Son of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher

Written by Debra Shiveley Welch

A Review By Shirley Johnson, Senior Reviewer, MidWest Book Review 2007   

I believe it is true that God anoints the pen of some writers to bring forth words from their heart to those with a specific need.  In my opinion, author Debra Shiveley Welch, has the anointing of the Lord upon her words in her newest work, "Son of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher,” as she tells the story of her adoption of her beloved son, Christopher, and the foreshadowing of her life's cycle that would bring her to that moment in time.  Within the pages of this book our author bares her soul as she reveals her life story, one of rejection, abuse and remorse, and takes us on her journey to healing, redemption and fulfillment of a promise made so long ago. Much of the tales of her youth were heart wrenching, and the courage of this woman was evident even at the most tender age. You will be amazed and deeply moved.  Undergoing rejection, not only from mother, father, step-grandmother and other family members, our author forged through two broken marriages, and as you read, you hope upon hope that somewhere happiness awaits this hurting soul.  Strengthened by her faith in God, slowly she is led towards the destiny He has placed upon her life; and moves forward with trust and belief that that destiny will be fulfilled. Remarkable!

We travel along as Debra again marries, and she and her loving husband are entrusted with a baby boy, shortly before the chance may have been gone forever.   A child with problems that many would find too unbearable to undertake, Mrs. Welch embraced immediately the child of her heart. This couple of faith and love moved forward into a future that they knew at best would be a challenge, but they never let that dictate their decision concerning making Christopher their own.

My heart broke time and time again as situations were told of countless operations, near death experiences, and learning problems encountered by their Christopher, but I rejoiced at the determination, faith and fortitude of this couple and the victorious outcome of this loving family. We all have challenges in our lives and dreams that we want to see fulfilled, but do we have the courage to never let them go?  In this read you will see the courage of one woman who overcame deep hurts, extended forgiveness, found her destiny child, and gave freely and gladly to him unconditional love, and a chance at a wonderful life.  Her story and Christopher's is one you will treasure and remember in your heart for a long time to come...One that will bring a tear and a smile. A story of horror, pain, and rejection that is replaced with courage, hope, faith, love and victory. This is a book every adoptive parent should read, and every person who has a child of their heart, for in this read you will find the true meaning of love.  Well done Mrs. Welch!

A Master Storyteller

"Debra Shiveley Welch is a master storyteller.  I find her writing to be very much on the order of what is considered, in old terms, a true storyteller, one that takes the nucleus and expands it to take on all the senses -- I can see what she sees, hear what she hears, smell and taste what she smells and tastes. Most importantly, though, I feel what she feels."   Linda J. Alexander - Books for the Thinking Reader:

http://www.lindajalexander.net , http://www.authorsden.com/lindajalexander

A Note From the Publisher 

It would be easy to accept this book as ‘another adoption story’ that is until you read it.  From the first words the reader is caught up in the account, enthralled by not just the tale but the telling of it.  I am completely blown away by Ms. Shiveley Welch’s talent.  It is an honor to share the journey to love, her decision, her new and wonderful child and most of all her earnest desire and steadfast belief that everything would come to pass.  By the end of the book I was reflective and replete and through my grateful tears I thank her for sharing.

Ruth M Thompson

Editor in Chief

Saga Books.