Pieces Falling: Navigating 9/11 with faith, family and the FDNY

by Ann Van Hine

As a wife and mom, church volunteer, and small business owner, Ann Van Hine prided herself on being in control of her life.

Until 9/11.

Pieces Falling is Ann's story of navigating the very personal loss of her husband, Bruce-a New York City firefighter who died on 9/11- amid the very public tragedy that shocked the world.

Her poignant reflections help answer the questions:

- How do you cope when life lies in pieces around you?

- How do you begin to rebuild in the face of all that has been lost?

- How do you commemorate the past while creating space for your future?

Ann's journey parallels the evolution of Ground Zero from a place of death and destruction to the moving Memorial Plaza today-and is a beautiful testament to the resilience of a woman, a family, and a nation.

248 pages, Paperback

Published August 3, 2021

About the author

Ann Clark Van Hine, aka Miss Ann, was born in Oxford, England but grew up in Oklahoma, Utah, Arizona, New Jersey, New York (state & city) and now resides in Lancaster County, PA. Ann is the mom of two grown daughters, the widow of a FDNY firefighter, a retired small business owner, former docent with 9/11 Tribute Museum, published writer, Children’s Ministries volunteer and a breast cancer survivor.

Since September 11, 2001, Ann has had numerous opportunities to share the story of God’s presence and peace as she navigated “a personal loss in the midst of a national tragedy.” She has shared her story all over the USA and internationally in Ireland, Belgium, England, and Japan. Ann is available to speak.

Reviews

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is moving and beautifully written. I appreciate the author’s candor about the personal aspects of her story, and I value her faith-based perspective, which highlights both the peace such a viewpoint can bring in the face of tragic life events and an awareness of the positive things that result from the altered course.

I also really like her idea that the stories of 9/11 are like a mosaic, with each one adding a tile to our understanding of that day. There may be a lot of books about 9/11 out there, but each serves as one glimpse into the full picture. This book does a great job of providing the reader with insight into one family’s 9/11 experience, logistically, mentally, and emotionally.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sister in law lost her uncle on 9/11. This is his story. His wife's story. His kid's story. A story of faith and of a God who sustains, who is faithful, who comforts. This is such a deeply personal story, beautifully and candidly written. Be prepared to cry in your breakfast and be moved by the raw emotions Ann shares with her readers.

[Elson Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few times in my life, a book comes along and helps me reframe the way I see things. This is one of those books.
Ann Van Hine opens her heart to the reader as she invites us to relive the unthinkable moment when an officer delivered the news that changed her life: “Your husband is unaccounted for.” The words tugged at my heart and left a permanent mark on my heart as I read this. Ann’s transparency allowed me to step into her world and feel what she experienced as she navigated the new world she became a part of after September 11, 2001.

This story is coming to us at the best possible time. First responders need respect and we need to remember each one has a family they are attached to. Bruce Van Hine may have lost his life as he tried saving others on 9/11, but his story will carry on thanks to the work of his wife and family.

I loved this book and cannot thank Ann enough for opening up and inviting us in.

[Lisa Plasse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pieces Falling is a powerful story and beautifully written. Ann shares her journey following 9/11 and explains how through her faith, family and friends, she and her daughters find their new normal. She bravely tells her story and it is compelling. From the moment I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it!!

[Victoria Shanahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pieces Falling is a very personal story of a woman’s life after her husband’s death as a New York Firefighter on 9/11. Ann navigates life as a mother, teacher, and friend with grace and dignity.
Reading this book brought me back to the days following 9/11, like it was yesterday. This is a must read now, especially with the 20th anniversary coming up.

[Sheryl Small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made the mistake of deciding to read just a few chapters before bed. Early in the morning I finished my few chapters. A amazing story with laughter, tears and hope. With the anniversary coming up and all the sad memories it may bring this is a great book to show you the importance of faith and how God can carry you through any storm. I would highly recommend this book

[Rebecca K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pieces Falling is a beautiful book that tells the true story of a woman who lost her firefighter husband in the line of duty on 9/11. Reading this book will give you insight about 9/11, the FDNY, the two decades that followed this tragedy, and what it meant for one New York family to pick up the pieces after their unexpected & very personal loss. Miss Ann has walked through this journey with the grace & strength that comes from God, and her book shares about the many people who have touched her life--as well as the many lives she has touched along the way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a moving story of loss, hope, and how God can work even through the most difficult situations.

[Karrie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about an FDNY family’s unimaginable and very public loss but also their very real faith and hope in the face of that loss. It’s the story of firefighter Richard (Bruce) Van Hine’s family from the weekend before 9/11 until present day. Mrs. VanHine delivered a well written book that I couldn’t put it down and read in one day. The intimate look into what 9/11 was like for her as a firefighter’s wife left me with many thoughts and big feelings which I think is the sign of a great read especially because it’s a real life account. I’ve read a lot of books of 9/11 stories but this one just hit different. If you are looking for a book to read as we come up to the 20th anniversary of 9/11.. you found it.

[Marilyn Nutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any who lived the day of “9-11” can recall twenty years later where they were and who they were with. Ann Clark Van Hine, however, gives us a front row seat to her experiences as a wife and mother as she awaited news about her NYFD fire-fighter husband. She walks us through the moments, days, and months—the insensitive paperwork, the funeral planning, questions, and high school days of her daughters. But in the reality of horrific and unexpected loss, the author offers an example of grace, resilience, and hope. This is a must read for any for whom this memory has faded, or in the case of the next generation is not known. We must never forget, and Van Hine gives us that opportunity in a well-written book that offers more than a memoir.