The Grief Bookshelf
A review series featuring the books that met me in the ache—offering comfort, perspective, and faith-filled hope after miscarriage and loss.
My bookshelf wasn’t always this full.
It grew slowly—through years of grieving my own miscarriage, sitting with others in their sorrow, and countless moments spent searching for words to hold the ache. Some books I discovered through late-night searches. Others were lovingly handed to me, passed from one broken heart to another. And over time, this little library of grief grew—book by book, story by story.
Some I read in one sitting, tears streaming. Others I keep nearby, returning to in waves—on anniversaries, due dates, and quiet mornings when the ache quietly lingers. These books have become steady companions—reminders that even here, especially here, we are not alone.
They won’t erase the pain. They aren’t a formula for healing. But theydo hold space for sorrow—and shine light in dark places.
In our miscarriage care packages, we include a little resource guide with a list of songs and book recommendations. These are some of my all-time-favorites to come back to and read often. There’s something so encouraging to read someone’s story and see evidence of God unfolding beauty out of ashes.
If you’ve read a book that helped you through your grief journey, I’d love to hear about it. Please share your recommendations in the comments—we’re growing this bookshelf together.
💛 Devotionals on Pregnancy Loss
Gentle, Scripture-based devotionals created for mothers navigating miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.
Held — Abbey Wedgeworth
31 Biblical Reflections on God’s Comfort and Care in the Sorrow of Miscarriage
A 31-day devotional anchored in Psalm 139, offering biblical comfort, reflection questions, and prayers.
Loved Baby — Sarah Philpott
31 Devotions Helping You Grieve and Cherish Your Child After Pregnancy Loss
Christ-filled comfort, real talk, and support to help mothers grieve and cherish their babies.
Grieving the Child I Never Knew — Kathe Wunnenberg
A Devotional for Comfort in the Loss of Your Unborn or Newly Born Child
Bright Hope — Erin Cushman
28 Daily Devotions for Grief in Light of the Gospel
Gospel-centered hope for grieving hearts, pointing to Christ in every devotion.
Hope When It Hurts — Kristen Wetherell & Sarah Walton
A devotional-style book full of gospel-centered hope for women walking through suffering and sorrow.
💔 Books on Suffering
Biblical encouragement and personal reflections on pain, loss, and the deep work God does through suffering.
The Scars That Have Shaped Me — Vaneetha Risner
Personal stories of how God meets us deeply in our suffering.
Just Be Honest — Clint Watkins
Encouragement to bring your honest emotions before God in worship and prayer.
Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense — Paul David Tripp
Biblical guidance for finding hope and meaning in suffering.
When God Weeps — Joni Eareckson Tada
Theological reflections on the significance of suffering and God’s compassion.
Gentle and Lowly — Dane Ortlund
Explores Christ’s tender heart toward sinners and sufferers, offering deep comfort.
Fighting Words — Ellie Holcomb
Devotions offering spiritual encouragement and strength for daily struggles.
Even in Darkness— Morgan Cheek
A personal story of hope and faith through intense struggle and darkness.
Suffering Is Never for Nothing — Elisabeth Elliot
Timeless insights on the purpose and meaning of suffering from a trusted Christian voice.
Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow — Nancy Guthrie
Shows how Jesus speaks hope and truth into the depths of our sorrow.
Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering — Timothy Keller
A comprehensive biblical guide to understanding and walking through suffering.
Seasons of Sorrow — Tim Challies
A father’s reflections on grief and gospel hope after the death of his son.
📖 Memoirs & Personal Stories of Loss
Faith-filled memoirs that walk honestly through miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss.
I Will Carry You — Angie Smith
A mother’s powerful story of choosing to carry her terminally diagnosed baby to term.
Unexpecting — Rachel Lewis
Raw, honest reflections and practical wisdom for life after loss.
Inheritance of Tears — Jessalyn Hutto
Biblical reflections and theology of miscarriage from a mother who’s been there.
Even Broken Can Be Beautiful — Sarah Rieke
A vulnerable look at losing two children and clinging to Christ through the pain.
That Side of Heaven — Heather Butler
A gentle companion for the heartbreak of miscarriage.
Healing Empty Hands — Morgan Martin
A moving memoir of grief and grace after miscarriage.
Miscarried Hope — Rachel Lohman
Journeying with Jesus through Pregnancy and Infant Loss
An honest and hope-filled journey of faith after baby loss.
Sunlight in December — Kristin Hernandez
Faith in the midst of sorrow after infant loss.
Lost Gifts — Brittany Lee Allen
An upcoming memoir sharing honest reflections on grief, faith, and comfort after miscarriage.
Cradled in Hope — Ashley Opliger
Trusting Jesus to Heal Your Heart as He Holds Your Baby in Heaven – A Biblical Guide for Grieving Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss
💕 Husbands, Couples & Support Systems
Supportive reads for grieving partners, families, and friends walking alongside loss.
Grieving Together — Laura and Franco Fanucci
A couple's honest story of loss and faith, with reflections and prayers.
Ours: Biblical Comfort for Men Grieving Miscarriage — Eric Schumacher
Scripture-based encouragement written specifically for grieving fathers.
Grieving Dads: To the Brink and Back — Kelly Farley & David Dicola
Raw, honest stories of men navigating life after child loss.
What Grieving People Wish You Knew About What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts) — Nancy Guthrie
Practical advice for anyone supporting a grieving friend or loved one.
Holding on to Love After You've Lost a Baby — Gary Chapman
Applies the five love languages to help couples grieve and reconnect in loss.
Surviving the Loss of a Child — Elizabeth B. Brown
Supportive insights for parents who have experienced child loss.
Together Through the Storms — Sarah and Jeff Walton
Scripture-based support for strengthening marriage through suffering.
🌟 Books on Hope
Books that shine light into the darkness of grief and offer real, sustaining hope in Christ.
Holding On to Hope — Nancy Guthrie
Framing her story of loss with the book of Job, Nancy points to the heart of God through suffering.
The One Year Book of Hope — Nancy Guthrie
365 devotions offering daily encouragement for the hurting heart.
Hopelifter — Kathe Wunnenberg
Practical ideas and spiritual encouragement to offer hope to others.
Desperate for Hope — Vaneetha Risner
A Bible study to guide hearts toward God in the depths of grief and longing.
Hope When It Hurts — Kristen Wetherell & Sarah Walton
A devotional-style book full of gospel-centered hope for women walking through suffering and sorrow.
Bright Hope — Erin Cushman
Daily devotions offering gospel-centered hope and comfort for those walking through grief.
🌈 Pregnancy After Loss
Books that support parents navigating the complex journey of pregnancy after miscarriage or baby loss.
Labor with Hope— Gloria Furman
Gospel-centered reflections for pregnancy, loss, and motherhood.
Nine Months to a Miracle — Mari Hanes
Faith-building encouragement for expectant mothers after loss.
Joy at the End of the Rainbow — Amanda Ross-White
Emotional and practical support for navigating a rainbow pregnancy.
Pregnancy After Loss — Carol Cirulli Lanham
A daily guide for expectant parents navigating after a loss.
Celebrating Pregnancy Again — Franchesca Cox
Honest and gentle support for grieving and hoping at the same time.
🎨 Creative & Therapeutic Workbooks
Journals, art therapy guides, and interactive resources to process grief through creativity.
Facets of Grief— Franchesca Cox
Guided prompts and art exercises to explore and express grief creatively.
How to Carry What Can’t Be Fixed — Megan Devine
A unique blend of reflection, art therapy, and practical wisdom for carrying grief.
Grieve. Create. Believe. — Rachel George
A healing journal with creative space and Scripture to help you move through grief.
Welcome to the Grief Club — Janine Kwoh
Not a workbook, but a creative and compassionate book of brief writings, illustrations, and emotional honesty.
Deep Waters: Peaceful Encouragement for the Anxious Heart — Audrey Bailey
A Scripture-based journal offering comfort and truth for anxious hearts, with soft artwork and gentle prompts.
Whether you're deep in grief or walking alongside someone who is, I hope this list gives you something gentle to hold onto. Something honest. Something holy.
You don’t have to grieve alone. We weren’t meant to.
With love and hope,
Caitlin
