Genre:  Christian Fiction

Published by Sheaf House
ISBN:  978-0-9797485-9-2
348 pages

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Jonica is infertile. Stacie chooses an abortion. One is prolife the other prochoice. Both are suddenly alone in misunderstanding, facing hypocrisies in their belief systems, and grieving – one the death of a dream and the other the death of her child. As their hearts break where in the world will they find healing and grace?  Can shattered dreams be part of the plan?

My Thoughts

Before I even start, please note that this book is Christian Fiction, thus it is very heavily laced with discussions and conversations with God and does document Scripture.  My review also discusses God and my own personal situation.

I am going to write this review a bit differently than I normally do.  I am going to speak from my heart and discuss my personal life.  I do apologize in advance if anyone is offended, but this book touched me in a way that no other book has!  This book affected me deeply and profoundly and has truly changed my outlook on life.  Pretty crazy for a book, huh?

When I was 24, I was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure.  Basically, I was told that I have less than a 10 percent chance of ever having a child of my own.  It was utterly devastating to hear news like that at such a young age.  Over the last 8 years, I have been battling my infertility, upset at God, and blaming myself.  Also during that time, I seemed to have strayed from my Catholic roots.

What are my choices?  Egg donation or adoption.  Lately, I have been in a funk even more so than normal, trying to figure out what is best for me and my husband.  I’m not getting any younger (as my doctor pointed out at my last visit), so if I want to try egg donation, I better hurry up and start!  Talk about pressure!  After many discussions, DH and I decided not to go that route, although it hasn’t stopped me from constantly wondering if that’s the right choice. 

When I saw that this book would be a Virtual Book Tour, I was intrigued and signed up.  Immediately upon reading the last page, I closed the cover and promptly started sobbing uncontrollably.  Ms. DeKok’s book has finally allowed me to accept that God isn’t punishing me.  God does have a plan for me and I must trust in Him.  I truly believe that God brought this book to me during one of my darker times as a sign that He loves me and is not punishing me.  It feels amazing to let that burden go.

Jonica and Stacie are two strong female characters who form a strong friendship and grow together in God’s love.  Jonica is a devout Christian who is unable to have children; Stacie is an atheist who used her legal right to have an abortion, but immediately regrets that choice.  This book follows Jonica and Stacie through their ups and downs, told in their alternating voices.  Some parts do get a bit repetitive as the POV will change from Jonica to Stacie and events will be restated from the other’s POV.  It’s a minor annoyance and did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.  I also really liked the side plot with Stacie’s parents, especially her mother, Eve, who battles her own demons. 

This is a powerful story and I encourage any woman battling infertility or Post Abortion Syndrome to read this book.  I hope it changes your outlook on life as it has done to mine.  I encourage you to email me if you would like to have a private discussion.

Intrigued?  Want a copy of the book for yourself?  See below for the awesome giveaway!

Check out the book trailer for Rain Dance!

About the Author

Joy DeKok and her husband, Jon, live in Minnesota on thirty-five acres of woods and fields. Joy has been writing most of her life and as a popular speaker shares her heart and passion for God with women. In addition to writing novels, she has also published a devotional and several children’s books.

Would you like to win a copy of this amazing, inspirational book?  You MUST be a follower of this blog to enter!  You can subscribe through Google Friend Connect or my email updates!  Once you do that, please fill out the following form, powered by Contestmachine.com.

I have one copy to giveaway to USA or Canada residents only!  The contest will run from 12/16/09 through 1/6/10.

Thank you for allowing me to share my personal struggle with all of you!