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The Baby-Catcher Gate
On a stormy summer night in 1982, twelve-year-old Pearl must accompany her midwife mother on a call to a client in labor. Pressed into service as a birthing assistant, Pearl is called upon to swaddle the newborn boy and hold him in her arms. As she gazes into his face, she is drawn into what her mother likes to call a thin place - a place where the distance between heaven and earth becomes so small you can see into one from the other. In this thin place, Pearl travels to The Baby-Catcher Gate. What she experiences there transforms her and she becomes a catalyst of change for her hometown in the north woods of Minnesota. Folks will never be the same.The Baby-Catcher Gate is a story about the beautiful consequences of peeking into heaven. Follow Pearl's adventure and catch a glimpse for yourself.
338 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2017
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651 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 4, 2019
This book will touch your heart in many ways.
Told from the view point of 12-year-old Pearl, whose mother is a midwife, this book gives a glimpse into "The Thin Place", where the veil between life and death is the thinnest.
Pearl is being thrust into the life of midwifery and the delivery of babies. Not only is her mother a midwife, but her sister is attending school to become an OB doctor. On the night that this story takes place, Pearl is to help her mother at the delivery of a baby boy. Born much too premature to survive, Pearl finds herself gazing into his innocent eyes and finds herself in "The Thin Place" with the job of delivering this infant to his family to take care of.
Given this peek into the afterlife, she learns what happens to babies who don't survive on Earth.
Upon returning to the present, she is told she fell and hit her head. However, Pearl has returned with a story she is to tell the grieving mother who is not doing well after losing her beloved infant son.
Told from the view point of 12-year-old Pearl, whose mother is a midwife, this book gives a glimpse into "The Thin Place", where the veil between life and death is the thinnest.
Pearl is being thrust into the life of midwifery and the delivery of babies. Not only is her mother a midwife, but her sister is attending school to become an OB doctor. On the night that this story takes place, Pearl is to help her mother at the delivery of a baby boy. Born much too premature to survive, Pearl finds herself gazing into his innocent eyes and finds herself in "The Thin Place" with the job of delivering this infant to his family to take care of.
Given this peek into the afterlife, she learns what happens to babies who don't survive on Earth.
Upon returning to the present, she is told she fell and hit her head. However, Pearl has returned with a story she is to tell the grieving mother who is not doing well after losing her beloved infant son.
April 20, 2019
Sometimes I like reading a sappy feel good story where everything goes right, and there is no denying from the picture of the adorable little tyke on the cover that "The Baby-Catcher Gate" is going to be sappy.
It is about a young girl with a special gift, she gets a glimpse into heaven and can see babies who have died shortly after birth, and see them as living, healthy happy growing infants in the next world. She is able to sketch the babies so the parents have lasting proof that their child lives on.
Yes, sappy. Yes, overtly Protestant Christian religious. But sweet and not at all preachy, which is what I feared before I started it.
And, as a good midwesterner, the author, Wendy Jo Cerna provides treats, recipes for bar cookies at the end of the book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
It is about a young girl with a special gift, she gets a glimpse into heaven and can see babies who have died shortly after birth, and see them as living, healthy happy growing infants in the next world. She is able to sketch the babies so the parents have lasting proof that their child lives on.
Yes, sappy. Yes, overtly Protestant Christian religious. But sweet and not at all preachy, which is what I feared before I started it.
And, as a good midwesterner, the author, Wendy Jo Cerna provides treats, recipes for bar cookies at the end of the book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
August 29, 2018
Reading this book gave me so much to think about and feel. Pearl is a young girl who's mother is a midwife. It seems to be the family business. Her sister has went off to school to be a obstetrician. While attending a birth with her mom things happen that she is not prepared for. The baby was pre mature and didn't make it. Pearl finds herself going to the gates of heaven to deliver this sweet baby to his family member to tend to. Gregory is her guide while she is there and explains to her how things work with the babies. When she returns , she finds out she fainted and hit her head. She draws a picture of this baby and tells her mom about the event. The babies mom is not doing well and Pearls mom ask her to tell the baby's mom the story. It was unbelievable until she found out Pearl knew the babies name was Joseph. Pearl continues to see other babies in different situations. Their are many people who have been hurt in many ways. Pearl learns a lot about compassion, kindness and understanding. Pearls gift helps alot of people . This book was given to me as an ARC in exchange for my honest review
July 4, 2019
When I read this description of this book, I was under the impression it would be about midwifery. Somehow I missed the religious piece.
