When that began to look too complicated legally and also too expensive, I launched us into adoption, not taking a breath. I understood looking at her how important the routine must be and how vital it was that she had her familiar sheets and teddies around her. As someone who has gone through 5 rounds of IVF and had two miscarriages, this book resonated deeply with me. Lisa's first book was published in 2012 and was a Sunday Times bestseller, and she has subsequently written 3 other cookery books.

That first day we took her to the park and played on the swings, we fed the ducks and then came home and played with her toys.I had 3 attempts but like Lisa I only have fleeting memories, I think it was all too sad and hidden away. That’s why I wrote my book, Meant To Be; if I had read someone else’s story, I might not have felt so lonely and desperate. It was after I put in those days and months of being there to listen, hold and comfort that it felt real. For anyone who has ever found themselves facing the unexpected in life – whether that’s infertility, adoption, grief or any other personal challenge – this is an uplifting and honest account of finding love in unexpected places, and building your life on your own terms.

Exactly the same as Lisa; I did not share everything I went through during my IVF journey, which is now a blur, as I could not cope with the scrutiny or expectation of IVF, so my husband and I kept the burden to ourselves. In a raw and inspiring story of one woman’s journey through motherhood, family life and self-discovery, Lisa explores the many forms that family can take, and discovers the power of embracing your Plan B. It was just a bag, but I had really wanted to use it; filling it with nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, snacks and a book had brought me so much joy. I don’t know how Billie’s life is going to turn out, but I will do everything I can to help her be the happiest she can be. The things that I utterly relate to are that she always felt on the outside and that the grief never leaves you .She went through IVF three times with her former partner, suffered an ectopic pregnancy, investigated surrogacy and then decided to adopt after finding out she was infertile.

For anyone who has ever found themselves facing the unexpected in life - whether that's infertility, adoption, grief or any other personal challenge - this is an uplifting and honest account of finding love in unexpected places, and building your life on your own terms. The social workers (ours and Billie’s) met with us to go through what had been happening and to raise any pressing points or questions they needed to ask.

After Lisa had an ectopic pregnancy, she tried many things after to conceive again but sadly she failed to get pregnant. We recently went to see the film Instant Family, which is about adoption, with a friend who has two adopted children, too. Our names were to be used at all times – we were Lisa and Chris, not ‘Mummy’ and ‘Daddy’ and we knew and respected this.

Ive had this book on my tbr list for a while, as I knew I needed to be in the right place mentally to be able to read it and to have the time to reflect. By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and authorise Audible to charge your designated card or any other card on file.Meant to Be: My Journey to Motherhood by Lisa Faulkner is out now in hardback and in paperback on 5th March. It covers some really powerful topics such as miscarriage and the struggles of those who are trying to have a family. Highly recommend to anyone experiencing fertility problems, baby loss, grief or people who plan to adopt a child.