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Review: Cradled in Hope

Cradled in Hope book cover on blue background

When one of my friends first experienced a miscarriage, I was at a loss as to what to do and how best to support her. In hindsight, I wish I had looked up books tackling this topic as it would have been such a gift to share some words of comfort. Thankfully, Cradled in Hope: Trusting Jesus to Heal Your Heart as He Holds Your Baby in Heaven—A Biblical Guide for Grieving Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss by Ashley Opliger, founder of Bridget's Cradles, provides just that—a biblical resource that offers love and care when parents are facing the loss of a baby.

Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

A mother's heart is shattered and forever changed when she loses a precious baby. The sorrow runs deep, the questions feel unanswerable, and the emptiness is overwhelming. Cradled in Hope is a Christ-centered book for grieving moms that offers real comfort, biblical truth, and compassionate guidance through the heartbreak of pregnancy and infant loss.

Ashley Opliger, host of the Cradled in Hope podcast, understands this pain intimately. When her daughter, Bridget, was born into Heaven at 24 weeks, Ashley wrestled with sadness, anger, and profound questions about God's goodness. But in the midst of her grief, she uncovered a tender truth: Jesus not only cradles our babies in Heaven—He also holds and heals our broken hearts here on earth. Ashley then founded Bridget's Cradles in her daughter's memory, a national nonprofit that donates knit and crocheted cradles to hospitals in all 50 states to lovingly hold stillborn babies. The ministry now comforts thousands of grieving families through these cradles, support groups, remembrance events, and online hope-filled resources. Through this calling, Ashley has witnessed firsthand how God brings beauty from brokenness and purpose from even the deepest pain.

With grace and vulnerability, Ashley guides heartbroken moms on a journey to trust Him to heal their hearts, restore their joy, and use their grief for good. Through raw honesty, heartfelt prayers, and Scripture-based encouragement, Cradled in Hope creates a sacred space for grieving moms to cry, ask why, feel the weight of their sadness, and begin to heal—not alone, but alongside Ashley, the Bridget's Cradles community, and the comforting presence of Jesus. If your arms feel painfully empty, Cradled in Hope will draw you to the embrace of Jesus—and remind you that through faith in Him, you'll spend eternity with your baby in Heaven.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Though I hadn't heard of the Bridget's Cradles ministry prior to reading this book, I am so grateful to learn about the impact that it has had on countless families across America after the author, Ashley Opliger, experienced the tragic loss of her daughter at twenty-four weeks. I appreciate that this book is written from a biblical perspective that seeks to console and counsel grieving mothers. Hearing Ashley's story, along with accounts from other moms who have lost their child or children, reminds us that these are stories that need to be told more often in our churches. In raising awareness about pregnancy and infant loss by offering families a tangible way to grieve through handmade cradles, this book and ministry are making a difference for those who may not feel seen by other Christians or by their churches.

As a result, Cradled in Hope is both a powerful aid and a meaningful story of God at work in the midst of our despair. I love that this book is practical, clear in its references to the Bible, helpful through the usage of charts and diagrams, and worshipful in offering up heartfelt prayers for families to draw closer to God. This is likely the first book I've read on this topic that also delves into biblical prophecy and what it can mean as we process the emotions of grief and loss. Readers looking for a comprehensive resource that will walk them through pregnancy and infant loss on earth while continually pointing to a loving Father in heaven will glean much hope and comfort in this book, making it a special gift to receive and to give to others.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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