Violets Blooming in a Late Spring Snow: A Birthmother Reflects on Adoption

Rating:
Summary: Tears of understanding
Review: I work with hopeful adoptive couples, so I ordered this book for them. Unbeknown to many of them,I am also a birth grandmother. The book was a delightful read that brought tears of joy, and sorrow, to my eyes. I want to send a special copy to my daughter (the birth mother), the adoptive parents of her child, as well as to my mother, because I think it's a book we can all relate to as a way of understanding what we've gone through these past 7 months. We have an "open adoption" so can see/write/talk to each other whenever we want. It's amazing to even imagine what it would have been like 20 or 30 years ago; we have much to be thankful for. But that doesn't take away from the losses that everyone brings to the adoptive table. Everything about the book was enjoyable--even the cover of the book, a soft pastel/water color print of violets, was pleasing to look at. And I loved all the quotes from those great songs of the 60's and 70's (with a few earlier ones thrown in)!

Rating:
Summary: An inspiring, beautifully written true life story.
Review: This true life story about a young woman who faced a life-giving decision (all alone) has made a great impact upon many readers. I know, because I have given several copies of "Violets" to friends. Beautifully written, Jacqueline Ramthun allows the reader into her very soul. Her recall of simple, yet difficult memories are woven throughout her story. Readers will share along with the author, the feelings this young woman felt along her decision-making path. I would describe this book as inspirational and hope giving for a world filled with so much tradegy and despair. The author's choice at a time so filled with remorse and sorrow is rewarded with love and new lives, she could not imagine. I highly recommend this book for both young men and women, parents and grandparents. It will leave you feeling better about the gift of life.