A corporate executive turned author has channeled her own experiences with infertility and faith into a modern reimagining of one of the Bible’s most enduring stories about waiting and hope. Holly Bogdan’s debut novel transforms the ancient narrative of Sarah and Abraham into a contemporary tale set in New York City, addressing the struggles many women face today.
The novel follows Sarah, a successful marketing executive married to entrepreneur Abe, as they navigate the emotional and spiritual challenges of infertility in modern-day Manhattan. When Sarah’s assistant Hagar offers to become a surrogate, the decision sets in motion events that mirror the biblical story while exploring contemporary themes of identity, purpose, and faith.
Bogdan’s path to authorship began unexpectedly when a social media advertisement for a self-publishing course caught her attention. After years of documenting miraculous moments through her personal blog “My Simple, Yet Supernatural Life,” she felt called to reach a wider audience through fiction.
“I want to reveal the enemy’s lies and reveal MY truth,” Bogdan recalls God telling her when she sought divine guidance about her writing project. This message became the driving force behind Modern Sarah, which addresses what she sees as a fundamental spiritual battle surrounding motherhood and fertility.
The Texas-based author brings a unique perspective to her storytelling, balancing a corporate career with her calling as a minister of healing. Her personal testimony includes praying with a colleague who had struggled with infertility for six years, only to see her become pregnant three months later. Bogdan herself conceived shortly afterward, experiences that deepened her commitment to supporting women facing similar challenges.
Early readers have responded strongly to the novel’s blend of ancient wisdom and modern relevance. “I read this with my book club, and it sparked some of the most meaningful conversations we’ve had in a long time,” one reader shared. Another noted, “This is an amazing book for anyone who has dealt with the sadness of infertility. God always fulfills what He promises.”
The book includes a five-week small group guide, making it particularly suitable for book clubs and faith-based discussion groups. Bogdan crafted the novel for readers who enjoyed titles like “The Red Tent” and “Redeeming Love,” aiming to create a story that resonates with both spiritual seekers and those simply looking for compelling contemporary fiction.
Throughout the writing process, Bogdan discovered parallels between her protagonist’s journey and her own experiences. The waiting periods, unanswered prayers, and moments of hope followed by disappointment all found their way into the narrative, creating what she describes as a retracing of her own steps with God.
“The author skillfully connects ancient wisdom with modern challenges, creating a narrative that feels both timeless and incredibly relevant,” another early reviewer observed. “Holly Bogdan writes with honesty and heart, sharing scripture and personal reflections that feel like they’re coming from a trusted friend.”
The novel addresses what Bogdan identifies as a spiritual conflict surrounding parenthood, drawing on biblical passages about fruitfulness and God’s promises. She points to Genesis 1:28 and Romans 12:2 as foundational texts that shaped her understanding of divine will regarding family and childbearing.
For Bogdan, the book represents more than a creative achievement. It serves as a ministry tool for reaching women who have lost hope in their journey toward motherhood. She specifically hopes to encourage those who wonder whether they’re meant to be mothers, offering a message that “delay is not denial.”
The author’s transition from corporate professional to published novelist reflects broader trends in accessible publishing technology and platforms that enable aspiring writers to share their stories. Bogdan credits both divine guidance and practical tools for making her publishing journey possible, including an editor who challenged her to dig deeper into her motivations and message.
As Modern Sarah reaches readers, Bogdan hopes it will serve as “a seed of encouragement, a breath of life, and a reminder that His promise will come to pass” for those still waiting for their own miracles. The novel stands as both a personal testimony and a universal story of faith tested and ultimately rewarded.
