A touching tale!
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.