A helpful and practical website is available if you are affected by the issues covered in this book: http://www.emptyarmswithhope.co.uk/  

It is hard to imagine any greater pain than that of losing a little child. It is like an amputation, so that though one may learn to live with the loss, the parent is never the same again. In the English language we have a word for those who have lost their parents: an orphan.  We have a word for those who have lost their spouse: a widow or widower.  We have no word for those who have lost a child.  It is as if the very thought is too painful to put into words.

‘Empty Arms is an intensely practical book which has as its basis the autobiographical experience of a lovely family ravaged by death. Everyone would benefit from reading and understanding about bereavement, but for anyone in a similar situation to the Bakers, this account is not only a text book but a tonic, and may be even a true friend.'
From the foreword by Roger Carswell

‘There is much comfort and true wisdom in this book. Written with authenticity and simplicity from the point of view of grieving parents, it deals with one of the most difficult experiences a Christian parent can go through, and yet amidst the deep grief it resounds with an even deeper Christian joy. In the western world, the death of young children is not as common as it once was, and it is for this very reason that this book is so valuable, for, in some ways, this is a neglected subject. Highly recommended.'
 Dr Michael A. G. Haykin, Professor of Church History & Biblical Spirituality
 
‘If tears are liquid prayers then we can be sure that heaven's throne room has often been flooded. Trauma and pain in our lives calls for deep water faith which means we trust God when we can't comprehend, understand and certainly do not like what is happening in the mystery of His providence. But God is near to the broken in heart and to the crushed in spirit. Empty arms are still held in everlasting arms - just ask Keren Baker.'
Bill Bygroves, Pastor of Bridge Chapel, Garston, Liverpool

‘One of my mother's brothers died when he was little. I have often wondered how my grandmother, his Mum, felt and how she kept going one difficult day after another. This book has given me some insight. To my gran it wasn't quite so unexpected, infant death was not so uncommon as it is now. This very fact makes this book all the more necessary, it tackles a subject that is almost taboo in our western society. The practical and spiritual advice in the book is sound, timely and realistic. Coming as it does from a Mum and not a grief professional means that it is an honest account of what really did help. The author is open about her thoughts and feelings and as such "normalises" the experience of what must be the most painful of losses.'
Sheila Stephen, Lecturer at Wales Evangelical School of Theology  & practising counsellor

‘From the depths of her aching heart, a grieving mother gives words to the emotions that swell and surge after the sudden loss of a child. Keren Baker takes us from the sad, depressing grave of little Natalie on up to the portals of heaven, where the everlasting arms of love of the Lord Jesus envelope this precious girl, and encircle her family here below. There is no pain like the pain of losing a child, but there is no comfort like the comfort of Christ and Christian friends.'
Mary Beeke, Mother, teacher, and wife of Dr Joel E. Beeke

‘This book is a graphic account of loss, searingly honest, poignantly detailed and shot through with real faith.'
Ann Benton, writer, conference speaker and pastor's wife

‘Keren Baker shares with us her "tapestry of grief and goodness" that was created after the sudden death of one of her young children. There is much here to cry at, but there is also a very real thankfulness for the essential love of God that carries her through her sorrow. This is a book that will help those of us who want to understand and know what to do and say when ministering to those who grieve.'
Rico Tice, Associate Minister of All Soul's, Langham Place, London

'There have been a number of books written on the subject of grief, however this has to be one of the most touching books I have ever read.   Keren Baker relates the story of the sudden death of her two year daughter Natalie.  Her story takes us through the circumstances of the death, followed by the impact on the family.

Wonderfully she relates how the members of the church rallied around her and her family helping out in practical ways, loving ways and simply sharing the grief.  Some helping with the housework, one person making up the achool lunch boxes for the other children.  A man accompanying her husband on the difficult chores such as getting death certificates. The simple sharing of grief and the comfort of a hug.  As she says, there is no shame in weeping.  Our Lord Jesus, himself, had no shame in that.  She goes on to state a simple fact , often overlooked, is that everyone is different and will grieve in their own way. 

Everyone in this life will have experienced the sudden loss of a loved one at some time, if not already then maybe in the future.  No one person is immune to the grief of losing a family member or a very dear friend.  This little book shows the hope that shines through because of our Lord.

It is a book that should be kept in every church library and studied from time to time.  It is at times like these that Christian love becomes more than just talk - but action.  We can help our brethren in distress in many ways and what you might feel is a poor effort will often translate into something very special for the recipient.'
A.C Hope-Hall, English Churchman