One set of twins is daunting enough, but three? "Twins x 3" tells the story of a mother of three different sets of twins, and relates her struggles with infertility and pursuing treatments. Along with her faith, she found herself going from no children to two at a time. Reflecting on her unique pregnancy experiences, her many motherly woes, and the constant challenges that three sets of twins can bring, "Twins x 3" is a fascinating read, highly recommended.

 

Margaret Lane
Reviewer

 

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Reviewer's Bookwatch: August 2010
Midwest Book Review

"Now here is a book I could not put down! Twins x3 by Fran Pitre is a story not to be missed. Fran is very candid when retelling the tale of her life thus far. Did she use Assisted Reproductive Technologies? Yes she did, as far as the Catholic Church would allow, using a slew of medications and finally GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer.) She talks about the difficulty of becoming pregnant, having premature babies, her relationships with her in-laws and other family members, her bouts of anxiety and depression.  While it's like reading a personal journal, Fran explains, in detail, just what each medical procedure is, why she and her husband decide to try it or why they didn't (think IVF), and how it is to live with three sets of twins. At the end of the book she even has parenting tips. Throughout each chapter are photos of her family allowing you to relate better to these very real life characters. This book is obviously written from the heart not only to chronicles her own life story but, it seemed to me, a huge book (545 pages) of Thanks! Fran thanks everyone from the medical staff, hospital nurses, friends, relatives and teachers often throughout her story. Let's face it, when you are pregnant with one set of twins and have two sets at home, you need a lot of help!

Anyone struggling with infertility, a parent with children or a Catholic that has questions regarding fertility treatments would surely find something to relate to in Twins x3 by Fran Pitre."

Sharon LaMothe
Infertility Answers, Inc.

"Fran, I finished your book. I could not put it down. You are a great writer and I loved every page. I do not know how you remembered all the details. I now have a greater understanding of how the mother’s feel when they see their babies in the NICU. I loved your faith walk and your love of the Lord. Fran, you have to be a writer and write more. I would recommend the book to anyone!"

Rosann Parr, RNC, BSN, IBCLC
Supervisor, NBN, NICU
Board Certified Lactation Consultant

"Fran, I am amazed at your ability to share such intimate details about your journey. Not only the physical side but the emotions and mental trials. I could really relate to the faith based aspect of your book. I too am Catholic and was excited to read about how you made the choices you made."

Shelly Coates (RNC, IBCLC)

"Very seldom do I read a story that inspires me for any length of time. Twins x3 is the exception. Fran's well-written story is filled with honest recollections of events and feelings of her periods of happiness and disappointments. She describes her and her husband's  struggles to accept and work through challenges. Although I lost my place many of times, it didn't matter ... wherever I picked up I had to finish to see how that part ended. Although this book is about the uniqueness of twins, Fran describes in these recollections her and her husband's deep faith and love...their faith and love in God; their faith and love in their marriage. It is in this that I find my inspiration. I recommend this book to all who want to share a life with someone. Who, perhaps, wants to get married and thinks things will go a certain way. True faith and love will not eliminate challenges and disappointments, but it will keep you strong and guide you. So, 6 months after I read the book (and re-read it), I still feel inspired. Thanks Fran."

K. Quaiel (Rock Hill, South Carolina)

"What a great read! The Pitre's are a very special family! Bruce is a truly loving husband and Fran is unbelievable. I especially liked the book because Fran shares that it wasn't always easy, she doesn't try to make it seem like she had it all together. She has a wonderful support system that enabled them all to conquer. I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to a sequel!"

 

Wendy L. Swalls (Jacksonville, FL)

"I couldn't put TWINS x 3 down! This book is about faith and determination, family love and support. Fran Pitre and her family demonstrate that having and raising healthy children is not easy, but so worth the wait and hard work."

 

Loretta Haycook, RN, IBCLC (Jacksonville, FL)

"Twins x 3 is a wonderful journey of faith, fortitude and family. Obviously, the greatest stories are true-life stories and this ranks with some of the best. Pitre writes her story with heart, humor and humility that just brings the reader right into pages. An excellent book that allows the reader to be thankful for family."

 

Rev. Scott Circe (Orlando FL)

"I found out a lot more than I expected about Fran Pitre's experience as a mother of three sets of twins. She shares a lot of information about her experiences, her family, and even her body. But that flood of information is part of the beauty of her story."

 

Her allegiance to her faith and her desire to tell the truth about herself inspires me and helps me be confident that the world is not so bad. She shows that families are still worth fighting for and that, in the middle of this technologically advanced world, the perennial values are holding strong. This isn't a case of getting more that we thought we ever wanted to know but of finding the More that makes what seems so ordinary something more beautiful than we ever imagined."

 

Msgr. Vincent Haut (Jacksonville, FL)

"I really enjoyed reading this book by Fran Pitre. Once I started I couldn't wait to finish it. It was so very interesting, informative and funny. I am sure it will be helpful to any couple wanting to start a family. The rewards of having a big family are immeasurable."

 

Margaret McCormick (Metairie, LA)

"I can easily relate to the book being a mother of a child who was born three months premature like Fran's first set of twins. They were born one day apart and brought myself back to that time while I was reading that part of the book. This book brought me heartache, laughter and tears. I enjoyed reading every page and it brought in Christian views that make you appreciate the life of each child. Every chapter was filled with extraordinary details with each day and each incident. I don't know how this mother can pull her life together raising three sets of twins. She and her husband have created great family values that I admire. Once you start reading this book, it is hard to put down. Enjoyed reading every word!"

 

Char Herques (Houma, LA)

"If you have ever doubted that "All things are possible with God", this is a MUST READ. It details a complex journey that alternately had me in tears and then laughing out loud. Two sets of twins....such a blessing, such a joy,,,so worth everything it took to bring them to this earth. A THIRD SET OF TWINS.....Such a surprise,,Such a bonus, Such a gift of love..!!!! Such Assurance that God not only approved but that indeed, he has a sense of humor as well."

 

Rhoda Weston (Jacksonville, FL)

"As a mother of twins myself, I was really looking forward to reading Twins x 3 to take an inside look at Fran's amazing life with three sets of twins. Once I started reading, I could not put the book down. I went to bed late far too many times because I just HAD to read one more chapter! The book is inspiring for all types of readers. Specifically, I think it would encourage the following types of readers. Those who have experienced challenges with infertility, parents of multiples, parents of preemies, nursing mothers, and anyone who wants to have a child. I am blessed to know the author personally, as she taught me how to tandem nurse my twins shortly after I brought them home from the hospital. Fran is awe-inspiring and her faith and fortitude shine through the words on the pages of her book right into the minds and hearts of her readers. This is a must read!"

 

P. Bissonnette "TwinMommy" (Jacksonville,FL)

"Very well written, an easy and uplifting read. I had heard Fran's story and I knew what was coming next, but this time I was able to experience it with Fran. I experienced such a range of emotions while reading this book and find myself now returning to the triumphs of this faith-filled journey. An incredible reminder that there is nothing ordinary about being a wife and a mother."

 

Jody Windsor (Jacksonville, FL)

"Twins X 3 is a heartfelt story of faith, hope and love. I couldn't put it down and when I had to because of my own hectic schedule I couldn't wait to get back to it. It made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. What a wonderful testimony of how God truly does have a plan for each of our lives. It was truly an inspiring book. I can't wait for the sequel!"

 

MCG "MCG" (Jacksonville, FL USA)

"I enjoyed this book immensely! When I would have to put it down I couldn't wait to get back to it. It tells the story of a young couple who would not give up their dream of having children, and all they had to go through to achieve it. It's about love, life, faith, and family. It's heart wrenching at times, and very funny at other times. It's really a good read for everyone who has,or hopes to have children."

 

Mary V. Circe (Bradenton, FL)

"I laughed and I cried and then I laughed some more. Fran took us through every heart wrenching moment and brought us through it with humor and faith. I found myself not wanting to put the book down. I can't wait for a sequel to see what happens next!

 

Whether you have kids or not, you will enjoy this book. It tells the story of every woman's struggle to find her place in the world."

 

Lola Artman "Jill" (Fairfax, VA)

"Here is the book you've been looking for! Finally a MOM who really does understand what you've experienced! She also has some answers and can offer some much-needed emotional support. MOMs who've dealt with infertility and treatments; MOMs who've dealt with prolonged bed rest and preterm labor; and those who've dealt with the moral, ethical and religious issues as they relate to conception will find knowledgeable support within these pages!
... I highly encourage you all to read this wonderful testimony by this truly incredible and inspiring lady."

Debbie Ciardi
Publications and Resource Coordinator
National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs