Guest Author - Krissi Danielsson

Every now and then I like to post reviews of the recent books out there about miscarriages. With the availability of new print-on-demand publishing options, it's easier and easier for writers to get the word out there about the experience of pregnancy loss.

One interesting book I had the opportunity to review lately is Holding On To Faith by Audrey McDonald Carney, a very short but poignant book that recounts the experiences of Carney herself and her husband in their attempt to start their family.

Carney's story is one of multiple losses; five pregnancies in seven years, of which two were miscarriages, one was a tubal pregnancy, and the other two resulted in living babies. As most of us are after any encounter with miscarriages, Carney was understandably devastated by her experience. In this book, she recounts the tale from some words about her dream of her family and then she shares the story of each of her pregnancies with enough detail that the reader can share in what she's feeling at every step of the way, and she concludes with some words of hope after the tale of how her fifth pregnancy finally brought her another child after her previous two consecutive miscarriages. (She had a living child with her second pregnancy of the five also).

For women who've had losses, sometimes success stories can bring a great deal of hope. And sometimes it's just good to know that you're not the only one who feels the way you do. Carney's story is probably an inspirational read for these readers and would make an excellent gift for someone experiencing multiple miscarriages, bringing a reminder that you're not alone and should never let go of hope.

But it is, perhaps, a bit on the short side. The one nitpick I could think of was that this concept might be better as a collection of multiple families' stories rather than Carney's story alone -- if nothing else, for breadth of a variety of experiences. Or if she had shared some more prescriptive tips for how to cope with the experience, perhaps as a standalone chapter, drawing on her experience as a mental health counselor.

But then again, sometimes sharing a story is better than giving advice, especially when no one's experience is the same. Regardless, this little book is a pretty good, quick read for anyone needing a little inspiration...and perhaps is as good for friends and loved ones and healthcare practitioners to read as a window into the psyche of pregnancy loss.