I Will Love You Forever: A True Story about Life, Love, and Healing through Heartbreak

by Cori Salchert, Marianne Hering

A True Story about Life, Love, and Healing through Heartbreak
 
A baby girl was born without a right or left hemisphere of her brain. Doctors said she was essentially in a vegetative state, unable to see or hear—that there was no hope for her. Relinquished under the state’s Safe Haven Law, this two-week-old unnamed baby girl found her way to Cori and Mark Salchert’s home. Despite the infant’s grim medical diagnosis, Cori knew she couldn’t allow this beautiful baby girl to spend her few days on earth alone and unloved. Cori took the baby girl home and named her Emmalynn .
 
I Will Love You Forever reveals one woman's decades-long quest to find healing and redemption after the accidental death of her sister as a child. God has used hospice babies—those left to live and die without family to care for them—to mend Cori's broken heart. Bringing these fragile hospice babies into their home, Cori and her family have promised to hold them briefly, until their last breath on this side of heaven, but to love them forever and always. The loving actions of Cori and her family show that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.
 
Cori’s poignant story will strengthen your faith. . . It will touch your heart.

Bonus! Features full-color photos of Cori and her family.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Medical, Inspirational, Memoir, Biography

248 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2018

Reviews

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cori and Mark Salchert's story begins with a tiny baby girl, born with only a brain stem and no left or right hemisphere. The girl had been reliquished under the state's Safe Haven law. Doctors said there was no hope for this angel who couldn't see or hear and was for all intensive purposes, in a vegetative state with a very short life prognosis.

Cori could not let this girl with no name spend her days, few though they may be, lying in a bed, never feeling love. She and her husband name the child Emmalynn and bring her home, complete with all the medical paraphernalia the child needed. She was determined this child would know what love is, and when her time came to an end, it would be in loving arms rather than a cold bed. And that's exactly what happened. Emmalynn was brought home and the family, including Cori and Mark's biological children, began the task of 24-hour care, watching over tiny Emmalynn day and night to monitor her seizures and breathing difficulties. When Emmalynn was called home, it was in loving arms, just as Cori wanted it to be.

That led to Cori and her family becoming caregivers for hospice babies.

The book, as you would expect, provokes a deep sadness - but more than that, it shines with love and caring, pushing the sadness to the background. Cori and her family are exactly what the world needs right now: more love and less "it's all about me" thinking. It reminds us that every life is precious, and that no person, much less a child, should ever feel unloved.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first saw Cori Salchert and her family featured on television. That they would open their home to to infants destined to die was amazing. When I found out that they lived in a community less than two hours from Wisconsin home, I knew I wanted to learn the full story. Naturally, my ears picked that a book was in the works. When I found that Barbour Publishing/Shiloh and Netgalley were offering an opportunity to review the title, I was all in.

Cori Salchert's story is a complicated one. Saddled with her own illusive health problems for years (autoimmune issues), Cori worked as a nurse, spending time in the NICU and then became a grief counselor for parents who experienced miscarriages, stillbirths, and death of an infant. Meanwhile she and her husband were raising a large family in the Lake Michigan community of Sheboygan. A lengthy episode of health problems led to the elimination of her job, mental health problems, and huge medical expenses. Buried beneath all this was another unhealed wound - the relationship that Cori never had with her disabled younger sister who died a tragic death. Cori, with God's help, finds a way to use this hurt as a way to love the youngsters that will otherwise know no love. Emmalyn is the first; born with only a partially developed brain stem and no other brain, the tiny infant had been left in the NICU to await her death. Sure her needs were met, but no extraordinary effort would be made to keep her alive, and an overworked hospital staff did not spend time holding her or singing to her or any such bonding behavior. Having had all responsibility of her care turned over to the state, Emmalyn was simply a body waiting to expire. Cori and her family are given foster parent status and can take the tiny blind girl home, complete with oxygen, feeding tubes, and necessary medical gear. Why and how the family chooses to love Emmalyn will affirm that angels exist. That they become so attached that they feel that their hearts are broken when Emmalyn breathes her last, yet takes the challenge again, and then again shows how much a heart can grow. God has called us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. He does not say that we should only love those who are already loved. He does not call us to love the ones who can love back. He does not say that they need to be able to see, to hear, to walk. He does not say that they even need to be able to breathe on their own or to understand what love is. God simply tells us to love. Cori, her husband and her children understand that message. Cori Salchert has written this book with Marianne Hering. Like many autobiographical books written by people who never expected to tell their stories, I found the writing a bit uneven and spotty (for example, the family has 8 biological children but we never meet all of them, and the cover says she is the mother of 15. Is that counting all the foster children as their own? I know they adopted one boy, but have they adopted others? When I read autobiographic books, I like the information to be clear and complete. As I mentioned before I received a copy of this title from Barbour and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.

