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Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage, and Adoption Loss
Hannah’s Hope is intended as a guide to assist you in making wise decisions as you struggle through your grief of not yet conceiving, losing a child, or struggling through the adoption process.
224 pages, Paperback
Published May 29, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 11, 2011
This was a hard book to read, and I cried through much of it. Some of the descriptions of what it feels like to long for a child were incredibly "close to home" - while it was wonderful to find that other people have similar feelings too, it wasn't an easy book to read. Overall, I found it helpful, particularly the chapter on bitterness of soul and the emphasis on God's sovereignty. The concluding chapter which discussed ways of "mothering" that don't include childbearing or adoption was also helpful. I expect I shall come back to this book and re-read some of it again.
May 16, 2025
Been searching for a Biblically sound resource on infertility that includes reoccurring miscarriages as well and I’m glad to say I found a decent one! This book is comforting to those suffering, as Jennifer is really great at putting this intense grief to words and talks about common thoughts, feelings, challenges and temptations. Infertility/miscarriage can feel incredibly isolating so I was encouraged by hearing her story and how she fought to hope in Christ amidst ongoing suffering and loss.
I was thankful she covered the ethical issues that people are presented with in infertility treatment like the collection of a semen sample. She informs readers that there are special condoms that can be used instead of choosing to sin by masturbation (which sadly, doctors expect). She also talks about the moral issues with IVF and how human embryos are destroyed in the process…however, she unfortunately still accepts IVF as an option. I’m glad she doesn’t embrace “selective reduction” but if something were to happen to her and her husband before they could implant their embryos, they could remain frozen indefinitely with no promise of life.
Another thing that stood out to me that I certainly disagreed with is when she suggests that it may be a good idea to stop going to church for a short time. She says she thinks the absence will make you more grateful and long for the church more… imagine if we applied that same idea to our marriages, yikes!
That being said, I would still recommend this book as long as the reader has discernment or at least a more mature believer to read it alongside them. There is definitely more that I agreed with than I disagreed with in the book.
I think this book would be a wonderful resource to give to pastors/elders/laypeople to help educate them about the unique challenges people experience as they walk through infertility/baby loss/adoption loss. I love that at the end of each chapter, she has a section called, “burden bearers”, that she specifically wrote to help those who want to come alongside sufferers. I shared this book with one of my elders as a resource and I’m immensely grateful that his reply was that he has ordered it and is going to begin reading it.
I was thankful she covered the ethical issues that people are presented with in infertility treatment like the collection of a semen sample. She informs readers that there are special condoms that can be used instead of choosing to sin by masturbation (which sadly, doctors expect). She also talks about the moral issues with IVF and how human embryos are destroyed in the process…however, she unfortunately still accepts IVF as an option. I’m glad she doesn’t embrace “selective reduction” but if something were to happen to her and her husband before they could implant their embryos, they could remain frozen indefinitely with no promise of life.
Another thing that stood out to me that I certainly disagreed with is when she suggests that it may be a good idea to stop going to church for a short time. She says she thinks the absence will make you more grateful and long for the church more… imagine if we applied that same idea to our marriages, yikes!
That being said, I would still recommend this book as long as the reader has discernment or at least a more mature believer to read it alongside them. There is definitely more that I agreed with than I disagreed with in the book.
I think this book would be a wonderful resource to give to pastors/elders/laypeople to help educate them about the unique challenges people experience as they walk through infertility/baby loss/adoption loss. I love that at the end of each chapter, she has a section called, “burden bearers”, that she specifically wrote to help those who want to come alongside sufferers. I shared this book with one of my elders as a resource and I’m immensely grateful that his reply was that he has ordered it and is going to begin reading it.
December 27, 2012
This was a wonderful book filled with exactly the encouragement I needed. I've been feeling so down, depressed, and discouraged by the long road of trying to conceive. Reading this book gave me hope. It gave me strength. And it gave me peace in the assurance that trusting God and His faithfulness is the best way to go.
March 22, 2012
This book is very uplifting, yet realistic. I would recommend it for anyone dealing with the struggles of miscarriage, infertility, or adoption loss. The "burden bearers" sections at the end of each chapter are helpful and accurate, and I only wish I had the guts to share them with those I know who don't understand my grief. Scripture was tied in often, which I loved. I am so happy I came across this book.
January 3, 2010
An excellent devotional for a difficult time. It is rare to find someone who can write with humility and maturity on this subject. I am grateful to have had this resource to help me through the trials of pregnancy loss and waiting on G-d's perfect timing.
December 1, 2019
This book was incredibly helpful to my wife and I in processing and grieving both infertility and adoption loss.
In each chapter, Jennifer first describes the emotions, feelings, and heartache of a specific angle of this journey. This enabled me to put words to how I was feeling and be able to release emotions that I normally try to hold inside and shed tears.
The end of each chapter then turns to God's word and truth about the issues. The answers often aren't always easy: suffering and waiting are painful tools that God purposely wields to draws us nearer to Him. Also, God makes no guarantees that we will get exactly what we ask for in the way we ask for it. But he is trustworthy, loving, and good.
Jennifer also touches on miscarriage, stillbirth, early childhood death, as well as similar losses from death of children during the adoption process (pre- and post-birth), and the pain of foster-to-adopt children leaving the families caring for them.
An unexpected side effect of this book was that it opened our eyes to how we have been ignorant and insensitive and uncaring to our friends who have walked through miscarriage, stillbirth, as well as chronic health issues. Our hope is that the new perspective we've gained from this book can help us better love and care for our friends as they walk through these painful trials.
My one caveat in this book was a very brief section about Anna (from the Gospel of Luke, who came up to Jesus in the Temple after Simeon) which we felt would have been better if the author was explicit that it was what "she imagined" happened, instead presented matter-of-factly.
In each chapter, Jennifer first describes the emotions, feelings, and heartache of a specific angle of this journey. This enabled me to put words to how I was feeling and be able to release emotions that I normally try to hold inside and shed tears.
The end of each chapter then turns to God's word and truth about the issues. The answers often aren't always easy: suffering and waiting are painful tools that God purposely wields to draws us nearer to Him. Also, God makes no guarantees that we will get exactly what we ask for in the way we ask for it. But he is trustworthy, loving, and good.
Jennifer also touches on miscarriage, stillbirth, early childhood death, as well as similar losses from death of children during the adoption process (pre- and post-birth), and the pain of foster-to-adopt children leaving the families caring for them.
An unexpected side effect of this book was that it opened our eyes to how we have been ignorant and insensitive and uncaring to our friends who have walked through miscarriage, stillbirth, as well as chronic health issues. Our hope is that the new perspective we've gained from this book can help us better love and care for our friends as they walk through these painful trials.
My one caveat in this book was a very brief section about Anna (from the Gospel of Luke, who came up to Jesus in the Temple after Simeon) which we felt would have been better if the author was explicit that it was what "she imagined" happened, instead presented matter-of-factly.
August 16, 2024
Really powerful, and gives great advice for friends and family who are not experiencing these struggles personally but who want to support those who are.
May 18, 2024
One of the most helpful books on miscarriage. She goes through almost every emotion you can think of while going through this trial. She also includes sections for “burden bearers” for people walking alongside couples going through miscarriage, infertility or adoption loss which is a great addition!
December 3, 2020
This book was extremely well written by Jennifer Saake, a woman who has undergone so much pain and suffering. It helped me put a lot of my own suffering with infertility in a better, more Godly perspective. While I didn't connect with every chapter, having thankfully not experienced infant loss, miscarriage, or a lost adoption, the main focus of this book was seeking God through all of the pain that can come with wanting to be a mother and not being able to.
The organization of the book was also really unique. At the end of each chapter is a section called Burden Bearers, specifically written for those that are close to us, advising on how to handle certain situations or even approach us with topics that may be painful. I'm not sure how many people would pick up this book from a support standpoint, but even just skimming those sections and foregoing the rest of the book would give a lot of insight to people who may not understand what we are going through.
I read this book slowly, sometimes only one chapter in a week, due to the painful subject matter, but I'm glad I finally gave it a chance. A friend borrowed it to me at least two years ago and I was finally ready to read it. In addition to the things mentioned above, it's helpful to know that I am not alone in my feelings. Feelings that may sometimes seem silly or selfish are actually quite normal and there's definitely peace in knowing that. The author was very transparent with her thoughts and feelings and included some stories of others in addition to her own.
Overall, I think this is a great book to be enjoyed in snippets at a time and can help point a grieving heart towards God and give new perspective to fertility struggles.
The organization of the book was also really unique. At the end of each chapter is a section called Burden Bearers, specifically written for those that are close to us, advising on how to handle certain situations or even approach us with topics that may be painful. I'm not sure how many people would pick up this book from a support standpoint, but even just skimming those sections and foregoing the rest of the book would give a lot of insight to people who may not understand what we are going through.
I read this book slowly, sometimes only one chapter in a week, due to the painful subject matter, but I'm glad I finally gave it a chance. A friend borrowed it to me at least two years ago and I was finally ready to read it. In addition to the things mentioned above, it's helpful to know that I am not alone in my feelings. Feelings that may sometimes seem silly or selfish are actually quite normal and there's definitely peace in knowing that. The author was very transparent with her thoughts and feelings and included some stories of others in addition to her own.
Overall, I think this is a great book to be enjoyed in snippets at a time and can help point a grieving heart towards God and give new perspective to fertility struggles.
March 8, 2012
Maybe I haven't been 'trying' for long-enough to really relate. I found certain sections of the book helpful to be helpful and liked the section on ministering peace into a community. I do think minister's could find some tips in there for their communities around being more inclusive in family days to people that are single or going through fertility, empty nest or loss of a child, etc. I guess the part I didn't enjoy were more around my belief that if you keep seeing the rock inthe road you're going to hit it so been working on not seeing the rock and trusting that, that is where the Lord needs me right now and will help me find comfort should my plan never transpire. Then again His plan is normally far greater then mine so what so I have to worry about! To those that have been trying for a while - this isn't an easy book to read but sure you'll find comfort in the sections you need. I think that the author should be a little more open to books that are no chirstian based. I believe that God works through all people not only Christians which means none christain books also have value.
April 8, 2008
I am loving this book because of it's honesty, bluntness, and encouragement. The author has been through my struggles and so much more, and really owns the right to tell me how it is and how I need to be in response to what is going on.
September 20, 2020
Most of this book was helpful, practical, and very thoughtful, but I would not recommend this book outright because, while the author is pro-life, she embraces IVF/IUI (albeit, as long as embryos are not destroyed) and adoption of frozen embryos. I will say she has a helpful section on the use of perforated condoms or “seminal collection devices” for semen analysis instead of masturbation. She also has section which touches on the ethics involved with fertility called “anything for a child” which does call for prayer and discernment, but unfortunately her ethics fall short. That being said, I really benefited from her reflections on the bitterness that infertility engenders which was very validating, and she offered beautiful reflections on Hannah’s story of infertility in the Bible which I thought were original and helped me to see my own story as meaningful and part of God’s loving plan for my life. I would have given it 5 stars for a beginner on this journey if not for the section on IVF.
February 19, 2024
If you are going through these tough journies or know someone, buy them this book! My husband and I have been TTC for almost 4 years. In those 3+ years, I had 4 losses - pregnancy in an unknown location, ectopic that ruptured, chemical, and a miscarriage at 11 weeks. I have endometriosis, PCOS, and one fallopian tube. We chose to do a round of IVF. IVF yielded only one embryo and sadly I miscarried our son at 11 weeks. This book has helped me get through these really tough times. I have reread the book to remind me that God is with me. I do hope that one day we will get our miracle rainbow baby!
June 13, 2018
This is a sensitive, frank, and very informative book about one couple's experience with infertility. From a Christian perspective, the author vulnerably shares their own experience (both hers an her husband's), provides great resources for infertile couples as well as those who support them, and gives guidelines they adopted as they navigated the ethics of infertility. Inspired by the story of Hannah in the Old Testament, Saake tells her own story through the many stages between despair and acceptance to peace.
April 16, 2022
This was the first book I’ve finished reading about the emotions of infertility. I was conflicted how to rate it upon completion. I truly connected with her descriptions of the emotions and feelings associated with this journey, but I couldn’t fully support it because there are some doctrinal errors communicated throughout. If you read with discernment (and a knowledgeable partner), those errors won’t overwhelm the intention of the message. She definitely does a thorough job of addressing the complexities of the journey - as well as those can be committed to paper or described to one who hasn’t experienced it firsthand.
November 18, 2022
This is a good book overall about infertility, adoption, loss, and the emotions that swirl around that limbo. It was a nice to have a Christian perspective on these topics and how the church can acknowledge and respond to this grief.
There were some strong perspectives on what was "biblical" that seemed a bit extreme. For example, the dilemma of masturbation to support IUI, and selective egg reduction. No real biblical basis was given as to these stances, which was kinda frustrating. But I think it was the only 'hurdle' I had with this book.
There were some strong perspectives on what was "biblical" that seemed a bit extreme. For example, the dilemma of masturbation to support IUI, and selective egg reduction. No real biblical basis was given as to these stances, which was kinda frustrating. But I think it was the only 'hurdle' I had with this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2023
This book is one that I related to soooooo much. I love that at the end of the chapters it had practical ways that friends and family can be there for those going through infertility. Anyone who is going through fertility treatments, or is walking along side someone going through them, should read this book. It gives a realistic view of the feelings of those who are experiencing infertility. It made me not feel guilty for my seclusion over the last few months, the anger and hurt at God that I’ve felt and so much more. Thankful for this book!
June 7, 2019
This book has many gems. It gave a lot of insight of how to stand alongside those in the church who may struggle with infertility (As I feel this book mostly addresses infertility). However, I am not quite sure that the avoidance of triggers over a long period of time is the best way to deal difficult situations. Additionally, I found some sections of book a little repetitive and I am also little wary of crafting biblical texts to fit our circumstances.
January 19, 2018
I really appreciate this book. It was a comfort to me even though at first I didn't want to read it. I highly recommend this if you personally or if you have a loved one grieving through infertility, miscarriage, secondary infertility or adoption loss.
July 31, 2021
I am not on the phase of marriage, even more on infertility, but this book did not entail me to learn from Hannah's experiences, as written beautifully by Jennifer Saake. Her wonderful thoughts about marriage and motherhood is what made me drawn to this book. You are sublime, Miss Jen.
August 27, 2024
If you’ve known the ache for a child (infertility, miscarriage, adoption loss), this book is excellent!Studying the Biblical account of Hannah, it looks at principles that point us to seek God’s heart and find our identity in Him.
September 25, 2024
This book was everything I needed right now. Highly recommend for those going through miscarriage or infertility.
“we are not necessarily doubting God will do the best for us. We are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.”
“we are not necessarily doubting God will do the best for us. We are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.”
June 2, 2017
Was really religion based. Some parts resonated with me others did not. But was worth reading.
March 27, 2024
Good book to read for those struggling with infertility and loved ones who may want some guidance on how to provide comfort
July 21, 2025
Life changing, really.
January 3, 2026
Must read!
July 10, 2012
Overall, this book has a lot of great insight and information for infertile women or women who have experienced pregnancy loss. However, I do feel that the author made the ability of the women in the midst of this pain to seek and trust in God seem a lot simpler than it is. Maybe that is because she has children now and does not remember the deep pain felt while still in the trenches fightng infertility. I also didn't like some of the personal opinions that the author expressed regarding assisted reproductive technologies.
I will say this, her final chapters that were for women who go on to have children and for women who are never able to have children were wonderful. She gave great advice for what emotions to expect and how to deal with them once you do become pregnant or adopt after infertility. In her final chapter she defines what it means to be a 'mother' much broader than the world does, and her definition is beautiful.
I will say this, her final chapters that were for women who go on to have children and for women who are never able to have children were wonderful. She gave great advice for what emotions to expect and how to deal with them once you do become pregnant or adopt after infertility. In her final chapter she defines what it means to be a 'mother' much broader than the world does, and her definition is beautiful.
February 20, 2011
This book has been an excellent help to me in working through the grief that is the IF journey. I felt the author didn't try to sugar coat things or give the reader the cheesey "it can happen to you" pat on the back. I related with so much of what she shared. In addition the part for burden bearers (family and friends supporting others through IF) had tons of helpful and practical suggestions on how to walk alongside those struggling through IF. If you struggle with IF I would encourage you to check out the HP site and forums. The support I've found there has been incredible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews