Aly's Fight: Beating cancer, battling infertility, and believing in miracles

by Aly Taylor, Josh Taylor

TLC reality TV stars Aly and Josh Taylor share their story of breast cancer, infertility, and dashed dreams and inspire readers to cling to hope, even when it seems impossible.

October 17, 2011 changed Aly and Josh Taylor's lives forever. At just 24 years old, Aly was diagnosed with breast cancer. Everything they had known, hoped for, and dreamed of came to a screeching halt with the news of her diagnoses.

Aly's cancer journey is only the beginning of their incredible story. With grit, fierce love, and unyielding faith, Aly and Josh fight for her life and dream of building a family. They battle infertility, face heart-wrenching struggles while trying to adopt, and experience God in miraculous ways. Aly and Josh inspire readers to cling to life, faith, and love, especially when all hope seems lost.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Faith

224 pages, Hardcover

Published May 14, 2019

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure how to write this review. Right now, I need to tell you that I did not finish the book, but I want you to understand why I rated it so low. There were a couple of reasons that made me decide to quit reading and I will explain them.
I can't imagine this stress and fear that would accompany such a life-altering diagnosis. Their story of trials and triumph is captivating. I just wanted to cheer for them through it. It's just that the theology is presented in such a way that I can't recommend it. I don't know if they meant it this way, but it came across that her healing was based on her ability to drum up enough faith and optimism to crush all doubts and fears, and not on God's will. After a while, it left the impression that she was just willing herself to be healthy again and not relying on God for His perfect will. I was troubled about that and almost quit the book because of the poor theology presented. Then they began to tell of their struggles to become pregnant. That was a little too detailed for my personal standards. That was the point where I quit.
I would not recommend this book to anyone especially those facing hard health struggles.

[Brenda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very "meh". Parts of it were interesting, but I got tired of it and eventually annoyed by it. The authors state that their purpose was to provide encouragement because encouraging books related to their experiences are rare. But the encouragement is tainted by the false teachings of the prosperity gospel. If you are facing cancer, infertility, or adoption challenges, keep looking. There have to be better books out there, books that are based on sound doctrine.

[Leah Rehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember seeing this couple on TLC many years ago and being so shocked by their story. Reading this book was powerful and made me more encouraged to “choose joy” no matter what life throws at me ❤️

[Joanna Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet couple on the television show Rattled. Their testimony and the spirit of hope they shared on the show was super inspiring. Loved listening to their story via audiobook. I was only disappointed that the couple didn’t narrate their story themselves. Their cute accents would have been a fun addition to the narration.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Aly’s Fight, Aly and Josh Taylor opened up about everything they have experienced in their lives together as a couple. She met Josh when she was 14 years old and he was 17. Her father had just died in a terrible car accident and her family moved to West Monroe, Louisiana. They shared how they eventually fell in love, got married, and how they had big plans to start trying to have a baby and following the all American dream. After two months of trying to get pregnant, Aly thought she was experiencing the pregnancy symptoms, and then she noticed a lump in her breast. She made an appointment with her doctor. Aly was diagnosed with breast cancer on October 17, 2011 at the young age of 24. It was classified as stage III and they had to travel to Houston for her treatments. The doctors warned Aly that they might not be able to have children. At first, the doctor suggested they meet with an infertility doctor but the cancer was too aggressive that they couldn’t wait. Aly shared what she went through in chemo, mastectomy, radiation, and breast reconstruction. Aly and Josh switch voices throughout parts of the book about what each felt. She shared about becoming cancer free. They also shared about their journey with trying to get pregnant and their battle with infertility. They opened up about their experiences with adoption and the high and lows of what they went through and how they still experienced an unexpected miracle. Josh also created a blog for them to share with followers about what they were going daily. They also shared about how they ended up with being casted in a reality tv show on TLC, called Rattled.

I would recommend this life changing book to any cancer patient, anyone battling infertility, anyone who is looking to adopt, and they need some inspiration about someone who has been through difficult times. I immensely connected with their story and was reminded that God is still able to heal and He can still perform miracles if it’s in His will for their lives. I love how they both shared their experiences about what they were feeling during everything and how they were transparent with their readers. The book will be a blessing to anyone who is going through tough times and it will encourage them by reading how God is always there.


"I received this book free from the publisher, Faithwords for my honest review.”

[C.E. Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first introduced to this lovely couple from a reality show on TLC called Rattled. From the very first episode, I was drawn in by Aly’s sweet demeanor and Josh’s unwavering support of his wife and family. Their glowing faith was something I rarely saw on television and I found it refreshing and inspiring.

Aly’s Fight oozes with faith and joy. I bet you wouldn’t expect that from a book about the struggles of cancer and infertility, but trust pours from each page and drowns their doubts and anxieties. What an inspirational approach to overcoming fears and facing life, even if it’s not the one we may have dreamed of.

There were a few lines in Chapter 5 that pierced me so deeply:

“…so I did something I’d never done in any of the dozens of tests and scans I’d been through before. I simply said the name of Jesus over and over. My mother-in-law had recently suggested that, when I didn’t know what else to pray, His name was enough. Hi name is all-powerful, far more powerful than any prayer my human mind could string together. More powerful than any son I could sing or scripture I could recite. His name, the name of Jesus, is enough.” –excerpt from page 63

These words will forever become part of me. When I don’t know what else to pray, I’ll repeat the name of Jesus—the all-powerful.

This sweet family has dealt with many of life’s blows. Blow by blow by blow… but they continued to get back up and fight. This not only tells Aly’s and Josh’s story, but also provides encouragement for those overcoming obstacles in their own lives. And it does so with power, love, and authority.

Authors: Aly and Josh Taylor
Publisher: Worthy Books
Pages: 224
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not obligated to write a favorable review.

