To Have and to Hold

When life doesn’t go according to plan, perfectionist Amelia must trade control for faith—and find joy in the beautiful mess of becoming a mother.

To Have and to Hold is a contemporary Christian novel that weaves heartache, humor, and hope into the unpredictable journey toward parenthood. Amelia Greathouse is a meticulous event planner who thrives on structure, checklists, and perfection. She wants to have it all—marriage, a career, and a family. Her husband, Melvin, is a creative museum curator with a spontaneous streak that keeps her grounded—and sometimes off balance. Together, they make a loving but unlikely pair.

When infertility turns their plans upside down, their marriage and faith are pushed to the brink. From invasive treatments to a devastating miscarriage, Amelia's pursuit of motherhood becomes all-consuming. As she supports her best friend’s pregnancy and silently compares herself to the chaotic moms around her, she feels increasingly broken and alone. At work, a major opportunity tempts her to prove her worth—but at what cost?

Just as joy seems within reach, a heartbreaking setback threatens to unravel everything. Told with warmth and wit, To Have and to Hold explores the tension between striving and surrender, and the power of faith to carry us through life’s detours—toward the family we never expected but were meant to have.