The Fragile Breath: A Novel

by Sharon V. Agar

Based on a true story, this heartwarming and often humorous story follows a fortysomething New Yorker as she uproots her entire life in pursuit of a cure after developing a terminal disease—and ends up finding much more than a new set of lungs.

When Fiona Copeland is diagnosed with terminal lung disease, she risks everything on the chance of a few more years of life.

Far from New York is a lung transplant center that can procure lungs for transplant within a month. But the center requires each patient to bring their own full-time, in-house caregiver with them—and Fiona’s husband, Dane, cannot leave town. So, in breach of the center’s strict rules, Fiona hires a caregiver and she and her fake husband, Mason, head to Tennessee.

The Johnson’s River center is a grueling rehab program where patients exercise for three hours daily to prepare for surgery. Over the course of her first weeks there, Fiona discovers the close bonding that develops among people fighting at high risk—and is devastated when one of the cohort dies. Meanwhile, weeks turn into months without Fiona getting transplant matches. Her marriage suffers from the long distance, and the realization she might actually die threatens to unravel her. But she is thrown a shocking life buoy when Mason’s young daughter comes to join them at the center. Captivated by the girl and growing increasingly closer to Mason, Fiona finds herself with compelling new reasons to fight—not least of which is this unexpected found family.

Genres: Literary Fiction

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2026

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A hauntingly authentic look at the wait for a second chance."

I have just finished The Fragile Breath, and the second half did not disappoint. Sharon V. Agar has crafted a medical drama that feels incredibly high-stakes yet deeply intimate. Knowing now that the author is a transplant survivor herself explains why the technical and emotional details feel so visceral and true.

What worked beautifully:

Authenticity: From the poignant "goodbye letter" to an estranged father to the heart-pounding dash to the hospital with a police escort across state lines, the book captures humanity at its best.

The Medical Journey: The post-transplant confusion and hallucinations, caused by the potent cocktail of medications, were handled with incredible realism: capturing a side of recovery rarely seen in fiction.

The Perspective Shift: As a semi-retired teacher, Fi’s new perspective on life versus a high-stress career deeply resonated with me. I loved her journey toward becoming a new, better version of herself: "I am no longer the old me, physically, mentally, or spiritually. And I’m growing quite fond of the new one."

Growth and Empathy: Even after the inevitable divorce, the way Fi marks holidays by sending Valentine's cards to unpartnered friends is a testament to her beautiful evolution.

The Conclusion:
Without giving away the ending, I will say I lapped it up. In the protagonist's own words: "If the essence of a story is in the ending, the story of Fiona Copeland is a happy one after all."

A truly moving "Own Voices", story that I cannot recommend highly enough.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is engrossing and so full of emotions. When I was reading it, I was so into the story that I didn’t want to put it down. I really enjoyed how it was laid out and how the pacing was done. The story is very well written, and amazing in the way only “own voice” stories can be. While this book is fiction, it is obvious that the author knew what she was talking about. This has a little romance in it as well, but that isn’t the main focus of the book. For me this was more a book of hope and one that I knew would put me through the ringer emotional wise, but it isn’t super heavy and bogged down (I did laugh a little at times). I really enjoyed reading this one and recommend it to those wanting a look at what it is like to wait for a lifesaving transplant.

[Gold Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the title is ingenious and drew me in immediately. I loved the cover art, which was echoed throughout in the part headings, chapter headings and breaks within chapters, which tied the whole concept together really well.

The story was well-written and paced well. I felt invested in the whole experience as a reader and couldn't put the book down. So many emotions were explored throughout - tragedy, sadness, hope, inspiration, fear and so much more - which were all handled very well and shows an excellent perspective of the experience of living with and managing chronic or terminal illness. The themes of dependence, caregiving and nursing were handled with care and portrayed in a way that showed the challenge of these roles but showed deep appreciation for those who carry them out. In some ways, it felt like the author's love letter to those who took care of her, which comes across strong and ever-grateful. Whilst the story could have been heavy and challenging to read, it was well-balanced with the humorous aspects of having to hire someone to pretend to be a husband in order to get medical care at the centre, leading to the formation of a beautiful found-family and support network. The romance was understated, although predictable from the beginning, and I would've liked a little more towards the end to see the new developments in the relationship.

