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Beyond December
Zak Cooper knows his wife, Kay, is dead. She died mere weeks before Christmas and his newspaper covered the story extensively.
So why is he seeing Kay around town and why is she talking to him? And why can't he touch her?
Are they "bereavement hallucinations," as his doctor suggests? Or is it something more?
And what about Jenny Miller, new in town with her young daughter? A daughter similar in age to what Zak's daughter would be if she'd lived?
Can Zak move beyond this life, this love? Can he move beyond December?
So why is he seeing Kay around town and why is she talking to him? And why can't he touch her?
Are they "bereavement hallucinations," as his doctor suggests? Or is it something more?
And what about Jenny Miller, new in town with her young daughter? A daughter similar in age to what Zak's daughter would be if she'd lived?
Can Zak move beyond this life, this love? Can he move beyond December?
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2024
6 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 17, 2025
3 Stars
Completed: May 4/25
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL's "with an unreliable narrator"
Book #56 of 2025: New-to-me author. Stellar cover.
I quite enjoyed the first third of this book. After that I found myself struggling. For me, the story became too busy and my mind wandered.
This story is not just about the male main character, Zak. The blurb indicates that it is but there are so many other characters and side stories. I felt the novel partly lost what made it intriguing in the beginning.
I appreciated the use of scripture and emphasizing the beauty of a strong and love-filled marriage.
Completed: May 4/25
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL's "with an unreliable narrator"
Book #56 of 2025: New-to-me author. Stellar cover.
I quite enjoyed the first third of this book. After that I found myself struggling. For me, the story became too busy and my mind wandered.
This story is not just about the male main character, Zak. The blurb indicates that it is but there are so many other characters and side stories. I felt the novel partly lost what made it intriguing in the beginning.
I appreciated the use of scripture and emphasizing the beauty of a strong and love-filled marriage.
December 17, 2024
Oh, my goodness! At one point, I didn't know if I could continue because everything was going so desperately wrong. The main character grieves over his wife's death, but in an "unorthodox" way. I was horrified but neither could I put it down. Loved the author's writing style. Lyrical. Heartfelt. The story ended on a believable note. Hopeful. Sweet. How it pulled together was amazing. Looking forward to his next book.
October 15, 2025
Delightfully surprised. I was drawn by the cover and the title, and in the blurb it said, the man was seeing his wife who had died. Because of this, I anticipated a contemporary story with some speculative elements—which I love. Checking the publication data out I—romance—and smacked my head. It’s just too predictable and/or unrealistic for me. After reading the first few pages, I checked for the author’s name—yep, written by a man. I started to doubt. However, the story soon moved beyond what I dreaded. An intricate tangle of trouble for all the characters developed, and while elements hinted at romance, it is nothing like genre romances. See me grin. I was captured by the real life in this. Such a great story about forgiveness, grief, and the power of God and love. I have no qualms recommending this book, even if it gets categorized as romance in places.
November 26, 2024
Deep and moving
Such a deep book full of truths about God, love, forgiveness, and redemption. One of my favorite kind of books! I truly couldn't put this down as I wondered what/who Zak was seeing and why. Plus how he would work through it. Awesome book!
Such a deep book full of truths about God, love, forgiveness, and redemption. One of my favorite kind of books! I truly couldn't put this down as I wondered what/who Zak was seeing and why. Plus how he would work through it. Awesome book!
October 13, 2025
Beyond December is a story of love, marriage, greed, grief, and God’s love for us. Zak is married to the love of his life, Kay, but she dies. Jenny’s husband, Jonas, is unfaithful, and she leaves him. Zak and Jenny’s paths cross.
Supporting characters are carefully drawn, and their individual stories support Zak and Jenny’s journeys. (Such a well-written, well-plotted book!)
The bad guys (because any good story has bad guys) are fantastic. One of them is a greedy, snarky, unlikable person I hoped that Zak and the other characters would overcome. Another is a greedy, opportunistic icky person. I was cheering especially hard for one of these bad guys to turn to God and learn and grow.
The ending leaves a little open … perhaps there will be a sequel? But the main story is wrapped up nicely for a thoroughly satisfying read.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It kept me up too late at night, LOL! Five stars!
Supporting characters are carefully drawn, and their individual stories support Zak and Jenny’s journeys. (Such a well-written, well-plotted book!)
The bad guys (because any good story has bad guys) are fantastic. One of them is a greedy, snarky, unlikable person I hoped that Zak and the other characters would overcome. Another is a greedy, opportunistic icky person. I was cheering especially hard for one of these bad guys to turn to God and learn and grow.
The ending leaves a little open … perhaps there will be a sequel? But the main story is wrapped up nicely for a thoroughly satisfying read.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It kept me up too late at night, LOL! Five stars!
November 30, 2024
Grief is a difficult journey, and each person deals with it differently. You don't "get over it," and it takes time to work through, which Zak's friends do not seem to understand. Beyond December is one man's journey as he adjusts to life without his beloved wife. It's a story of love, forgiveness, and faith.
December 9, 2024
I'm a slow reader and I blazed through this in a week. Compelling and sweet. I didn't know what would happen and I thought I might be disappointed in one character's outcome, but everything worked out just as it should, yet in a way I didn't see coming. One of the more unique books I've read this year. And that book cover is a Top 5 favorite of the year!
April 21, 2025
Great story by a fresh new voice! Wonderful read with funny moments to balance out the harder moments. Loved having a male character giving his view of romance, love, loss and dealing with an unknown future. The Christian elements were handled so skillfully - never preachy, just really great insights on spirituality and the deep love of God. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews