Love Without Borders: How Bold Faith Opens the Door to Embracing the Unexpected – A Spiritual Memoir on Large Families, Special Needs, and Adoption

by Angela Braniff

From the founder of This Gathered Nest YouTube channel, an uplifting story of Angela Braniff's unusual path to becoming the mother to seven children through various methods of adoption and biological approaches, encouraging women and mothers to embrace the unique purpose that God has put in their lives.Angela’s love for life and her family radiates through everything she does. The Braniff household includes their two biological daughters, Kennedy, 12, and Shelby 10; Rosie, 7, who was adopted from China with Down syndrome; Noah, 7, adopted from Congo; Jonah 5, adopted domestically; and finally, Ivy and Amelia, their one year old twins who were adopted as embryos, and implanted in Angela, who gave birth to them. In fact, after the book was finished, they joyfully welcomed a new baby into their home, Benjamin, through adoption, making them now a family of ten!

Love Without Borders shares Angela's relatable, humorous, and honest view of motherhood. Angela chronicles her journey to discover God’s purpose for her life. For years she walked the safe, expected path, until one day she could feel God calling her to boldly step out and follow him into new places, which led her to raise a large, non-traditional family that looked different than she ever imagined.  

It was a winding path to motherhood, complete with heartbreak from failed adoptions, challenging pregnancies, and secondary infertility, but through it all Angela found the unique adventure God had for her. She has shared her family’s stories on her popular YouTube channel, This Gathered Nest, and now invites us in to go deeper and listen to where God might be calling us to go and who we’ve been tasked with loving, no matter how unusual (or just plain crazy) it may sound! The beauty of God’s plan is he uses imperfect people to bring about perfectly beautiful stories.

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

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2020

Reviews

[Ren (A Bookish Balance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 stars

Love Without Borders is the story of how Angela Braniff has grown her family over the years, starting with marrying her husband, having two biological daughters, three adoptive children, and then twins through embryo adoption, and how her relationship with her faith has influenced all these experiences.

This is one of those situations where the book means so much to me, and I love it so much that I just don't know how to talk about it.

I’m going to start off by saying that faith plays a really huge role in Angela’s life, and it’s something she talks about a lot in this novel, so if that’s something that doesn't appeal to you then this isn’t the novel for you. Anyone expressing the importance of whatever religion they practice to their lives does not bother me so long as I do not feel that the person is trying to push their faith on me/convert me, and I feel Angela does not do this either in this book or on her YouTube channel. I found her relationship with her faith really inspiring, and while I can't relate to her experience, the way she talks about her religion is very up-lifting. I also liked that she discussed when she was having moments of doubt, that's not a topic I often see explored and I appreciate the insight.

As for the story itself, I think this is a well written story in that I was so engaged throughout and the writing was easy to digest. I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Angela herself (she does an AMAZING job) and that really helped to bring the story to life, especially from an emotional standpoint as you can tell through her narration that she is passionate about what she is relating. I myself have a hard time talking about this novel without feeling emotionally invested. As someone who wants to adopt one day I find Angela's story very moving and heartfelt. Angela also discusses her experiences with hyperemesis and that can be very challenging to read, but I'm glad to know more about the condition through her novel.

If this story sounds even remotely interesting then I highly recommend you pick it up. Angela has such an amazing outlook on life and adoption and never fails to uplift me.

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[Katelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great for anyone who loves stories about pregnancy and having kids (think the tv show "A Baby Story"). I gobbled it up in two days.

If faith is important to you, that is a big component of this book. However, you don't have to be religious to appreciate Braniff's story.

[howsoonisnow · Rating 1 out of 5]

Braniff lacks self awareness, and this is ultimately my problem with this memoir. She talks about a desperate yearning to have another child, then another, then another, and shows little respect for her husband's needs or opinions, being dogmatic that adding more and more to her brood is what God wants, and is what will be done, hell or high water, whether her husband wants it or not, so he best get on board ASAP. There is an unhealthy toxic urgency and desperation emanating from every page, as though Braniff is terrified of having a second to breathe or think. She seems to need to fill her life with children to quell the existential crisis creeping up on her. Before a newly birthed or adopted child has had time to catch their breath, she's frantically scurrying for the next child, and no number of children seems to soothe her existential terror. There is something psychologically unsound here, and self-awareness of this would have made this memoir a much fuller and interesting one. Instead, her prose, like her life is just rush rush rush. Her narrative pounces from one child to the next, with little reflection on their adjustment process or the family's. There is hardly any mention of her husband's input in any of this. Is this narcissism, ADHD, depression? She justifies her unilateral decisions for her family, not with personal reflection and negotiation, but with aggressive proclamations that "This is God's plan!"

