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Sky Full of Stars: Learning to Surrender to God's Perfect Plans
This is a heart-felt, three-part memoir written by a mother full of love. When she gave birth to her third child, the perfectly imperfect special needs daughter, Avery, born with craniosynostosis, her world changed. This story explores Avery’s nearly deadly first year of life, how Meg Apperson addressed a painful and personal history, and how life has normalized as she’d discovered hope in the midst of pain. The book will inspire others to suffer well and will be filled with a strong spiritual undertone.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2020
12 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 14, 2020
This is a review of the audiobook narrated by Emily Ellet.
A Sky Full of Stars is the honest, straightforward story of a mother raising a special needs child. Meg and Cody Apperson's daughter, Avery, was born with extensive, life-threatening birth defects. Meg outlines Avery's diagnosis prior to birth, her birth, and all of the obstacles she faced and still faces. Then her son was diagnosed with a heart defect and needed surgery. Meg, a Christian, talks of not getting the answers to prayers she wanted, and then of how God taught her perfect peace in every circumstance. She talks of her earlier life, of childhood sexual abuse and a failed marriage, and how Jesus helped her to heal.
This is a story of faith. It is also a story of how someone who had already learned to have faith in God found her faith increasing exponentially in terribly hard times. It is a story that everyone needs to read, and with which everyone who has been through extremely hard times can identify.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a story of faith and God's love.
Emily Ellet does a great job with the narration of the audiobook.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
A Sky Full of Stars is the honest, straightforward story of a mother raising a special needs child. Meg and Cody Apperson's daughter, Avery, was born with extensive, life-threatening birth defects. Meg outlines Avery's diagnosis prior to birth, her birth, and all of the obstacles she faced and still faces. Then her son was diagnosed with a heart defect and needed surgery. Meg, a Christian, talks of not getting the answers to prayers she wanted, and then of how God taught her perfect peace in every circumstance. She talks of her earlier life, of childhood sexual abuse and a failed marriage, and how Jesus helped her to heal.
This is a story of faith. It is also a story of how someone who had already learned to have faith in God found her faith increasing exponentially in terribly hard times. It is a story that everyone needs to read, and with which everyone who has been through extremely hard times can identify.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a story of faith and God's love.
Emily Ellet does a great job with the narration of the audiobook.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
November 19, 2020
This is the story of God's Hand in the lives of Meg and Cody Apperson as they walk the rough road of raising their 4 children. Her third child was "born broken but being restored" and in the midst of that her oldest had a problem with his heart, and unbelievably her 4th challenging child was born and she had her own health struggles. Yet, she constantly sees God's Hand of guidance and protection over their lives. Meg is very honest as she shares her life story and the beauty of her honesty is that she sees how the Lord is caring for her and her family despite unbelievable challenges. This was a beautiful and inspiring story!
July 2, 2021
Every word was filled with the passion Meg so clearly poured into this story. If the book had been twice as long, I still would have read it. I found myself grateful for what Meg shared and also still wanting to know more. I cried many times throughout reading this. This story is the perfect showcasing of realizing God's provision on the other side of walking through hard things that seem purposeless and excruciatingly painful at the time. But God is good.
February 3, 2025
It’s a moving memoir with profound realizations and staunch trust in God. Such unshakable faith is to pray for and truly the strength that will eternally hold us through any circumstance. It’s unimaginable what a parent goes through when their little ones are struggling especially from congenital disabilities. Grateful for Meg Apperson for sharing it with us. Her patience, compassion, and tolerance while being so graceful and grateful in handling the pain is a testament to her resilience and devotion to Christ. I hope that I can also always see God’s Will and Grace through everything. Much love and respect and prayers for her and everyone reading this review.
PS: It made me reflect on my understanding of and reaction to sufferings. I can’t help but share that I’ve a strong faith that everything happens for a reason and every sufferer has a past and future beyond this life. Being from a Vedic (commonly called Hindu faith but in my eyes it’s truly non sectarian) background I’ve love, gratitude, and strong faith in the Supreme Lord as well but I also believe that all my suffering is for my own purification. I can relate to everything that Christians say and have huge respects and love towards Jesus. I also cannot fully fathom suffering unless I believe in karma and reincarnation that ultimately ends when one is fully surrendered to the Lord so the last moment of life will be about thinking of God resulting in no more return to the cycle of birth and death.
PS: It made me reflect on my understanding of and reaction to sufferings. I can’t help but share that I’ve a strong faith that everything happens for a reason and every sufferer has a past and future beyond this life. Being from a Vedic (commonly called Hindu faith but in my eyes it’s truly non sectarian) background I’ve love, gratitude, and strong faith in the Supreme Lord as well but I also believe that all my suffering is for my own purification. I can relate to everything that Christians say and have huge respects and love towards Jesus. I also cannot fully fathom suffering unless I believe in karma and reincarnation that ultimately ends when one is fully surrendered to the Lord so the last moment of life will be about thinking of God resulting in no more return to the cycle of birth and death.
January 10, 2021
This memoir recalls the events of having a medically fragile child and how Meg, the author, changed in the process. She relies heavily on her Christian faith to get her through some challenging and painful times.
October 6, 2020
Wow. This is a book the world needs.
A gripping memoir of unknowns, grief, and redemption, Apperson’s journey of faith and motherhood will keep you captivated, and leave you basking in the glory of the King. Apperson walks us through what many would consider a pure nightmare, and teaches us how God can and does work all together for good. I love how real the author is about all aspects of her life. She doesn’t sugarcoat how she felt, what she said, or how she struggled internally. She gives us the raw, real, painstaking moments of her journey. In doing so, we fully get to enjoy the fruit on the other side of grief. Her days are not magically better nor has all pain and difficulty left her life. The Lord has refined her, and she has found joy in the path He has given her to walk. No matter what storm we are facing (and let me tell ya, everybody’s got something), Apperson’s faith has something to teach us all. I was so encouraged by this book, and felt seen, despite reading through someone else’s story. Thank you, Meg, for documenting your heart and life for all of us to learn from.
I received this audiobook, via Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
A gripping memoir of unknowns, grief, and redemption, Apperson’s journey of faith and motherhood will keep you captivated, and leave you basking in the glory of the King. Apperson walks us through what many would consider a pure nightmare, and teaches us how God can and does work all together for good. I love how real the author is about all aspects of her life. She doesn’t sugarcoat how she felt, what she said, or how she struggled internally. She gives us the raw, real, painstaking moments of her journey. In doing so, we fully get to enjoy the fruit on the other side of grief. Her days are not magically better nor has all pain and difficulty left her life. The Lord has refined her, and she has found joy in the path He has given her to walk. No matter what storm we are facing (and let me tell ya, everybody’s got something), Apperson’s faith has something to teach us all. I was so encouraged by this book, and felt seen, despite reading through someone else’s story. Thank you, Meg, for documenting your heart and life for all of us to learn from.
I received this audiobook, via Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 2, 2020
Wow. Where do I even start? I have followed Meg for many years. I have followed Avery's journey and grown to love this family that I have never met. When Meg said she was writing a book, I jumped as soon as I could click pre-order. I was not disappointed. Meg has suffered. She has faced some of the worst things that any mother can ever face.. things that no one should have to endure. She has suffered and come out stronger. I am inspired and reminded of how much God still holds us even when the oceans are rising. #askyfullofstars #netgalley
May 30, 2025
A harrowing heart felt memoir of disappointment and healing
Meg Apperson has shared her family, fears, faith, and self in this poignant memoir about her journey of struggle with the disabilities and complications of her third-born child. Her past is featured as part of the nightmare she gradually learned to wake up from and not fear. Meg does a great job weaving both together in an honest recount of her experiences. Rather than pick at wounds and claim her situations were unfair, she shares how she allowed the pain to teach her wisdom and she passes on those twinkles to us.
Meg Apperson has shared her family, fears, faith, and self in this poignant memoir about her journey of struggle with the disabilities and complications of her third-born child. Her past is featured as part of the nightmare she gradually learned to wake up from and not fear. Meg does a great job weaving both together in an honest recount of her experiences. Rather than pick at wounds and claim her situations were unfair, she shares how she allowed the pain to teach her wisdom and she passes on those twinkles to us.
April 10, 2022
Meg’s experiences are so incredibly tough (and very detailed in the book) but the way her faith grows, and her reflections and learnings in retrospect, are well worth a read for everyone. Not just medical parents.
February 2, 2021
Very redemptive story of giving up and letting God. Such a journey of heartache and ultimate redemption.
March 13, 2021
2.5. Listened to this one. Read the authors blog for a few years. Compelling story. Way over the top Christian vibe. Husband is head of family. Jesus knows all. Gave me the creeps.
December 25, 2023
You are the only you. I am the only me.
October 6, 2020
“Do you trust me?” This simple line used through Meg Apperson’s new release speaks volumes and gripped me from the beginning. Having a medical background, I was immediately intrigued by the diagnosis Avery had and how Meg and her family were able to triumph even through difficult times.
Sometimes as a Christian, I find that I expect all unicorns and rainbows. Meg’s ability to show that God hasn’t left us even in the darkest of days helped me realize that struggles can lead to the brightest times. Meg speaks about Averys complications from day one and how she felt like she was failing as mother. Her writing is so raw and authentic it made my heart ache right along with her. Having to make life and death decisions for not one, but two children simultaneously, is something I cannot fathom. Yet, Meg shows us that you can find light by sitting through the darkest of days and allowing God to lead you through. As she says to us in this book, you cannot deny the pain to make it go away, sometimes you need to live it. God will be there to bring you through.
While listening to this audiobook, I sometimes wondered if the large amount of medical jargon and complex terminology may limit the understanding of a lay person’s reading. Don’t get me wrong, I loved that it was written this way as I am a highly trained medical professional. But, I do worry some of the severity of Avery’s condition will be left misunderstood. You can still get so much from this book without knowing all of those things, but I do think more explanations or use of layman’s terms would have made it more beneficial for some readers.
I was moved by this memoir. The two things that struck me the most were your lines “Do you trust me” and “God doesn’t care how happy you make others if you do it by telling lies.” I know I need to listen more carefully to what God says and learn to trust Him more. Avery’a life and struggles will move mountains. Thanks for taking the plunge and writing this book. Thank you and God Bless! #buildmealibrary #netgalley #bookworm #christianaudio #bookreview
Sometimes as a Christian, I find that I expect all unicorns and rainbows. Meg’s ability to show that God hasn’t left us even in the darkest of days helped me realize that struggles can lead to the brightest times. Meg speaks about Averys complications from day one and how she felt like she was failing as mother. Her writing is so raw and authentic it made my heart ache right along with her. Having to make life and death decisions for not one, but two children simultaneously, is something I cannot fathom. Yet, Meg shows us that you can find light by sitting through the darkest of days and allowing God to lead you through. As she says to us in this book, you cannot deny the pain to make it go away, sometimes you need to live it. God will be there to bring you through.
While listening to this audiobook, I sometimes wondered if the large amount of medical jargon and complex terminology may limit the understanding of a lay person’s reading. Don’t get me wrong, I loved that it was written this way as I am a highly trained medical professional. But, I do worry some of the severity of Avery’s condition will be left misunderstood. You can still get so much from this book without knowing all of those things, but I do think more explanations or use of layman’s terms would have made it more beneficial for some readers.
I was moved by this memoir. The two things that struck me the most were your lines “Do you trust me” and “God doesn’t care how happy you make others if you do it by telling lies.” I know I need to listen more carefully to what God says and learn to trust Him more. Avery’a life and struggles will move mountains. Thanks for taking the plunge and writing this book. Thank you and God Bless! #buildmealibrary #netgalley #bookworm #christianaudio #bookreview
October 13, 2020
Every mom who has experience the terror, frustration, and exhaustion of a medically fragile child could write the first half of this book...but not all of us (yes me included) are able to learn, grown and share from those experiences as well as Meg. This book shows us that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional and, if we let it, that pain AND suffering can be for our good and lead us back to our Savior, the ultimate Comforter.
October 10, 2020
I loved the title of this book, and I really enjoyed A LOT the voice of Emily Ellet (I enjoyed the audiobook), she did a great job encapsulating the feelings and emotions in this book, great narrator. This is a real story and it is full of unexpected news for a mom. Is the story of her delivery and choices with doctors. Exasperation, disbelief, expectations crushed, you will get all her feels. I think this book could be a great gift for moms who deal with unexpected issues with the life of their children. It may be a little bit annoying if you don´t like to read about medical conditions, the author shares in-depth what they were going through. Expect 5 hours 37 minutes of pain, hardship, and a mom who tries to endure news after news of trials. Expect to be amazed by her sincerity, endurance and faith. All the time you will remember this: you can not do anything to sustain someone´s life or health, you are not in control... and to know that is to rest and know who really holds life together, yours and your family´s too.
October 15, 2020
A Sky Full of Stars: Learning to Surrender to God’s Perfect Plans is about blogger Meg Apperson’s poignant journey of pain and loss. As a young person, her suffering took the form of sexual abuse, a teenage marriage and divorce. As a mother, she watched two of her children fight rare diseases that nearly stole their lives.
Meg Apperson grew up trusting God, but it wasn’t until her daughter was born with a litany of life-threatening birth defects that she began to truly comprehend what it means to trust Him with everything. Amid heartbreak, she not only discovered her own voice, she discovered that God is faithful.
Although I am a Christian and professional memoirist, I have never been a fan of Christian memoirs. Figure that one out and you’ll get a gold star. The problem is that so many authors proselytize rather than tell their story. Apperson, however, invited me into her world without an overabundance of Scripture or Christian jargon. I stood alongside her in emergency rooms, surgical suites, and doctors’ offices. I saw her on her knees. I felt her Mama's heart breaking. I sensed her despair. I’m in awe of the author’s ability to see Jesus despite unimaginable challenges. It would be easy for her to have a “poor me” victim’s mentality, but she never sounded sorry for herself. Instead, she accepted and overcame her circumstances by giving God all praise, honor and glory despite them; a feat that is nearly impossible to do during an epic storm.
If you've ever questioned how God is at work in the darkness, A Sky Full of Stars will inspire and reassure you. Peace CAN be found in suffering. I listened to the audio version, and the narrator was excellent. Brava! Four Stars.
Audience
This memoir will appeal most to parents. Because the author shares insight on being abused, some content is not appropriate for teens or young adults. The book contains a fair amount of medical terminology, but it is not overwhelming.
Meg Apperson grew up trusting God, but it wasn’t until her daughter was born with a litany of life-threatening birth defects that she began to truly comprehend what it means to trust Him with everything. Amid heartbreak, she not only discovered her own voice, she discovered that God is faithful.
Although I am a Christian and professional memoirist, I have never been a fan of Christian memoirs. Figure that one out and you’ll get a gold star. The problem is that so many authors proselytize rather than tell their story. Apperson, however, invited me into her world without an overabundance of Scripture or Christian jargon. I stood alongside her in emergency rooms, surgical suites, and doctors’ offices. I saw her on her knees. I felt her Mama's heart breaking. I sensed her despair. I’m in awe of the author’s ability to see Jesus despite unimaginable challenges. It would be easy for her to have a “poor me” victim’s mentality, but she never sounded sorry for herself. Instead, she accepted and overcame her circumstances by giving God all praise, honor and glory despite them; a feat that is nearly impossible to do during an epic storm.
If you've ever questioned how God is at work in the darkness, A Sky Full of Stars will inspire and reassure you. Peace CAN be found in suffering. I listened to the audio version, and the narrator was excellent. Brava! Four Stars.
Audience
This memoir will appeal most to parents. Because the author shares insight on being abused, some content is not appropriate for teens or young adults. The book contains a fair amount of medical terminology, but it is not overwhelming.
October 10, 2020
Relatable. Compelling. Vulnerable. This beautiful story showcases Avery: a medically fragile child destined to be in this world. Meg weaves Avery's narrative in with her own, as she grapples with her own origin story. In a genre that can sometimes push positivity into unrealistic levels, Meg's account is surprisingly vulnerable and bittersweet. It is raw, honest, and surprisingly funny at some points. Overall, this was a worthwhile memoir to read, especially if you are a parent, Christian, or have lived a little life to know it's not always roses.
January 23, 2021
Sky Full of Stars is more than a story of a mother with a child with birth defects. It's a story that tells of life and trusting God for it. As I was reading the book I could see God working and teaching her family to trust Him.
April 19, 2021
Amazing
Thank you, Meg, for this reminder of what life is really about. Such a great book. Hugs to you and Avery.
Thank you, Meg, for this reminder of what life is really about. Such a great book. Hugs to you and Avery.
October 8, 2022
Couldn’t put it down
I couldn’t put the book down. Mrs. Apperson’s vulnerability and writing was like she was telling you her story over coffee. One of the best books I’ve read.
I couldn’t put the book down. Mrs. Apperson’s vulnerability and writing was like she was telling you her story over coffee. One of the best books I’ve read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews