As the author shares in the opening paragraphs of the book, “Murder, Motherhood, and Miraculous Grace,” a simple yes in 1996 forever changed the lives of Debra and Al Moerke. The family were veteran foster parents of 14 years when they welcomed a newborn into their family and then shortly thereafter that child’s siblings.
In the book, Debra Moerke shares the story of parenting the Bower children in Casper, Wyoming, for the next year and their work with the children’s mother Karen to prepare them all for reunification. Despite Debra’s vocalized misgivings to the Department of Family Services about overwhelming Karen with all of the children at once, the family is quickly reunified and the Moerkes are forced to move on.
What follows is the devastating true story of what the Moerkes experience when one of the children is murdered by their mother Karen. And even as Debra grapples with her heartbreak and desire for justice, she finds the grace to forge a relationship with Karen that most could never understand. This book is a true testament to Debra’s faith journey and the greater powers at play.
“Murder, Motherhood, and Miraculous Grace” is a well-written book that provides a glimpse into the experiences foster parents have navigating relationships with children and their families, as well as with caseworkers and others.
But more importantly, it’s a story of forgiveness and finding common ground. Debra shares much about her faith that has seen her through some of the most difficult times of her life and helped her navigate through relationships to ultimately find forgiveness and hope. •
— Reviewed by Kim Phagan-Hansel
Murder, Motherhood, and Miraculous Grace: A True Story
By Debra Moerke; Tyndale House Publishers, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4964-3331-2, 327 pages, $16.99