22 Hours of Grace: A Journey of Letting Go

After many ups and downs, Meghan finally felt like life was in a good place. She and her husband had reconciled their marriage, their two boys were happy and healthy, and they were now pregnant with what they hoped would be their first daughter. Then, an ultrasound revealed that, although it was, indeed, the girl of their dreams, she had a terminal birth defect known as anencephaly. After resisting pressure to have an abortion, Meghan went on to give birth to Evelynn Grace and learned that everything she was searching for is on the other side of letting go.

What Others Are Saying About 22 Hours of Grace

"I couldn't put this book down. The twists and turns of Meghan's life had me hooked from the very beginning. As a dad, it broke my heart, but even more so it opened my eyes to the impact that one person's decision can make on so many lives. This story will serve as my reminder to consider that what appears to be the more difficult path, is often the most rewarding." -- Josh Turner, Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author.

"As a parent, I was nervous to read a book about losing a child. I didn't want my mind to go there. But I quickly realized this isn't a story about loss; it's about life, faith, and family. Meghan's vulnerability and cutthroat honesty had me laughing out loud one minute and crying the next. I think it's a mustread for all moms and a beautiful and freeing reminder that we're not the ones in charge!" -- Sydney Anderson, Youth Pastor at First Congregational Church.

"I have cared for numbers of women diagnosed prenatally with lethal anomalies/birth defects. One study found that 40% of women will continue these pregnancies. Many people ask why or how someone can continue these pregnancies. This book is for these women, their partners, their families, and their friends. It should also be required reading for all providers working with these families. Through self-exploration, honesty, tears, and humor the author helps her family and community turn tremendous sadness into a celebration of life." -- Bruce A Morris MD, Maternal Fetal Medicine

About the Authors:

Meghan and Jessica are childhood friends. With the help of grandparents and babysitters, they met at coffee shops to work on this book. It took them two years to complete.

Meghan Santel: Meghan lives in rural Illinois and is the personal chef and Uber driver to her husband and three sons. She is passionate about bringing awareness to anencephaly, the birth defect that afflicted her late daughter, and encouraging others to trust in God's plan when an unborn child is terminally diagnosed.

Jessica Wood Jessica lives in Illinois with her family. This is her first of many published books.