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akschafer's review against another edition
4.0
I was attracted to this book because of my slight obsession with pregnancy, birth, and infertility. Having struggled with infertility, myself, I found Hannah’s story to be extremely accurate, raw, and honest. I wish every person who ever said “so when are you going to have a baby?” to me could read this to have a much deeper understanding of how it feels to have your body “fail” you in such a profound way. I also found Kate to be very relatable and instantly liked her character. There were some small, rather insignificant continuity errors that bugged me, but overall this was an enjoyable (albeit emotional) read. Grab your tissues before you get to the last 30 pages!!
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
This book ripped my heart out - I had tears running down my face for pretty much the entire second half, although the first half had a lot of heartbreak as well.......friendship, marriage, infertility, surrogacy, life and death decisions ~ this book has ALL of it. And it's written in Karma Brown's won't-let-you-go style that has me anticipating her next book just that much more! Her first book is still fresh in my brain, and this one won't be letting go of me anytime soon. Required reading for fans of women's emotional fiction.
spitzmama33's review against another edition
4.0
Ended with lots of tears! Thought it started off very interesting and pulled me in, I feel like the story overall was kind of slow? But good. And heart wrenching in many ways! I enjoyed the ending though it was sad, it was also good.
aliyah_lingo's review against another edition
4.0
⭐️ BOOK REVIEW ⭐️
First off, this book has a perfect cover for spring
First off, this book has a perfect cover for spring
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
The Choices We Make by Karma Brown is an emotionally compelling and deeply poignant novel about friendship and motherhood.
Hannah and Ben Matthews have been dealing with infertility for six long years. With a series of failed procedures and heartbreaking miscarriages behind them, they are nonetheless stunned by the news that Hannah will most likely never sustain a pregnancy. Not ready to give up their dream of having a baby, Hannah suggests a surrogate but Ben would rather look into adoption. Much to their surprise, Hannah's best friend, Kate Cabot, volunteers to not only carry a baby for them but also use her eggs. Hannah and Ben eagerly accept her generous offer but their excitement over the impending birth is shattered by an unexpected tragedy.
Hannah is an extremely sympathetic character whose struggle with infertility is absolutely heartbreaking. Emotionally and physically exhausted by various treatments and negative pregnancy tests, it is still difficult for her to give up on having a child. While the quest for parenthood has taken a bit of a toll on her marriage, she and Ben still remain close and committed to becoming parents. However, she is vehemently opposed to adoption but she cannot bring herself to discuss her fears with Ben so she dismisses the option outright without fully explaining her reasons. Instead she continues researching surrogacy despite Ben's reluctance to go that route. Since she cannot discuss the topic with Ben, she turns to Kate for support. Kate tries to dissuade her from going any further with her plans but will Hannah's need for a baby lead her to make a decision she will come to regret?
Happily married to her paramedic husband David, Kate is a stay at home mom to their two daughters. The two couples are best of friends so she is absolutely shocked by David's initial reaction to her suggestion to become a surrogate for Hannah and Ben. She is even more surprised by Hannah's hesitance to consider using her as surrogate but once the Matthews are out of options, David reconsiders his decision. With David now completely on board, Kate once again offers to be their surrogate using her eggs and she is soon pregnant. While the pregnancy is mostly trouble free, there are a few unexpected hiccups that make both couples realize how fragile happiness can be.
Hannah's struggle to become pregnant is realistically portrayed. The emotional impact of her infertility is almost overwhelming as she is confronted by pregnant women and babies everywhere she turns. An unexpected pregnancy close to home is especially devastating and her happiness over the news is tempered by her envy. Although Ben never blames her for their childless state, Hannah carries a lot of guilt and shame over her inability to conceive. There is a bit of a disconnect between them since she is convinced their infertility affects her the most since she is the one who cannot get pregnant. Hannah is sometimes self-absorbed and she occasionally puts her needs and desires ahead of everyone else's. This is especially frustrating when tragedy strikes and while some of her actions and feelings are understandable, she is insensitive instead of supportive and some of her decisions are absolutely jaw-dropping and nearly impossible to comprehend.
The Choices We Make is a truly captivating novel that delves into emotionally fraught and morally subjective topics. Karma Brown presents these difficult issues with a great deal of sensitivity in a realistic and forthright manner. The characters are sympathetic and likable but when faced with a heart wrenching decision, a cherished friendship is nearly destroyed after sides are taken and harsh words are spoken. This touching story of friendship balances joy with sorrow as it culminates with an intensely emotional conclusion that will bring readers to tears.
The Choices We Make by Karma Brown is an emotionally compelling and deeply poignant novel about friendship and motherhood.
Hannah and Ben Matthews have been dealing with infertility for six long years. With a series of failed procedures and heartbreaking miscarriages behind them, they are nonetheless stunned by the news that Hannah will most likely never sustain a pregnancy. Not ready to give up their dream of having a baby, Hannah suggests a surrogate but Ben would rather look into adoption. Much to their surprise, Hannah's best friend, Kate Cabot, volunteers to not only carry a baby for them but also use her eggs. Hannah and Ben eagerly accept her generous offer but their excitement over the impending birth is shattered by an unexpected tragedy.
Hannah is an extremely sympathetic character whose struggle with infertility is absolutely heartbreaking. Emotionally and physically exhausted by various treatments and negative pregnancy tests, it is still difficult for her to give up on having a child. While the quest for parenthood has taken a bit of a toll on her marriage, she and Ben still remain close and committed to becoming parents. However, she is vehemently opposed to adoption but she cannot bring herself to discuss her fears with Ben so she dismisses the option outright without fully explaining her reasons. Instead she continues researching surrogacy despite Ben's reluctance to go that route. Since she cannot discuss the topic with Ben, she turns to Kate for support. Kate tries to dissuade her from going any further with her plans but will Hannah's need for a baby lead her to make a decision she will come to regret?
Happily married to her paramedic husband David, Kate is a stay at home mom to their two daughters. The two couples are best of friends so she is absolutely shocked by David's initial reaction to her suggestion to become a surrogate for Hannah and Ben. She is even more surprised by Hannah's hesitance to consider using her as surrogate but once the Matthews are out of options, David reconsiders his decision. With David now completely on board, Kate once again offers to be their surrogate using her eggs and she is soon pregnant. While the pregnancy is mostly trouble free, there are a few unexpected hiccups that make both couples realize how fragile happiness can be.
Hannah's struggle to become pregnant is realistically portrayed. The emotional impact of her infertility is almost overwhelming as she is confronted by pregnant women and babies everywhere she turns. An unexpected pregnancy close to home is especially devastating and her happiness over the news is tempered by her envy. Although Ben never blames her for their childless state, Hannah carries a lot of guilt and shame over her inability to conceive. There is a bit of a disconnect between them since she is convinced their infertility affects her the most since she is the one who cannot get pregnant. Hannah is sometimes self-absorbed and she occasionally puts her needs and desires ahead of everyone else's. This is especially frustrating when tragedy strikes and while some of her actions and feelings are understandable, she is insensitive instead of supportive and some of her decisions are absolutely jaw-dropping and nearly impossible to comprehend.
The Choices We Make is a truly captivating novel that delves into emotionally fraught and morally subjective topics. Karma Brown presents these difficult issues with a great deal of sensitivity in a realistic and forthright manner. The characters are sympathetic and likable but when faced with a heart wrenching decision, a cherished friendship is nearly destroyed after sides are taken and harsh words are spoken. This touching story of friendship balances joy with sorrow as it culminates with an intensely emotional conclusion that will bring readers to tears.
hannbrynn's review against another edition
3.0
I read this like 6 years ago and I don’t remember that much about it but I do remember crying. A lot. So do with that what you will.
labonneville's review against another edition
4.0
Wow! What emotions in this book about Hannah and Kate. The story, about motherhood and relationships is really well written.
dilldaise's review against another edition
5.0
5 STARS!
I cried the last 10 chapters or so. Such a good story!
I cried the last 10 chapters or so. Such a good story!
cjsjellybean's review against another edition
4.0
The Choices We Make had me sucked in from the very first page. I could not put this one down! We have not dealt with surrogacy, however, we did experience unexplained infertility when trying to get pregnant with our oldest daughter so many of Hannah's feelings hit very closet to home for me. I'm not afraid to admit that I shed A LOT of tears while reading this. I wanted so badly for Hannah to be a mother and was rooting for her all along. I was a little turned off by Ben's character because I wanted him to be a lot more supportive of Hannah though I could totally see my husband acting that way too. Overall it was a great quick read and I'm eager to check out more books by Karma Brown.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
shanonkluttz's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the premise of this story, but the middle of the book was a bit boring and slow. I felt like I knew the characters well enough after the first few pages and then it was nearly 2/3 through the book before any real action happened. Once it picked up, I was hooked again.