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The color of rain: how two families found faith, hope & love in the midst of tragedy
This real-life Brady Bunch story is about what it means to endure the unthinkable---and still open one's heart to what's next. When two childhood friends die of cancer six weeks apart, the shared experience of loss brings their grieving spouses together. After months of late-night phone calls, family dinners, and countless dreams and tears, this unlikely pair builds a trust, a love, and a shared life. Told from alternating points of view, The Color of Rain illuminates the stepping-stones of healing that lead to a joyful new beginning for Michael and Gina Spehn and their five children. Like many who grieve, Michael and Gina had to choose to hope again. Along the way, they discovered that God can restore the darkest circumstances---and even from death, He can bring new life. Michael and Gina's gripping story of 'growing new hearts' will inspire readers not only to survive loss but also to receive the new courage, faith, and identity that God gives in the midst of tragedy.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
June 21, 2012
I was a childhood friend of Cathy so it hit home even more. I was very impressed on how well the book was written. How wonderful for these two families to have found each other after such tragedy. God does work in mysterious ways.
November 4, 2011
I haven't given many fives recently--I'm not sure why. This book was definitely a five for me.
I finished it this morning when I should have been finishing other things, but I had to finish. This book is heavy at times, but only because the subject matter is heavy. It is about two young families who lose a young parent to cancer. The book is so inspiring, though, as are the authors, their families, and the lives they are living.
I heard Gina Kell Spehn speak recently and was even blessed with the opportunity to go to lunch with her and some friends. I knew by her words and testimony in God that I would be deeply affected by reading this story of her life, especially the message that when life takes you on a detour down a dark, unexpected, scary path, put your trust in our Heavenly Father and He will make you the better for it--plus He'll add some amazing color through the rain if you just let Him.
The ending was absolutely beautiful--which I suppose since this is a true story with real people, this is just their beginning.
more on my blog: http://rebeccabelliston.blogspot.com/
I finished it this morning when I should have been finishing other things, but I had to finish. This book is heavy at times, but only because the subject matter is heavy. It is about two young families who lose a young parent to cancer. The book is so inspiring, though, as are the authors, their families, and the lives they are living.
I heard Gina Kell Spehn speak recently and was even blessed with the opportunity to go to lunch with her and some friends. I knew by her words and testimony in God that I would be deeply affected by reading this story of her life, especially the message that when life takes you on a detour down a dark, unexpected, scary path, put your trust in our Heavenly Father and He will make you the better for it--plus He'll add some amazing color through the rain if you just let Him.
The ending was absolutely beautiful--which I suppose since this is a true story with real people, this is just their beginning.
more on my blog: http://rebeccabelliston.blogspot.com/
June 5, 2012
If I could sum up this book, I would say that it gives a wonderful example of how beauty can come from tragedy. The book is about two families, each of whom lose a spouse to cancer but then find their way to each other for comfort, healing, and love. I feel that the authors would want you to know that getting through the tragedies of losing a spouse and then continuing with their lives to find hope and love only happened because of their faith.
What I found interesting is that I got the impression that the events really happened the way they were described. While I have a hard time believing (although you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you) that the the blending of these two was so effortless, the two authors didn't try to make themselves out to be uber holy. What I mean is that the man, Michael Spehn, says that he always had belief in God but he was skeptical of organized religion. He didn't go to church very regularly, he rarely read the Bible but he did pray and he did believe. It is good to know that you don't have to be an A+ Christian in order to follow God's will. In reading this story, I felt, myself, that the only way that two families found their way to each other was because it was so obviously God's will and the families were open to that.
It was heartbreaking (and I cried quite a bit) to read about the events leading up to the deaths of the two spouses. I was pleasantly surprised with how I like the way the book was delivered. Until the end when the couple was married, the chapters were written alternately by Gina and then Michael. Normally I don't like this because I feel like I am rushing through one chapter to get to the next but I think it worked here because each person was describing their lives in a way where no fast forwarding was required. They were just describing life as they knew it and if one person needed an extra long chapter to explain an important life event then they were given that opportunity. In other words, I didn't feel as if I was left hanging between chapters.
I liked this book and I want to recommend it to someone but I am stuck because I am not sure who I would recommend this book to. I probably would not have read it if it had not been sent to me by a friend. I guess I would recommend it to Christian friends who I know like to read sweet but heartbreaking stories about how life can work out.
What I found interesting is that I got the impression that the events really happened the way they were described. While I have a hard time believing (although you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you) that the the blending of these two was so effortless, the two authors didn't try to make themselves out to be uber holy. What I mean is that the man, Michael Spehn, says that he always had belief in God but he was skeptical of organized religion. He didn't go to church very regularly, he rarely read the Bible but he did pray and he did believe. It is good to know that you don't have to be an A+ Christian in order to follow God's will. In reading this story, I felt, myself, that the only way that two families found their way to each other was because it was so obviously God's will and the families were open to that.
It was heartbreaking (and I cried quite a bit) to read about the events leading up to the deaths of the two spouses. I was pleasantly surprised with how I like the way the book was delivered. Until the end when the couple was married, the chapters were written alternately by Gina and then Michael. Normally I don't like this because I feel like I am rushing through one chapter to get to the next but I think it worked here because each person was describing their lives in a way where no fast forwarding was required. They were just describing life as they knew it and if one person needed an extra long chapter to explain an important life event then they were given that opportunity. In other words, I didn't feel as if I was left hanging between chapters.
I liked this book and I want to recommend it to someone but I am stuck because I am not sure who I would recommend this book to. I probably would not have read it if it had not been sent to me by a friend. I guess I would recommend it to Christian friends who I know like to read sweet but heartbreaking stories about how life can work out.
June 16, 2020
Just the book that I needed. It gave me greater perspective into my grief as well added to my journey towards greater gratitude towards, hope in, and faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
March 26, 2024
I saw the movie on Hallmark Channel, but knew there had to be so much more to the story, so I read the book. I am so glad I did. Two couples lose a spouse to cancer. They live in the same town, attend the same church & the spouses die within 2 months of each other. One family is left without a mother & wife, the other is left without a father & husband. Through their shared grief & faith in God, they come together, first consoling each other & their children, then after a few years falling in love & blending two families. The book is filled with tragedy, then hope, especially in God. I was very touched by this book. It will stay with me for a long time.
November 14, 2017
This book is devastatingly sad for two families, but out of the sadness came hope. The story goes back and forth between both families and was really interesting. I listened to this book and it is read by the authors. It probably wasn't the best idea to listen to it on the way to work as there were many moments when I was in tears.
January 13, 2021
It home for me - 2 widows that re-marry - but may not be as interesting to others
December 30, 2011
Awesome book if you want to read something that is truly inspiring.Read the book in 2 days...could not put it down.
Be sure to have your tissue around!
Be sure to have your tissue around!
December 11, 2019
An absolutely beautiful and inspiring read.
October 3, 2017
"The Color of Rain" is a book about loss, but it doesn't end there. Two people lose their spouses to cancer, five children lose parents. Sound like a downer? It could be, but these authors (the surviving spouses) found that life can continue on in new challenging ways. I found the book to be positive in several ways:
* Portrayal of losing a spouse and the grief/growth that follows (one was a lingering illness, the other more sudden)
* Honesty in conveying the struggles
* A storyline that reveals God's providence in 'seeming coincidences'
* Writing style that feels as if you are walking beside the author
* Managing a new romantic relationship in an excellent manner, sensitive to the five children
* Sharing faith without preaching
What was difficult initially was reading the alternate authors' accounts. I kept finding myself thinking, "Now which family is this?" Perhaps the authors could have written their individual stories and start alternating when they actually met each other.
For some Christians who have trouble allowing themselves or others the necessary time and journey of grieving, this book can be helpful. This is a great quote: "Grief honors your relationship with those you have lost and allows survivors to give expression to the unspeakable pain they feel."
* Portrayal of losing a spouse and the grief/growth that follows (one was a lingering illness, the other more sudden)
* Honesty in conveying the struggles
* A storyline that reveals God's providence in 'seeming coincidences'
* Writing style that feels as if you are walking beside the author
* Managing a new romantic relationship in an excellent manner, sensitive to the five children
* Sharing faith without preaching
What was difficult initially was reading the alternate authors' accounts. I kept finding myself thinking, "Now which family is this?" Perhaps the authors could have written their individual stories and start alternating when they actually met each other.
For some Christians who have trouble allowing themselves or others the necessary time and journey of grieving, this book can be helpful. This is a great quote: "Grief honors your relationship with those you have lost and allows survivors to give expression to the unspeakable pain they feel."
November 2, 2011
It was wonderful how the two families honored their late spouses. My problem with the story is more of a personal one. I feel that they became way too serious way too quickly. I had a problem with this mainly because of the children. I also did not really like the parents encouraging the children to call them mom and dad. Even before they were married, they referred to themselves and one another as the mom and dad of the family. I felt that this was disrespectful to their late spouses to put on the kids so early in the relationship. I also find it a bit difficult to believe that everything went along so perfectly easy for the blending of two families. They relied a lot on faith, which I can appreciate. However, even with faith, one has to be careful when handling such difficult situations when children are involved. I hope that things are still going well for the blended family.
September 22, 2020
This is a lovely quick read that both touched and inspired me. I read it because the movie version will be shown on the Hallmark Channel this upcoming weekend, and since I have no audio description for that channel, I'm better served if I can read the book on which the film is based first.
Essentially, this is the story of two families, both horrifically impacted by cancer and the new union that results from the two tragedies. The audio edition is narrated by both authors, and they do an excellent job.
Essentially, this is the story of two families, both horrifically impacted by cancer and the new union that results from the two tragedies. The audio edition is narrated by both authors, and they do an excellent job.
April 27, 2012
A friend told me that this was the best book they had ever read so I decided to check it out. It was a great book although I would recommend having a box of tissues handy. After I finished this book, I told my friend how good I thought it was. She chuckled when she told me that I had the wrong book. The title is very close to the book that she had suggested! Oh well! All's well in the reading world!
December 31, 2016
A wonderful,inspiring true story of two families who grew great happiness from their own tragedies. It was read very well by the authors and I came to know and love all of the participants. it was so uplifting to hear of the part that God plays in the lives of others, sometimes I think we forget that He loves and helps ALL of His children no matter how or where they do or do not worship Him.
" God is love, and like love, He cannot be 'figured out', He must be experienced."
" God is love, and like love, He cannot be 'figured out', He must be experienced."
October 4, 2020
Heartbreaking yet beautiful story about how redemption is brought about in heartache. The writing was well done.
While I admire the family and their story, I am a little concerned that they got married so quickly after losing their first spouses—within two years! Yes, they helped each other through difficult situations. But come on. Wait a bit longer!!!! I also wanted to know a bit more about their grieving process.
While I admire the family and their story, I am a little concerned that they got married so quickly after losing their first spouses—within two years! Yes, they helped each other through difficult situations. But come on. Wait a bit longer!!!! I also wanted to know a bit more about their grieving process.
November 4, 2012
This is a true story about two families and their fights with terminal cancer. Heart-wrenching. Faith-based lives. Christian literature. Their religious backgrounds are Lutheran and Catholic. A very touching story centering on the will to live, to touch and impact other lives, and their simple faith in a God. I highly recommend this book.
December 4, 2020
“If only we had the ability to live life as though it were so new or so close to the end that all we could do is give and show and become love. It seems that beginnings and endings teach us about this kind of love. It is in between that we tend to forget.”
December 27, 2011
What a GREAT book. It is sad and happy all at the same time. It is a great reminder to get as much out of life while you can because you never know what God has planned for us in the future.
January 5, 2014
Fantastic book about love, faith and the strength people find in loss. Love the local connection to Rochester.
November 6, 2023
I picked up this book because I had seen the Lifetime movie based on this story years ago and, to this day, it remains to be one of my favorite TV movies of all time (it has Party of Five's Lacey Chabert in it). After that movie, I saved the book on my Amazon list for years until, recently, I just took the plunge and bought it.
Do not let my 4 star rating deter you, this book is good. It is a very sweet, somewhat unusual love story of two people who lost their spouses within weeks of cancer, then bond through their grief. It is the kind of story that makes you wonder why Nicholas Sparks did not think of this years ago. Two families together in heartbreak and tragedy but, fine their way to move forward through support, connection, and love.
This book is told from the perspective of Gina for one chapter, then Michael for the next chapter. When I started, I enjoyed Gina's writing more but, I think it is because Gina was a bit more to the point. She started with how she met her first husband, Matt, and their life together. You could tell they loved each other and their two sons, Sam and Drew. Then it went into Matt's cancer journey and how Gina had to stay strong for herself, her children, and Matt during his three year battle. It was really heartbreaking, especially the period when Matt passes away. I had to put the book down during that time because it was a lot.
Then there were Michael's part. Well written but, I felt less directness with the "point" on his side. That is not a bad thing. Michael's wife doesn't have a three year battle with cancer; it was very quick and sudden. Most of his story centered around their life together, then his relationship with his own father which, while important, I found got in the way of his story with Cathy, his first wife.
Overall, I am giving this a 4 star because, while I enjoyed the book and will hang onto it because I think it is an important book to read, I did find that I was more connected to Gina during this story. I might have enjoyed this book more if it was told only from her point of view. That might be an unpopular opinion but, that is how I feel.
Do not let my 4 star rating deter you, this book is good. It is a very sweet, somewhat unusual love story of two people who lost their spouses within weeks of cancer, then bond through their grief. It is the kind of story that makes you wonder why Nicholas Sparks did not think of this years ago. Two families together in heartbreak and tragedy but, fine their way to move forward through support, connection, and love.
This book is told from the perspective of Gina for one chapter, then Michael for the next chapter. When I started, I enjoyed Gina's writing more but, I think it is because Gina was a bit more to the point. She started with how she met her first husband, Matt, and their life together. You could tell they loved each other and their two sons, Sam and Drew. Then it went into Matt's cancer journey and how Gina had to stay strong for herself, her children, and Matt during his three year battle. It was really heartbreaking, especially the period when Matt passes away. I had to put the book down during that time because it was a lot.
Then there were Michael's part. Well written but, I felt less directness with the "point" on his side. That is not a bad thing. Michael's wife doesn't have a three year battle with cancer; it was very quick and sudden. Most of his story centered around their life together, then his relationship with his own father which, while important, I found got in the way of his story with Cathy, his first wife.
Overall, I am giving this a 4 star because, while I enjoyed the book and will hang onto it because I think it is an important book to read, I did find that I was more connected to Gina during this story. I might have enjoyed this book more if it was told only from her point of view. That might be an unpopular opinion but, that is how I feel.
January 29, 2023
The authors, Michael and Gina, do a phenomenal job of introducing us to their spouses in a way that makes the reader fall in love with them. I especially appreciated their choices of humor to include in their stories. It made the entire story that much easier to fall in love with, despite the tough journeys through grief.
The messages of faith, peace and love are beautifully illustrated and communicated. I especially liked the simple yet elegant ways they explained the hard things of life to their children; such as how our bodies are simply vehicles for our souls while we are on earth and how we can grow 'new hearts' when we have additions to a family or group. I also liked the messages of 'taking the walk' when life throws you a slew of curveballs, and the Rule of Forty when it comes to letting go of anger. God is tightly woven into this beautiful story of life, loss, growth, and love.
While for the most part the story was fluid, heartfelt, and well-written, I felt like the last couple chapters were not so. The epilogue especially was kind of dull and heartless, which left me feeling a little disappointed.
The messages of faith, peace and love are beautifully illustrated and communicated. I especially liked the simple yet elegant ways they explained the hard things of life to their children; such as how our bodies are simply vehicles for our souls while we are on earth and how we can grow 'new hearts' when we have additions to a family or group. I also liked the messages of 'taking the walk' when life throws you a slew of curveballs, and the Rule of Forty when it comes to letting go of anger. God is tightly woven into this beautiful story of life, loss, growth, and love.
While for the most part the story was fluid, heartfelt, and well-written, I felt like the last couple chapters were not so. The epilogue especially was kind of dull and heartless, which left me feeling a little disappointed.
March 10, 2025
Wow, what a dud!
I’m a terrible writer and I could have written a better monologue of events. It’s so dry and read like bulleted lists.
I will paraphrase:
- I’m a wife
- I have kids
- Husband got sick.
- whole community gathered around him
- husband dies
Cut to a dude and his story
- I’m a husband and dad
- wife felt funny
- turns out wife has brain cancer
- right before wife dies she tells him to hook up with the wife of the guy who died (see above)
- wife dies
Now they get together and everything is roses. They are the Brady Bunch and the kids “thrive” and they have The Best Marriage Ever.
Good for them
Must be nice
Also as a side comment/ this is based partially in Michigan so I took offense to the snide comments about
There being “no culture in Michigan “ (because of course CA is so much better ) or when she goes to “the mall” she has to roll her eyes (cause she is so much better than people at the mall? Or something that didn’t make sense to me)
Both the living husband and wife were 1 dimensional cheesy people which is a little strange since they are real people. Just shows how bad the writing was I guess.
I’m a terrible writer and I could have written a better monologue of events. It’s so dry and read like bulleted lists.
I will paraphrase:
- I’m a wife
- I have kids
- Husband got sick.
- whole community gathered around him
- husband dies
Cut to a dude and his story
- I’m a husband and dad
- wife felt funny
- turns out wife has brain cancer
- right before wife dies she tells him to hook up with the wife of the guy who died (see above)
- wife dies
Now they get together and everything is roses. They are the Brady Bunch and the kids “thrive” and they have The Best Marriage Ever.
Good for them
Must be nice
Also as a side comment/ this is based partially in Michigan so I took offense to the snide comments about
There being “no culture in Michigan “ (because of course CA is so much better ) or when she goes to “the mall” she has to roll her eyes (cause she is so much better than people at the mall? Or something that didn’t make sense to me)
Both the living husband and wife were 1 dimensional cheesy people which is a little strange since they are real people. Just shows how bad the writing was I guess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2018
I'm not sure I've read a more touching book. I knew quickly that I'd cry and I did. I could hold back the tears only so much. I also don't think I've ever read a non-fiction book in one day.
I don't know what I would do in this situation. Reading about Gina's reaction when she learned that Cathy died was relateable to me. I've been there, shaking my fist, angry at God and asking Him why on earth did He allow that?
Reading the honesty and the process that these families went through was helpful. I pray to God that I never experience something like they did, but at the same time, I think this has helped me think about my other griefs differently. It certainly has helped me think through what people who are grieving need and don't need.
This is a beautiful book but you will cry.
[It was strange reading a book about where I live. Rochester, Ann Arbor, Beaumont. I was a patient myself at Beaumont. I could go to St. John's and see the mural if I wanted to. And I go to a Lutheran church. Just weird reading about the place I live.]
I don't know what I would do in this situation. Reading about Gina's reaction when she learned that Cathy died was relateable to me. I've been there, shaking my fist, angry at God and asking Him why on earth did He allow that?
Reading the honesty and the process that these families went through was helpful. I pray to God that I never experience something like they did, but at the same time, I think this has helped me think about my other griefs differently. It certainly has helped me think through what people who are grieving need and don't need.
This is a beautiful book but you will cry.
[It was strange reading a book about where I live. Rochester, Ann Arbor, Beaumont. I was a patient myself at Beaumont. I could go to St. John's and see the mural if I wanted to. And I go to a Lutheran church. Just weird reading about the place I live.]
November 16, 2021
I'm actually learning to watch movies "based on" (book/true story, etc.) first.
I used to read books first, but I am notorious for "verbally pointing out the differences". Usually, I find great fault with the movies, but prefer the book!.
So... this was a case where I saw the Hallmark movie first, and loved it so much! I later found out about the book, saved my "egg money", and ordered it! I just now finished reading this book intermittently between life and a sinus infection!
I loved how both Michael and Gina took turns sharing their stories... and now my Mom, whose husband went Home to be with the Lord the end of March, is planning to borrow this book from me when we get together for Christmas this year! (She's also only seen the movie).
The only thing I would love is a sequel book or remake movie to include the events starting with the "real proposal" , and leading up to the wedding, and updates on all the siblings today! :)
I used to read books first, but I am notorious for "verbally pointing out the differences". Usually, I find great fault with the movies, but prefer the book!.
So... this was a case where I saw the Hallmark movie first, and loved it so much! I later found out about the book, saved my "egg money", and ordered it! I just now finished reading this book intermittently between life and a sinus infection!
I loved how both Michael and Gina took turns sharing their stories... and now my Mom, whose husband went Home to be with the Lord the end of March, is planning to borrow this book from me when we get together for Christmas this year! (She's also only seen the movie).
The only thing I would love is a sequel book or remake movie to include the events starting with the "real proposal" , and leading up to the wedding, and updates on all the siblings today! :)
October 8, 2024
This book truly gripped my emotions on every page...
Gina and her 2 sons lose her husband, their father to a lengthy devastating cancer.
Michael and his daughter and 2 sons lose his wife, their mother to a sudden and quick brain cancer.
They live in the same town. The children go to the same school. They go to the same church. Their pastor knows them all and is bringing Michael and Gina (separately) encouragement from God's Word. Michael remembers that his wife, Cathy, told him to call Gina Kell after she passes away. "Gina can understand what you will be going thru". As time goes by, their lives begin to mesh... the children depend on each other for support and familiar ground... family and friends realize this is truly a match made by God.
God makes all things beautiful... in His Time
The Hallmark movie by the same name is portrayed so well... I just knew I had to read the book.
Gina and her 2 sons lose her husband, their father to a lengthy devastating cancer.
Michael and his daughter and 2 sons lose his wife, their mother to a sudden and quick brain cancer.
They live in the same town. The children go to the same school. They go to the same church. Their pastor knows them all and is bringing Michael and Gina (separately) encouragement from God's Word. Michael remembers that his wife, Cathy, told him to call Gina Kell after she passes away. "Gina can understand what you will be going thru". As time goes by, their lives begin to mesh... the children depend on each other for support and familiar ground... family and friends realize this is truly a match made by God.
God makes all things beautiful... in His Time
The Hallmark movie by the same name is portrayed so well... I just knew I had to read the book.
December 23, 2020
This definitely tops the list of tearjerkers I have read! There are books with sad episodes, but this book hits you with one of the saddest things in the universe--small children losing a parent--twice in a row. The book, told from alternating points of view, is well-written and engaging. It reads like fiction, but it's true. (Which makes the tears all the more justified.)
I really liked the caring parental relationships, the way each bereaved parent talked their children through the shared grief and the way they related to them. I think this set the tone for them to trustingly accept a new parent. I also liked how Michael and Gina respected the children's emotions and feelings about their new relationship. I enjoyed the inclusion of the authors' spiritual journeys through their bereavements and emotional healing. It was a satisfying happy ending.
I really liked the caring parental relationships, the way each bereaved parent talked their children through the shared grief and the way they related to them. I think this set the tone for them to trustingly accept a new parent. I also liked how Michael and Gina respected the children's emotions and feelings about their new relationship. I enjoyed the inclusion of the authors' spiritual journeys through their bereavements and emotional healing. It was a satisfying happy ending.
August 1, 2022
The Color of Rain is a true love story layered in loss, grief, hope, and faith. Gina Kell and Michael Spehn both experienced tragic loss in their lives, leading them to navigate through grief together and find a new chance at love. Their story is told through alternating chapters with Gina and Michael both telling their own stories before leading into the beautiful account of their relationship.
This tender book is profoundly moving and inspiring. Listening to Gina and Michael read the book themselves in the audiobook added even more emotion. I highly recommend this for readers who like redeeming, uplifting, family based memoirs. The book has since been made into a Hallmark movie which I hope to watch very soon.
This tender book is profoundly moving and inspiring. Listening to Gina and Michael read the book themselves in the audiobook added even more emotion. I highly recommend this for readers who like redeeming, uplifting, family based memoirs. The book has since been made into a Hallmark movie which I hope to watch very soon.
March 1, 2020
I'm not even sure how to write a review for this book. I can say that on a lido deck of a cruise ship with sun, pool, music and dancing, I was sobbing...not tears but sobbing. Part two of this book hit me like a brick, it sucked every breath from me. I had to put the book down....way too relatable for me.
Once breathe returned, I picked the book back up and completed the read. Such beauty, nothing can describe. Storms come but we can't stay under the clouds. God's grace, mercy and love carries us through them. This story is a true story of God's love for us and though we might not understand his purpose, his plans for us are good. Glory to God.
Once breathe returned, I picked the book back up and completed the read. Such beauty, nothing can describe. Storms come but we can't stay under the clouds. God's grace, mercy and love carries us through them. This story is a true story of God's love for us and though we might not understand his purpose, his plans for us are good. Glory to God.
November 12, 2020
This is an incredibly tragic and triumphant story of two families and the loss of a spouse to cancer for each family. I used plenty of tissues while I was reading, yet I knew how the story would turn out. I watched the Hallmark Channel movie of the same name, which is why I wanted to read the book. Michael and Gina have written how they each dealt with the pain of losing a spouse, while their children also lost a parent. They carried on and flourished with their faith in God and those around them, who loved them. I don’t want to say more and spoil the read for you. This is the best book I’ve read in a long time.
June 12, 2023
Get the Kleenex because you are going to need it.
I have seen the movie and LOVED it. The book is better. The love, heartbreak, grief, acceptance and back to love that the Gina and Michael experienced is truly heartbreaking but their faith in God, in each other and as a family as a whole is a joyful and uplifting message. I absolutely recommend that you read the book and watch the movie. You will fall in love with these people and their friends and family. I wish they did an update of where they are now, especially after they had to endure more life with cancer with their son Sam.
I have seen the movie and LOVED it. The book is better. The love, heartbreak, grief, acceptance and back to love that the Gina and Michael experienced is truly heartbreaking but their faith in God, in each other and as a family as a whole is a joyful and uplifting message. I absolutely recommend that you read the book and watch the movie. You will fall in love with these people and their friends and family. I wish they did an update of where they are now, especially after they had to endure more life with cancer with their son Sam.
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