[Stephanie VanAlmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Angela and the story of how God brought her family together. From her childhood, meeting her husband, having babies, adopting babies, and everything in between, Angela has followed whatever path God has lead her to. Even in dark, hard, and unexpected times, she shines with love for her family and the Lord. She has also been willing to take many paths that other people haven’t. I love that she gives God all the glory. The heart of this book is to encourage us to live beyond what we think is checking off “all the things”, because true joy and love is walking in faith and honoring the Lord.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy their YouTube channel and so I wanted to read the book. My husband and I are in the process of adopting, and so I wanted to read someone else's experience. It's basically what I expected from YouTube, with more Jesus. A little bit of white savior thrown into the mix. It's not a bad book, but it barely skims the surface of parenting children with trauma backgrounds. Not exactly the book to read when you're going through everything. This is the book to read when you're a teenager and you want to figure out what to do with your life.

[Kalyn OByrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reading it. I loved hearing more of Angelas story. There were so many parts I loved. The only thing that turned me off a little bit was how much it was religious. I was expecting some but there was a little more than I expected. I’m not religious so these passages didn’t hold my interest as much and I found myself scanning through them more than I did the other parts of the book. I know that religion is very important to Angela and huge part of her life so I don’t blame her for putting it in. It was just a little much for my personal preference. Other than that I loved the book. As someone who would like to adopt in the future it was super interesting

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was waiting and waiting to read this book. When we got the arc today I couldn’t wait to dive in. Angie and CRs story is so beautiful. The book is lovely and I read it in angies voice in my head. I gave this book 4 stars because as much as I liked it I expected a little more. I’m not religious and this book is heavy in the religion but that didn’t really bother me. I wanted to know more! I’m sure she could write a book about each of her pregnancies and adoptions. I definitely recommend you give this book a read if your interested in growing your family or are looking for some faith.

[Ruth Daly]

This book...what can I say? Except words cannot describe how beautiful this book is! If you are in a slump in your life wondering to yourself....why am I here? What is the purpose of my life? How do I make a difference with my life? Then this is the book for you! If you are lacking motivation and lust for life I promise you in reading this book will give you hope will make you feel full and ready to make a change! Angela beautifully tells the story of her life and journey to her family. All the winding roads, the dark valleys and the mountain heights are unfiltered, raw and full of nothing but truth. I read this book in one sitting! This is the perfect book to read when you are feel life has got you down. Through this book Angela will pick you up, dust you off and show you the beauty that is the life you have been called to live. I plan on reading this book again and again and again until every message it contains is a mantra for my life! I cannot recommend this book enough! Truly Amazing!

[Christine Determann · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read one book this spring, I *highly* recommend #lovewithoutborders by #AngelaBraniff!! After following @thisgatherednest in all of the places for several years I was so excited to hear she was writing her first book. Their journey through embryo adoption is what drew me to following their family, but I think there is something most anyone can relate to in her story. She tackles some really difficult topics with the mantra of “hard isn’t always bad”. Her writing style and storytelling makes this book hard to put down. I laughed, cried, and just so thoroughly enjoyed reading her perspective. Life isn’t always going to turn out how you planned, but if you let the journey teach you along the way you’ll find a strength and bravery you didn’t know you possessed. Her book is available 4/28/2020 in hardcover, Kindle, and Audible editions.
#lovewithoutbordersbook #thisgatherednest #harpercollins #harperonebooks #harperone @harperonebooks #audible

[Jennifer Fegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is life changing. Through her story, Angela paints a beautiful picture of what God can do in and through our lives when we simply say yes to him. As you read, it feels like a conversation between friends. You will laugh and cry right along with her. Angela has poured her heart into these pages, and it has left us with something raw and real. When it's over you will be inspired, encouraged, and challenged. I highly recommend this book to anyone regardless of age, gender, faith, or marital status. No matter who you are, this story has something to teach you.

[Mie Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

So 2,5⭐🤔
Incredibly mixed feelings on this audiobook. I've followed "This Gathered Nest " for two years now, and can honestly say Angie and her family are some of my absolute favourite people on the internett.

Their YouTube-channel though, is not preachy or Jesus-focused at all. So I was a bit surprised to find every chapter of this book soaked through with Angies religious interpretations of every aspect of her story. (Fellow atheists,beware!)

This was a confusing journey through Angelas mind.
I've heard it is a sign of intelligence, to see patterns and signs where there are none, so maybe she is just really smart. But she often comes off as rather delutional in her writing...
Before she suddenly says something really insightful and clever again! 🤷🏻‍♀️

The great thing I take away from this book ,is how incredibly moving it was to read about how much she loved and wanted each one of her children.
I just wish she would stop basking in all that christian humbleness and actually give herself some credit! She is brave,passionate loving,living her best life, good for her,good for all of them!
Parts of the story she tells herself might be a delution,but regardless;her love for her kids is the real thing ❤️

[Lene · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is ok. I follow the author on YouTube so I thought I knew what I was getting but this is much more of a "This is how to hear God" than "I like being a mom" than I had expected. Reads like a prayer book, not like a parenting book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. Loved getting a glimpse into Angela’s family and life. I love seeing her heart and seeing the way she grew her family. Makes we want to adopt, if God opens that door. It’s amazing how God grows each family so uniquely.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed the Braniff family on YouTube for a couple of years now. We have similar values and interests and I have enjoyed watching their family grow. I was so excited when I heard she was writing a book and i anxiously waited for it to arrive. I choose to listen to it on audible as I have two small children. Let me just say that hearing Angela read to you and hearing the emotion only adds to the experience. She is a normal woman with an extraordinary testimony. Her journey is moving and thought provoking and enlightening. This book cracked my heart in new ways and renewed the adoption conversation in my household.

[Amy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I’ve been following Angela on YouTube for a while now, and when she announced this book, I preordered there and then. I don’t regret that one bit - I’ve just read it in two days. This book is a testimony of true faith. Angela has written about her experiences so openly and truthfully, it’s incredible. I really do admire her trust and faith in God is amazing, and one day I truly hope that I’ll be able to respond to the call of God on my life in the same way that Angela has! Great book, great woman, great family, AMAZING God.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the emotional roller coaster you’ll never want to get off!

Angela’s story’s her journey in building her family, from meeting her Husband, her experience with hyperemesis, the lessons she learned while fighting for her children in all the corners of the globe, to carrying children that weren’t biologically ‘hers’. Most of all she shares her journey battle against what societal standards have made her believe is her path. That’s if you step out in faith you’re going to end up with a life that might look a little different but it will have so much love and happiness.

There is no greater love story than a mothers love for her children and I truly don’t have a better example of that then this book. Angela’s love for her children is felt in every page and will truly bring you to tears.

Angela’s book has taught me so much in 20 chapters. It’s opened my eyes. It has showed me that God is so much more that what I have come to know. I was honestly moved beyond words. Thank you for choosing to share this story.

[Kelcie Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was an easy fun read. I am so grateful I was able to read an early release copy! Angela has a Youtube channel and is challenging society's view of the perfect family. This just starts to scratch the surface of her family's journey. It definitely left me wanting more! I very much hope she continues to write books. The book/Angela's brand does have a religious overlay, however, as someone who does not identify as religious ... I was not turned off by this - I enjoyed learning about her spiritual journey. I laughed, I cried, and I smiled a lot! Definitely worth a read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books this year!!!❤️ read it! It’s so much more than “just adoption.”

[Riina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much Jeesus.

[Challice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever had the amazing experience of watching someone you've seen as the friend down the street, write and publish a book?!

I was super blessed to *know* Angie from her YouTube channel. I've watched her family grow and often wondered what all the behind the scenes were like. And then, she wrote a book!

"Children are the expression of everything that is beautiful and right in this world. They are joy and light and grace and forgiveness, and they love in a way that we should all aspire too."

Angie tells her transformation of becoming the woman we know today. From the insecure girl that hid behind sarcastic jokes, to the woman filled with love and devotion for her Savior and family. She dealt with extremely difficult pregnancies, all the emotions of adoptions, and in all this she shows us the beauty in the mundane.

" I can change the world for one child, one person, one day at a time. We all can. It's easy to think that because we cant fix all the world's problems, we just shouldn't even try. I'll admit, its overwhelming. But we can do one small act-- the next right thing."

I think that at the heart of this story, Angie wanted to show that yes, it is hard, but that God writes our own story in the way He wants us to go. Sometimes its difficult knowing how to follow God when all of life seems against us, but obeying Him opens reveals the ways He has opened for us.

"These people were showing me what it meant to have the true "joy of the Lord." Moreover they were opening my eyes to how one-sided my view of Christianity had been."

[Camillia (Twenty Three Pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is so full! I first stumbled across Angela many years ago when she first adopted Rosie. Since then, I’ve been loosely following their journey over the years. Today they have 8 kids and their videos bring me so much joy.

This book was everything I expected and wanted it to be. I breezed through it in a matter of hours and some parts made me tear up.

Angela and CR really have a very precious story and life.

[hannah cottrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

|| 4 ⭐️ ||

I always love reading stories about how God brought pieces of a family together, orchestrating everything in such a wonderful way even if/when there are unique hardships along the way. This is a beautiful family!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried a lot. Can't talk about it yet. Might still be crying

[Elizabeth Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read that really inspires!
When we listen to God it isn’t always easy, but it can be blessed greatly!

[C · Rating 1 out of 5]

These kids’ stories are not the author’s to share

[Suz Bartos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about a family being called higher and deeper. Highly recommend if you're even remotely interested in adoption, and even if you're not!

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following Angie on YouTube and Instagram for years, so I knew the general "storyline" of this book, but still I finished the book and said, "Wow!" This book shines God's goodness and is such a beautiful reminder that He is good through the highs and lows.

[Ashley McConnell]

I loved every page in this book. I feel like Angie really poured her heart out on each page and made me feel all of the emotions she felt. I laughed and cried, but overall, would read this book again in a heartbeat.

[Liberty Edwards Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally one of my favorite reads! Angela takes you on the journey of how her and her husband grew their “outside of the box” family. I love how she shares how she got to a point in her life where it wasn’t about checking of the social norm boxes, rather allowing her family to be apart of something bigger than themselves. They chose to be apart of God’s story and how he wanted to grow their family. Although it’s not always easy (she shares the heartache as well), nothing is more fulfilling than that. Excellent/enjoyable read!