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Surviving Emily
Abigail Hooper and Stephen Sparks had never heard of Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy until one fatal morning in November when it crushed their hopes and dreams. Twelve years after the devastating loss of their dearest friend Emily, they find themselves still affected by the trauma.
Abigail, married and newly pregnant, helps others through her work for the Department of Children and Families. When a new client with epilepsy unexpectedly forces her to re-examine the past, Abigail realizes she's the one who needs saving. Stephen has struggled emotionally, physically and spiritually after losing the love of his life, and the long-term effects of his grief have kept him from truly living and finding love again.
As the two search for redemption and the power to heal, their paths cross once again. Emily's presence so long ago still has meaning in their own lives, teaching them the meaning of true friendship and what's really important. Drawing on her own experience with a close friend with epilepsy who died, author Laurie Bellesheim raises awareness about the disease in this compelling tale told partially through flashbacks.
Laurie Bellesheim, a published poet, belongs to several writers' organizations including Writer's Digest, Authors Den and Writing.com. Bellesheim was inspired to write Surviving Emily because she lost a close friend to Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy when she was 18. Before writing Surviving Emily, her first novel, Bellesheim was a social worker for six years, including working with the Department of Children and Families. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in social work. She lives in rural Connecticut with her husband and three children.
Abigail, married and newly pregnant, helps others through her work for the Department of Children and Families. When a new client with epilepsy unexpectedly forces her to re-examine the past, Abigail realizes she's the one who needs saving. Stephen has struggled emotionally, physically and spiritually after losing the love of his life, and the long-term effects of his grief have kept him from truly living and finding love again.
As the two search for redemption and the power to heal, their paths cross once again. Emily's presence so long ago still has meaning in their own lives, teaching them the meaning of true friendship and what's really important. Drawing on her own experience with a close friend with epilepsy who died, author Laurie Bellesheim raises awareness about the disease in this compelling tale told partially through flashbacks.
Laurie Bellesheim, a published poet, belongs to several writers' organizations including Writer's Digest, Authors Den and Writing.com. Bellesheim was inspired to write Surviving Emily because she lost a close friend to Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy when she was 18. Before writing Surviving Emily, her first novel, Bellesheim was a social worker for six years, including working with the Department of Children and Families. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in social work. She lives in rural Connecticut with her husband and three children.
232 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
About the author
Laurie Bellesheim
1 book7 followersLaurie Bellesheim, a published poet, belongs to several writers’ organizations including Writer’s Digest, Authors Den and Writing.com. Bellesheim was inspired to write Surviving Emily because she lost a close friend to Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy when she was 18. Before writing Surviving Emily, her first novel, Bellesheim was a social worker for six years, including working with the Department of Children and Families. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 25, 2012
A Heartwarming Story, Impossible to Put Down
Surviving Emily by Laurie Bellesheim, is more than a heartwarming story—it is an event. I cried with the characters, feared along with them, applauded their milestones, identified with their setbacks, and learned from the book.
Backstory: Emily, Abigail, and Stephen were close friends throughout high school, even after Emily became engaged to Stephen. On November 11 of their senior year—a dozen years prior to the story’s present—Emily died of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). At the time of Emily’s death, she was staying at the home of Abigail. Abigail found Emily’s body.
SURVIVING EMILY begins in flashback with the scene of Abigail finding Emily’s body and realizing that her friend is dead. It is a horrific moment, masterfully told, and from the first page and moving forward, the reader is immediately inside the book.
We meet an older Stephen and Abigail twelve years after Emily’s death. The long-term effects of their grief have kept them from finding love again. Scenes shift from past to present and from Abigail’s life to Stephen’s as they cope with their loss, or not, remember the shock, stumble, go their separate ways, or not, stuff or try to medicate away their emotions, seek help, and attempt to move on.
There is a subplot, involving Nancy and her child, Marie. Their story functions as catalyst forcing Abigail to examine her past. The dialogue between Nancy and Abigail is wonderful, as are the scenes with Abigail and her pregnant co-worker. They serve to flesh out the main character.
Laurie Bellesheim weaves the subplot into the main story arc, and an ‘ah-hah moment’ occurs when Abigail—recently married, pregnant, and working at the Department of Children and Families—realizes that she is the one who needs saving. Tension builds. Characters hang between life and death. Incredibly the lives of all characters intertwine in a believable way and have their part to play in the final, nail-biting scenes.
If I could wish for anything, I’d want a closer look at Carolina’s parents. I didn’t quite believe these characters, especially in one of the scenes between the father and Stephen, but that’s a minor point.
SURVIVING EMILY is a heartwarming, sad, and realistic tale of two people, the paths their lives take after experiencing the sudden death of their friend, Emily. Its theme is survival and growth after catastrophic loss. I read it in one afternoon and predict you won’t be able to put it down, either.
I’d recommend SURVIVING EMILY to any reader who loves a page-turning story and who keeps a box of tissues handy. I await Laurie Bellesheim’s next novel.
Presentation is professional: a cover that stands out in thumbnail view, professional editing, proofreading, and ebook formatting.
About the Author: Laurie Bellesheim, a published poet, belongs to several writers’ organizations including Writer’s Digest, Authors Den and Goodreads.
Laurie began writing at a young age, starting with poetry and short stories. In 2008, shortly after becoming a stay-at-home mother to three children, she decided to fulfill a dream of hers, inspired to write SURVIVING EMILY because of the loss of a close friend to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) when she was a teenager.
Not only does SURVIVING EMILY hold great meaning for her, but Laurie also hopes her novel will help raise awareness about epilepsy and the deadly condition of SUDEP.
Laurie was a social worker for six years. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She lives in Connecticut with her loving husband and three children.
SURVIVING EMILY
Copyright © 2011 by Laurie Bellesheim
Kindle Edition
ASIN: B006VHG5R8
First Published in Paper
2011 by Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
ISBN-13: 978-1457505621
Surviving Emily by Laurie Bellesheim, is more than a heartwarming story—it is an event. I cried with the characters, feared along with them, applauded their milestones, identified with their setbacks, and learned from the book.
Backstory: Emily, Abigail, and Stephen were close friends throughout high school, even after Emily became engaged to Stephen. On November 11 of their senior year—a dozen years prior to the story’s present—Emily died of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). At the time of Emily’s death, she was staying at the home of Abigail. Abigail found Emily’s body.
SURVIVING EMILY begins in flashback with the scene of Abigail finding Emily’s body and realizing that her friend is dead. It is a horrific moment, masterfully told, and from the first page and moving forward, the reader is immediately inside the book.
We meet an older Stephen and Abigail twelve years after Emily’s death. The long-term effects of their grief have kept them from finding love again. Scenes shift from past to present and from Abigail’s life to Stephen’s as they cope with their loss, or not, remember the shock, stumble, go their separate ways, or not, stuff or try to medicate away their emotions, seek help, and attempt to move on.
There is a subplot, involving Nancy and her child, Marie. Their story functions as catalyst forcing Abigail to examine her past. The dialogue between Nancy and Abigail is wonderful, as are the scenes with Abigail and her pregnant co-worker. They serve to flesh out the main character.
Laurie Bellesheim weaves the subplot into the main story arc, and an ‘ah-hah moment’ occurs when Abigail—recently married, pregnant, and working at the Department of Children and Families—realizes that she is the one who needs saving. Tension builds. Characters hang between life and death. Incredibly the lives of all characters intertwine in a believable way and have their part to play in the final, nail-biting scenes.
If I could wish for anything, I’d want a closer look at Carolina’s parents. I didn’t quite believe these characters, especially in one of the scenes between the father and Stephen, but that’s a minor point.
SURVIVING EMILY is a heartwarming, sad, and realistic tale of two people, the paths their lives take after experiencing the sudden death of their friend, Emily. Its theme is survival and growth after catastrophic loss. I read it in one afternoon and predict you won’t be able to put it down, either.
I’d recommend SURVIVING EMILY to any reader who loves a page-turning story and who keeps a box of tissues handy. I await Laurie Bellesheim’s next novel.
Presentation is professional: a cover that stands out in thumbnail view, professional editing, proofreading, and ebook formatting.
About the Author: Laurie Bellesheim, a published poet, belongs to several writers’ organizations including Writer’s Digest, Authors Den and Goodreads.
Laurie began writing at a young age, starting with poetry and short stories. In 2008, shortly after becoming a stay-at-home mother to three children, she decided to fulfill a dream of hers, inspired to write SURVIVING EMILY because of the loss of a close friend to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) when she was a teenager.
Not only does SURVIVING EMILY hold great meaning for her, but Laurie also hopes her novel will help raise awareness about epilepsy and the deadly condition of SUDEP.
Laurie was a social worker for six years. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She lives in Connecticut with her loving husband and three children.
SURVIVING EMILY
Copyright © 2011 by Laurie Bellesheim
Kindle Edition
ASIN: B006VHG5R8
First Published in Paper
2011 by Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
ISBN-13: 978-1457505621
February 19, 2012
Synopsis: Abigail Hooper and Stephen Sparks had never heard of Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy until one fatal morning in November when it crushed their hopes and dreams. Twelve years after the devastating loss of their dearest friend Emily, they find themselves still affected by the trauma.
Abigail, married and newly pregnant, helps others through her work for the Department of Children and Families. When a new client with epilepsy unexpectedly forces her to re-examine the past, Abigail realizes she's the one who needs saving. Stephen has struggled emotionally, physically and spiritually after losing the love of his life, and the long-term effects of his grief have kept him from truly living and finding love again.
As the two search for redemption and the power to heal, their paths cross once again. Emily's presence so long ago still has meaning in their own lives, teaching them the meaning of true friendship and what's really important. Drawing on her own experience with a close friend with epilepsy who died, author Laurie Bellesheim raises awareness about the disease in this compelling tale told partially through flashbacks.
Review: This was such an amazing book that I literally had trouble putting it down! Going into this, I have to admit that I really didn't know much about the disease of epilepsy, it's progression if it's left untreated or under treated, or the way that a person with epilepsy may perceive their illness. But probably the most thought provoking part of her story for me had to be about the long term affects that death has on the people around them. The main characters in this book really struggled with being able to move on after Emily's death because they were so afraid of losing their memories of her. But they finally realized that until they were ready to let go of the past, they would never be able to commit to anything in the present, or look forward to the future.
Death can be a very difficult topic for an author to write about, but Laurie Bellesheim handled it in a way that was both positive and dignified. Her writing style drew me into the story immediately and held my interest right to the very end. Even though it was a bit of a tear-jerker at times, more than anything, it was a great journey of finding happiness. This is one of those stories that is going to stay with me for a very long time.
Abigail, married and newly pregnant, helps others through her work for the Department of Children and Families. When a new client with epilepsy unexpectedly forces her to re-examine the past, Abigail realizes she's the one who needs saving. Stephen has struggled emotionally, physically and spiritually after losing the love of his life, and the long-term effects of his grief have kept him from truly living and finding love again.
As the two search for redemption and the power to heal, their paths cross once again. Emily's presence so long ago still has meaning in their own lives, teaching them the meaning of true friendship and what's really important. Drawing on her own experience with a close friend with epilepsy who died, author Laurie Bellesheim raises awareness about the disease in this compelling tale told partially through flashbacks.
Review: This was such an amazing book that I literally had trouble putting it down! Going into this, I have to admit that I really didn't know much about the disease of epilepsy, it's progression if it's left untreated or under treated, or the way that a person with epilepsy may perceive their illness. But probably the most thought provoking part of her story for me had to be about the long term affects that death has on the people around them. The main characters in this book really struggled with being able to move on after Emily's death because they were so afraid of losing their memories of her. But they finally realized that until they were ready to let go of the past, they would never be able to commit to anything in the present, or look forward to the future.
Death can be a very difficult topic for an author to write about, but Laurie Bellesheim handled it in a way that was both positive and dignified. Her writing style drew me into the story immediately and held my interest right to the very end. Even though it was a bit of a tear-jerker at times, more than anything, it was a great journey of finding happiness. This is one of those stories that is going to stay with me for a very long time.
March 10, 2012
This is an emotional book. You might want to get a box of Kleenex when you start to read it. The story is about three best friends, Emily, Abigail and Stephen. The author takes you through life after the sudden death of Emily. Each character has dealt with the loss in there own way. For Stephen he spent years spiraling out of control with drugs and alcohol. During this time he drove away the last connection he had to Emily, Abigail. A few simple words were said that changed them forever. He finally gets himself together and sober but he still seems to punish himself. Stephen refuses to find true happiness because he thinks that once he does he will lose it like he lost Emily.He thinks that if he opens his heart to another person, he will have a repeat of that tragic event in November 12 years ago.
With Abigail it is kind of the same. She has a job she likes, is married and pregnant, but she seems to hold back. While the world congratulates her on her happiness, she holds back. She seems to think that she can not be happy because Emily never got to experience these things herself. While she seems happy, she doesn't really embrace it.
Their lives begin to change when events cause them to come to grips with what happened and move on. This is a touching story that takes you through their grieving process. Sometimes it takes longer to move on, especially when a death happens to someone young and suddenly.
I enjoyed the author's writing. She used flash backs to help tell the story and it also was told from Abigail and Stephen's point of views. The author did a great job, when she switched to a flash back it did not become confusing. You knew what was happening. I like the fact that the author brought to light a condition that I was not aware of, Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).It is something that a lot of people are not aware of.
There wasn't a lot I didn't like. I wished that Abigail and Stephen had met again but I guess that it wasn't needed, they had gotten closure.
Overall Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this story. It brought me to tears a few times. It is a compelling story and I recommend this to everyone.
With Abigail it is kind of the same. She has a job she likes, is married and pregnant, but she seems to hold back. While the world congratulates her on her happiness, she holds back. She seems to think that she can not be happy because Emily never got to experience these things herself. While she seems happy, she doesn't really embrace it.
Their lives begin to change when events cause them to come to grips with what happened and move on. This is a touching story that takes you through their grieving process. Sometimes it takes longer to move on, especially when a death happens to someone young and suddenly.
I enjoyed the author's writing. She used flash backs to help tell the story and it also was told from Abigail and Stephen's point of views. The author did a great job, when she switched to a flash back it did not become confusing. You knew what was happening. I like the fact that the author brought to light a condition that I was not aware of, Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).It is something that a lot of people are not aware of.
There wasn't a lot I didn't like. I wished that Abigail and Stephen had met again but I guess that it wasn't needed, they had gotten closure.
Overall Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this story. It brought me to tears a few times. It is a compelling story and I recommend this to everyone.
March 29, 2012
From the outset, this was an emotional ride. Imagine losing a best friend and never quite letting go of future dreams and plans you’d made with that person. Heartbreaking.
Surviving Emily looks at some interesting faith issues surrounding death. Throughout the book the characters question their faith and relationships based on the loss of a loved one.
While reading, I could understand why people may also lose their faith because of false perceptions of illnesses – in this case, epilepsy, held by some religious people. A major thread through Surviving Emily is the danger or untreated epilepsy. I personally haven’t met anyone with epilepsy who doesn’t take medication – but I’m sure there are people out there who refuse to seek medical guidance.
Being such an emotional read, I was hoping for a happy ending. But it didn’t come. The ending was finished and satisfying, yet there was one scene that could have been made happy and wasn’t. I know that’s my personal reader preference – I’m a happy ending kind of girl.
Surviving Emily looks at some interesting faith issues surrounding death. Throughout the book the characters question their faith and relationships based on the loss of a loved one.
While reading, I could understand why people may also lose their faith because of false perceptions of illnesses – in this case, epilepsy, held by some religious people. A major thread through Surviving Emily is the danger or untreated epilepsy. I personally haven’t met anyone with epilepsy who doesn’t take medication – but I’m sure there are people out there who refuse to seek medical guidance.
Being such an emotional read, I was hoping for a happy ending. But it didn’t come. The ending was finished and satisfying, yet there was one scene that could have been made happy and wasn’t. I know that’s my personal reader preference – I’m a happy ending kind of girl.
March 26, 2012
Losing a friend or loved one at a young age can greatly alter one's life course and even send them on a different path. Best friends Stephen and Abigail lost a best friend and a girl friend one morning when Emily was found dead from Sudden Death related to her disease epilepsy. At first these two friends clung to each other in hopes to help each other cope with the loss, but suddenly their friendship came to a screaming halt.
Told through both friends perspectives, this book was heart wrenching because the reader really feels these friends pain with losing someone so close. I absolutely loved how the story weaved in and out. There was an ease to the reading which made the book even more enjoyable. A few side story lines didn't jumble the book at all, it added depth to these two characters and gave their lives a fullness.
I would pass this book onto any kind of reader. There was heart and soul for those readers who need a emotion, but the reading was simple for the reader who doesn't like a hard read. I will be watching out for what comes next from Laurie Bellesheim.
Told through both friends perspectives, this book was heart wrenching because the reader really feels these friends pain with losing someone so close. I absolutely loved how the story weaved in and out. There was an ease to the reading which made the book even more enjoyable. A few side story lines didn't jumble the book at all, it added depth to these two characters and gave their lives a fullness.
I would pass this book onto any kind of reader. There was heart and soul for those readers who need a emotion, but the reading was simple for the reader who doesn't like a hard read. I will be watching out for what comes next from Laurie Bellesheim.
November 2, 2011
So, I've given up on the whole "not reading books that make me cry" thing. Still not my preference, but I'm just reading too wide a variety of books for that to happen. I was braced for crying going into this book, but I don't think I did. I have no idea why, except that possibly it's because I didn't get to know Emily until after she died. Laurie tells us Abigail's and Stephen's stories mostly in the present, with enough memories and flashbacks to have the full backstory. This is a beautifully-written story with an unpredictable ending. I had a little "hmph" moment at the end because everything wasn't wrapped up nicely in a pretty bow. But that's a personal thing. That's why I usually read fluffy romance novels: no crying and a pretty, happy ending. Life isn't like that, though, and some of the best books reflect that.
I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Read more reviews at http://www.livinglearninglovinglife.com
I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Read more reviews at http://www.livinglearninglovinglife.com
February 23, 2012
"Surviving Emily" is a book that is long overdue and should be read by many, many readers. Good suspense brings the reader right into the story of three high school friends, Emily, Abigail and Stephen. At age 17, Emily dies of SUDEP, sudden unexplained death in epilsepy. She had been taking anti-convulsive medicine, but as she hadn't had a recent seizure, stopped taking her medicine as she just wanted to be normal. Instead, she dies at Abigail's house while living there temporarily. Both Abigail and Stephen have a very difficult time moving beyond the trauma of losing Emily. This is a well-written and highly readable book on a topic that needs to be known about by everyone.
June 25, 2012
I was truly captivated by this book! I loved how the book flowed and that there wasn't any holes in the plot. Abigail truly showed the Christian love for Emily and even after death Emily was continuing to help Abigail through life. This a book I can see myself reading more than once!
October 6, 2011
Full of heartbreak and loss but ultimately hope, Surviving Emily is a compelling story that explores the meaning of everlasting friendship and the healing power of love.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews