Finding Hope: A Birthmother's Journey into the Light

by Hope O. Baker

At twenty-one years old, Hope O Baker made one of the hardest decisions a person can make: she placed her son for adoption. She lived with her son's adoptive mother while she was pregnant and pursued an open adoption. After her son was born, Hope tried to resume her life.

But the difficulty of letting her child go gnawed at Hope. Even though she had it together on the outside--graduating college and excelling in her career--on the inside she was battling a destructive cycle of depression and addiction. When life was at its darkest, Hope managed to find her way back to the light. It's a journey she continues to this day.

Now, in this love letter to her son, Hope shows how messy and chaotically beautiful adoption can be, by sharing the authentic details of her remarkable story. From her struggles, you'll see how community can help you rebuild and be reminded of how important it is to find your voice and speak up for what you need when life hands you unexpected difficulties.

Genres: Adoption

158 pages, Paperback

Published October 29, 2019

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

*This is required reading for our adoption education*

It’s interesting to hear from the perspective of the birthmother who chose to place her baby for adoption. Although it’s crude at times (we were made aware before reading it), there were a few nuggets I gleaned from it. Other things I find hard to agree with, but I’m also coming from a much different place than her. Some people view pregnancy as a bump in their plans while others long for it deeply. She also had a very heartbreaking family dynamic, so I’m sure that didn’t help during that hard time.

I was sad to hear she didn’t feel she had much of a choice in the matter. I am thankful that Nightlight Christian Adoption works with the birthmothers to help them make and feel confident with making the best decision for the baby.

3/5: Would only recommend on under particular circumstances.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuine and real, this book broke my heart.

Be prepared to feel all the feelings with this one. I would recommend this book to anyone. I’m a mom of two and I cried for Hope and her family throughout this entire book. As hard as it was to read about her pain because she allows us to feel absolutely all of it. Most importantly her inner strength and perseverance is clear in every chapter.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many emotions felt and read throughout this book. At times it was hard to read about Hope’s experience, but also hard to put it down. Such a good read for anyone who lives within the adoption constellation, especially to understand how it impacts birth mothers.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!