Christian Living
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Fostered: One Woman’s Powerful Story of Finding Faith and Family through Foster Care
If you're wondering if God can truly move in the life of someone with all the odds stacked against her, look no further than Tori Hope Petersen.
Tori grew up in the foster care system, a bi-racial child in a confusing and volatile world. Growing up with a mentally ill mother and living in twelve different foster homes, nothing was in her favor. And yet, even with a minuscule chance of graduating college and a great risk of being homeless, jobless, and on drugs, Tori overcame every negative stereotype and assumption that attacked her identity.
However, Tori will tell you she did not overcome. Christ did. In the face of the storm, Jesus made a way for Tori to find profound hope, deep faith, renewed purpose, and a loving family, too. After so many years of being on one side of foster care as a child, Tori is now on the other side as a foster mom, adoptive mom, and biological mom. On top of that, she became a Track and Field All-American in college and now works with nonprofits, ministries, and beyond advocating for foster care reform, adoption advocacy, and help for vulnerable populations.
If you want to hear the true tale of an unlikely overcomer, this book is for you. If you want to learn more about the foster care system from a former foster youth's perspective, this book is for you. If you want to better dwell in the reality of your own spiritual adoption by our Heavenly Father and better understand the orphan and the widow that He loves dearly, this book is for you. Ultimately, if you want to remember who God is, and what He can do through the most unlikely of people, Fostered is for you.
Tori grew up in the foster care system, a bi-racial child in a confusing and volatile world. Growing up with a mentally ill mother and living in twelve different foster homes, nothing was in her favor. And yet, even with a minuscule chance of graduating college and a great risk of being homeless, jobless, and on drugs, Tori overcame every negative stereotype and assumption that attacked her identity.
However, Tori will tell you she did not overcome. Christ did. In the face of the storm, Jesus made a way for Tori to find profound hope, deep faith, renewed purpose, and a loving family, too. After so many years of being on one side of foster care as a child, Tori is now on the other side as a foster mom, adoptive mom, and biological mom. On top of that, she became a Track and Field All-American in college and now works with nonprofits, ministries, and beyond advocating for foster care reform, adoption advocacy, and help for vulnerable populations.
If you want to hear the true tale of an unlikely overcomer, this book is for you. If you want to learn more about the foster care system from a former foster youth's perspective, this book is for you. If you want to better dwell in the reality of your own spiritual adoption by our Heavenly Father and better understand the orphan and the widow that He loves dearly, this book is for you. Ultimately, if you want to remember who God is, and what He can do through the most unlikely of people, Fostered is for you.
Editorial Reviews
"There are few books whose dedications move you. From its first page to its last, Fostered will draw you in at heart-level and transform you from curious reader to grateful witness. Tori Hope Petersen is a storyteller-poet for our day, one whose words are lovingly raw: raw like real life-and raw like redemption. With care, compassion and conviction, Tori invites you to wade in the deep waters of both her belovedness-and yours."
-Ashlee Eiland, Author of Human Kind
"Tori's story of growing up as a child in very vulnerable situations deeply touched me. She writes with such courage and honesty, and yet also from such a place of peace and healing. Many lives will be impacted by it!"
-Crystal Paine, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and foster mom
"Tori tells the truth. And it is pure power. She drags the darkness into the light with skill and softness. Far from a conventional story, her truth is told with grace, and it leaves you wanting more. More light in your life, more freedom in this world, and more kids to know they are so deeply loved and for more and more people to experience the wide welcome of inclusion and belonging that could change everything for all of us. Get this book. You'll be awed, inspired and hopeful for the possibility of a different future for all of us."
-Danielle Strickland, Author and Speaker
"In her memoir Fostered, Tori provides honest reflections from her life experiences. Tori's story provides insights into the challenges and trauma many foster youth face, while also providing hopeful perspective that Christ and the Church can offer for anyone facing difficult circumstances. I am inspired by Tori's ability to share with vulnerability and empathy."
-Lauren Green McAfee, Corporate Ambassador, Hobby Lobby; Author, Only One Life and Not What You Think
"Tori courageously opens a window to the pain and challenges of growing up in foster care. Written with candor and vulnerability, her story illustrates the power of God's love to make all things new."
-Lisa Qualls, coauthor of The Connected Parent
"Fostered is your invitation from Tori Hope Petersen to bear witness to her childhood and beyond. Her honesty is refreshing, and her vulnerability astonishing as she grows up meeting one challenge after another. With God's grace, she is able to respond to pain with forgiveness, and to failure with hope. And her life becomes a beautiful expression of the reality that the b...
-Ashlee Eiland, Author of Human Kind
"Tori's story of growing up as a child in very vulnerable situations deeply touched me. She writes with such courage and honesty, and yet also from such a place of peace and healing. Many lives will be impacted by it!"
-Crystal Paine, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and foster mom
"Tori tells the truth. And it is pure power. She drags the darkness into the light with skill and softness. Far from a conventional story, her truth is told with grace, and it leaves you wanting more. More light in your life, more freedom in this world, and more kids to know they are so deeply loved and for more and more people to experience the wide welcome of inclusion and belonging that could change everything for all of us. Get this book. You'll be awed, inspired and hopeful for the possibility of a different future for all of us."
-Danielle Strickland, Author and Speaker
"In her memoir Fostered, Tori provides honest reflections from her life experiences. Tori's story provides insights into the challenges and trauma many foster youth face, while also providing hopeful perspective that Christ and the Church can offer for anyone facing difficult circumstances. I am inspired by Tori's ability to share with vulnerability and empathy."
-Lauren Green McAfee, Corporate Ambassador, Hobby Lobby; Author, Only One Life and Not What You Think
"Tori courageously opens a window to the pain and challenges of growing up in foster care. Written with candor and vulnerability, her story illustrates the power of God's love to make all things new."
-Lisa Qualls, coauthor of The Connected Parent
"Fostered is your invitation from Tori Hope Petersen to bear witness to her childhood and beyond. Her honesty is refreshing, and her vulnerability astonishing as she grows up meeting one challenge after another. With God's grace, she is able to respond to pain with forgiveness, and to failure with hope. And her life becomes a beautiful expression of the reality that the b...
Readers Top Reviews
Larry HatchJenna
I ordered this book in August and waited patiently until it finally arrived in October. I read it this past weekend. I'm not an avid reader by any stretch of the imagination but I couldn't put this memoir down. Tori will capture your heart with her story of perseverance and overcoming. About God’s grace and His provision for her life. I will definitely love others differently as a result of her telling her story of growing up in foster care. I have already recommended this book to several friends.
Titus VeselLarry
Ordered this boom and read it in two days! So encouraged by this book! As a foster family and one who’s about to take on a teenager, I need this book. Tori’s words hit so close to home and her faith in God and way she kept going even in the hardest walks in her journey was so encouraging! Highly recommend this book to anyone who is a current foster family, thinking of becoming one or just wants to know ways to love on kids in foster care in your community!
Chelsey CoffeyTit
I waited months for this book due to the release day delay and it was worth the wait. For those of you waiting because it’s sold out — don’t cancel your order, it’s worth the wait! Tori’s memoir is honest, vulnerable, and heartbreaking and heart healing all at the same time. To read about all the obstacles in her path that she overcame is astounding — and even better, that she gives God all the glory. Tori — as someone who has adopted a child from foster care, thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn from you and see things from different perspectives. Your story matters and I’m praying for you on your continued journey.
Heather VChelsey
I read this book out loud to my husband as we took a 6 hour car ride. It made our trip seem so short. Her story is so powerful. With everything against her she has chosen to live a life of meaning and use her story to help people grow. We are foster & adoptive parents so her voice and story is so important to us. This book made us want to be better versions of ourselves to be lights in this world, just like Tori. To use our stories (the good and bad) for Gods glory. It helped us to see that we can love people better, and more ways to be active vessels of healing in our community. This book shows you how important the “small” work can be, and how one person truly can make a difference in other lives. We are so thankful that Tori opened up her story and heart to create this memoir.
Jenna WHeather VC
Wow! I’ve been following Tori (the author) for a while and have always been inspired by her open heart for others. But this books adds so much to her story - everything she’s been through and experienced. It’s incredible that she is as influential and inspirational to others while managing so many past traumas. Her selflessness and character speak so clearly! I received this book yesterday and didn’t budge from the couch the second I opened it up. The writing was clear and engaging, and contained raw openness that will benefit so many. It’s a powerful tool for both those looking to heal from their experience in foster care and those hoping to become further involved. Motivational and captivating, I hope it becomes a must-read for foster families! Highly recommend and grateful for Tori’s optimism and insight! Truly WELL DONE!
