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The Forever Gift
My hands are shaking as my fingers curl around the small, neatly wrapped box. There’s a tag dangling from the centre of the red bow which says Love from Kayla in her beautiful, swirly handwriting. I read over the three words countless times, tracing the letters with my fingertip. How is this possible?
Heather’s beloved daughter, Kayla, is her world. She is fifteen, a brilliant basketball player and a fierce friend.
Heather and Kayla have always had a special relationship. For so many years it was just the two of them, watching Friends, baking cupcakes and laughing together. But now Kayla knows her time is short, and she wants to give something back to the mother she loves more than anyone else in the world. A gift that will change Heather’s life.
With just a handful of days left, Kayla will need help from everyone around her to make this last surprise happen. Along the way, the people whose lives have been touched by Kayla’s light will be changed by her loss, and by her plan for Heather. And as Heather’s whole world threatens to fall apart, could Kayla’s forever gift be the key to piecing her life back together?
Heather’s beloved daughter, Kayla, is her world. She is fifteen, a brilliant basketball player and a fierce friend.
Heather and Kayla have always had a special relationship. For so many years it was just the two of them, watching Friends, baking cupcakes and laughing together. But now Kayla knows her time is short, and she wants to give something back to the mother she loves more than anyone else in the world. A gift that will change Heather’s life.
With just a handful of days left, Kayla will need help from everyone around her to make this last surprise happen. Along the way, the people whose lives have been touched by Kayla’s light will be changed by her loss, and by her plan for Heather. And as Heather’s whole world threatens to fall apart, could Kayla’s forever gift be the key to piecing her life back together?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2019
901 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Harris
10 books263 followersAlso writes as Laura Anthony - The Women on Platform Two out now!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
February 8, 2020
I can’t fail to give this 5*
For content
For ease of following the story
For characters that have depth
And....
ɪᴛ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴄʀʏ!!
Although this is sad, it also brings love into your heart, hope, laughter and a reason to say “ ʟɪᴠᴇ ʟɪꜰᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴋᴇꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ”. None of know what is around the corner.
There’s a little girl in here named Molly. I loved her. As children accept things more quickly than us adults and while life got tough she livened up things no end.
Kayla and her Mother, Heather have a wonderful relationship. Maybe because there’s just the two of them. Her Father married again. But, it’s a good pairing and they all mostly get on. Tension sometimes as to be expected. He has a daughter (Molly) from his marriage to Charlotte.
The bound between his former wife is strong bringing up Kayla. Kayla is now in her teens.
Tragedy strikes and they all need to stick together. But will emotions rip them apart?
The ending of this book gave me everything I wanted and life not always being wrapped up in tiny little bows. Although I cried buckets.
If you like books about relationships, not always happy endings, facts, reality of life. You will not do badly if you pick this one up.
A tearjerker for sure.
For content
For ease of following the story
For characters that have depth
And....
ɪᴛ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴄʀʏ!!
Although this is sad, it also brings love into your heart, hope, laughter and a reason to say “ ʟɪᴠᴇ ʟɪꜰᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴋᴇꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ”. None of know what is around the corner.
There’s a little girl in here named Molly. I loved her. As children accept things more quickly than us adults and while life got tough she livened up things no end.
Kayla and her Mother, Heather have a wonderful relationship. Maybe because there’s just the two of them. Her Father married again. But, it’s a good pairing and they all mostly get on. Tension sometimes as to be expected. He has a daughter (Molly) from his marriage to Charlotte.
The bound between his former wife is strong bringing up Kayla. Kayla is now in her teens.
Tragedy strikes and they all need to stick together. But will emotions rip them apart?
The ending of this book gave me everything I wanted and life not always being wrapped up in tiny little bows. Although I cried buckets.
If you like books about relationships, not always happy endings, facts, reality of life. You will not do badly if you pick this one up.
A tearjerker for sure.
August 5, 2019
This is one of the most moving stories I have ever had the pleasure to read. It is an amazing, emotive story of family, motherhood, life, heartbreak and hope, a story that had tears literally streaming down my face as I attempted to carry on reading, wanting to know what happened next but so moved by what had just occurred in the story. My basic advice is don't bother reading my review - just grab yourself a copy of this book which is definitely one of the most memorable and moving I've ever read.
The chapters are told from the point of view of different characters, making it easy to empathise with the characters as you learn things from their perspective. At the start you meet fifteen year old Kayla. She's captain of her school basketball team, a top scorer they can rely on, a great team player and much loved friend and daughter. Her single Mum is Heather and Kayla is her world. When an injury results in Kayla needing more tests the resultant diagnosis has them both urgently moving from Cork to Dublin, Kayla being admitted to the Children's Hospital there whilst Heather goes to stay with Kayla's Dad, Stepmother and four year old half sister. There's plenty of angst and anxiety from Kayla's diagnosis but the added pressure of the family arrangements, tests, decision making and all the emotional turmoil prove difficult and put strains on individuals and their relationships to each other. Through it all this is a battle for life and love, a fight for dreams to come true and life to be lived to the fullest.
This truly was an unputdownable, heartbreaking and inspirational read, one that deserves more than 5*. I cannot recommend it highly enough - but make sure you have tissues at the ready when you read it!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and finding it to be an absolutely amazing, moving page-turner that I couldn't put down, even though it did make me cry.
The chapters are told from the point of view of different characters, making it easy to empathise with the characters as you learn things from their perspective. At the start you meet fifteen year old Kayla. She's captain of her school basketball team, a top scorer they can rely on, a great team player and much loved friend and daughter. Her single Mum is Heather and Kayla is her world. When an injury results in Kayla needing more tests the resultant diagnosis has them both urgently moving from Cork to Dublin, Kayla being admitted to the Children's Hospital there whilst Heather goes to stay with Kayla's Dad, Stepmother and four year old half sister. There's plenty of angst and anxiety from Kayla's diagnosis but the added pressure of the family arrangements, tests, decision making and all the emotional turmoil prove difficult and put strains on individuals and their relationships to each other. Through it all this is a battle for life and love, a fight for dreams to come true and life to be lived to the fullest.
This truly was an unputdownable, heartbreaking and inspirational read, one that deserves more than 5*. I cannot recommend it highly enough - but make sure you have tissues at the ready when you read it!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and finding it to be an absolutely amazing, moving page-turner that I couldn't put down, even though it did make me cry.
August 2, 2019
I won’t lie, this is not going to be an easy book to read. Due to the nature of the story line, I knew it was going to be an emotional read and boy was it that alright. Don’t get me wrong, whilst I did get a bit teary at times at certain points, the majority of the story I thought I held it together really well. When those tears came though, I couldn’t stop them.
The story alternates in chapters between mainly Heather, Kayla’s mum and Charlotte, her dad’s partner and then fewer chapters from Kayla’s point of view. It was really good to see what was going on inside these three females head. As a mother, how do you cope with knowing your daughter is going to die? From Charlotte’s point of view, she is very much stuck in the middle with wanting to be supportive to her husband but struggling with his attention being on Heather and his daughter. Kayla, wow, what a girl! Even now the day after I finished the book, thinking of this truly inspirational young adult sets me off into tears.
This is so much more than just a story about a loved one dying. The friendship between Kayla and her best friend Aiden was just so beautifully done. It also gives you food for thought. It offers hope and more than anything it gives you comfort.
The Forever Gift is a breath taking and heart wrenching read and so beautifully written. I read it in one day as I was so compelled by the characters in the novel. By the end of the story I am not going to lie, I felt like my heart had been ripped into tiny shreds. I went through a full box of tissues as I sobbed my heart out. One of the most emotional, uplifting and inspiring reads I’ve read this year.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my oen and not biased in anyway.
The story alternates in chapters between mainly Heather, Kayla’s mum and Charlotte, her dad’s partner and then fewer chapters from Kayla’s point of view. It was really good to see what was going on inside these three females head. As a mother, how do you cope with knowing your daughter is going to die? From Charlotte’s point of view, she is very much stuck in the middle with wanting to be supportive to her husband but struggling with his attention being on Heather and his daughter. Kayla, wow, what a girl! Even now the day after I finished the book, thinking of this truly inspirational young adult sets me off into tears.
This is so much more than just a story about a loved one dying. The friendship between Kayla and her best friend Aiden was just so beautifully done. It also gives you food for thought. It offers hope and more than anything it gives you comfort.
The Forever Gift is a breath taking and heart wrenching read and so beautifully written. I read it in one day as I was so compelled by the characters in the novel. By the end of the story I am not going to lie, I felt like my heart had been ripped into tiny shreds. I went through a full box of tissues as I sobbed my heart out. One of the most emotional, uplifting and inspiring reads I’ve read this year.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my oen and not biased in anyway.
August 2, 2019
It was when reading this line, I just want my mam, that I just knew I was in for a heavy book. Why? Well, when most 15-year-old girls manage to score the winning shot in a basketball game they might want the adoration and cheering of their friends. This young lady wanted her mother. This is when I sensed that something was going to be very different about this read.
This story is about Kayla. But is also about her parents, stepmother and little sister. Kayla is the captain of her school basketball team. What's more is she is an amazing teenager and she has a marvelous relationship with her mother, Heather. She is also quite close to her father and even has a very good bond with her stepfather. One day, immediately after a basketball game she collapses and is agony.
Kayla's life forever changes once her mother takes her to the doctor. The news is devastating and there is very little hope. At some point, and with serious thought and planning, Kayla decides to leave her mother a gift, something that will come as a complete surprise to Heather.
I cannot say enough about the characters in this book. As mentioned, there is Heather, Kayla's mother. her father Gavin and stepmother Charlotte. There is the adorable Molly, Kayla's four-year-old sister. I was also drawn to Aiden, Kayla's best friend. One will never forget Jack, Kayla's doctor. What a marvelous cast indeed! Every single one of them played a major role when it came to Kayla's trials.
I am sure readers of the blurb, and this review thus far, can imagine the outcome. So, yes, this is a devastating read. As a mother and a grandmother, many sad thoughts went through my head and my tears flowed freely and often. Despite the heavy impact this book left, it was just incredible. I am glad that I read it actually. It speaks so well of the author, Brooke Harris, to write such an effective book. This story well teaches us to make every moment in our lives count.
On a very personal note, I just lost a very young nephew to the very disease Kayla had and really thought I would not be able to get past the first chapter of this book. Instead, I found this read to be cathartic and thus would like to thank the author for writing such a sensitive story, and one that managed to leave me with hope, especially as the direction of the story changed when Kayla decided to leave her mother a gift.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
This story is about Kayla. But is also about her parents, stepmother and little sister. Kayla is the captain of her school basketball team. What's more is she is an amazing teenager and she has a marvelous relationship with her mother, Heather. She is also quite close to her father and even has a very good bond with her stepfather. One day, immediately after a basketball game she collapses and is agony.
Kayla's life forever changes once her mother takes her to the doctor. The news is devastating and there is very little hope. At some point, and with serious thought and planning, Kayla decides to leave her mother a gift, something that will come as a complete surprise to Heather.
I cannot say enough about the characters in this book. As mentioned, there is Heather, Kayla's mother. her father Gavin and stepmother Charlotte. There is the adorable Molly, Kayla's four-year-old sister. I was also drawn to Aiden, Kayla's best friend. One will never forget Jack, Kayla's doctor. What a marvelous cast indeed! Every single one of them played a major role when it came to Kayla's trials.
I am sure readers of the blurb, and this review thus far, can imagine the outcome. So, yes, this is a devastating read. As a mother and a grandmother, many sad thoughts went through my head and my tears flowed freely and often. Despite the heavy impact this book left, it was just incredible. I am glad that I read it actually. It speaks so well of the author, Brooke Harris, to write such an effective book. This story well teaches us to make every moment in our lives count.
On a very personal note, I just lost a very young nephew to the very disease Kayla had and really thought I would not be able to get past the first chapter of this book. Instead, I found this read to be cathartic and thus would like to thank the author for writing such a sensitive story, and one that managed to leave me with hope, especially as the direction of the story changed when Kayla decided to leave her mother a gift.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 5, 2019
Holy cannoli, that was an emotional read! I'm emotionally drained. This author delves into a tough subject, but poignantly, and with an uplifting message and a bittersweet surprise. I absolutely love when a story punches me in the heart, but delivers me safely on the other side and hands me my heart back and with a warm hug.
September 29, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Brooke Harris for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars.
Ok so I'd been preparing myself for an emotional read from this. Based on the discription, I knew it was going to be that type of story and gosh I wasn't wrong. This definitely pulled at my heart. It was so touching and heartfelt. It was so well written. It's one of those that you need to have tissues for because while you can predict the ending to a degree, it still breaks your heart. If your not ready for an emotional read then stay away but if you want a beautiful story and can handle the depths this book will take you to, then it is well worth it. It's so beautifully told yet so utterly heartbreaking.
4 stars.
Ok so I'd been preparing myself for an emotional read from this. Based on the discription, I knew it was going to be that type of story and gosh I wasn't wrong. This definitely pulled at my heart. It was so touching and heartfelt. It was so well written. It's one of those that you need to have tissues for because while you can predict the ending to a degree, it still breaks your heart. If your not ready for an emotional read then stay away but if you want a beautiful story and can handle the depths this book will take you to, then it is well worth it. It's so beautifully told yet so utterly heartbreaking.
August 6, 2019
This was such a beautiful story. I just don’t seem to find words to describe what went through me but it was fierce, I can assure that.
I would like to give you a warning : please make sure you have food, drinks and a bucketload of tissues on hand because you won’t want to put the book down and your heartstrings will be pulled to the limit.
Sometimes books bring tears to my eyes, but this one made them stream down my cheeks.
If you are looking for the epitome of braveness and love, this is where you will find it.
Loved it, loved it, loved it! 5 stars.
Thank you, Brooke Harris, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
I would like to give you a warning : please make sure you have food, drinks and a bucketload of tissues on hand because you won’t want to put the book down and your heartstrings will be pulled to the limit.
Sometimes books bring tears to my eyes, but this one made them stream down my cheeks.
If you are looking for the epitome of braveness and love, this is where you will find it.
Loved it, loved it, loved it! 5 stars.
Thank you, Brooke Harris, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
March 11, 2024
A really lovely read
April 16, 2025
So that broke me! Loved it! First book I’ve read by this author wont be my last!
March 27, 2025
This is the book to read if you want your heart warmed, broken, ripped out…. Keep the tissues handy. Don’t plan on putting this down!
May 24, 2024
I sobbed the last two days reading this. It's both heartbreaking but with such a beautiful message. the best book of this year!
August 6, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Omg, Brooke Harris, what the HELL have you done to me?! I wasn't expecting this at all, even more so because I don't read blurbs, so you know, I went in completely blind. I wasn't expecting to bawl my eyes out for 10 solid minutes.....twice. Nor was I expecting to feel as though I had gone through a loss as well, as though Kayla was my own flesh and blood. To say that my heart was broken would be an understatement. I felt like someone had ripped it out and stomped on it. Dramatic maybe, but as I've already said, I felt as though I was grieving and I was absolutely broken.
With that in mind, please don't think that I am trying to put you off the book, because it couldn't be further from the truth. I want you all to read 'The Forever Gift' and cry like I did. If you don't cry, or at least feel emotional towards the storyline, I really want to know why. I'm not a crier (no really, I'm not), so it takes a lot for me to actually break down to the point I cannot breathe.....just like I did with this book.
Wow....wow. Yes, my eyes were stinging and I was exhausted after finishing it, but I can honestly say that 'The Forever Gift' is one of, if not THE most moving, emotional, tender novel I think I have ever, ever read. It's very clear that Brooke Harris put her all into the storyline and the characters, believing in their emotions and their individual journeys. I have no idea how she managed to connect the blended family alongside cancer, with family relationships of different levels, as well as including a four year girl into the situation. Kayla may have been the one in the spotlight so to speak, yet all of her loved ones were showing their pain a lot more than she. Now, that's not because she wasn't in pain, because it was abundantly clear that she was, it was just that Kayla's parents were watching their little girl fight a battle no-one should ever have to battle. Not only that, her little sister couldn't understand why her big sister was in the hospital. And still, despite ALLLLLL of that, Kayla still left her mark in such a beautiful and selfless manner. Yes, I cried at that as well.
You're probably thinking how on earth did I manage to love a book which reduced me to sobbing, and I don't blame you at all because I often wonder that myself in the grand scheme of things. However, it's not the devastation which allowed me to love the storyline, it was the way in which Brooke Harris delivered the mind-blowing storyline, the powerful characters, and deeply moving premise - without all of that, I don't think I would have felt the way I did. I mean, anyone could say that they want to write a book about cancer, but there's one thing writing that book, and then there's another thing writing the book and being able to connect with the characters and the readers own multiple levels, whilst also bringing the characters stories to life as though the readers are involved in reality. Brooke Harris did just that and I am in awe at this authors incredible, incredible talent.
I grieved for Kayla. I grieved for Heather. I grieved for Molly....oh Molly! I didn't realise just how invested in the storyline I was, until I saw an advert on Facebook for 'Friends' Lego Mini-figures and thought to myself, 'Kayla would LOVE those!'.
'The Forever Gift' may be an earth shattering and heartbreaking read, but it is also a read which gives you hope and the kick up the backside to be thankful for all of the little things in life, you know, like breathing. Sometimes in life we are too focused on how things SHOULD be, instead missing out on things just simply being. Instead of thinking about your lunch while you're eating your breakfast, enjoy your breakfast for what it is. Probably daft thing to use as an example given the nature of the book, although I hope you get what I mean!
Stock up on the Kleenex (man size, trust me), unplug the phone and allow yourself to become invested in the most harrowing, yet beautiful story, of life vs loss, happiness vs sadness, and the all important gift of being. I can honestly see this as a movie, and I would even go as far to say that Brooke Harris is the female version of Nicholas Sparks.
Omg, Brooke Harris, what the HELL have you done to me?! I wasn't expecting this at all, even more so because I don't read blurbs, so you know, I went in completely blind. I wasn't expecting to bawl my eyes out for 10 solid minutes.....twice. Nor was I expecting to feel as though I had gone through a loss as well, as though Kayla was my own flesh and blood. To say that my heart was broken would be an understatement. I felt like someone had ripped it out and stomped on it. Dramatic maybe, but as I've already said, I felt as though I was grieving and I was absolutely broken.
With that in mind, please don't think that I am trying to put you off the book, because it couldn't be further from the truth. I want you all to read 'The Forever Gift' and cry like I did. If you don't cry, or at least feel emotional towards the storyline, I really want to know why. I'm not a crier (no really, I'm not), so it takes a lot for me to actually break down to the point I cannot breathe.....just like I did with this book.
Wow....wow. Yes, my eyes were stinging and I was exhausted after finishing it, but I can honestly say that 'The Forever Gift' is one of, if not THE most moving, emotional, tender novel I think I have ever, ever read. It's very clear that Brooke Harris put her all into the storyline and the characters, believing in their emotions and their individual journeys. I have no idea how she managed to connect the blended family alongside cancer, with family relationships of different levels, as well as including a four year girl into the situation. Kayla may have been the one in the spotlight so to speak, yet all of her loved ones were showing their pain a lot more than she. Now, that's not because she wasn't in pain, because it was abundantly clear that she was, it was just that Kayla's parents were watching their little girl fight a battle no-one should ever have to battle. Not only that, her little sister couldn't understand why her big sister was in the hospital. And still, despite ALLLLLL of that, Kayla still left her mark in such a beautiful and selfless manner. Yes, I cried at that as well.
You're probably thinking how on earth did I manage to love a book which reduced me to sobbing, and I don't blame you at all because I often wonder that myself in the grand scheme of things. However, it's not the devastation which allowed me to love the storyline, it was the way in which Brooke Harris delivered the mind-blowing storyline, the powerful characters, and deeply moving premise - without all of that, I don't think I would have felt the way I did. I mean, anyone could say that they want to write a book about cancer, but there's one thing writing that book, and then there's another thing writing the book and being able to connect with the characters and the readers own multiple levels, whilst also bringing the characters stories to life as though the readers are involved in reality. Brooke Harris did just that and I am in awe at this authors incredible, incredible talent.
I grieved for Kayla. I grieved for Heather. I grieved for Molly....oh Molly! I didn't realise just how invested in the storyline I was, until I saw an advert on Facebook for 'Friends' Lego Mini-figures and thought to myself, 'Kayla would LOVE those!'.
'The Forever Gift' may be an earth shattering and heartbreaking read, but it is also a read which gives you hope and the kick up the backside to be thankful for all of the little things in life, you know, like breathing. Sometimes in life we are too focused on how things SHOULD be, instead missing out on things just simply being. Instead of thinking about your lunch while you're eating your breakfast, enjoy your breakfast for what it is. Probably daft thing to use as an example given the nature of the book, although I hope you get what I mean!
Stock up on the Kleenex (man size, trust me), unplug the phone and allow yourself to become invested in the most harrowing, yet beautiful story, of life vs loss, happiness vs sadness, and the all important gift of being. I can honestly see this as a movie, and I would even go as far to say that Brooke Harris is the female version of Nicholas Sparks.
August 5, 2019
This book broke me apart, my heart felt as if it was being crushed by a giant sledgehammer. My insides felt squished as if there was nothing in me but pain and tears.
Kayla, Heather's daughter was dying of cancer. And she decided to give her mother one last gift to help her live the best life she could. Actually, she gave two last gifts.
I read this book in bits and pieces initially knowing I would get emotional. The first few chapters told me about the surgery and the chemotherapy, and I thought I could deal with it. Then Brooke Harris's words took my heart and squeezed it until all my emotions flowed down as tears. I couldn't stop crying even when I tried to.
The characters, oh the characters, what do I say? The story was written from 3 POV Kayla, her mam Heather, and stepmother Charlotte. Each of them loved Kayla with a depth that only mothers have. There were minor skirmishes, but that was normal when too ex-girlfriend and the current wife lived in the same house during the treatment. But all of them banded together when the going got tough.
Aiden, Kayla's best friend had a special bond with her. It was fun to see the two best friends banter even when one of them was dying. Their friendship went beyond the cancer. The last letter from Kayla read by him, her eulogy, just finished me off. I thought I had no tears to cry, but they flowed like a river.
The pain of Kayla's death was like a sharp, hot knife that cleaved my insides, and Brooke's words would remain with me in the form of emotions for a long long time.
I loved the book, I loved Brooke Harris's writing, I loved the story. I loved every single thing about this book. I was unable to breathe after reading it. I couldn't seem to stop crying. I wrote this review with a film of tears.
But don't read this book if you have a child.
Go and hug your child instead. Go and spend time with them, tell your loved ones how much you love them. Do everything to live your life. Do everything to show the love in your heart. Life is fragile and temporary, but love is eternal
Quoting words from the book with slight liberties, sorry Brooke—
"If living your life is going for a walk with your dog, do that.
If living your life is reading this book, do that.
And every morning when you wake up, take a big deep breath and be grateful for the air in your lungs.
Don't be alive, live!!"
Well said, Brooke. No truer words were ever spoken. I needed to hear these words; they came at the perfect moment. Thank you for writing this book and making all of us readers cry. The power of the written word was never so well felt than by your writing.
Kayla, Heather's daughter was dying of cancer. And she decided to give her mother one last gift to help her live the best life she could. Actually, she gave two last gifts.
I read this book in bits and pieces initially knowing I would get emotional. The first few chapters told me about the surgery and the chemotherapy, and I thought I could deal with it. Then Brooke Harris's words took my heart and squeezed it until all my emotions flowed down as tears. I couldn't stop crying even when I tried to.
The characters, oh the characters, what do I say? The story was written from 3 POV Kayla, her mam Heather, and stepmother Charlotte. Each of them loved Kayla with a depth that only mothers have. There were minor skirmishes, but that was normal when too ex-girlfriend and the current wife lived in the same house during the treatment. But all of them banded together when the going got tough.
Aiden, Kayla's best friend had a special bond with her. It was fun to see the two best friends banter even when one of them was dying. Their friendship went beyond the cancer. The last letter from Kayla read by him, her eulogy, just finished me off. I thought I had no tears to cry, but they flowed like a river.
The pain of Kayla's death was like a sharp, hot knife that cleaved my insides, and Brooke's words would remain with me in the form of emotions for a long long time.
I loved the book, I loved Brooke Harris's writing, I loved the story. I loved every single thing about this book. I was unable to breathe after reading it. I couldn't seem to stop crying. I wrote this review with a film of tears.
But don't read this book if you have a child.
Go and hug your child instead. Go and spend time with them, tell your loved ones how much you love them. Do everything to live your life. Do everything to show the love in your heart. Life is fragile and temporary, but love is eternal
Quoting words from the book with slight liberties, sorry Brooke—
"If living your life is going for a walk with your dog, do that.
If living your life is reading this book, do that.
And every morning when you wake up, take a big deep breath and be grateful for the air in your lungs.
Don't be alive, live!!"
Well said, Brooke. No truer words were ever spoken. I needed to hear these words; they came at the perfect moment. Thank you for writing this book and making all of us readers cry. The power of the written word was never so well felt than by your writing.
July 13, 2019
Ive had to walk away and reflect before I could write a review of this book. Not just to reflect but to stop crying,ugly crying.
Saying that you just have to go on this journey.
Some will say a roller coaster,I would say a journey through the eyes of a number of well written characters where you will laugh,cry and most of all ponder how lucky you are. Theres the reflection,to appreciate what you have.
What is the worse thing that can happen to you? Kayla finds this out in the toughest way possible. The experience of this 15 year old is extremely limited but a diagnosis turns her in to the strongest and potentially bravest and most grown up of all in this book. The strength,compassion and descriptions have you championing her and placing yourself quite easily in her position.What would you do? People please or do what you feel is right by facing the toughest decision a person will ever make,but with a twist.
Charlie, the new wife has me feeling a number of different emotions and it would have been easy to write her more favourably but who's to say that isn't actually what you would do.
Molly is a god send throughout this book but get to Christmas day and I won't ruin for you but have the tissues ready.Mollys intertwined humour and naivety is welcome and takes the weight out of the topic but also makes you realise that life continues around everyone when their life feels to be at a standstill encompassed with shock.
As a parent you will identify with Heather and you cannot help but put yourself in her shoes.
I can't say enough good things about this. To tackle a subject like this and still have people raving about the quality,the emotion and the smiles that tug at your lips is testament to the quality of authorship.
Each time I think I won't cry as much as the last book but hey ho its a cathartic experience and not reading this would be worse.
5 easy stars -great story,characters and emotions. A page turner but pace yourself, I took it slow and digested my feelings as well as those from the book. Top tip -home alone or in a room by yourself for the last 20%. Don't drive for that last 20% if this is released on audible- or look for a lay-by.
Saying that you just have to go on this journey.
Some will say a roller coaster,I would say a journey through the eyes of a number of well written characters where you will laugh,cry and most of all ponder how lucky you are. Theres the reflection,to appreciate what you have.
What is the worse thing that can happen to you? Kayla finds this out in the toughest way possible. The experience of this 15 year old is extremely limited but a diagnosis turns her in to the strongest and potentially bravest and most grown up of all in this book. The strength,compassion and descriptions have you championing her and placing yourself quite easily in her position.What would you do? People please or do what you feel is right by facing the toughest decision a person will ever make,but with a twist.
Charlie, the new wife has me feeling a number of different emotions and it would have been easy to write her more favourably but who's to say that isn't actually what you would do.
Molly is a god send throughout this book but get to Christmas day and I won't ruin for you but have the tissues ready.Mollys intertwined humour and naivety is welcome and takes the weight out of the topic but also makes you realise that life continues around everyone when their life feels to be at a standstill encompassed with shock.
As a parent you will identify with Heather and you cannot help but put yourself in her shoes.
I can't say enough good things about this. To tackle a subject like this and still have people raving about the quality,the emotion and the smiles that tug at your lips is testament to the quality of authorship.
Each time I think I won't cry as much as the last book but hey ho its a cathartic experience and not reading this would be worse.
5 easy stars -great story,characters and emotions. A page turner but pace yourself, I took it slow and digested my feelings as well as those from the book. Top tip -home alone or in a room by yourself for the last 20%. Don't drive for that last 20% if this is released on audible- or look for a lay-by.
August 15, 2024
I won’t lie, this is not going to be an easy book to read. Due to the nature of the story line, I knew it was going to be an emotional read and boy was it that alright. Don’t get me wrong, whilst I did get a bit teary at times at certain points, the majority of the story I thought I held it together really well. When those tears came though, I couldn’t stop them.
The story alternates in chapters between mainly Heather, Kayla’s mum and Charlotte, her dad’s partner and then fewer chapters from Kayla’s point of view. It was really good to see what was going on inside these three females head. As a mother, how do you cope with knowing your daughter is going to die? From Charlotte’s point of view, she is very much stuck in the middle with wanting to be supportive to her husband but struggling with his attention being on Heather and his daughter. Kayla, wow, what a girl! Even now the day after I finished the book, thinking of this truly inspirational young adult sets me off into tears.
This is so much more than just a story about a loved one dying. The friendship between Kayla and her best friend Aiden was just so beautifully done. It also gives you food for thought. It offers hope and more than anything it gives you comfort.
The Forever Gift is a breath taking and heart wrenching read and so beautifully written. I read it in one day as I was so compelled by the characters in the novel. By the end of the story I am not going to lie, I felt like my heart had been ripped into tiny shreds. I went through a full box of tissues as I sobbed my heart out. One of the most emotional, uplifting and inspiring reads I’ve read this year.
The story alternates in chapters between mainly Heather, Kayla’s mum and Charlotte, her dad’s partner and then fewer chapters from Kayla’s point of view. It was really good to see what was going on inside these three females head. As a mother, how do you cope with knowing your daughter is going to die? From Charlotte’s point of view, she is very much stuck in the middle with wanting to be supportive to her husband but struggling with his attention being on Heather and his daughter. Kayla, wow, what a girl! Even now the day after I finished the book, thinking of this truly inspirational young adult sets me off into tears.
This is so much more than just a story about a loved one dying. The friendship between Kayla and her best friend Aiden was just so beautifully done. It also gives you food for thought. It offers hope and more than anything it gives you comfort.
The Forever Gift is a breath taking and heart wrenching read and so beautifully written. I read it in one day as I was so compelled by the characters in the novel. By the end of the story I am not going to lie, I felt like my heart had been ripped into tiny shreds. I went through a full box of tissues as I sobbed my heart out. One of the most emotional, uplifting and inspiring reads I’ve read this year.
July 4, 2019
What a sad but uplifting book, I'm so glad I didn't read the last chapters on the train as I was sobbing out of control and when I wasn't actually crying I had a huge lump in my throat. Kayla and each of the people closest to her tell their own story and how they cope with what is happening, it's like a runaway train there is nothing any of them can do to make the bad things stop. I have read the other books by Brooke Harris but this one has got to be her best, I absolutely loved it.
July 20, 2025
Get your tissues out
The Forever Gift by Brooke Harris is a profoundly moving and emotionally resonant novel that delves into the fragility of life and the strength of a mother’s love when faced with the unthinkable.
When a mother is confronted with the heartbreaking reality that her time with her young daughter is limited, she pours all her love and wisdom into a final, enduring gift—something to guide her child through life after she’s gone. Through this act of love, Harris explores themes of legacy, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child.
With grace and compassion, Harris crafts a narrative filled with heartbreak and hope, capturing the raw emotions of saying goodbye while celebrating the power of lasting love. The Forever Gift is a tender, unforgettable story for anyone who treasures stories about family, memory, and finding light in the darkest of times.
Prepare to be moved—it’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page is turned.
The Forever Gift by Brooke Harris is a profoundly moving and emotionally resonant novel that delves into the fragility of life and the strength of a mother’s love when faced with the unthinkable.
When a mother is confronted with the heartbreaking reality that her time with her young daughter is limited, she pours all her love and wisdom into a final, enduring gift—something to guide her child through life after she’s gone. Through this act of love, Harris explores themes of legacy, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child.
With grace and compassion, Harris crafts a narrative filled with heartbreak and hope, capturing the raw emotions of saying goodbye while celebrating the power of lasting love. The Forever Gift is a tender, unforgettable story for anyone who treasures stories about family, memory, and finding light in the darkest of times.
Prepare to be moved—it’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page is turned.
July 21, 2023
I often tell the girls at school that it's good to read a book that makes you cry as it cleans out the tear ducts. Well, my tear ducts have certainly had a cleansing since finishing The Forever Gift. This is a novel that will break your heart and leave you a sobbing mess.
Told from various perspectives, the reader is able to empathise with the pain and struggle each character is going through and I grieved for each one - Kayla, Heather, Gavin, Charlotte and four-year-old Molly. The relationships between the various characters were beautiful, especially the bond Kayla and her mother, Heather, shared and the wonderful friendship between Kayla and Aiden.
This novel will urge you to go and give your children an extra hug and tell them how much you love them. It will leave you with tears streaming down your face and it will remind you to always enjoy and appreciate each day as it comes. The Forever Gift is an emotional, heartbreaking story about motherhood, family and loss.
Told from various perspectives, the reader is able to empathise with the pain and struggle each character is going through and I grieved for each one - Kayla, Heather, Gavin, Charlotte and four-year-old Molly. The relationships between the various characters were beautiful, especially the bond Kayla and her mother, Heather, shared and the wonderful friendship between Kayla and Aiden.
This novel will urge you to go and give your children an extra hug and tell them how much you love them. It will leave you with tears streaming down your face and it will remind you to always enjoy and appreciate each day as it comes. The Forever Gift is an emotional, heartbreaking story about motherhood, family and loss.
May 2, 2020
The Forever Gift. By Brooke Harris.
What a sad story ... had me crying for about the last 30-45 minutes of the book!
Kayla is a vibrant 15 year old who is the captain of her schools basketball team ... without Kayla they are nothing! She lives with her mum and sees her dad and his new family on weekends. Her mum and her are very close but she also is close to her dad, his wife and their 4 year old daughter Molly. She adores Molly ..
Kayla is having a few problems with her leg giving way on her ..but keeps this fairly quiet from her mum .. just in case her mum says to give basketball a rest for a while ... Kayla lives for her love of basketball .. she is good .. but there is something really wrong with her leg ... something serious! How will she cope with what she gets told!
A gripping story that will have you crying!
What a sad story ... had me crying for about the last 30-45 minutes of the book!
Kayla is a vibrant 15 year old who is the captain of her schools basketball team ... without Kayla they are nothing! She lives with her mum and sees her dad and his new family on weekends. Her mum and her are very close but she also is close to her dad, his wife and their 4 year old daughter Molly. She adores Molly ..
Kayla is having a few problems with her leg giving way on her ..but keeps this fairly quiet from her mum .. just in case her mum says to give basketball a rest for a while ... Kayla lives for her love of basketball .. she is good .. but there is something really wrong with her leg ... something serious! How will she cope with what she gets told!
A gripping story that will have you crying!
June 29, 2024
Oh dear, where do I start? There are so many things wrong with this story.
My daughter died of Sarcoma so I do know what I’m talking about.
The treatment is all wrong, and there is no point testing relatives for ‘matches’.
Doctors, sadly, do not have time to sit and chat over coffee with relatives - nor in fact do they have time for lunch in the canteen with their colleagues.
There is no way Heather could make baked goodies for the canteen, she would need certificates to show her hygiene and kitchen were up to scratch for a start. And what about labelling for allergens?
And Charlotte tucks into brownies - um, I thought she was dairy free?
And the story itself is so poorly written. The whole book is just trading on people’s emotions
I am not going to be able to finish it, sorry. I really don’t know where all the five star reviews have come from.
My daughter died of Sarcoma so I do know what I’m talking about.
The treatment is all wrong, and there is no point testing relatives for ‘matches’.
Doctors, sadly, do not have time to sit and chat over coffee with relatives - nor in fact do they have time for lunch in the canteen with their colleagues.
There is no way Heather could make baked goodies for the canteen, she would need certificates to show her hygiene and kitchen were up to scratch for a start. And what about labelling for allergens?
And Charlotte tucks into brownies - um, I thought she was dairy free?
And the story itself is so poorly written. The whole book is just trading on people’s emotions
I am not going to be able to finish it, sorry. I really don’t know where all the five star reviews have come from.
February 26, 2024
Emotional, heart wrenching, wonderful story.
When I'm over this, I will read this book again. It is everything I said in the title. Wonderful storytelling, with characters you really care about.. Such is the writing of Brook Harris. I won't spoil the plot on e for you, but suffice it to say, a truly sad yet uplifting story. Cannot recommend this book enough. I am now looking for other titles written by Brooke. I am now a did hard fan. Thank you for wonderful few hours.
When I'm over this, I will read this book again. It is everything I said in the title. Wonderful storytelling, with characters you really care about.. Such is the writing of Brook Harris. I won't spoil the plot on e for you, but suffice it to say, a truly sad yet uplifting story. Cannot recommend this book enough. I am now looking for other titles written by Brooke. I am now a did hard fan. Thank you for wonderful few hours.
Read
March 1, 2024I absolutely love Brooke Harris’s books! She is a good author with unique story lines and very well-developed characters.
In this book Kayla, a 15-year-old basketball player, is the key character. Her mother, Heather, is a single mom, but her father, Gavin, is very much in the picture. Gavin’s current wife is charlotte, and their 4-year-old daughter is Molly.
In the very beginning of the book, Kayla collapses on the basketball court, and thus this poignant, heart-breaking story begins.
In this book Kayla, a 15-year-old basketball player, is the key character. Her mother, Heather, is a single mom, but her father, Gavin, is very much in the picture. Gavin’s current wife is charlotte, and their 4-year-old daughter is Molly.
In the very beginning of the book, Kayla collapses on the basketball court, and thus this poignant, heart-breaking story begins.
August 24, 2024
Heather and Gavin have a lovely daughter named Kayla. They are no longer together but they stay in contact. Gavin is now married to Charlotte and they have a four-year-old named Molly. When they find out that Kayla has cancer they all get together and make a really lovely family. Kayla was funny and smart and really, really eager to make her mother, and everyone else, happy. I sobbed many times, especially when Kayla wrote her own eulogy.
October 15, 2024
My heart is shattered! Tears are blinding me. Be prepared to meet Kayla and her family on the mist devastating journey I can imagine. While the story will definitely ruin you if you have a heart, it’s really well written, it’s not over done, in fact it’s written more as a true account and the end chapters are beautiful.
Molly melted my heart.
Guess what, the narration was absolutely perfect from all 3 narrators.
Included in audible for another couple of weeks 🎧
Molly melted my heart.
Guess what, the narration was absolutely perfect from all 3 narrators.
Included in audible for another couple of weeks 🎧
February 15, 2025
This is such a moving and heartbreaking story about a 15-year-old with cancer. I couldn't keep it dry and certainly couldn't put it aside. This is really a 5 star book!!
Such a smart and proud girl, many grown-ups could learn a thing or two when they read this book.
For me it was esp hard as one of my family members has just been diagnosed with this horrible disease so it was hard starting to read at first but I'm glad I got to finish it.
This book will certainly be with my top 5 of 2025!
Such a smart and proud girl, many grown-ups could learn a thing or two when they read this book.
For me it was esp hard as one of my family members has just been diagnosed with this horrible disease so it was hard starting to read at first but I'm glad I got to finish it.
This book will certainly be with my top 5 of 2025!
June 12, 2025
so sad but so uplifting
Kayla’s life, her journey, the battle she faced with her sickness, watching and trying to understand how her friends and family face the same in totally different ways is truly extraordinary. Ultimately her voice and her strength is what captures this story. The love of so many people, watching them go through their own hardships at the hand of her illness makes her the strongest character of all.
Kayla’s life, her journey, the battle she faced with her sickness, watching and trying to understand how her friends and family face the same in totally different ways is truly extraordinary. Ultimately her voice and her strength is what captures this story. The love of so many people, watching them go through their own hardships at the hand of her illness makes her the strongest character of all.
March 5, 2024
Good but,
The author left out a BIG aspect of the story!
** spoiler alert**
What about the STEM CELLS that were a match?
Why wasn't that followed up with an answer?
It is an extremely important point! Was it the problem that they left it too long? Or the step mom waited until too late?
Did I completely miss something?
Geez, this is making me sad...
The author left out a BIG aspect of the story!
** spoiler alert**
What about the STEM CELLS that were a match?
Why wasn't that followed up with an answer?
It is an extremely important point! Was it the problem that they left it too long? Or the step mom waited until too late?
Did I completely miss something?
Geez, this is making me sad...
March 14, 2024
Keep the tissues handy
While this read was a quick one, for me, it hit every emotion a book could possibly hit. I laughed, got a fry, I sobbed uncontrollably but I truly enjoyed the roller coaster of emotions it brought. Writing the story from several different perspectives truly was masterful and the perfect way to share such an emotional journey.
While this read was a quick one, for me, it hit every emotion a book could possibly hit. I laughed, got a fry, I sobbed uncontrollably but I truly enjoyed the roller coaster of emotions it brought. Writing the story from several different perspectives truly was masterful and the perfect way to share such an emotional journey.
April 5, 2024
So very real!
I really loved this book. The kind of healing power that Kayla
had so overwhelming! She was very perceptive for a 15 year old young lady! And with love and a very strong set of beliefs in her own self, she carried on with dignity. Thank you, MS Brooke Harris for a love story of self...
ENJOY!
HAPPY READING!!
MARY
I really loved this book. The kind of healing power that Kayla
had so overwhelming! She was very perceptive for a 15 year old young lady! And with love and a very strong set of beliefs in her own self, she carried on with dignity. Thank you, MS Brooke Harris for a love story of self...
ENJOY!
HAPPY READING!!
MARY
July 10, 2024
Love
Kayla and her family had so much love for each other. It was a little difficult at times, with exe and wives. The strong connection they had with each other. Was great. The strong help they had for each other. The tissues were put to use often. It really hard not to cry. Thank you for a great story.
Kayla and her family had so much love for each other. It was a little difficult at times, with exe and wives. The strong connection they had with each other. Was great. The strong help they had for each other. The tissues were put to use often. It really hard not to cry. Thank you for a great story.
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