What do you do when your biggest dream in the world becomes just that–a dream?
Natalie and Jacob have yearned to start a family ever since they were married six years ago. When it’s discovered that one of them is infertile, it not only disrupts their plans for a family but sets them down on a new course–adoption.Our greatest moments of growth do not come in the times that are easy, but in the … come in the times that are easy, but in the times in which we must step out in faith. It’s in these moments that we must learn to no longer rely just on ourselves but on God. These collections of moments are The Tender Years.
more
This is a well written story of the struggles a couple go through when they decide to adopt a child out of foster care. It is very real and does not sugar coat the struggle and process of learning how to love through the difficulties. I cried with Natalie and Jacob as they had to learn how to let go of their own preconceived ideas and learn how to love unconditionally. I cheered at all the little progresses that were made. I would encourage anyone to pick up a copy of this book for a realistic look at the challenges of adopting a child whose early years were traumatic. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I am choosing to freely give my honest opinion of the book.
What a roller coaster of emotions. This is a realistic look at fostering and adopting children. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Yes. Natalie and Jacob had hearts in the right place and were willing to take the time to make a home for Samuel. This is a story worth reading.
Natalie and Jacob have struggled with infertility since they were married. Starting a family was very important to them, and was starting to look like a dream that may not come true. Throughout the book, you see the impact that this challenge has on them, individually, and as a couple. Adoption through a foster program comes into the picture, and it looks like a viable option much sooner for Natalie than for Jacob, based on his past experiences with foster children. Choosing not to have children, this is a subject matter I have no experience with, but T.K. writes characters and storylines that pull you in whether you have experience in that realm or not. While I may not relate to the specific feelings of Natalie and Jacob, I could empathize with the struggles of spouses not being on the same page at the same time. T.K. creates a storyline that envelops the reader and pulls you in. I could certainly relate to friends of ours who went through a similar struggle, and could picture them in the various scenes. No matter the makeup of your personal family, you will become vested in Natalie and Jacob and all the trials they experience on the road to growing their family. You will rejoice when they rejoice, and you will be saddened when they are sad. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All viewpoints expressed are completely my own.
This is a hard review for me to write. This story from T.K. Chapin deals with so many issues that can tear a marriage into shreds. This couple’s love is strained by the inability to have a child, and the stress causes them to be less than the loving couple they were in the past. When they eventually decide to foster a four year old boy who has had a very hard life, the strain increases by leaps and bounds. Their marriage loses their joy and their love appears to be disintegrating. They finally realize they are on a dangerous path and must learn to show their love and respect to one another and to be a team – not sparring partners. It is a hard story to read, but it is a spotlight on how a marriage can either wither with adversity or grow stronger through love – especially when God front and center. I highly recommend it!
Jacob and Natalie’s story is truly amazing. This couple are truly inspirational. Watching them pray together before making a big decision is totally amazing. When Samuel comes into their lives every thing will be completely different. You will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review.
Infertility is not uncommon, and this book addresses some of the issues.
A couple who finds out they are unable to have children of their own, look into foster care, hoping to find someone who they can adopt. They pray over their decisions, and choose the child they want. It isn’t as easy of a transition as they had imagined it would be, and soon find that they are exhausted, and feel torn apart as a couple. Now what? This is a realistic possibility, and the book is well written by author T.K. Chapin. I highly recommend reading the book, and discover for yourself, how it ends!
Jacob and Natalie are married for 6 years. their dream is have children, but… perhaps there are problems?
doctors, nurses, visits in the hospital for both of them. their dream with God help perhaps can be true, in a different way.
nice book, Good centered, easy and fast to read.
This a very emotional story that you won’t be able to put down. It involves the pain, heartache and joy of fostering a child. It is very well written and shows God’s healing touch. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed this story about Natalie & Jacob. I liked that it talked about foster care & how GOD can bring good out of circumstances when we keep Him in the center. I liked how the pastor helped them get back on track. That their love was still there but needed Christ in the center through their difficulties. I liked the advice about how to cope with ADHD without medicine. I rejoiced when Sam was babtized & how Natalie’s best friend was led to Christ through Natalie’s & Jacob’s example. A very inspiring story.
“I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.”