Saved by Hope is one of the most touching memoirs I have ever read, and I have read a great many memoirs on all subjects, except this one: fertility. Thanks to Jenny Lowe’s selflessness and courage in sharing the pain and heartaches she and her wonderful husband James experienced, I now have a much greater understanding of the complex issues involved in trying to have a baby, and how, for too many couples today, becoming parents is exceptionally difficult, and even worse, frightfully expensive. In Jenny’s case, the primary reason for her inability to conceive rested with her, but Jenny and James loved each other and wanted a baby so much that they worked together to make their dream a reality. After several failed attempts at IUI, they moved on to IVF. They were overjoyed when the IVF resulted in “EmbryLowe”, the loving nickname they gave their fertilized embryo. But just as they prepared for implantation, an ultrasound brought their plans to a heartbreaking halt. The decision Jenny had to make next is one that no woman hoping to conceive would want. After that, it was many months before they could resume their attempts to have a child of their own. Yet, they never stopped hoping. And when little Hope entered their world, she was more than a beautiful newborn: she saved the lives of two women. How did a baby do that? You have to read Saved by Hope to find out.

For a memoir to be truly successful and meaningful, it needs to speak to those who can identify with the struggles faced by the writer. Given the statistics surrounding fertility issues today, Jenny Lowe has a huge readership. Furthermore, she keeps her readers involved in her memoir by more than the subject. Despite the incredible hardships Jenny endures, she is at times downright funny in her willingness to be open and honest. That’s just as well because the sad times will bring you to tears. Her style is simple, straightforward, conversational, and very easy to read. Before I started reading Saved by Hope, I visited Jenny’s website. I encourage interested readers to do the same before or after they read the book. There you will find a wonderful collection of photos that capture her and James’ journey to parenthood. Like the book, Jenny’s website is inspiring and will give others struggling with infertility the hope and belief that miracles can happen.

What would be your reaction if, after living a fit and healthy life in your youth, doing everything to stay out of trouble and now that you are happily married and preparing for a child, the doctors tell you that conception may be a near impossibility? This was the scenario Jenny Lowe had to deal with when she discovered her dream of carrying a baby to term would only come at a painful price. She went through the inconvenience of dealing with HPV, bouts of unimaginably uncomfortable fertility procedures, as well as debilitating cancer that very nearly took her life, and the effects of COVID just so she could have a baby. Saved By Hope is a survivor's account of her climb out of the abyss during those dark days.

Jenny Lowe's heart-wrenching story is laden with emotion. She tells her story in such an inclusive manner that you can't help identifying with her. This is an experience that used to be an almost exclusive preserve of women but the attention to detail that goes into this book sheds a beam of light on the process of childbearing to which most men are generally oblivious. I am particularly pleased by her acknowledgment of her husband's supportive role all through this and the process of resolution of the questions concerning his lineage is quite an eye-opener. Saved By Hope is an inspirational book I would encourage everyone to read, a lovely piece of work with a moral for everyone in it, showing that where there is a will there will always be a way.