Sara Casey Connell and her mother hadn't been particularly close for a long time. But when Connell lost a third pregnancy after years of fertility treatments and one late-term stillbirth of twins, her mother offered to be a surrogate for her child—and Connell and her husband accepted. Two years later, Finnean Lee Connell—a healthy baby boy—was born.Bringing in Finn is the remarkable story of one woman's hard-fought, and often painful, journey to motherhood. In this achingly honest memoir, Connell recounts the tragedy and heartbreak of losing twin sons twenty-seven weeks into pregnancy; the process of opening her heart and mind to the idea of her 61-year-old mother carrying her child for her; and the profound bond that blossomed between the two of them as a result of their unique experience together. Moving, inspiring, and ultimately triumphant, Bringing in Finn is an extraordinary story of despair and hope, forgiveness and redemption, and the discovery that when it comes to unconditional love, there are no limits to what can be achieved.
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"Wow- I read this in a total of two days. I really couldn't put it down. What an incredible true story. There were some things I didn't agree with in it but overall it was very touching and made me bawl like a baby!" — Lindquistheather (4 out of 5 stars)
"Wow- I read this in a total of two days. I really couldn't put it down. What an incredible true story. There were some things I didn't agree with in it but overall it was very touching and made me bawl like a baby!"
“Connell shares the details of the implantation of a fertilized egg into Kristine’s uterus, the carefully monitored pregnancy that occurs on the second implantation attempt, and, ultimately, the birth of Finnean Lee Connell in 2011. This is no spoiler; how Bringing in Finn ends is of less significance than the portrait of the struggle, the hope, and the love the Connell family shares over the course of this amazing story.”
“A life coach by trade, the author tends to emphasize mystical experiences, which are certainly powerful and meaningful…Noteworthy mainly due to the remarkable circumstances of Finn’s birth.”
“Sara Connell burns through abstract questions about the ethics and limits of medicalized fertility and gets to the heart of things. The result is a powerful testament to the depth and complexity of mother love.”
“Bringing in Finn is a must-read for anyone who is in any stage of yearning—for a child, for a mother, for a family, for faith. This is a story for anyone with an unfulfilled longing or desire.”
“This is an amazing journey, beautifully shared. It calls us to celebrate what matters most, persevere in times of despair, and know the truth that love always prevails.”
“Be prepared to be blown away. Bringing in Finn is about a family so determined to bring a baby into the world that they push every convention possible and succeed in making a miracle.”
“Sara Connell’s journey to motherhood is a modern miracle. Her lyrical book chronicles an adventure that leads us into uncharted territory. Connell reaches deep into her heart to write about the desire for children, the sacred trust of marriage, the enduring bonds between mothers and daughters, and the sustaining power of hope. I couldn’t put it down.”
" When I read this book, I was taken aback completely. Not only did the story fill my heart, but the style of delivery was smooth and even paced. By far one of my favorite stories; a real treat! "
" It was ok. A little too new-age but her relationship with her mom was interesting. "
" I rolled my eyes a lot but at the same time this story is incredibly compelling. I truly sympathize with her sorrows and admire both her and her mother's braveries. "
" This was a really touching story and one that I think almost all women can relate to on some level. We read this for book club and the discussion was probably what made this a 4 star book for me. "
" Nice read. Don't start if trying, currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or hormonal. It will do you in. "
" An interesting story of a woman whose mother serves as her surogate. Detailed description of all the infertility treatments and final decision to use a surogate. Unfortunately, lots of a little bizarre new age philosophy thrown in. "
" I like it. Since my daughter faced similiar circumstances the book was interesting to me. "
" Loved this book. I was amazed both with what could be accomplished when you put your mind to it and also with the willingness to help her daughter out in this situation. "
" Wow is all I can say... This had me in tears and LOL... amazing birthing story. "
Sara Connell is an author, speaker, and life coach who specializes in women’s health and empowerment. In 2009 she began hosting an Internet radio show, Being Woman: A Journey and Experience, which airs monthly. She has appeared frequently in the media, including as a regular sexuality/relationship/lifestyle expert for Fox News Chicago. Connell currently lives in Chicago, where she has a private women’s practice, teaches classes and workshops, and leads retreats both locally and around the world.
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