[Oak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aly’s Fight: Beating Cancer, Battling Infertility, and Believing in Miracles by Aly and Josh Taylor is a heartwarming true story that chronicles the Taylors’ journey as they built their beautiful family. Aly Taylor faced so many obstacles – such as being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 24, and being told she would never be able to have children – but we see how the Taylors relied on God and persevered through tough circumstances

Now the parents of three children, Aly and Josh take us back through their journey of adopting two girls and giving birth to another girl, and we see the joy and blessings that came into their life. Some of the sections of the book are written by Aly, and some of them are written by Josh, and I loved reading both their perspectives. The book is a great encouragement to couples going through infertility and/or the adoption process, though the book is also an encouragement to anyone; it is such an inspirational story. Aly’s Fight shows the beauty of love, adoption, and family.

I received this book for review.

[Beverly Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much! I cannot say enough good things about it. It is definitely a story of miracles and everyone can benefit from reading this. I especially loved the part that offered advice on how to help people that are suffering from cancer. I struggle with feeling helpless when someone I know is hurting, so it was helpful to see through the eyes of someone who has been through the tragedy of cancer. I love this family's outlook on life and the way they trust God in all circumstances. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josh and Aly's story was so positive and encouraging to read, especially at the end when they both gave information/tips on what do if a love one or a friend is going through cancer. I almost wish I could have read this back the fall 2018 but, again, I would have not even pick it up because of the cancer talk.
It was also interesting to read about the process infertility, IVF, and adoption etc. of creating their dream family.
Enjoyed Aly and Josh on Rattled and follow them on Instagram.....after reading this book, I liked them more...and their faith is contagious and miraculous.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

We first became aware of Aly and Josh when they were on TLC's Rattled. Aly had survived cancer, they adopted, miraculously became pregnant, and then their birthmom asked them to adopt her 2nd child. The book is a quick read that details their struggles more but also gocuses on their faith.
I started this a few hours before midnight and easily finished it today.

#26BookWithBringingUpBurns (About Second Chances)

[Marisa Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down. The courage and faith of this couple is so inspiring. Believing God is there through unbelievably difficult times is a truth throughout as the Taylors live a christian life based on prayer and faith. I marked many, many passages and would recommend to anyone even if biography isn't something you would usually read. "Joy is a choice, it isn't A feeling it's an outlook on life. Choose joy while you're waiting, don't wait to feel it, choose it"

[Chelsie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea who this couple was or what their story was when I picked up this book. The cover and quick synopsis sold me. But boy was I rocked reading their story. From so much struggle & disappointment to joy, never ending JOY! I was inspired by their courage and how they continued to trust the Lord with all things.

[Mike Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Really amazing pro-life witness and a beautiful story about adoption and the blessing it can be for a family. The authors seem like very faithful people, and I actually was able to meet them in person at the Cincinnati Right to Life banquet in Fall 2019 - they are some of the kindest people I've met and this true story about their lives is well worth your time!

[Ann Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book quite inspiring even though I haven’t faced fertility issues. It captures the essence of the struggle and how God can truly work miracles...not in our timeframe but in his. Faith always

[Manda Marigold · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 stars! Before beginning this book, I knew a little of Aly and Josh's story from the TLC tv show Rattled. It was interesting listening to an in-depth version of their story from their own perspective.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A memoir about the author’s experiences with stage 111 breast cancer, infertility, adoption, financial worries, and more.

An interesting story, although heavily larded with references to the couple’s Christian faith.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful (and relatable) story! They overcame so much and yet have so much joy. I do believe that joy is a choice, regardless of circumstance, and reading about someone else's journey (who is a bit further along than I am) gives hope.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent! You could actually feel their emotions as you were reading about their life-

[Lauren M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got this at Dollar Tree. It was way too religious for my taste, and they kind of glazed over the cancer and infertility battles. Was disappointed with that. But still an interesting and crazy story.

[Geni Gagnon-pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the best books I’ve ever read!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We are Josh and Aly Taylor.
We are overcomers.
We are cancer survivors.
We are infertility conquerors.
We are blessed by adoption.
We are on a TV show.
We are cool with having our plans destroyed, because we know God’s plans are better.
And we will never, never stop sharing what He has done...

God rarely draws a straight line when He’s mapping out our lives…
He used every heartache, every health scare, every surgery, every treatment,
every bad doctor’s report, and every fertility frustration to weave a beautiful tapestry...
He was with us in the unfinished house when we first got the call that Aly had cancer.
He was with us in Houston through all the treatments.
He was with us throughout the years of surgeries and reconstruction.
He was with us through the trials and heartache of infertility.
He was with us when Karen chose us to adopt Genevieve.
He was with us when we got pregnant with Vera against all odds.
He was with us when Karen’s first instinct when she got pregnant again was to call us to adopt Lydia. He was with us as we celebrated five years cancer-free.
God. Is. With. Us…

This book is called Aly’s Fight, but as You know, the fight was all Yours.
And it’s been won.
We are living in victory, Jesus.
Glory and honor to You, forever and ever.”

[Beth Mcfarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful testimony

What a beautiful story of hope, healing and the power of God!! This book is honest, relatable and truly inspirational!! It is so nice to see a couple sharing their testimony and faith so openly with the world!

[Bonnie Krueger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was immeasurably better than their first two. The three books really repeat a lot. This is the book that I see as the best written and all inclusive to their story.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Taylor’s have overcome so many challenges: cancer, infertility, adoption uncertanty and I enjoyed reading their story. Because I’m not religious the religious acpects of the book did not appeal to me but I appreciate their faith being a major part of their journey. They certainly have a unique and special story.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the chance to read this book prior to its publication. The opportunity to read this book for free had no bearing on my rating.