I was so fed up with the main character Claire and the people around her that I almost didn't finish the book. If your wife is so tired that she cannot even walk down a hallway without being carried, wouldn't you have her to the doctor or ER ASAP, no matter what she said? Everyone around Claire coddled her and loved all over her but wouldn't suggest medical help when needed, even her best friend who is an MD! I also got tired of all the visits to the bakery. This just wasn't my kind of book at all. ( )

4.5 stars. ( )

This was a heartfelt book about a couple, Josh and Claire who are going through a rough time in their life. They desperately want to have a family but after coming to terms that this is not to happen they want to move forward. The love and support Josh and Claire give one another during this time in their life is beautiful. Then the unexpected happens and Claire learns she is pregnant. Claire must make a decision on saving her baby or herself. The ending pulls at your heart but the love between Claire and Josh and the support they receive from friends and family during this time is heartwarming. This is the first book I have read from this author. She writes a beautiful story with well-developed characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. ( )

If you could have one wish, what would it be? Some of us would wish for health, happiness, for wealth, or any number of things. For Claire Turner, children's book illustrator, it was to have a child. She longed to be a mother. More than anything in the world, she wished to have a child.

After years of trying, she and her husband, Josh, finally accept the fact that this wish - one they share - will never come true. Heartbroken, lost and in grief, the couple decides to travel to Europe in hopes of coping with the loss of the one thing they'll never have.

Steena Holmes tells the story of this perfect couple as they travel across the ocean to mourn and to heal. Along their travels, they make friends, they work on their stories (books about an adventurous kid named Jack that they co-author) and they find peace and joy in each other.

But then, with a twist of fate and an unexpected surprise, Claire returns home to find out she's pregnant. Elated and shocked, the couple enjoys the first few months of the pregnancy with a joy that only Holmes can describe. Until life unexpectedly steers them in another direction - Claire is sick. She has a brain tumor. And she has to decide whether she wants to seek treatment or have the baby, because it's one or the other. She cannot have both.

Holmes writes with such compassion and love that this book is definitely readable in one sitting. The descriptions of places makes you feel like you're there - you can smell the sweetness of the Belgian waffles and feel the Italian breeze brushing your skin. And she makes you fall in love with the characters and feel every emotion they feel. ( )

I was excited to see one of Steena Holmes’ books is in the Booksparks’ June Summer Reading Challenge. Earlier in the year, I was feeling kind of bad receiving a birthday postcard from the author but have never read any of her books. An author that is willing to show some loves or cares to her readers always win my heart.

Saving Abby is told in three different points of view but mostly in Claire’s. There are several chapters that are told in the memories of Claire’s and Josh’s trip in Europe. I found those chapters not as important, they are kind of like a filler. However, they still fun to read and they are cute little stories.

In a way , I found Claire to be lucky. She has Josh as a husband, Abby as a best friend, Mellie as her Mom and even the whole town who cares for her. No matter what decisions she makes or paths she takes, they support her and love her just the same.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. There were so many different emotions from reading this book. Also, it got me thinking, what if the same situation happens to me.

SPOILER ALERT!!! (minor)
I do wish the book has a different title. It gave too much away and took away the fun of guessing. I like how ending is not like the typical chick-lits. It was so unexpected to me.

4 out of 5 stars
Received a free copy from Booksparks and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )