought-provoking, be warned that the ending may bring tears to your eyes.
August 23, 2016
What an amazingly inspiring book! Shannon Garner
As the title states - this really is a story of generosity and hope. It was a rollercoaster of emotions reading this book (note: don't read on an aeroplane like I did - nobody likes a crying passenger!) but an overwhelming sense of love, joy and accomplishment poured from the pages. I closed the book feeling so proud to be a surrogate and so proud of being a woman.
Thank you all for sharing your journey
Mel Wells - Altruistic Gestational Surrogate
As the title states - this really is a story of generosity and hope. It was a rollercoaster of emotions reading this book (note: don't read on an aeroplane like I did - nobody likes a crying passenger!) but an overwhelming sense of love, joy and accomplishment poured from the pages. I closed the book feeling so proud to be a surrogate and so proud of being a woman.
Thank you all for sharing your journey
Mel Wells - Altruistic Gestational Surrogate
May 4, 2017
I enjoyed reading this beautifully written book. It was a great insight into the determination and commitment needed to be a surrogate. For anyone considering this path either as the surrogate or the new parents it is a must read. The trust and love between Shannon & Andrew with Jon & Justin was heartwarming, I was really impressed with the strength shown by Andrew throughout this journey, I am sure he must have felt like he was sitting on the sidelines watching the game unfold, supporting all the way. Not many men could do this, you are an amazing family, you have brought joy to a lot of people.
July 28, 2016
An absolutely brilliant and heart felt journey through Shannon's surrogacy journey. This book was very easy to read and it was hard to put it down. I wanted to keep reading until I knew how it all ended. Shannon writes so beautifully of her desire to be an altruistic surrogate and it is clear that Jon & Justin scored themselves one amazing, caring & genuine surrogates. The love that has been created amongst all of the families involved along this journey truly shines through and Elsie is one lucky baby to be welcomed into this world with so much love.
August 9, 2016
This is such a special book. Shannon shares the highs and lows of her incredible journey with brutal honesty. It's beautifully written and so easy to read. Her generosity and love not only brought a beautiful life into the world, but enriched the lives of all involved. It's a book not just for those interested in surrogacy, but a real life, feel good story of courage, determination, love and friendship. It made me laugh and made me cry. I couldn't put it down.
August 2, 2016
I normally don't get time to read books and those I do start are so dull they're not worth finishing. This certainly wasn't the case with Labour of Love & I had forgotten how good it feels to read an enjoyable book!
I shed many tears reading this book. Shannon is so open and genuine in her writing that I really felt like I was there with her on this surrogacy journey.
I enjoyed this book far more than I would have expected and would reccomend to others.
I shed many tears reading this book. Shannon is so open and genuine in her writing that I really felt like I was there with her on this surrogacy journey.
I enjoyed this book far more than I would have expected and would reccomend to others.
August 19, 2016
This is book is honest and raw. Its filled with love and genuine emotions. Its beautiful to read, such compelling information that is sincere. I found the letter that Shannon wrote to Elsie heartwarming and something that Elsie can treasure her entire life. I highly recommend this book to anyone whom is trying to have a chid, has a child, wants to be a donor. Or someone who wants to give the extraordinary gift of carrying a child for someone. A pleasure to read.
July 10, 2016
An amazing story based on a woman’s aspiration to help a childless couple make their dreams come true by becoming a family. Shannon is the birth mother for a Sydney based couple after having two beautiful children of her own and a supporting husband by her side. She shows vulnerability, wit and honesty. Recommended read for anyone looking to be inspired or understand more about surrogacy.
August 9, 2016
A good book needs to offer a new perspective or a challenge to each reader, and this book delivered both. My knowledge of surrogacy was limited to none before reading this. Shannon shines a gentle, but powerfully informed light upon the topic. The story is both uniquely hers, but is also shared with the characters we meet throughout the book.
Absolutely incredible.
Absolutely incredible.
Read
August 8, 2016Labour of of Love was true to it's title. A story of love. I enjoyed the journey and rhythm of the words. For me it wasn't just a story of surrogacy but an affirmation of the power of love, acceptance and pure intention.
August 17, 2016
What a beautiful written book. Loved it. Shannon certainly shares all her highs and lows during this time. By reading this book, I think Shannon is a very special, selfless human being. Well done Shannon recommend this book to anyone.
October 24, 2016
I really loved this book. It was fantastic to read and I didn't want it to end! I felt like I really got to know all the different people in the book. I absolutely loved Shannon's honesty and how much she shared with the readers. I will definitely be telling my friends all about this book!
July 18, 2016
An inspiring read. The overarching theme for me was the power of generosity and love as this new extended family was created.
July 24, 2016
Loved it. Was enthralled from the first page through to the last.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews