Two sisters seek a new balance in work, family, and love when one receives a diagnosis that sets the clock ticking.
Determined to save Sherri’s life, Kristen drops everything to guide her sister on the harrowing cancer treatment journey. When she’s unable to balance the strain of caring for her patients, being a wife and mother, and her frantic efforts to save her sister, Kristen’s carefully balanced life crumbles, starting with her marriage. Desperate to regain her footing, she vows to rebuild her broken relationships . . . as soon as she’s sure Sherri will beat the odds stacked against her.
Unlike her sister, Sherri Reynolds has worked to cultivate balance in her life. Her children, her job as a teacher, and her strong faith keep her grounded—until her diagnosis sends her spiraling into the scary world of what-ifs and unknown outcomes. Sherri faces the agonizing realization that family history may be about to repeat itself. With the clock ticking, she’s determined to use whatever time she has left to heal old wounds and restore relationships.
The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly Irvin is an emotional tale. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. The author captured the emotions that are experienced by an individual when they receive a cancer diagnosis as well as by those close to person (family, friends, coo-workers). The author was able to share her knowledge and experience (with stage 4 ovarian cancer) in this story. I can tell that Kelly Irvin did her research. I had no idea that insurance would not cover all the costs. You can go severely into debt trying to get cured. I liked reading about the caring oncologists and how they are there for their patients. The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is told from Kristen (the sister who is the oncologist), Sherri (the sister who is diagnosed with cancer), and Daniel’s (Kristen’s husband) point-of-view.
The story deals with a variety of
topics. Kristen and Daniel are empty
nesters who are drifting apart. Kristen
is a dedicated doctor. We get to see
what happened in Kristen’s childhood that drew the sisters closer and led her to
become an oncologist. Sherri is
divorced, but she still cares for her ex-husband. Forgiveness, job dynamics, family troubles, grief,
new beginnings, and faith are other topics addressed in this touching
story. We get to see the ups and downs
of a family affected by a cancer diagnosis.
Faith was beautifully woven into the story. Faith and Sherri’s church family are an
important part of her life. You will want
to have a box of tissues nearby while reading The Year of Goodbyes and
Hellos. The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos
is an expressive story with close sisters, a scary diagnosis, a dedicated
doctor, thoughtful friends, costly chemo, a frustrated husband, a devoted
family, and a firm faith.
The
Avid Reader
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I am looking forward to reading this book. Sounds very emotional but interesting. I will have my tissue ready. Kelly’s books are great. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI don’t know why this posted as anonymous but my name is Jackie Tessnair.
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