Mentions/Reviews

Mentions and Reviews

Here are blog posts, etc. that have mentioned and or reviewed the book Once Upon A Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers

The actual links are listed above the mention/review. They are listed in order as received, so the most recent are at the bottom. The first few are from the author's personal blog about the book's progress before being officially released.

http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/2010/07/opportunity-knocked-i-opened-door-and.html

MONDAY, JULY 19, 2010

Opportunity knocked- I opened the door and let it in...(the secret's out)

In my life one thing has always led to another. Every now and then an opportunity presents itself. Every now and then I feel super duper good about it.

It all happened a few weeks ago when I got the e-mail about reviewing a book. Then I approached another author and offered to review her book. That's when it hit me- why not write my own book?

I've written poetry since I was young, around 5. I've played around with writing short stories etc. in middle school. In high school, I took a creative writing class. But since then, I didn't have inspiration to really write about anything. (other than my poems here and there)

Well all of a sudden I had 2 ideas for 2 separate stories. All I can tell you is yes, they are about surrogacy and they are children's books.

I've been working on the 1st story almost non-stop.  I'm reseraching, etc. and it's been so good for me.
Getting closer to the final product every day.  I already have an offer to review it.    :)

This is extremely exciting for me!

Everything's lining up rather nicely.

I didn't want to say anything too soon, because I didn't want to jinx it or have someone else steal my idea(s). But I'm not saying a word about my ideas... so ha.

Wish me luck...

http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-step-closer-my-book-and-giveaway.html

(Update- Review Giveaway will run until Monday 9/20/2010 and there will be 2 winners. You must e-mail me atpepperbird@gmail.com for your chance.  Thanks!)

So here's what happened...

I wrote my story. I didn't know what to do about illustrations, so I threw in some real pictures from my 1st surrogacy journey and some clip art. I got a feel for how I wanted the book to look and what pictures I'd want. Basically I made a scrapbook for myself with a story to go along with it.  (in the meantime, my 10 year old daughter asked if she could draw the art for my cover, which led to my girls illustrating my book)

Well that version is done.

I can't publish it with real pictures or real names. (except my own) So I have this little treasure all to myself.  I was able to show close family and got good reviews. My girls were just as thrilled as I was to see my book as a book. Pure Awesome!

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I'm lucky enough to have a dad in the printing/book binding business. He printed my books and I couldn't be happier. I did get to thinking though that the front cover could have looked a little more professional. (My fault, not his) So I re-designed it and I'm much happier with it. I was already happy with the back cover. YAY! 

Awhile back I was working on my book and things just weren't quite working out like I pictured in my creative little head. I was settlingfor what I had, but hoping for more. Well things are starting to click and fall into place and I'm oh so happy! I wanted a background for each page, something to give the illustrations a little more color and flair. So, yestereday I played around and designed a background, and I think it's going to work great!

I was hoping to release my book for sale/publication on September 10th- my birthday. However, my little monkeys children are not done illustrating my book. We only have 8 days till my deadline.
 I'd like to pull my hair out.! It's not really a huge deal if it's not done by then, but it would sure be nice. (also I can't start on my 2nd book till this one is complete)

So............... once my book is complete, would any of you like a copy to review?

If you're interested, contact me here. (pepperbird@gmail.com) In the subject line put "Chance for Book Review". I will randomly select 2 numbers and will notify the winners. I have not released any information about my book yet, not even the title. (only the fact that it's a children's book and it deals with surrogacy)
If you're serious about reviewing it, I will give you a heads up of the details a few days before it's officially published and for sale. Then once it's officially published, I will send you a signed copy of the book for review.

*UPDATE: Book is available for pre-orderhttp://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/. Hopefully officially release will be 10/10/10!    :)

http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/2010/09/im-screaming-with-nervous-anxiety-and.html

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2010

I'm screaming with nervous anxiety and excitement (surrogacy book)

Are you tired of hearing it yet? I'm getting so close! I got my ISBN # for my book this morning.

My book is now available to pre-order for $1.00 off even. I think online ordering is even up and running.

The reason I feel like screaming? Well 1st- from pure excitement! (Awesome screaming) 2nd-because I'm nervous. Nervous of what? Putting myself out there, in the spotlight, drawing attention to myself and my book. I'm kind of scared in a happy way. I just don't know if I'm ready to be reviewed and critiqued, but ready or not.... (here's the Press Release for the book)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2010

Media Contact: Jill Reeder

801-918-1699

Surrogacy Books

P.O. Box 904

Sandy, Utah 84091

surrogacybooks@gmail.com

*Please note, my PO Box has since changed to:
PO Box 1862
Draper, Utah
 84020-1862

SURROGATE TO RELEASE CHILDREN’S BOOK REGARDING SURROGACY

By now I’m sure we’ve all heard of surrogacy. We see it on television, in the news, and even in movies. It is a way for a family to realize their dream of having their own children, with the help of a human stork. Jill Hancock Reeder has seen that dream come true twice by being a surrogate; first with a little girl and then with twin boys. She started blogging about surrogacy last September. She reviewed 2 children’s books on the subject before deciding to write her own, Once Upon A Surrogate: The Stork’s Helpers.

She started designing merchandise for surrogates and intended parents in 2005. She used ideas from her phrases and sayings to form a story that would be enjoyable for children. She has already received interest in her book and has been approached for review. She has even received interest from people who have not been involved in surrogacy. She is giving away a chance to receive her book for review at her blog, http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-step-closer-my-book-and-giveaway.html.

In this book you will read about Jill’s first surrogacy experience, touching base on how the children handled the experience and how they were involved. The story is presented through facts with a fairy tale twist.

Jill has involved her children as her illustrators and her dad as her printer and consultant. She will be marketing, promoting and publishing the book herself with a little help from her family, friends and the internet.

Jill grew up in Sandy, Utah and currently resides in Eagle Mountain, Utah. She was a Navy wife for 10 years where she lived in Florida and San Diego for part of that time. (her husband got out 2008) She started home-schooling her 3 children the end of 2009. She has been a surrogate 3 times. She has already begun working on a 2nd book in her Once Upon A Surrogate series.

Once Upon A Surrogate: The Stork’s Helpers (ISBN: 978-1-4507-3642-8) can be pre-ordered starting September 10, 2010, which is her birthday. Books won’t be available for official release until 10/10/10. (1 year anniversary of her going through the LDS temple with her husband and children) To start out, her book will be available online at http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/. The first 10 books sold will be signed and will include stickers and bookmarks. She will soon be selling her book at the local bookstore in Eagle Mountain, Dragons and Fairytales, as well as other bookstores. You can visit her personal blog where she talks about almost anything and everything, including surrogacy. Book signings will be announced soon on her websites.

Book Site: http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/

Personal Blog: http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/

#####

http://oneclutteredbrain.blogspot.com/2010/09/something-about-surrogacy.html

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010

Something about Surrogacy

Jill as a Surrogate Mom.

My totally awesome friend Jill has been a surrogate mother. Not once, but twice before. And one of the pregnancies was TWINS. ;)

 I think carrying a baby for another woman is a perfect gift. Some women can't have any babies of their own without the help of a surrogate. Beautiful women like my friend step in. Surrogates carry the baby for 9 months, in some cases,( almost 9 months when it is twins) and then when the sweet baby is delivered, she hands the baby over to the woman who is going to raise the baby.

I think it takes a special type of woman to do that.

If I could not have a baby on my own, a surrogate would be a perfect option I think. (I wonder if you can show up to the doctor's appointments and listen to the baby's heartbeat and such...) That's just cool.

There is always adoption, but I think there is just something special about a surrogate. That's your embryo. That's your egg and sperm implanted in another woman who wants to through a pregnancy for YOU. A woman wants to carry YOUR baby for you. What a blessing AND a relief!

 My friend has been a blessing in 2 different families lives.

Why do I mention my beautiful friend now?

Well, my wonderful friend, Jill AKA Mormon Surrogate, has written a book. She grabbed some special illustrators (her children) to illustrate the book for her. And she is looking for some lucky reviewers. The book is going to come out September 10th on her BIRTHDAY! (Hopefully!)

If you are interested in reviewing this children's book about surrogacy please contact Jill at Mormon Surrogate (Her blog :))

She is giving some people a chance to review her book. The "details" on how you can review it are on her blog!

I am SO EXCITED to be telling you guys about this! Surrogate mothers are truly a blessing from God. ;)

I found this beautiful poem ;) 

I Will Be A Wonderful Mother - Author Unknown

I Will Be A Wonderful Mother - Author Unknown

There are women who become mothers without effort,
without thought,
without patience or loss,
and though they are good mothers and love their children,
I know that I will be better.

I will be better not because of genetics or money or because I have read more books,
but because I have struggled and toiled for this child.

I have longed and waited.

I have cried and prayed.

I have endured and planned over and over again.

Like most things in life, the people who truly have appreciation are those who have struggled to attain their dreams.

I will notice everything about my child.

I will take time to watch my child sleep, explore, and discover.

I will marvel at this miracle every day for the rest of my life.

I will be happy when I wake in the middle of the night to the sound of my child, knowing that I can comfort, hold, and feed him and that I am not waking to take another temperature, pop another pill, take another shot or cry tears of a broken dream.

My dream will be crying for me.

I count myself lucky in this sense; that God has given me this insight, this special vision with which I will look upon my child.

Whether I parent a child I actually give birth to or a child that God leads me to, I will not be careless with my love.

I will be a better mother for all that I have endured.

I am a better wife, a better aunt, a better daughter, neighbor, friend, and sister because I have known pain.

I know disillusionment, as I have been betrayed by my own body. I have been tried by fire and hell that many never face, yet given time, I stood tall.

I have prevailed.

I have succeeded.

I have won.

So now, when others hurt around me, I do not run from their pain in order to save myself discomfort.

I see it, mourn it, and join them in theirs.

I listen.

And even though I cannot make it better, I can make it less lonely.

I have learned the immense power of another hand holding tight to mine, of other eyes that moisten as they learn to accept the harsh truth when life is beyond hard.

I have learned a compassion that only comes by walking in those shoes.

I have learned to appreciate life.

Yes, I will be a wonderful mother.
-Author Unknown

Thanks Jill. It is truly a blessing to know you! ;)

http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/2010/10/first-review-for-once-upon-surrogate.html

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2010

First Review for Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers

This book is fantastic! It was great to be able to read it to my children and see that them realize what surrogacy is. They really enjoyed the story and so did I, I think that it really helped them to understand the whole concept of surrogacy.

I have two boys who are young (6 & 4) and they loved this book and have asked me to read it to them several times since we received it and I am more than happy to do it!

I would recommend this book to surrogates and intended parents alike, this is a great way to teach your children what you do for other people or to teach them about their beginning. Thank you Jill for writing such a lovely book, I have been looking for something like this since I started my first journey and finally my search is over!

-Sarah 

http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/2010/11/book-signing-1st-anniversary-dragons.html

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2010

Book Signing- today 11/15/10 4-6 PM

This is for Dragons & Fairy Tales Books and Games:

"We are having a huge bash for our 1st Anniversary!! Each night of the week from November 15th to the 20th we will have a different genre of authors coming to sign books - a great way to find gift ideas for Christmas! Here is the schedule. For more information, check us out at www.dragonsandfairytales.com."

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=events#!/event.php?eid=157197940985909

I'm mentioning this because I'll be there with my book.

I hope to see you there!

:)

When:

Monday, November 15 at 4:00 PM 6:00 PM

Where:

Dragons & Fairy Tales

3535 E Ranches Parkway Suite A

Eagle Mountain, UT

http://surrogatediva.blogspot.com/2010/11/once-upon-surrogate-storks-helpers.html

Thursday, November 4, 2010

A few weeks back I won a drawing that allowed me to review a new book about surrogacy that was actually written by a surrogate. I recieved the book a little over a week ago and last night I sat down with my daughters (8 & 4) to read the book to them. 

Here's a review from 3 different perspectives:

My review on Jill Hancock Reeder's Once Upon a Surrogate book:

Once Upon a Surrogate is a good book for surrogates to read to their children or for parents to read to their children that were born via surrogacy. It explains, in terms that children can understand, the concept of surrogacy. My daughters really liked the fact that the book was illustrated by Jill's children and they were able to grasp the idea of Mommy being the "stork".

I would recommend this book to anyone going through the surrogacy process, as a means of explaining it so your children can understand.

My 4 year old's review:

2 thumbs up (literally), when I asked her how she liked it :) She also said "I liked the stickers", as she covered her arms in them. Then she added "so you were the stork to deliver us to be your children?" :-)

My 8 year old's review:

She thought the book was "okay", she said that she wasn't that interested in it, but that she did learn what an embryo is, which is something she didn't know before.

Thanks, Jill for giving us the chance to review your book!

You can learn more about the book by visiting:

http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/

or

http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/

http://writersanonymous76.blogspot.com/2010/11/once-upon-surrogate-storks-helpers-book.html

Monday, November 8, 2010

Once Upon a Surrogate--The Stork's Helpers 

( A book review)

YAY! I'm FINALLY posting the review of "The Stork's Helpers"....

*APPLAUSE*


AND you lucky people get to see another VIDEO of my promoting a much wonderful children's book. You are so lucky...


Thanks Jill for writing this book again. (And for asking me to do the synopsis!) That made me feel GREAT!

________________________________________________________________________

http://northeastpa.citymommy.com/?q=node/6525

Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers

Wed, 11/17/2010 

Submitted By :

Maryann507

For most of us, when we're sick or when something unexpected comes up, we can take a personal day from work. But what happens when the Stork gets sick? I mean, babies still need to be delivered, right?

That's why he inlisted special helpers, called Surrogates! Although surrogates can't carry babies in their mouths, they can still carry them in their bellies!

One special surrogate is Jill Hancock Reeder, who received that very important call back in 2005. Jill grew up in Utah, where she currently resides with her Navy hubby and high school sweetheart, along with their three beautiful young children.

Her husband was an avid blood donor, but Jill wanted to do something more. After contemplating egg donation, she came across the idea of surrogacy. With extensive research and help from another online surrogacy community, Jill was able to make her dreams come true, and help other families who weren't able to have children. In fact, not only is she surrogate mom to a little girl, but also to twin boys! To read more about Jill and her decision to become a surrogate, please visit her blog, at http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com

Jill was inspired to share her experiences as a surrogate in her new book, Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers. I received a copy, and thought it was a great story to be told, even though I have never been involved in surrogacy. It is told from the perspective of her children, from how they handled the experience to how they were involved. Jill even involved her children as her illustrators for the book and her father as her printer and consultant!

Jill has even designed merchandise for surrogates and intended parents, using unique phrases and sayings. My personal favorite is "I'm not the mom, I'm just the stork"---I think it would be a whole lot easier when talking to inquisitive passerbys that always want to talk about your pregnancy! You can see her entire collection at http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com

So if you've ever wondered what it would be like to be a surrogate mother, or to teach your children that there is more than one way to have a baby, this book would make a great addition to your bookshelf!

Right now, I would like to offer you a special opportunity to win a copy of your very own! To enter our giveaway, simply start a new topic on our message board. Bonus entry for responding to another mom's comment! Contest will end on Saturday, November 20th--Good luck!

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]

http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/2010/12/latest-review-for-once-upon-surrogate.html

MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2010

Latest review for Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers by Surrogacy Lawyer Theresa Erickson

I am always pleasantly surprised when I see that someone has purchased my book. I was pretty excited when Surrogacy Lawyer Theresa Erickson bought 2. Not only that but she mentioned she'd like to do a book review for her blog.

I got a sneak peek last week and it was very touching.  I was a little self conscious about what someone so powerful and knowledgeable about surrogacy would think about my book. Well what she had to say brought tears to my eyes. She liked it!  Wanna see what she had to say? Head over to her site: Surrogacy & Egg Donation Issues

Things have been going pretty good for my book and they just keep getting better.      :)

Just a reminder that through Christmas, my book is on sale at 25% off. No code needed, it's already discounted.

And if you'd like a shot at a free copy, this month's giveaway ends TONIGHT!  

_________________________________________________________________________________

Review in French- http://meresporteuses.net/media/livre-once-upon-a-surrogate-the-stork%E2%80%99s-helper/

Livre – Once Upon a Surrogate: the Stork’s Helper

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Michel

Le livre “Once Upon a surrogate: the Stork’s Helper” est un ouvrage qui s’adresse aux enfants et qui à pour vocation d’aider les parents d’intention à expliquer à leur enfant les conditions assez particulières de sa naissance ou de celle de son futur petit frère ou petite soeur.

Lien : http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/2010/11/once-upon-surrogate-storks-helpers.html

_________________________________________________________________

http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-once-upon-surrogate-by-jill.html

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Book Review: Once Upon A Surrogate by Jill Hancock Reeder

Have you ever wondered what is like to be a surrogate mom? Jill Hancock Reeder describes what it is like to be a “helper”- a stork if you will in children’s terms. Jill has been a surrogate before. She knows what it is like. Illustrations for the book are created by none other than her own children! It is simply beautiful! 
If you or your children have ever wondered what is like to be a surrogate, I would highly recommend this book. You can catch a small glimpse of what it is like to be an incubator to someone who can’t have any children of their own. You can teach your children there is more than one way to have children.
And if you yourself are struggling to have children perhaps surrogacy might be the answer for you!

First off I'm in awe of anyone who is willing to be a surrogate mother.  I've had 5 children and being pregnant is no picnic in the park. Delivering those babies was an amazing experience but not one I would long to repeat.  Author Jill Hancock Reeder has been a surrogate 3 times, one of those times was for twins.  What a selfless act of service to carry a child for someone who can't have one.

Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helper was illustrated by Jill's daughters.  This book explains what a surrogate is and how the process works.  Comparing herself to a "stork" who delivers a baby to those who want one, this book provides a way to discuss surrogacy with young children.  Obviously this is a book for a very targeted audience but one that would be perfect for the children of a surrogate or to give to their friends and others who have questions about surrogacy.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author for Review
_________________________________________________________________________________

http://mcfaddendigest.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review.html

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2011

Book Review!

Jill Hancock Reeder’s’ children’s book, Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork’s Helpers is a beautiful story about a surrogate mother helping a couple become a family.

Told from the point of view of her ten year old daughter, Tristan, this story is based on Jill’s experience. When the stork realized that he needed help delivering lots of babies to their families, he finds a group of surrogates to “carry them in their tummies” until it was time for them to be delivered.

The illustrations are both unique and adorable, and were created by Jill’s two daughters. I would recommend this book for children ages 9-13, or those who are ready to learn where babies come from.

You can buy this book on Jill's blog at: mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com

I won this book on the Memorable Children Books & Gifts free giveaway.

http://frugalfamilyfunspot.blogspot.com/2011/01/once-upon-surrogate-storks-helpers-book.html

January 23, 2011

Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers Book Review!

There are families made up of all sorts of people and formed in different ways. How can we teach our children about diversity in families and to open their minds to all the possibilities out there? Books are a great way to do this! One book I recently discovered is Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers!  This is a great book that is written by Jill Hancock Reeder!  Her daughters, ages 6 and 10 did the illustration! This is truly a unique book!!


This is a brand new children's book released 10/10/10. You don't have to be a child to enjoy the book. You don't even have to know anything about surrogacy. The book is written in a fun way for all to enjoy.  It was a great way to learn more and to help open your minds!  I really enjoyed sharing this book with my daughters!!  And since Jill has been a surrogate, she has shared her first hand experience to help us understand it more!! This is a wonderful book!

You can buy your own copy by clicking here!  Books are $20.94 total!

Click here to find out how to win a copy of this great book!!

The author of this book provided me with a copy for my review on this blog. I was not obligated to give a positive review.  Photos from Jill Hancock Reeder!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Reviews from goodreads:

Jan 19, 2011

Jennifer McFadden rated it 

Very sweet story about helping a couple become a family.

unlike 1 like  · see review

Dec 11, 2010

Inspired Kathy rated it 

First off I'm in awe of anyone who is willing to be a surrogate mother. I've had 5 children and being pregnant is no picnic in the park. Delivering those babies was an amazing experience but not one I would long to repeat. Author Jill Hancock Reeder has been a surrogate 3 times, one of those times was for twins. What a selfless act of service to carry a child for someone who can't have one.

Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helper was illustrated by Jill's daughters. This book explains what a surrogate is and how the process works. Comparing herself to a "stork" who delivers a baby to those who want one, this book provides a way to discuss surrogacy with young children. Obviously this is a book for a very targeted audience but one that would be perfect for the children of a surrogate or to give to their friends and others who have questions about surrogacy. 

Feb 14, 2011

Lauren Florzak rated it 

My kids really loved this book and the illustrations. They are 5,4,and 2 so there was still a little bit more to explain but overall it made it much easier on me :) I love how the story was about a stork and that way we didn't have to do more explaining about babies... I am so glad I won this book. It is a great addition to our bookshelf.

unlike  · see review

Feb 02, 2011

Cheryl in El Paso, TX marked it as interesting-possibilities

Recommended to Cheryl in El Paso, TX by: First Reads

Children's book on surrogacy. Illustrations by the author's own children.

like  · see review

Feb 11, 2011

Emily rated it 

Such a lovely book about surrogacy, explaining the process to children. I love the fact that the illustrations are done by the author's very talented daughters. Would highly recommend!

_________________________________________________________________________________


http://booksfordonoroffspring.blogspot.com/2012/05/once-upon-surrogate.html (post below)

Friday, May 4, 2012

Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers

Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers
by Jill Hancock Reeder
Summary: Describes the process of surrogacy to the children of the surrogate, who are often overlooked in the process, Once Upon a Surrogate provides an excellent conversation starter for surrogates and their families.
Available: http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/