Get to know Leah’s story

It was the year that changed everything. 

When a pregnancy test turns up positive, Leah has some tough decisions to make. At just sixteen, what will she do? 

Wrestling with her options for months, she then discovers open adoption: welcoming her daughter into the world while maintaining a connection with her daughter and the adoptive family after the placement. As her heart softens to the sacrifice she knows she needs to make in hopes to better her baby’s life, her life begins to shift too. She finally feels at peace with her decision, but can she trust strangers to uphold their promises?

Leah pulls you into her story as she shares her heart. Vulnerable and tender, The Sixteenth Year offers a raw look into her story, not only through pregnancy and adoption but as a testimony of how God has used broken pieces of her life to heal and grow. From pre-pregnancy to life today and her bond with her teenage daughter, you’ll be inspired by her steps of faith, the grace discovered within her journey, and a transformational approach to adoption.

What People Are Saying

“The story is told with so much optimism and love yet does not shy away from the real pain and grief that a birth mom goes through and continues to experience over the years.” -Linda

“A MUST READ for anyone connected to adoption - adoptee, birth mom, or those who work with or are related to them.” -Crystal

“This is a gorgeously written testimony to the power of love. The author's voice is honest and her insights are powerful. Truly a beautiful picture of grace and the extraordinary enrichment an open adoption brought to so many lives. I found it so compelling, I read it in one sitting.” -CK

“I would especially encourage prospective adoptive parents, those supporting expectant mothers making adoption plans, and folks in ministry to give it a read.” -K. Henry

Have a book club?

Download questions to discuss after reading The Sixteenth Year and invite Leah to a Q&A virtually!

Beyond book clubs, these questions can be used for adoption agencies doing ongoing education, podcast discussions, and more

Flourishing Hope

New Devotional

Written by two moms who have experienced unplanned pregnancies, this book is the one we wished we had (and we've heard many moms say the same!). There hasn’t been a devotional for expectant moms facing unexpected pregnancy

- so we have created that!

  • Anyone!

    • If you love inspiring stories of faith

    • If you are curious about open adoption

    • If you are adopting or in the process

    • If you work in the church or another ministry

    • If you are an adoption professional or counselor

    • If you just love to read

  • In short: pregnant moms who have found themselves in an unplanned pregnancy.

    Katie and I dream of having Flourishing Hope in the hands of pregnant moms, just like we once were, needing some hope in unexpected places. We dream of this book being available in:

    • Pregnancy centers

    • Maternity homes

    • Churches

    • Adoption agencies

    • Any nonprofit that works with expecting moms

    • Families supporting teen/young moms

    • Anywhere hope is needed!

  • YES! Bulk orders are available on my publisher's website. This is a great option for churches, pregnancy centers, adoption agencies, and bookstores.

    "The Sixteenth Year" is available for wholesale here.

    "Flourishing Hope" is coming soon!

  • I would LOVE to! Please use the contact form to share more information with me and to set a date for a virtual Q&A with me.

  • Thank you for wanting to support my writing! They are available in a few places:

  • Yes! Visit my shop to order a signed copy here on my website.

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