Infertility books speak to a woman’s heart like nothing else. I would dare to say that every woman battling infertility feels isolated when she first discovers that babies aren’t coming according to plan. She looks around her workplace, at her circle of friends, or at Target or church, and sees pregnant women or mamas of newborns EVERYWHERE. If you’re anything like me, you think, “I’m the only one who can’t get pregnant!” And you begin to Google, finding articles and books to help you cope… and hopefully, what you read will provide you information on how to get pregnant. I’ve tried a lot of home remedies (thanks, Dr. Google!), I’ve read a lot of hope-filled books that have encouraged me, and I’ve sought medical intervention from fertility specialists, and I’m still waiting.

However, reading the stories and hearing the hearts of other women facing infertility makes me realize that I am not alone. After reading another woman’s story, often I say, “If God can do it for her, He can do it for me!”

This is not an exclusive list of the best infertility books out there, but it’s a list of the books I’ve read during our past 6+ years of infertility. Not all of these writers share my faith or my worldview, so just because I’m recommending a book doesn’t mean I’m backing every idea expressed within. However, each of these books has impacted me for the better during my infertility journey.

Faith-Based Books:

Far as the Curse is Found: Searching for God in Infertility, Miscarriage, and Stillbirth by Abigail Waldron – Very thought-provoking! Read my review here.

When God Doesn’t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can’t Live Without by Laura Story – Although this book isn’t exclusively about infertility, the author knows the struggle. Read my review here.

Every Bitter Thing is Sweet: Tasting the Goodness of God in All Things by Sara Hagerty – A classic, must-read infertility book! Read my review here.

In Due Time: Hope and Encouragement in the Waiting by Caroline Harries –  This infertility devotional has encouraged many! Read my review here.

Nothing to Hold but Hope: One Woman’s Journey Through Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infertility by Jennifer Kostick – (Warning: a bit of a spoiler here) I really appreciated her perspective on attempting IVF. After many struggles building her family, Jennifer heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit telling her that she would have another baby, and it would happen through IVF. Many Christian women wrestle with decisions surrounding fertility treatment, and Jennifer’s story offered a wonderful perspective.

I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy by Angie Smith – I remember reading this book one weekend while soaking my pillow with tears. Not specifically an infertility story, I believe that this book would help anyone grieving the loss of a stillborn baby. The author and her husband were told that their baby in the womb was not compatible with life. This beautiful memoir tells the story of their daughter’s beautiful, brief life.

Finding Grace: A True Story About Losing Your Way in Life and Finding it Again by Donna VanLiere – This was one of the first infertility-related memoirs I discovered. Reading it helped fuel my desire to write my own. Read my review here.

When Infertility Books Are Not Enough: Embracing Hope During Infertility by Betsy Herman – yes, I’m mentioning this book because it’s my very own story! I wrote Embracing Hope in 2014, published it in January 2015, and continue to stand in faith today. This book is different from many other infertility books because it’s written from the perspective of still experiencing infertility, while waiting for God to make me a mom. I felt strongly compelled by Him to publish my story even before He answered “Yes” to our prayers. You can order your copy from Amazon or another online book retailer.

More Memoirs:

Ever Upward: Overcoming the Lifelong Losses of Infertility to Define Your Own Happy Ending by Justine Brooks Froelker – A thought-provoking book! Read my review here.

In Due Time: A Journey Through Infertility, Loss, and Embracing the Unknown by Jen Noonan – This memoir was exceptionally well-written. Read my review here.

Practical Books:

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler is a book that every woman should read! I read it long before my fertility was a concern. I found this book to be very helpful in understanding my monthly cycles and my reproductive system. I can’t say enough good things about it! This website is loaded with resources: www.tcoyf.com/.

The Impatient Woman’s Guide to Getting Pregnant by Jean M. Twenge Ph.D. – Of all the fertility books I have read, this one is the most straightforward, concise, and interesting. She gives a very helpful overview of infertility, including what our options are. I appreciate her lighthearted humor and her focus on natural ways to boost fertility. If I were to recommend one starting point for books on this topic, this is it!

These Have Caught My Eye, Although I Haven’t Read Them Yet:

31 Days of Prayer During Infertility by Lisa Newton – I’ve read a lot of Lisa’s blog posts and I’m certain this is an excellent prayer/devotional resource!

Pain Redeemed: When Our Deepest Sorrows Meet God and Counting Grains of Sand: Learning to Delight in a Promise-Making God by Natasha Metzler – both of these books are on my to-read list… hopefully soon!

God’s Plan for Pregnancy: From Conception to Childbirth and Beyond by Nerida Walker

Hannah’s Hope: Seeking God’s Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage, and Adoption Loss by Jennifer Saake

Hi, I’m Betsy, and I live in the Washington, D.C. area with my husband, Mike. We have been married since 2008. We enjoy exploring new cities together on foot, eating at our favorite Italian restaurants, and doing life as a team.

I published my first book Embracing Hope During Infertility in January 2015, and my second Seasons: A Picture Book was published in November 2016. Although this book is intended for children, if you’re still in a barren season like I am, I think that Seasons will encourage you with a glimpse of God’s goodness.  

I would love for you to connect with me by following my Hope During Infertility Facebook page and my Betsy Herman, Writer Facebook page. I occasionally tweet as well.

Thanks so much for reading my posts!