In this book Cori Salchert opens up her life for everyone to see what she has gone through growing up with a sister who was mentally challenged and who died suddenly. Salchert then explains her career and its challenges, her physical ailments and her eventual calling to take care of hospice babies. She reminds me of my wife-lots of compassion for others and the digestive challenges she faced. My wife has Crohn's disease and lupus. Trying to find relief from the symptoms is a constant struggle.

The main part of Salchert's book describes how her family took in hospice babies and loved them till they passed on. She describes the struggles they dealt with on a daily basis to provide for these kids. She also explained how all that she went through in her life was used by God to help her show love to the kids.

We all go through tough times in this world. This book is a great reminder that God can use those experiences for good. We just need to trust Him.

[Rebekah]

I am very interested in medicine-related biographies right now, and I really wanted to read a book about a woman and her family caring for hospice babies. I wanted to hear the stories about each child, what they were like, and how they came to be in these situations.

What I did not want, however, is mention of God and Christianity in almost every sentence. I respect that religion can be a big part of people's experiences, stories, and personalities, and there certainly is a place for it in biographies. Here, religious reference was excessive and distracting from the stories about the hospice babies I came to read about. I stopped and tried to keep going multiple times, but it was not to be.

Regretfully, this book is not for me, so has gone onto my 'dnf' shelf.

[LaDawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but the title is misleading. I expected to hear a story about caring for hospice babies, not a memoir.

[Nourhan Abou Agila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Will Love You Forever: A True Story about Finding Life, Hope Healing While Caring for Hospice Babies is a powerful read. I enjoyed reading about the author’s life struggles and how she was able to find hope and courage in taking care of the terminal precious babies. I have to admit, I found myself tearing up reading this but it is a true testament of finding grace
I give I Will Love You Forever 5 plus stars. I highly recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tearjerker

This is a short, little book filled with Jesus and His love for us. Prepare to be challenged to do more and give more as we walk with Christ.

[Tracy Wainwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

Powerful. Real. Raw. Honest. An amazing story of what God can do when we choose to surrender our lives, hopes, and dreams to Him. If you’ve ever wondered if every life matters, this book helps answer that question.

[C.E. Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I enjoyed Cori Salchert’s story might sound inappropriate, seeing as it embraces the loss of precious babies’ lives, but this book holds so much love, respect, and selflessness that I appreciate so much. What a sweet book, and what a sweet and giving heart.

I truly thought this book would be sad, and it is, but it’s wrapped in so much love and joy that it’s far from a depressing read. Ms. Salchert’s HALO heart is truly unique, and a great testament to the difference God’s love, mercy, and many blessings make in a life.

I am so inspired and uplifted. Each of use holds talents and gifts, given to us by our Creator, and if we are obedient and true to Him, He will direct our paths and fulfill our hearts.

I highly recommend this book. I was totally immersed from the first page, and found it difficult to put down. I Will Love You Forever is a hope-filled, inspiring, and uplifting true story.

5 Stars


Cover: Love
Title: Love
Pages: 256
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
First Line: The first time I laid eyes on the unnamed baby girl, I fell in love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing (and NetGalley) and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Tima · Rating 3 out of 5]

ori has suffered from extreme medical issues most of her life. At some points they kept her confined to bed. Her husband and eight children were there for her and helped keep the house afloat while she was trying to find answers. When Cori loses her job at the hospital as a counselor for parents losing their children to death, she's devastated. But what she didn't know was that it would open the door for her to care for an infant on hospice. Caring for this tiny baby knowing that she would soon be gone, changed their entire lives.

This book was not a thing like I was expecting. It was more of a memoir about the author, than about hospice babies. There is really only one child that was considered a hospice baby. It dealt with the author's health issues, those of one of her children, and the adoption of a special needs child. It also talked about her childhood and the death of her sister. So very little was actually about the one hospice baby she took in. But despite the misleading title and my general dislike of memoirs, I actually enjoyed the book and my heart was warmed reading about the hospice infant and how her own children reacted. If you enjoy memoirs or true stories, you'll really enjoy this inspirational book.

I received a copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Will Love You Forever by Cori Salchert and ‎Marianne Hering
A True Story about Finding Life, Hope & Healing While Caring for Hospice Babies
A True Story about Life, Love, and Healing through Heartbreak
A baby girl was born without a right or left hemisphere of her brain. Doctors said she was essentially in a vegetative state, unable to see or hear—that there was no hope for her. Relinquished under the state’s Safe Haven Law, this two-week-old unnamed baby girl found her way to Cori and Mark Salchert’s home. Despite the infant’s grim medical diagnosis, Cori knew she couldn’t allow this beautiful baby girl to spend her few days on earth alone and unloved. Cori took the baby girl home and named her Emmalynn .
I Will Love You Forever reveals one woman's decades-long quest to find healing and redemption after the accidental death of her sister as a child. God has used hospice babies—those left to live and die without family to care for them—to mend Cori's broken heart. Bringing these fragile hospice babies into their home, Cori and her family have promised to hold them briefly, until their last breath on this side of heaven, but to love them forever and always. The loving actions of Cori and her family show that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.
Cori’s poignant story will strengthen your faith. . . It will touch your heart.
Bonus! Features full-color photos of Cori and her family.
This is Cori and Mark Salchert's story.
is the true story of Cori and Mark Salchert who dealt with Cori’s illnesses and became foster and adoptive parents to babies needing hospice care. The Salchert’s had several children of their own and also faced the medical needs of a diabetic daughter.
Cori and Mark Salchert have eight biological children but is "Mom" to many more. Providing comforting love, the former perinatal bereavement nurse adopts hospice babies---children left to live and die without a family---and cares for them until their last breath. Her moving story shows that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!
The first time I laid eyes on the unnamed baby girl, I fell in love. It was on a Tuesday in August,and the infant was swaddled in a pastel blanket and lying in a standard-issue wooden hospital crib on wheels.
The story of caring for Emmalynn, their first hospice baby.
I Will Love You Forever reveals one woman's decades-long quest to find healing and redemption after the accidental death of her sister as a child. God has used hospice babies—those left to live and die without family to care for them—to mend Cori's broken heart. Bringing these fragile hospice babies into their home, Cori and her family have promised to hold them briefly, until their last breath on this side of heaven, but to love them forever and always. The loving actions of Cori and her family show that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.
I Will Love You Forever by Cori Salchert and ‎Marianne Hering is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

[Trudie Barreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once years ago when I started reflecting on my own life experiences, I used the line "Are you a saint or only insane?" as a chapter heading. In a sense, that same question popped into my head while reading Cori Salchert's "I Will Love You Forever". One doesn't need more of a plot summary than is given by the subtitle: "A True Story about Finding Life, Hope & Healing While Caring for Hospice Babies". Cori and her husband Mark, although already parents of a large family, felt called by God to foster terminally ill infants who, for whatever reason, would not be cared for by their birth parents. Since Cori was a trained nurse - although suffering significant health challenges of her own - she had at least some of the medical know-how required. In addition, her own remarkable children agreed to participate in the care-giving, extending themselves far beyond what would normally be expected of youngsters.