When the religious stuff started happening, I almost closed the book and shelved it as a "did not finish". That's just not the sort of book I'm into. But - I did keep going and I'm glad I did.
There were actually a few times when I teared up with emotion. It was a sweet, feel-good book and a quick read besides.
* I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
When the religious stuff started happening, I almost closed the book and shelved it as a "did not finish". That's just not the sort of book I'm into. But - I did keep going and I'm glad I did.
There were actually a few times when I teared up with emotion. It was a sweet, feel-good book and a quick read besides.
* I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
October 5, 2018
If you have ever had questions about Heaven and life after death you will find your answers in the pages of this book.
Beautifully described. It took awhile for story to take off, but once you get into the bones of the book, it's hard to put down. No more do I have questions about death and the afterlife. My fears are all erased and my soul is full. You will be at peace as you get to the end of the book.
Beautifully described. It took awhile for story to take off, but once you get into the bones of the book, it's hard to put down. No more do I have questions about death and the afterlife. My fears are all erased and my soul is full. You will be at peace as you get to the end of the book.
May 6, 2019
The Baby-Catcher Gate by Wendy Jo Cerna was an absolute beautifully written Christian novel. The author has a lovely style of writing. It is engaging and drew me in immediately not wanting to let me go. Within the first few pages I was caught up in the story.
Author Cerna’s vivid descriptive writing took me to the time and place of her story. I felt like I was back in 1980 again. The conversations were authentic and flowed easily. Using two points of view she switches between them seamlessly. Her style is easy and pleasant to read.
All of the characters are well defined. I felt like I knew each one well and had some new friends. The main character, Pearl, was a typical twelve year old girl growing up in 1980. Yet she was anything but typical it seems. It was easy to become invested in Pearl’s story. I connected with her mother, Lizzie, also, and enjoyed Fritz. The characters have unique characteristics and quirks. There are so many that stood out as likable.
Pearl’s mother and grandmother were both “baby catchers,” but Pearl does not want to be one. Her spirit is too gentle. She will assist her mother at times but unlike her sister, Susan, Pearl isn’t cut out for this type of work. I thought the book was going to be about midwifery but it was about so much more. Baby catching was just a small portion of the book.
This is the tale of Pearl, who ends up in the hospital and Heaven. In Heaven Pearl receives a gift and a task. Then she returns to earth to help people. Pearl shares her unique experience with family and friends. Reading this brought tears to my eyes and a warmth to my heart.
This story is filled with twists and turns to make it a page turning gem. A few parts drag a bit but overall it moves along at a nice pace. The surprises keep it interesting. I enjoyed the author’s idea of Heaven, God, and what eternal life will be.
There are many life lessons and spiritual messages in this book. The foremost is life after death in Heaven. The author has stated in her notes that she prayed for and received God’s guidance when writing this unique book about the baby-catcher’s gate in Heaven. It is definitely a God glorifying tale.
Family, forgiveness, bullying, death, relationships, miscarriage, violence, and gossiping are all subjects approached in the captivating offering from author Cerna. It is an exceptionally well planned and well written book. I loved it.
I would highly recommend this book to mature readers because of some of the adult situations. It would have been nice if it had discussion questions. A book club would still be able to enjoy and examine this thought provoking offering from author Cerna easily. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. I won a copy of this book from Good Reads but was under no obligation to write a review. These are my honest words.
Author Cerna’s vivid descriptive writing took me to the time and place of her story. I felt like I was back in 1980 again. The conversations were authentic and flowed easily. Using two points of view she switches between them seamlessly. Her style is easy and pleasant to read.
All of the characters are well defined. I felt like I knew each one well and had some new friends. The main character, Pearl, was a typical twelve year old girl growing up in 1980. Yet she was anything but typical it seems. It was easy to become invested in Pearl’s story. I connected with her mother, Lizzie, also, and enjoyed Fritz. The characters have unique characteristics and quirks. There are so many that stood out as likable.
Pearl’s mother and grandmother were both “baby catchers,” but Pearl does not want to be one. Her spirit is too gentle. She will assist her mother at times but unlike her sister, Susan, Pearl isn’t cut out for this type of work. I thought the book was going to be about midwifery but it was about so much more. Baby catching was just a small portion of the book.
This is the tale of Pearl, who ends up in the hospital and Heaven. In Heaven Pearl receives a gift and a task. Then she returns to earth to help people. Pearl shares her unique experience with family and friends. Reading this brought tears to my eyes and a warmth to my heart.
This story is filled with twists and turns to make it a page turning gem. A few parts drag a bit but overall it moves along at a nice pace. The surprises keep it interesting. I enjoyed the author’s idea of Heaven, God, and what eternal life will be.
There are many life lessons and spiritual messages in this book. The foremost is life after death in Heaven. The author has stated in her notes that she prayed for and received God’s guidance when writing this unique book about the baby-catcher’s gate in Heaven. It is definitely a God glorifying tale.
Family, forgiveness, bullying, death, relationships, miscarriage, violence, and gossiping are all subjects approached in the captivating offering from author Cerna. It is an exceptionally well planned and well written book. I loved it.
I would highly recommend this book to mature readers because of some of the adult situations. It would have been nice if it had discussion questions. A book club would still be able to enjoy and examine this thought provoking offering from author Cerna easily. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. I won a copy of this book from Good Reads but was under no obligation to write a review. These are my honest words.
October 28, 2019
If I could, I would have given a 2.5 or even a 2.75
This isn't a bad book, but it took me along time to read. Part of that may be that Christian Lit. is not one of my go to genres, but I think the biggest reason was the "Interlude" Chapters.
These "Interludes" ruined the pacing of the book and that feeling of anticipation for what happens next. They were boring. I didn't care for any of the characters they were introducing/following. I didn't need to know the information they were trying to impart. In some cases the information was a repeat from the main story. The biggest thing is that the big "event" that these "Interludes" were leading to, could have still happened with out these chapters. The book would have been better without them. I would recommend skipping the "Interludes" and sticking to the main story.
The main story is great. The pacing was good there was just enough cliff hangers that kept me wanting to read. I loved Pearl. I see some of myself in her at that age. I see my friends in her friends. It was a joy following her through her journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. The dialogue and the interactions between all the characters were believable. I wanted to get to the know them, I cared about what they were going through. The one stickler I have about the main story is Pearl's age. I do think Pearl and her peers should have been a little older, around 16/17 versus 12/13 I think if they were older, this could have been a true coming of age tale. That being said I understand why the author chose the younger age. Pearl being 12 doesn't affect the overall the story.
I won this book through the Goodread Giveaways. I entered it because I thought it was a Fantasy story with leanings of Christian Lit. It surprised me when it was full on Christian Lit. Christian Lit. will never be one of my favorite genres to read, but it's not a genre I hate. Still, maybe this is why I didn't connect with the "Interlude" chapters, but connected to Pearl and the overall story. I do hope, even though the author ended the story, that this isn't the last we get to see of Pearl.
This isn't a bad book, but it took me along time to read. Part of that may be that Christian Lit. is not one of my go to genres, but I think the biggest reason was the "Interlude" Chapters.
These "Interludes" ruined the pacing of the book and that feeling of anticipation for what happens next. They were boring. I didn't care for any of the characters they were introducing/following. I didn't need to know the information they were trying to impart. In some cases the information was a repeat from the main story. The biggest thing is that the big "event" that these "Interludes" were leading to, could have still happened with out these chapters. The book would have been better without them. I would recommend skipping the "Interludes" and sticking to the main story.
The main story is great. The pacing was good there was just enough cliff hangers that kept me wanting to read. I loved Pearl. I see some of myself in her at that age. I see my friends in her friends. It was a joy following her through her journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. The dialogue and the interactions between all the characters were believable. I wanted to get to the know them, I cared about what they were going through. The one stickler I have about the main story is Pearl's age. I do think Pearl and her peers should have been a little older, around 16/17 versus 12/13 I think if they were older, this could have been a true coming of age tale. That being said I understand why the author chose the younger age. Pearl being 12 doesn't affect the overall the story.
I won this book through the Goodread Giveaways. I entered it because I thought it was a Fantasy story with leanings of Christian Lit. It surprised me when it was full on Christian Lit. Christian Lit. will never be one of my favorite genres to read, but it's not a genre I hate. Still, maybe this is why I didn't connect with the "Interlude" chapters, but connected to Pearl and the overall story. I do hope, even though the author ended the story, that this isn't the last we get to see of Pearl.
March 18, 2019
Pearl's mother is a midwife - also known as a 'baby-catcher'. Pearl's older sister is going to school to be an ob doctor. Pearl doesn't want to have anything to do with catching babies. One night on a call with her mother, she faints and wakes up in another place holding the baby that her mother had just helped deliver. He was stillborn. However, in Pearls arms he is alive and she gets to carry him to "the gate" in heaven where he is greeted by family.
Pearl joins an art class where she draws the baby she helped deliver to heaven. At a photography show she is able to visualize the babies in the pictures - even though the pictures only show the feet and hand of the babies.
Book goes back and forth from Pearl and the things going on in her life on earth to heaven and her family that is already in heaven and the things going on there.
I enjoyed reading this book and would like to read more like it.
Thanks to the sponsor of this giveaway which I won on Goodreads.
Pearl joins an art class where she draws the baby she helped deliver to heaven. At a photography show she is able to visualize the babies in the pictures - even though the pictures only show the feet and hand of the babies.
Book goes back and forth from Pearl and the things going on in her life on earth to heaven and her family that is already in heaven and the things going on there.
I enjoyed reading this book and would like to read more like it.
Thanks to the sponsor of this giveaway which I won on Goodreads.
February 18, 2019
When I entered the contest to win this book I thought it was going to be about midwives and training the younger women on how to become a midwife. Boy was I wrong! After I received my copy and started reading it, yes it had some about midwives but there was a lot more. It was spiritual and very moving to my heart. There were parts that were so sad it brought tears to my eyes and yet there were parts that warmed my heart and renewed my faith in God. Ms. Cerna is an excellent story teller and I will be looking for other books she has written.
February 13, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I absolutely adored the concept of the baby catcher gate. The peace this concept gives women who go through miscarraiges is inspiring. I had a hard time grasping the more grandiose happenings. That surely didnt ruin the book nor the joy the concept brought me. I would recommend this to all open to reading a Christian novel.
May 18, 2021
This is a beautifully written, heart tugging Christian book. In fact, had I known the type of book it was, I would probably not have picked it up to read and I would have missed a lovely story. It's about a young girl, Pearl, who's mother is a midwife. Pearl has never wanted to be involved with midwifery but one evening her mother needs her help so she goes along. The baby doesn't make it but Pearl and the baby ascend to heaven and the celebration there is....well, heavenly. When Pearl comes to, she had fallen and struck her head, she finds that she is compelled to sketch the baby (Joseph) as he appeared when he reached the heavenly gates. Her experience leads her to look at life and her relationship with God, family and friends in an entirely different light. Although very different from what I normally read, I was quite taken with this story.
March 8, 2026
Such a beautiful story of hope, friendship and responding to the call God has on your life! The Baby Catcher Gate is such a great book. I loved the glimpses of Heaven and seeing the hope we have when our time on earth is over. I loved Pearl’s responses to the circumstances in her life and how she obeyed God’s call on her life. I loved the beauty of art. I loved her friendships and their openness to everything Pearl experienced. Such a unique story that made me even more curious about heaven! Highly recommend!
September 19, 2018
Loved this!
As someone who has experienced several miscarriages...one at 21 weeks...this was an amazing book. But it's not just about losing babies it's also about losing loved ones and "the thin place" and so much more! This was a Goodreads giveaway .
As someone who has experienced several miscarriages...one at 21 weeks...this was an amazing book. But it's not just about losing babies it's also about losing loved ones and "the thin place" and so much more! This was a Goodreads giveaway .
