Hope Amidst Tears – My Journey to Motherhood by Itunu Victor-Saleh
Book Details
Author: Itunu Victor-Saleh
Available Formats: Kindle (included with Kindle Unlimited), Paperback
Year of Publication: 2023
Genre: Autobiography/Self-Help
Notable Quote: “I can still remember a nurse giving my fiancé and me a bombastic side eye when we visited a health clinic for family planning. Why?” (Hope Amidst Tears – My Journey to Motherhood, p. 8 Kindle Edition)
Book Review
Introduction: Hope Amidst Tears – My Journey to Motherhood
Africans, by nature, are genuinely hopeful people. I love that about us because we exhibit Black Joy in profound ways! I felt a mixture of emotions while reading Hope Amidst Tears – My Journey to Motherhood—happiness, sorrow, admiration, and deep empathy. Itunu Victor-Saleh’s journey is marked by numerous obstacles, yet filled with unwavering faith and hope, which makes this book truly inspiring.
I have known Itunu and her husband through church, where I always admired their beautifully coordinated African outfits. Their presence as a young, loving African couple was heartwarming. My admiration grew further when I got to know Itunu personally through a social group for moms and their children, where we would gather to eat, play, and pray together. I remember asking her once if she had any children, not realising the immense journey she was on.
Summary of Hope Amidst Tears – My Journey to Motherhood
In this semi-autobiographical work, Itunu Victor-Saleh shares her deeply personal and emotional journey to motherhood. She narrates her struggles with conception, including the heartbreak of an ectopic pregnancy that led to the loss of her first pregnancy and one of her fallopian tubes.
Despite the emotional and physical pain, she continued to hold onto hope, even as she faced further medical challenges that complicated her path to motherhood. Through her story, she highlights how faith wavered during moments of despair but ultimately grew stronger with each trial. Her resilience shines through in her unwavering belief in God’s timing, even when it seemed uncertain.
The book takes readers through the many highs and lows of her experience—medical diagnoses, hospital visits, and emotional setbacks—all while she clung to faith. At several points, I found myself moved to tears, rooting for her. Will she carry this pregnancy to term and welcome her first child into the world? To find out, you’ll have to pick up Hope Amidst Tears – My Journey to Motherhood.
What I Loved About Hope Amidst Tears – My Journey to Motherhood
- A Beautiful Love Story
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a sucker for love, and I absolutely loved that this book began with Itunu and her husband’s love story. Their journey together reaffirmed the saying: “When you know, you know.” - Inspirational Quotes and Bible Verses
The book is filled with meaningful quotations, particularly from the Bible. One verse that stood out to me was:
“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” (Proverbs 24:10, KJV).
I had never come across this verse before, but I am grateful to have discovered it through this book—it is now one of my favorites. - Honest and Raw Reflections
I appreciated the vulnerability Itunu displayed in recounting her struggles. Her initial battle with faith after her ectopic pregnancy was deeply moving. The way she candidly shared her struggles in waiting for God’s timing and how she eventually reclaimed her faith made this book an incredibly powerful read.
What I Wanted More Of
- Clarifications on Medical Terminology
While the book does a fantastic job of sharing Itunu’s journey, I would have appreciated short explanations of some medical terms, similar to how she described gestational diabetes. Terms like human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels (p. 13) and pseudocyesis (p. 15) could have been briefly explained for readers unfamiliar with medical jargon.
Recommendation: Hope Amidst Tears – My Journey to Motherhood
I highly recommend Hope Amidst Tears – My Journey to Motherhood to all readers, but especially to women struggling with conception. This book may offer comfort, inspiration, and hope. It is a short yet deeply impactful read, divided into 10 accessible sections. It is easy to read, affordable, and, most importantly, filled with faith, resilience, and the power of hope.
Final Thoughts
Hope Amidst Tears – My Journey to Motherhood is an inspiring read that showcases the power of faith in the face of adversity. Whether you are on a similar journey or simply want to understand and empathise with those who struggle with conception, this book will touch your heart.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt and faith-filled story, Hope Amidst Tears – My Journey to Motherhood is a must-read!
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