The basic premise of this story is that in spite of the inevitable death of these terminally ill neonates, if it is possible to remove them from a sterile hospital environment and place them in a loving home situation where they will be loved and held, this should be done, regardless of the baby's apparent unresponsiveness. The first child the Salcherts took in, a baby girl they named Emmalynn, had been born with microcephaly, having nothing but a brain stem. This meant she would never develop and would inevitably die (which did in fact occur in less than two months) but it was deemed worthwhile to have her loved and held, as well as to have her inevitable breathing difficulties and convulsions managed. Cori and Mark and their children did this, and additionally, when the inevitable happened and the little girl died, provided her with an appropriate funeral. The narrative goes on to describe the family's ambivalent and somewhat agonized decisions to take on Charlie and T-bear, both wheelchair-bound little boys who, while not necessarily imminently terminal, were none-the-less in need of constant respiratory support and other drastic measures.

The reader is challenged to confront personal beliefs; as it happens, I was at one time considering adopting a "difficult-to-place" child. At the time, I was keenly aware that I thought I lacked both the patience and the life circumstances to deal with major medical challenges. Later, I observed in awe a colleague who did in fact adopt two significantly impaired children, with whom she coped magnificently. Lacking people with the level of dedication of my friend or Cori Salchert and her amazing family, it is quite clear that very many severely impaired children are, in fact, institutionalized - whether remaining in a vegetative state in long-term care facilities or in other far-from-ideal circumstances. It is hoped that honest and faith-filled books like this one will open our eyes both to the challenges and rewards of this problem in our society.

[Teresa Locklear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that in the past I have read books that I thought would move and inspire me and they really didn't. From the very first chapters of I Will Love You Forever I was so inspired by Cori. Her faith is amazing and her love has no bounds. Of course she has an amazing husband and family that have helped and supported her through this journey.

Cori had a special needs sister that passed away at a young age. In their childhood it was especially hard to care for a child with any special needs. There really weren't support services or help available like there is now. I can't imagine having lost a sister and especially accidentally like in Cori's sisters case. Cori didn't let that loss stop her from moving forward and being successful. She had struggled with some health issues over her life, but as she got older they grew worse. Cori's life was really unlivable due to the pain and suffering she had. She even tried to end her life at one point because she felt there was no other way. She approached endless physicians, but nobody was able to really help her solve the mystery. She did finally receive a little relief and a plan to work on while in Mexico.

Cori had studied nursing and worked as a bereavement specialist until her health stopped her from continuing. As Cori's story unfolds in this book we see her and her family take in several babies with extreme health issues that otherwise don't have a home. Did they wonder if they could manage a child with so many medical issues? They sure did and prayer helped move them forward. Anything in life that is so extremely important needs prayer and guidance from God. Cori repeatedly went to God for answers as well as support in knowing these were the right decision for the child and her family. I can't imagine taking in a child that you know is terminal, but you are prepared to love that child as your own for as long as they live. We all love holding a sweet smelling, but baby, but when they are hooked up to machines are we as likely to jump in and hold them? I'm not sure that most of us are. To put our lives into a place that is run by a medically fragile child and how their health is holding up. Again, not many of us are. I like to think that I would love to be there for a precious child that has no other to hold them, but I'm not sure I could handle it emotionally. Cori showed us the true love that was given freely to these children as well as the heartache her family endured when they passed. I wanted to pick a verse out of the book that I thought summed it up, but there are so many great ones I just couldn't choose. This is truly an amazing and inspiring book and one I will recommend to all the women in my life.


"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

[Anne Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Will Love You Forever, by Cori Slachert with Marianne Hering, is an amazingly powerful book that reflects the heart of God and tells of the hope we have of trusting Him in the scariness of the unknown, in fact, in all our circumstances, even the hopeless ones. The author shares her vulnerability and illustrates how God has redeemed the losses she has experienced in her sometimes messy life. In a very real and honest, sometimes humorous manner the author shares her life with readers--the devastating loss of her sister at a young age, the debilitating long-term health problems and the depths of despair that she endured. The book is not for the faint of heart regarding medical issues and yet it is a wonderful testimony to the emotional and physical healing that only God can bring. Throughout the book, Cori tells how she found comfort through scriptures, songs, and sermons, as well as examples of other individuals who have experienced difficult situations in her and her husband's lives. Recognizing there were no simple fixes, the answers to their often desperate prayers were often multifaceted. One thing that is evident is that as Cori has come through the challenges of her life and has begun to foster hospice babies, she has come to more fully understand that God is in control and is accomplishing His will, whether it is in her own life, her children's lives or the lives of the foster babies she cares for. I Will Love You Forever is a book that could be read multiple times as there is much wisdom to glean and principles from God's Word on which to meditate and begin to incorporate in one's life. It is a book to share with others, with those who need to know there is a hope, a hope in God because He is faithful, He is there and He can be trusted. Quoting from Holocaust survivor, Corrie ten Boom, "never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cori Salchert has more physical ailments than most people could dream of, in a very bad nightmare. As a result, she cannot do her regular job so decides instead to help babies who are dying of terminal illnesses. With eight children of their own, Cori convinces her family that this is something that they can and should do. The first baby that they decide to help is Emmalynn, a small baby that cannot function on her own because her brain was not fully formed before birth. With the full knowledge that this child will die in their care, Cori is determined that this child will know love as she passes into eternity, that she will not die alone. This is not only a commitment of time; it is a commitment of love and of the heart. This poignant story is told with all of the realistic details that reach out and grab the reader, making one want to help the family love this child. But the story doesn’t stop with Emmalynn. Cori has her mind established on helping one child after another, all of whom are going to die. The children cannot be healed, but Cori’s heart that has suffered rejection her entire life can be touched and healed and the process though which this takes place is charming and inspirational. The reader will cheer for Cori and her family while reading in awe the story of a woman who has to overcome so many physical obstacles in order to be able to help the “least of these.”

Disclaimer

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

[Donelisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Will Love You Forever, an autobiography by Cori Salchert, details Cori’s search for healing emotionally and physically and how she learns to trust God through her special needs sister’s death, and her life draining physical illness. We are shown that God uses our weakness for his glory. A hospice baby whom Cori and her family choose to love as one of their own is destined to die but brings joy and peace to her household and many others. Cori’s love and empathy in caring for hospice babies are shown in this story that pours out her heart. Tears were already pouring down my cheeks in the first chapter.

Some of my favorite quotes in the book are: “I want her to be in my arms when she dies, held, peaceful, and loved to the very end.” “I could not carry Emmalyn’s physical disabilities for her, but I could carry her.” “Love doesn’t end with death.” “God’s answer was...I loved you before you were born…my love is not dependent on your ability to perform.” “I cringe when I hear people brag about how amazing and invincible they are, or when they brag about their physical or mental abilities. In a breath it can all be gone…”, “what I do does not define who I am”, “For me it’s not enough to trust God that it won’t happen; I have to trust Him even if it does…To me, faith means I might not understand how God is working all things together for good and for His glory when they appear so terrible, but He is.”

I urge you to read I Will Love you Forever by Cori Salchert, a moving story of how God worked through the life of Cori Salchert. Cori Salchert mentions, “…but our hearts are like stained-glass windows. These windows are made of broken glass, which have been forged back together, and those windows are even stronger and more beautiful for having been broken.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very eye-opening, very emotional true story. The author, Cori Salchert, tells of her many struggles, fears and unanswered prayers that led her to be who she is and give her the strength to care for Hospice babies. Many debilitating health issues, loss of a meaningful job, struggles at home all took her to the unthinkable attempt on her life. God brought her through all this so that she could see the bigger picture and what her purpose was in this life. Being a nurse, she felt led to foster medically needy babies and give them comfort and love for the short time they had on this earth. Soon she had her husband and her eight biological children on board to help.
Follow her story from things that happened in her childhood to the years of searching for a medical diagnosis for her abdominal pain that had her bedridden. As she struggled with her faith, God brought her closer to him and showed her what he wanted her to do.
I totally admired her courage and her strength. God gives each of us gifts uniquely ours to bring about his purposes on earth. Cori Salchert was open and willing to hear his plans for her. Everyone needs to read this moving story and see what is truly possible when we open our hearts.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book would be hard to read. I was so wrong. I couldn't put it down and read the whole thing in one sitting. Cori and her husband Mark have been through much pain in their lifetimes, but they still make the choice to take hospice babies into their homes. These are the babies no one wants, the ones with health issues so horrible they are abandoned by their parents and left to die alone and unloved. The remarkable thing about Cori is that she lets herself fall in love with these babies, knowing she will have to give them up soon, or worse, give them up later. These children experience what it means to be loved in Cori's arms. Her husband and children love and accept them as well, taking on the eventual heartbreak with smiles and an unbelievable capacity to love the unlovable.
Cori gives us not only the story of the hospice babies that have come to live with them, but many of her past experiences including a special needs sister that died young and her own physical illness that almost robbed her of everything she valued. These experiences prepared Cori's heart to be used of God as a loving mother to the children that find their way to the Salchert home.
Read this book and experience its strong and stalwart message. It won't soon be forgotten.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a tear-jerker, it had me shedding tears several times. This is one of the best books I have read. At first, I was hesitant to read it, as I thought it would be very sad and depressing knowing that it was a true story about terminally ill babies, but it was very inspiring. Cori fills this book with so much joy. It was a true joy to get to know Cori and her family. I love this book because she expresses the joy of caring for these special children, and she uses many scriptures throughout the book. I also relate so much to the chapters that she dedicates to her own childhood growing up, we grew up in the same era, and many similarities.
This book would appeal to readers of Christian non fiction, Inspirational, family genres.
I received a copy of the book from Goodreads giveaways. I am so thankful for being given the opportunity to read and write a review.
Thanks

My ratings....
Sexual content....none
Language content...none
Violence content....none
Will I read more from this author?....Yes, most definitely

Star ratings....
0.....Could not finish
1.....Finished but didn't like it
2....Finished the book, it was ok
3....A good read, worth your time
4....An excellent read, novel concept, unusual plot
5....A great read, prominent example of the genre, will read more from this author/series

[Rachel B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing in this was just okay... sometimes Salchert went into too much detail about things that didn't really add to the story. I felt the book could have been about half as long. (Though it was still a quick and easy read.)

A decent chunk of the book is about Salchert's own struggle with chronic illness. While I struggle with chronic illness myself and can appreciate hearing others' stories, I also felt a bit misled, as I expected the focus to be on the hospice babies her family was caring for... that is why I picked up the book in the first place.

But it was an encouraging book, overall. Salchert didn't gloss over her anger and disappointment with certain situations, but also continually pointed readers back to Jesus.

"I have experienced the shattering [God] has brought about, not to destroy me, but to make me into the kind of woman who radiates the love of her Savior." p 219

"My God is faithful. He does what He pleases, and it will all be worked together for the ultimate good, whether it is in the moment or not." p 175

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a most unusual book, being a true story about finding life, hope and healing while caring for Hospice Babies. While being an accurate description, the only way to truly discover what all of it means is to read this book.
The emotional ups and downs with the difficult life are shared with us, but more importantly, the love given to the babies and the love of many friends and all the family.
Cori Salchert has poured out her heart over a year's period of time covering ten years devoted to loving the babies, much like reading her diary to me, beginning with her sister's childhood death. Her strong faith is revealed over and over, proving God's love for her.
It is an amazing story she's shared.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book that I had to finish in one sitting! The love displayed by the author and her family had me in tears at times, and smiling other times. In general , we seem to remove ourselves from anyone that is different. These little ones need love and caring just as much as we do, and yet society tends to hide them behind closed doors. You might say that with a family history like Cori had, and the illnesses she learned to live with, that she and those around her were made for this kind of caring. Perhaps that is true, but aren't we all instructed to 'love the least of these'? Consider the last time you looked away when confronted with some kind of disability.... I am thinking we all have some soul searching to do.

I receive a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Madalyn Mathis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Will Love You Forever is the life story of Cori Salchert and her family. With severe health problems that caused her to be set aside from her dream job and a deep sorrow from her own past she carries her passion for helping suffering parents and children into caring for Hospice babies. The story is remarkable, not only that this woman had the passion and love to extend to those who have no one to love them, but her husband and eight children joined her in loving and caring in a beautiful way in their home. I was inspired by their story. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be challenged about what one can do through the One who gives us strength. I think your heart will be touched when you read this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is a powerful book. God uses Cori to comfort a dying baby. But in the process He is healing her heart. Cori and her family devoted their lives to care for a hospice baby. A baby that would never know the love of a family. Knowing she would not live long was long enough that she knew love. In process healing Cori over the death of her little sister years ago. Through their time with Emmalynn they have had faith and got joy from knowing her and ended with peace. I loved a quote Cori wrote want to share with you. "Our hearts are like stained -glass windows. Those windows are made of broken glass, which have been forged back together, and those windows are even stronger and more beautiful for having been broken. " by Cori Salchert



I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

[Abigail Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, thought-provoking, inspiring. I read it in one day, very good! It is not as depressing as I thought it would be, honestly. I got it thinking "great, I'm going to be crying the entire time," but nope! I did tear up, but the Ms. Cori had me believing in hope, in life really, in such a unique, different way that...It was hard to be sad. It was hard not to celebrate life, even in the face of death. Mrs. Salchert's brutal honesty was so impressed. She bore her raw heart for all to see, and yet...She did so pointing back to life, to light, to love, and most importantly, to God. This is certainly a must-read book.

*I received this book via Goodreads Giveaway, but I was/am under no obligation to post a review at all, not to mention a good one. This is genuine!*

[J.M. Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The death of a sweet baby is a life shattering ordeal, but Cori Salchert’ and Marianne Hering's story respectfully addresses loss. The love is selfless, and the giving nature throughout the book is touching. Cori wraps the reader with comfort through her written word.

This story shows how God guides us through hard times. This story is not sad like I thought, but uplifting. This book touched my heart, and reminded me of the strength we gain through faith.

The author grabbed my heart from the first page, and kept me immersed throughout the book. I highly recommend this true story. I Will Love You Forever changed me… and made me take a hard look within.


I received a complimentary copy from Net Galley

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. Cori has really gone through a lot in her life. The struggles she had with her health were heart wrenching. I don't know how she made it through that - thank goodness for help from her family and her belief in God. Her job of helping people who lose their infants at birth or shortly thereafter takes a strong person to help someone else through a grieving process. Then to become foster parents for babies that are born with health issues. Such a roller coaster ride each and every day. Made me think about my life and the challenges I have. I am so blessed to have the struggles I have instead of being in Cori's shoes. Faith in God is a strong message throughout this book.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing story of Cori and the babies that she cared for that had such a need for love. The story was uplifting and wow, the feelings that it stirs. One story she wrote about was actually about her sister and that she had been put into a care facility. I almost couldn't believe when I read this part as my husband worked there 33 years! Wow, this story hit close to home.

Very heartwarming and a story of faith, endurance and the blessing of life, itself. You will want to read this.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a powerful story that reflects the heart of God and tells of the hope we have of trusting Him in all seasons and reasons. The author shares intimate details of her experiences. Some are funny and others leave you in a puddle of tears. The book is a deep and heavy read, it's not for someone looking for something light. The author tells how she found comfort through God's Word. There are no easy solutions and the author has to trust in God's time and wisdom. I Will Love You Forever is a powerful story and testament to an amazing woman.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review