This book is relevant not only to the many hundreds of thousands of people who are involved with adoption in various ways, as well as to their extended family and friends, but will also resonate with those who have no connection with adoption, have experienced pain and loss in their life, and wish to experience acceptance and love.

The Author, Ann James, movingly reveals how she buried her grief and loss within herself when she was unable to give birth to her own children, and how she joyfully adopted a baby son and daughter in 1970 and 1972. Ann’s son decided to search for his birth mother when he was 26 years of age, and the book describes the first memorable meeting of the birth and adoptive parents, and how the genuine mutual respect and friendship of the two families continue to remain constant.

The emotional, psychological and spiritual insights, about the universality of loss and love, and the complexity and inter-connection of human relationships, are explored with great in-depth honesty.

Ann James is a teacher, counselor, and writer. She has given presentations at large Australian Adoption Conferences in Hobart and Adelaide, been interviewed on ABC Life Matters radio, and featured in newspaper articles about her personal experiences with adoption. Since 1997 Ann has run many workshops, given talks, and written articles, for adoption agencies throughout Australia.

So many people have said her life story is inspiring, and has been one of Australia’s catalysts for growth since the secrecy laws around adoption were lifted.

Ann believes that her writing this book is part of her spiritual contract, influencing healing, and promoting inner peace, for herself, and for all who are involved in their human and spiritual journey with adoption.

Her personal affirmation is: “My book radiates love and peace around the world.”

Praise for this book:

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ann’s book, and laughed and cried with her. Congratulations for giving birth to a book about such an amazing journey which is, and will be, an inspiration and education for many.” ( Terry and Barbara Tebo … Authors of Free To Be Me )

“Ann’s book is a vital part of the adoption story. The adoptive parents are often forgotten in the current adoption reunion literature, and she gives them their voice. I found this book very difficult to put down, and as the reader, felt I was able to walk alongside her in her journey.” ( Janet Hengan … Manager of Post Adoption Resource Centre )

“This is a book that offers a map, a compass, a lived example, for working through pain, searching for meaning, and becoming free to be one’s true, whole, and best self. The honesty of her writing is disarming, joyful, and inspiring.” ( Sonali Abeynaike … Manager of CatholicCare Adoption Services)

“There is much to learn from, and appreciate, in Ann’s telling of her journey.” ( Sarah Armstrong ... Adoptee… Long term professional worker in the field of adoption)

“I cannot recall any other book about adoption that is like this one.” ( Gary Coles ... Birth Father … Author of The Invisible Men of Adoption)