The sensitivity with which Handford writes this story is amazing. The key character is complex and consumed with wanting a family but cannot get pregnant. While she has a wonderful marriage and a great sister whose daughter she cherishes, she feels that her life is incomplete and dismal without children of her own. Having lost her mother to ovarian cancer after her father abandoned the family, she is still grieving. Perhaps, she feels, this is her due. As the tale unfolds memories surface to help us understand Helen and the way that she views life. Is adoption an option or not? She says no. Her husband says yes. As the story moves to its end, she faces more crises and must meet them without the help of the sister who raised her when their mother died. I liked it very much. I was particularly drawn to the infertility portion of the story since that was something I could relate to. I think the author did a pretty job job of conveying the emotional aspects and the process that many couples go through. The research greatly failed when it came to the pregnancy part...no doctor does an abdominal u/s and 10 days post IVF transfer and sees/hears a heartbeat. I can almost forgive that. The story seemed to drag at times. I was also greatly annoyed at the other big storyline that was present here involving the main character's sister.
I loved it. The characters were believable and it was well written
—Lisa
Great book, heartache, hope and redemption all in one book.
—ary
Grab a box of tissue and put the book down if you can!!!
—lins
9/22/12
—tab
