Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she’s been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who’s just entered hospice care. But there’s more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she’s not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it’s a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that’s just what Mrs. Kip will give her—but she’s going to have to work for it.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book, which made me excited and nervous–excited in case it was a good book but nervous that it wouldn’t live up to the hype.

I’m quite happy to report that it didn’t disappoint. The title definitely piqued my curiosity, and the relationship between Clara and Aidyn kept it. I also loved the way Brunsvold used the dual timeline technique. In almost every dual timeline I’ve ever read, I felt ripped away from one storyline to go to the next. Brunsvold’s transitions flowed so smoothly.

The story did lose some steam around 2/3 of the way, switching from more action than contemplation to more contemplation than action, but I was invested by that point, so it kept me engaged.

There’s definitely a strong Christian message, and (shocker) the book does deal with death, so it’s not a lighthearted read, but it’s also full of life and hope. If you enjoy Katie Powner books, you might enjoy Sara Brunsvold’s debut.

Rated PG. Get your copy here!

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