I liked that this was written based on the author's experience, but through a fictional lens, because it was obvious that the experience was personal to her. I love that she chose to portray an equal experience through Mason being inspired to write his novel during the story, just as her novel had come out of her experience. Overall, it was an excellent read, and I enjoyed the journey of finding joy in the small things that truly matter when faced with life-or-death situations.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sharon Agar and She Writes Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[EMMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stayed with me most after reading The Fragile Breath is how Fiona's search for a lung transplant gradually becomes a search for connection, belonging, and a reason to keep fighting. The novel begins with a medical crisis, but its emotional center lies in the unexpected relationships that emerge when life is stripped down to its essentials.

I was especially drawn to the transplant center setting, where patients live in a state of uncertainty, balancing hope against the reality that not everyone will receive a second chance. The daily rehabilitation routines, the bonds formed among patients, and the devastating losses within the group create a powerful sense of shared vulnerability. Fiona's decision to arrive with a hired caregiver posing as her husband introduces a fascinating tension that deepens as her marriage strains under distance and time. The arrival of Mason's daughter adds another layer to the story, transforming what initially feels like a survival narrative into a thoughtful exploration of found family and emotional renewal.

This book will resonate with readers who enjoy character driven literary fiction that examines resilience through relationships rather than easy inspiration. By the end, the novel suggests that sometimes the things that keep us alive are not always the things we set out looking for.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Fragile Breath is based on a true story and follows Fiona as she faces a terminal lung disease and makes the difficult decision to relocate for a better chance at a transplant. Since her husband can’t join her, she hires a caregiver to step in—a situation that adds an unexpected and sometimes humorous twist to an otherwise serious journey.

What worked for me was the balance. This could have been an extremely heavy, emotional read, but instead it leans into moments of lightness, connection, and even humor. The dynamic between Fiona and Mason, along with the found-family aspect, gave the story a lot of heart and made it an easy book to stay engaged with.

At the same time, I did find myself wanting just a bit more emotional depth. While the story touches on fear, uncertainty, and the reality of waiting for a transplant, it doesn’t always fully dive into those heavier emotions. Because of that, I didn’t feel quite as connected as I expected to given the subject matter.

Overall, this is a well-written, approachable read that offers a unique take on a very serious topic. It’s emotional without being overwhelming and highlights the importance of connection, resilience, and finding moments of light even in the hardest situations.

[Cassidy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Fragile Breath is based on the true story of a woman who leaves New York and her husband behind to move closer to a facility that gives her a better chance at a lung transplant. She has to bring a caregiver with her and hires a man named Mason to fill that role since her husband can’t come with her. What I thought would read as an emotional roller coaster with the life and death subject matter ended up being an incredibly superficial account that was mostly descriptions of surroundings and activities and with very little deep diving into feelings. I felt no connection to anyone and wish the author would have been much more vulnerable. Sadly, I found myself very bored for the most part.

If you’re looking for an autobiographical account of someone going through a serious health crisis, check out Sophie Kinsella’s “What Does It Feel Like?” (RIP 😢) Which blends all of the deep emotions, the ups and the downs, the humor and the devastation of fighting for your life.

Thanks to Net Galley for the advanced copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

[Laura Flavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fragile Breath: A Novel by Sharon V. Agar is a deeply emotional and heartfelt story that explores illness, resilience, and the unexpected ways human connection can emerge during life’s most difficult moments.

Following Fiona Copeland’s journey after a terminal diagnosis, the novel blends medical reality with emotional storytelling, capturing both the physical challenges of treatment and the psychological weight of uncertainty. Set within a demanding transplant center environment, the story highlights the endurance required to keep hope alive in the face of life-threatening illness.

Agar also weaves in themes of companionship, found family, and emotional transformation, as Fiona’s relationships evolve in ways she never anticipated. The narrative balances seriousness with warmth, offering moments of humor and humanity amid intense circumstances.

A moving and reflective read for those drawn to medical drama, women’s fiction, and stories about resilience, love, and second chances in the face of uncertainty.

[Sally Mclean · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a moving story, with such authentic emotion and beautiful story-telling. It is powerful narrative, all the more because the author has had lung transplant surgery herself, twice over. I was in tears on a few occasions. It must have taken a lot of courage to create this book, and I am so grateful to have read it. Of course, the medical details rang true and in more frightening detail than I could have imagined. The descriptions of New York were so vivid I felt I could smell the streets. And the idea of pre-surgery 'boot camp' seemed very real. The characters, both central and peripheral, were brought to life with warmth and heart so that I cared about them all. What wonderful writing - I would certainly recommend the book to everyone.

[Emma-Louise Wykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC for review.

This was a surprisingly lighthearted yet emotional read. Essentially, it follows Fiona through her journey as a lung-transplant patient, and we gain an insight into how it feels to be in such a position. The author has first-hand experience, having herself undergone a lung transplant, and so the book has a high level of authenticity and believability.

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, the tone remains fairly light throughout. I love the relationship between Fiona and Mason, and I was very pleased with the ending.

A great book, unintentionally educational yet humerous and thought-provoking.

[Shawna Briseno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story, this is a humorous take on the very serious subject of terminal illness. When Fiona finds out that she's inherited her mother's terminal lung disease, she knows it's just a matter of time until she needs a lung transplant. She lives her life as normally as possible, but the day finally comes when she can't avoid the truth any longer. To increase her odds of finding a match, she decides to temporarily move several hours away to be near a major organ transplant facility. There's a catch, though. Her husband is unable to relocate with her. So she hires a caregiver to stand in for him as she awaits the day she receives the call that will change her life. She soon realizes, however, that she won't be able to go back to life as usual when it's over. Although it tackles a very real and serious topic, this book felt more lighthearted to me and was highly enjoyable.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though written as a fictional novel, The Fragile Breath was based on the author's personal experience as the recipient of a double-lung transplant. It held special meaning for me as I have known several people who have needed organ transplants. I especially enjoyed the relationships that Fiona developed with her caregiver Mason and his young daughter. Thanks to NetGalley, She writesPress and the author for a copy to read and review.

[Laurel Doud · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an essay by Agar in Writers Digest about writing this book, and it made me want to read it.

I enjoyed it very much, though "enjoying" some of the hard things Fiona has to go through is not the right sentiment! I felt it was a little slow in the beginning and some of the dialogue was a bit clunky, but both smoothed out quickly.

I was rooting for Mason from the beginning and got a kick out of Mike.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a WONDERFUL story that I enjoyed so very much! Fiona needs a lung transplant. Her husband Dane needs to work to pay for things and provide insurance. So they hire Mason as a full time caregiver. They endure so much together. It’s a beautiful story of life, death, being strong enough to deal with all you’ve been faced with, and love.

[Kimberly Tierney · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to both read and like this book; however, neither seems to have happened. I started this book, but from the initial sentence, there was just something about it that didn't vibe with me. I pushed through to the end of the first chapter to see if it would get better, but it did not.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a heartfelt, emotional read—the kind that pulls you in with humor, but quietly wrecks you in the best way.

Fiona Copeland’s story is powerful because she isn’t just fighting for a transplant; she’s fighting for time, hope, and a reason to keep going when everything feels impossible. After being diagnosed with a terminal lung disease, she leaves behind her life in New York and takes a huge risk by going to a transplant center in Tennessee. The twist of hiring Mason to pose as her husband adds a little humor and tension, but the heart of the story is much deeper than that.

What I really like about this premise is that it doesn’t make survival look easy or pretty. The rehab program sounds brutal, the waiting is emotionally exhausting, and Fiona has to face the very real fear that a match may never come. The bond she forms with the other patients feels like it would be one of the most moving parts of the book, especially because they all understand the fragile line between hope and heartbreak.

Mason and his daughter seem to bring a beautiful layer to the story. What starts as an arrangement becomes something much more meaningful, giving Fiona a sense of family and connection when she needs it most. I love stories where people find love, purpose, and belonging in the most unexpected places, and this one did exactly that.

Overall, this is a touching, honest, and hopeful story about illness, resilience, found family, and choosing to keep fighting even when the odds are against you. Emotional, bittersweet, and full of heart.