October 22, 2018
Beautiful
Although many times it was difficult to read with tears filling my eyes I read this book in three hours because I couldn't put it down. A beautiful, heart warming story of love, hope and faith from our Lord.
Although many times it was difficult to read with tears filling my eyes I read this book in three hours because I couldn't put it down. A beautiful, heart warming story of love, hope and faith from our Lord.
June 21, 2019
I enjoyed reading this, although I didn't realize when I started it that it was a Christian novel. I enjoyed the young perspective relayed in the novel and it was rather touching and heart-warming. I actually think it be a wonderful novel for young Christian adult girls.
June 13, 2020
Awesome!!
I didn't know what to expect from this book. I was totally surprised. The story is so beautiful and poignant. It really makes you think about life and the afterlife and how family is really important. Great story.
I didn't know what to expect from this book. I was totally surprised. The story is so beautiful and poignant. It really makes you think about life and the afterlife and how family is really important. Great story.
January 18, 2023
Inspired
Quite possibly the best book I have ever read. I was inspired. I sobbed. I have a deeper appreciation for the heavenly realm and eagerly anticipate experiencing it one day for eternity. Blessings!
Quite possibly the best book I have ever read. I was inspired. I sobbed. I have a deeper appreciation for the heavenly realm and eagerly anticipate experiencing it one day for eternity. Blessings!
September 16, 2018
Captivating
This book was one I couldn’t put down. It was sad and joyous at the same time. Gives you a lot to think about even if you are not spiritually inclined.
This book was one I couldn’t put down. It was sad and joyous at the same time. Gives you a lot to think about even if you are not spiritually inclined.
November 9, 2018
I won this Kindle edition book in a GoodReads giveaway - thank you to everyone involved!!
A heart warming book - I couldn't put it down!!
A heart warming book - I couldn't put it down!!
November 26, 2018
I won this book in the giveaway! I fell in love with the theme of the story. Wendy Jo Cerna is a wonderful author with a powerful voice!
December 7, 2018
A well written and interesting insight to the thin place between heaven and earth and the glory that awaits.
July 7, 2019
Good read
Good read. Interesting and enlightening characters. Like her outlook on life and her friends. A little biblical inclined. Check it out.
Good read. Interesting and enlightening characters. Like her outlook on life and her friends. A little biblical inclined. Check it out.
January 18, 2020
I was absolutely enthralled by Wendy’s descriptive writing. Local references made the book even more endearing. Waiting for your next book, Wendy!!
June 21, 2023
A beautiful Story I’ll always remember
This is a beautiful story of life, hope, and the love of God. I like how Pearl used art to sketch the babies she saw.
This is a beautiful story of life, hope, and the love of God. I like how Pearl used art to sketch the babies she saw.
October 31, 2018
My thanks to goodreads and the book giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain a copy of this book.
Heartfelt story that reaches out to readers in a personal and introspective manner.
4 stars
Heartfelt story that reaches out to readers in a personal and introspective manner.
4 stars
August 3, 2022
I received this book through a Goodreads/First Reads Giveaway program in return for an honest review.
The Baby-Catcher Gate is told in the first person of Pearl, a 12-year-old girl, who accompanies her mother, a midwife/baby catcher to a live birth. The baby is stillborn and Pearl takes the baby to his next life. This is a beautiful story of the life hereafter.
There are many of us who question what happens after death. What is in the beyond? This book will give you an insight into the real possibilities. The Baby-Catcher is a beautifully written story that will definitely tug on your heartstrings.
I highly recommend this book.
The Baby-Catcher Gate is told in the first person of Pearl, a 12-year-old girl, who accompanies her mother, a midwife/baby catcher to a live birth. The baby is stillborn and Pearl takes the baby to his next life. This is a beautiful story of the life hereafter.
There are many of us who question what happens after death. What is in the beyond? This book will give you an insight into the real possibilities. The Baby-Catcher is a beautifully written story that will definitely tug on your heartstrings.
I highly recommend this book.
September 4, 2019
Emotional and worth a read as long as you don’t have a problem with Christian fiction.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews