This was a beautiful poetry collection, and it's found a special place in my heart. I liked the way the book was broken down, into Birth Mother, Adoptive Mother, and Child. The feeling and tone of each of the poems shifted with the sections, evoking different emotions. I can't say I had a favorite poem, but I can say I was glad to go along on this poetically presented journey. ( )

I received an advance of Three Hearts Stitched through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program. As an adult child of adoption, I was drawn to this book’s description; when I learned that I was selected to receive a copy, I inwardly acknowledged that it would likely be an emotionally complicated read for me. I was not prepared to burst into tears on the first page and never stop. Countless times throughout my life, I’ve had to attempt to explain the multifaceted nature of feelings about family relationships when adoption is involved. It’s something those outside it can not fully grasp. Author Celaine Charles is clearly a member of an adoption triangle herself. (Her writing proves this before one has even double-checked this fact in her bio.) This beautiful collection of poems provides a well rounded scope of the perspectives in the adoptive triangle better than any words I could come up with on my own, so from now on I’m probably just going to refer people to this book in lieu of an explanation. In all seriousness, many women (and men) will see themselves in the heartfelt words poured out on these pages; those who can’t relate personally will begin to understand this unique state of being better than before. That said, prepare for some Big Feelings and allow yourself time and space to process this if you have a personal adoption story or if you’re simply an emotional or empathetic reader. I had to take it in sections so I wouldn’t cry myself sick all in one sitting. ( )

Adoption is a complicated and emotional experience and lifelong journey for all involved, hence the title, ‘Three Hearts Stitched’ is heartfelt and apt. Three people forever tied, connected. This poetry book is elegant and well structure by navigating the voices and perspectives of the birth mother, the adopted child and the adoptive mother/father. I appreciated the honest, raw language and imageries created. This is a heavy topic but this book carries the reader through the rollercoaster of emotions and stages, guiding towards peace, understanding and hopefully closure, which is a very rare thing for a book to achieve. ( )