Fragments of Light

Author: Michele Phoenix

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: July 14, 2020

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

This story will hit so many women with words that need to be heard.

Cancer can take more than your body; it can take your spirit.  Ceelie understands that more than most.  After undergoing a double mastectomy, chemotherapy treatment, and reconstructive survey, the day she is finally free of everything turns out to be worse than the initial diagnosis.  Her husband wants out.  He’s finished.  This devastates Ceelie even worse than the cancer itself.  The man who vowed to be by her side through sickness and health decides she isn’t worth it anymore.  Shortly after this, her one friend and fellow cancer survivor, Darlene, finds out that her cancer has returned with a vengeance and after going through this twice, she is content to live out her days.  But before she goes, she has a request of Ceelie.  She wants her to help track down whatever happened to her father.  He returned home from D-Day and only stayed a few weeks with her mom and her before he left them with no explanation.  Darlene has harbored bitterness toward him her whole life but when some letters resurfaced, she decides she wants to know what really happened.  Will Ceelie be able to help her find out before it’s too late?

This was a powerful read, as Michele Phoenix books tend to be.  The raw emotion over the surgery and recovery could only be painted by someone who had experienced this herself.  All that pain was poured into Ceelie’s character and each reader could feel it alongside her.  There are definitely some dark moments throughout the book, but as the title states, fragments of light make their way through the darkness.  I loved Darlene’s character.  She was so spunky and energetic for a woman in her 70s that I hope to be her at that age, always encouraging others and living life to her fullest.  I also enjoyed the time slip aspect of this story set during Normandy on D-Day and what happened to change the life of Darlene’s father forever.  It takes all the way to the end to find out the truth, and when it comes, it is understandable but so sad at the same time.  I hope that readers find enjoyment and enlightenment through this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher.  The views and opinions expressed within are my own.