The Lucky Few: Finding God's Best in the Most Unlikely Places

by Heather Avis, Lysa TerKeurst (Foreword)

When life looks radically different than the plan we have for ourselves, it's the lucky few that recognize God's plan is best. That's what adoptive mom Heather Avis learned, and that's the invitation of this book.

As the mother of three adopted children - two with Down syndrome - Heather Avis has learned that it's truly the lucky few who get to live a life like hers, who actually recognize that God's plans are best, even when they seem so radically different from the plans we have for ourselves.

When Heather started her journey into parenthood she never thought it would look like this, never planned to have three adopted children, and certainly never imagined that two of them would have Down syndrome. But like most things God does, once she stepped into the craziness and confusion that comes with the unknown and the unplanned, she realized that they were indeed among the lucky few.

Discover in this book what 70,000+ followers of Heather's hit Instagram account @macymakesmyday already the power of faith and family can help us stay strong in the toughest times. This book will also be especially touching to those with adopted family members or children with Down syndrome in their lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adoption, Parenting, Christian, Biography Memoir, Memoir, Christianity

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2017

Reviews

[S Blaeske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as an advanced copy to review and share. So, I went into the book with my review goggles on, trying to really assess the book as I read it to give an accurate report. It didn't take long, however, for me to get sucked into the story and forget about any nuances I initially saw in the writing itself. There are many reasons I find a book good, and the main reason for this book is the human connection. I have a daughter just a year younger then Macyn who has Down syndrome, who also had open heart surgery. While my children are biological, I can personally relate to much of what Heather expresses in this book. Her writing triggered so many emotions. Reading her words put me right back into those moments that my only options were to run away or trust God. While for me those moments that put me in that situation were very similar to the authors, we all have situations in our lives that a simple yes would change everything-we all can relate to choosing to either lean in to God or attempt to forge our own path. Heather Avis' faith in God has inspired me for years on instagram, and it was beautiful to read the back story to how she has let God build her faith and trust in Him. Finding out my baby was going to be born with major health issues and Down syndrome was extremely hard, but Heather words it perfectly, " And when I looked back, searching for it, I couldn't even find a glimpse of tragedy, because it has been covered and enveloped by beauty" You can preorder this book now at theluckyfewbook.com. It hits shelves in a few weeks

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

About this book:

“Embracing the Gift of the Unexpected
When Heather and Josh Avis decided to grow their family, adoption and Down syndrome were never in their plans. Yet after adopting three children, two of whom have Down syndrome, they quickly discovered that God’s best for their life would be found in the most unlikely places, and how lucky they were to have journeyed there.”


Series: As of now, no.


Spiritual Content- All about mentions of God, trusting Him, His plans, His best & gifts; About ten Scriptures are quoted & referenced; Prayers & thanking God; Part of a devotion by Oswald Chambers is read; Many, many talks about God; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Many mentions of prayers, praying, talking to God & thanking God; Mentions of God’s goodness; Mentions of the Bible & devotions; Mentions of church going, a pastor, sermons & church ministries; Mentions of Christmases; A few mentions of God’s blessings; A few mentions of miracles.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dang’, a ‘oh my gosh’, a ‘oh my word’, a ‘stupid’, a ‘sucks’, two ‘darn’s, two ‘what the heck’s and three ‘gosh’s; Mentions of pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of vodka, wine & drinking; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of drugs; A couple mentions of cigarettes; A couple mentions of throwing up; A mention of the F-word (the author’s mother believes such words such as epidural & Pitocin are worse than it).


Sexual Content- six ‘babe’; Mentions of a 15 year old that was pregnant again when she had already had an abortion that year; A couple mentions of a child conceived out of wedlock; A couple mentions of flirting; A mention that the author knew when dating her now-husband that he was the man she wanted to have babies with; A mention of the birds & the bees;
*Note: Many mentions of infertility, conceiving, trying to get pregnant & periods (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of labor pains; A mention of butting out of a conversation; A mention of working a butt off.

{Non-fiction}
221 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Adoption is a topic so near & dear to my heart, so after hearing some buzz about this book in my adoption circles I knew I had to check it out! This was such an inspiring read! I really enjoyed learning about this sweet family and their precious treasures! :)


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Zondervan) for this honest review.

[Ann Ehlert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so honest. Even in the raw moments grace was shown. Heather didn't share just the good stuff. Some of it felt terrifying yet It wasn't attractive like some who watch a traffic accident. It was attractive because honest emotions were shared. It seemed there was no hiding. I've struggled with infertility and have a child with Down syndrome. This is a book I could highlight and share and say "This is what it felt like."

[Holly Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and real. Very encouraging. This is NOT written from a "we are the saviors of this child" perspective. So refreshing. I will remember this book!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I soaked this up like a sponge. This family's story is so encouraging. I love how God works. Heather leaning into God's calling, even if it was uncomfortable at times and counter-cultural, encourages me to do the same. Her honesty and rawness helps others experiencing similar pains to know they aren't alone, and her growing faith throughout all they faced reminds us how God's ways are higher than ours. He has good for us!

"Today I'm aware of all the times I have said no to opportunities God has placed before me because I think I'm not rich enough, equipped enough, talented enough, strong enough, or crazy enough to say yes. All the times I have mistaken good things for bad. All the times I have allowed the opinions of an ignorant majority to guide my thinking instead of looking to Jesus and his heart in the matter. I wonder how many times we, his children, choose a comfortable no over a terrifying yes - the kind of yes that will lead us to the only place we should ever long to be: in the arms of Jesus."

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean damn.

What a heart warming & eye opening story of turning a perceived no's into incredible blessings. I pray one day I have the strength & and opportunity of any kind to throw the yes pebble into that murky water.

[Krissy Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

From childhood, we can have dreams for how our life will play out. Girls often think about having a family & one day becoming a mom. Dreaming of being a mother, you often aren’t considering all the roadblocks you may encounter. This book covers the hard reality of infertility that so many women face, often in silence. Goes on to discuss the ups & downs of adoption, especially when a special needs child is involved. Mostly, it shows the faithfulness of God, how He stretches you when you say “yes” to Him, & the beautiful life that can come through it all.

[Jillian Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such joy in this book! Each word a testimony to Gods bounty and goodness to us and how he makes us the lucky few!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are people who God sends to do good work and Heather Avis is one of those people. This book is beautifully written and it has a powerful message. This families journey through adoption and kids with downs couldn't have happened without the grace of God. Such a powerful message. Bravo to Mrs. Avis and thank you for sharing your journey. I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley for an honest review

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you weep in the best way possible. Maybe it's the season of life I'm in where I'm trying to figure out how this whole family thing is going to work or maybe like Heather, it's watching by the grace of God how he ordains every step and puts a family together. This book will make you want to say "Yes" to the right things in your life and to start saying "no" to the things you know aren't yours. It will make you stop pursuing dead ends even when you know they are selfish because you see the power of loving people well in this book. You see the power of Grace and you see the power of His perfect plan! If you are looking for a book that will make you smile, dream, cry, hug your family a little tighter and will show you the power of God, then this is your book! Don't walk away from one of the most unique and beautiful non-fiction human stories I have ever read! Thank you to the publishers for providing me a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not required, but you'll love this book afterwards! I give this book 5/5 stars!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like sitting down with your favorite extroverted friend from high school and catching up on the hills, valleys and everyday miracles God has placed in her path that have her overflowing with confidence that you can do whatever you're facing right now too.

You don't have a friend like this? You could. Heather's writing is personable and drew me in with an immediate connection. She had a plan for how life and motherhood would happen for her. But then it didn't. And she is not hesitant in sharing how deep that hurt. Then she shares her and her husband Josh's walk with God into the unknown-to-them world of adoption.

From there it gets better and harder, joyful and heart-breaking and always with evidence after evidence that God is willing to show us beautiful vistas if we will pull our hands away from our eyes first.

There were so many passages I highlighted in this book, so many sentences of insight I want to return back to during my hard moments. "God was with Heather and Josh. They made it through and I know God will help me through too."

A favorite quote near the beginning, "I find it interesting and a tad bit obnoxious that life's necessary bitter things can offer so much needed goodness." :)

This book is good and a new favorite parenting resource. I texted a friend whose oldest son is adopted and told her I couldn't stop thinking about what little I knew of their journey to bring him home. I said she needed to read this book. Tonight as I finished it, I don't want to be so exclusive. I want to put it into the hands of all my friends and family - parent or not. Truth and goodness are not limited to family size or makeup.

**I received a free copy of this ebook from the publishers via NetGalley. These opinions here are my own honest thoughts. As usual.**

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earlier this week I was listening to the latest episode of The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey, where she was speaking with Heather Avis, the author of this book. I loved listening to their conversation about adoption, parenting and the grace of Jesus. Hearing Heather share about what it means to use people first language that honors and respects the dignity and humanity of her children, and the sweet ways she tries to extend grace and education to the people she meets in her daily life who may have questions about her family. That podcast episode made me anxious to get home and start this book.

This was such a good read! It doesn't take long, but Heather walks you through how she and her husband went from the pain of trying to create a family to adopting their three beautiful children. Two of their children have Down syndrome, and reading her feelings towards adopting and parenting a child with Down syndrome reminded me of many of the conversations I had with a friend who is also the parent of a child with Down syndrome. They share much of the same fear, joy and awe at the task of parenting these precious humans.

This book is a testament to the power of saying yes to God when he places something on your heart, the power of loving people well, and the power of grace that God offers to each of us as we embrace each day and what it holds.

If you want a book that will make you smile deeply, cry tears of joy in solidarity with the author and her family, and a book that will leave you refreshed in the healing power of love, then this book is for you.
I promise, you won't be disappointed!

I received this book to review from Netgalley.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as an advanced copy to read and share my honest thoughts and feels. Let me tell you, I've got lots.

Avis writes a clear, heart wrenching story about what it means to put your life down and follow the call God places in your heart, whatever that may be. DANGIT. I'm wrecked. Everyone needs this. Every. Single. Person. "My job is to lift up my foot and trust God, my rescuer, to set it down exactly where he sees fit, whether it's in the mud or on a ledge." <---- YES&AMEN

Christian or not. Adoptive parent or not. If you're human- you can learn something (or a whole lot of things) here.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't want to put it down after lunch and last night, I forced myself to not stay up all night to finish it. I am touch by this families faith and goodness. Get your hands on a copy ASAP. Thanks @macymakesmyday for being open about your faith, doubts,answers, and family. Your words have inspired me.

[Caitlin Tufts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I could not put down! Heather Avis shares her family's journey from 2 to 5 through adoption. As a mother myself I felt all of her emotions as though they were my own with her descriptive play by plays through all the ups and downs. My heart broke with hers as she learned she would not be able to have children of her own. Later, I wept with her as they explored the option of adoption and was humbled by her willingness to welcome a baby the world had labeled a challenge and took it a step further and changed her worldview to recognize adoption of a child with Downs Syndrome as a rare opportunity not everyone gets to experience. She draws out the joy and love in a real way and I found myself rejoicing with her. So raw and real and encouraging. A wonderful read!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story where Heather and Josh said yes to God even though it was really scary and really hard. We often want to do what is safe and easy but their story is filled with God's grace and love can do if we just say yes to what he is asking us. It is a great read and I will be recommending it to everyone! Thank you for sharing your story Heather. Not many are brave enough to say yes and then brace enough to tell your story to the whole world!

[Emily Gaetke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads effortlessly and without desire to stop reading. It's easy to finish the book in one sitting. I appreciate how quick Heather is to point to Jesus and her ability to be honest about the hard while also acknowledging the goodness of God. If you have followed their journey, you will find yourself finding answers to questions you may have had along the way. Thankful for her voice and ability to speak into uncharted territory for so many with such grace.

[Kara Fuson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Heather dropped truth bombs and mic drops all throughout this book. Even if you aren't looking to adopt or start a family right now (me) this book is still an encouragement on living life outside your comfortable box. Fingers crossed for a second book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My experience of motherhood couldn't be more different from the author's but I loved this memoir of adoption. (It's so much more than that, though.) Heather's story is about what happens when you say "yes" to God in a season that seems all wrong and find that it's the only place you ever wanted to be. She tells about her experience with infertility and her struggle for joy as she watched others around her (including family) become pregnant. And how everything changed when she and her husband were led to adopt a baby with Down Syndrome.

I heard Heather speak on a podcast about how her kids with Down Syndrome are such a joy and treasure in her life, and that's how I discovered this book. It would be easy to call her and her husband heroes but they are just people who walked the path on which God led them. Even if you don't think adoption is your path, this book is relatable if you find yourself presented with a God-given opportunity that you never thought would be yours.

Heather doesn't sugarcoat the challenges nor does she demand that others do exactly as they have done. The book is full of grace and is so inspiring. I believe the title is true. They are "the lucky few."

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the Booklook Bloggers program but opinion is my honest one.)

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This is more than just a book about adoption. This is a family love story pulsing with the very best kind of life.” P14

I’ve fallen in love with the Avis family. It’s hard not to cry tears of sorrow and joy following them through their journey in adopting 3 precious children.

What I most deeply took away from this book is that:

Life never looks like we planned, but God surprises us by his goodness and glory and his perfect plan. And he is ever so faithful.

“And there, in the midst of it all: God. God and his goodness and faithfulness enveloping me. God, being all I need and showing up every single time. If things were comfortable and easy—if I did not have adoption and Down syndrome and heart defects and birth parents and babies with someone else’s eyes, hair, and skin tone—I would not have needed God as desperately as I had. And if I had not needed him, or rather, if I had not recognized my need for him, I would not have known him” p. 174

Such a powerful story. Deeply touching and life changing. Read it and share it.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6 year old daughter and I listened to this book on audible, and both loved it. In fact, when I didn't realize she wanted to listen to it, she ran inside and scolded me for listening without her. Heather tells their story and journey through having a man-made plan, to definite infertility, to three adoptions fantastically. I love that the entire book points people to Jesus. She reminds us over and over that he is in control and though we are inclined to worry, we need to remember his past goodness and trust home in the rough patches.

One of her final and encouraging thoughts is this: "It was wild and crazy, but our family life was soaked in God's grace."

[Whitney Redfern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and found it very inspiring, and I think it hit closer to home with me because we are trying to adopt right now. Josh and Heather are a remarkable couple and amazing examples to me.

A couple favorite passages from her book include..
"Today I am aware of all the times I have said no to opportunities God had places before me because I think I'm not rich enough, equipped enough, talented enough, strong enough, or crazy enough to say yes. All the times I have mistaken good things for bad. All the times I have allowed the opinions of an ignorant majority to guide my thinking instead of looking to Jesus and his heart in the matter. I wonder how many times we, his children, chose a comfortable no over a terrifying yes - the kind of yes that will lead us to the only place we should ever long to be: in the arms of Jesus."

"As I look back on the conversations we had with God, I can see just how little Josh and I knew him then. Just how little I understood what is important in life. Just how easily I could have missed out on the best of the best of the best because I believed that God's best for my life could only be found down the smooth road."

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm often skeptical reading a young author's memoir but Mrs. Avis did extremely well. She captured the hope of having children, the anguish of infertility, and God's glorious redemption of the broken places in our life. She did all this while continuing to keep the narrative arc moving, writing beautifully, and opening up about her own dark places. I also felt like the children's stories were protected and not exploited. It was encouraging and delightful to read their story. Well done and may God continue to be glorified in their lives.

[Victoria W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, my husband probably rolled his eyes a little when I said I was reading another book on adoption. Every few months one slips onto the nightstand and usually sparks some wonderfully interesting discussions. This time, though, I was curious to see how Heather and Josh Avis had been taken on their own journey to parenting 3 very special little ones full of life, love, and loss while maintaining the view that they are "the lucky few" a view point that may seem sadly unusual for those looking in for the first time. Having finished this read, I count myself lucky for having stumbled upon this gem of a book.

Heather has the wonderful gift of being able to infuse her personality into each word she writes. You don't just get a sense of her message but her heart and passion as well.
Reading the book, I felt, was less being presented someone's story and more of being invited to share in it for a time being. Heather's writing is inviting and engaging as she seeks to introduce their own unique form of normal.

Although Heather keeps her tone more upbeat, she does not shy away from sharing both the highs and the lows of their adoption journey. For some, this may make the book an uncomfortable read.

You see, as you read about surgeries, family celebrations, the questions of family and strangers , navigating life with medical equipment, , and everything else that the Avis' have encountered and welcomed into their lives over the last decade it becomes apparent that it is no superpower but rather their strong faith and willingness to say yes in scary situations that have allowed them into being some of "the lucky few." . Although adoption tends to be a hot topic to begin with, to be truly open and vulnerable while protecting the children involved is a delicate balance that Heather handles with grace. To see her openly talk about challenges with bonding, the joys of toddlerhood in both easy and hard time, to see her own journey of understanding the other when it comes to birth families both present and apart are discussions that anyone considering adoption should be aware of and this book serves as a gentle introduction to these important topics.

For myself, I loved sharing, even if only over a few pages, Heather and her family's journey. Heather's openness on the pages and the sheer familiarity of family life that she shares with grace and humour allows for a read that is both eye-opening as well as page turning. I'll confess, after hearing the doctor's initial prognosis on one of the lovely Avis children I quickly popped over to the picture section to check on their progress, with such engaging stories it's hard not to root this family forward.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program

[Shelley Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was writing my own book (Are You with Me Now?) I read some advice for writers: to read other book in the genre you are writing in. So I looked for any books written by or for educational assistants, teachers aides, educational support workers...and found none. But I did find The Lucky Few. Heather's simple and authentic story encouraged me to keep on writing my own story, from my perspective as a support worker. Her story is honest and real, and she doesn't paint herself as a saint - she's just an ordinary person trying to do what is in her heart to do, and not to be afraid of that. And in the process, she discovers she's one of the lucky ones. This is an important book!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Such a sweet story of what can happen when your heart is open to Jesus' way rather than your own. I kept tearing up as Heather shared her story of growth and the expansion of her and her husband's heart to include their three beautiful adopted children. Fully recommend this read!

[Monica Rarick · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Feels

I think I cried through most of this book. If you are looking into adoption, I highly recommend it. Heather’s story has changed my heart in so many ways, ways I know God will use as we begin our adoption journey. Ps - even if you aren’t on the journey of adoption, this book is such a great read! You’ll be so glad you did.

[Rebecca Cal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been touched by adoption, Down’s Syndrome, and infertility in my life, this book was heart shattering. Painful. Breathtaking. Heather’s bravery to be brutally honest is beautiful. A must read, not just for those who may find themselves walking with any of these opportunities, but for everyone, so an understanding and empathy can be gained for those around.

[Becca Brunner-Caple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I cried throughout this entire book. So much goodness. Thankful for families like the Avis’s who brave the hard, the scary, and the good and show the world that they are, indeed, the lucky ones.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Heather shares her experiences of how her family became who they are. It is touching and well written. I highly recommend this book.