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.

Genres: Memoir, Inspirational, Nonfiction

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 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

[Pat Black-Gould]

It’s hard not to shed a tear while reading Ann Van Hine’s powerful and moving tribute to her husband and all the lives lost on 9/11. Yet, the author’s story captures how her faith, love for her family, and support of those surrounding her allowed her tell this story. She defines those who lost loved ones as “ordinary people telling remarkable stories.” To me, Ann is so much more than ordinary. She is resilient and strong and as she says in her book, “September 11th doesn’t define me. I define it.”

[Star Gater]

I did not expect the story that Ann Van Hine shared. Likewise, I did not expect to understand the life she led after September 11th. Pieces Falling is a love story: love of God by both Bruce and Ann as well as the love they had for each other.

This is a gift. She shares how love steered her through her grief and raising their children.

I would share/gift this as a true testament.

Goodreads Giveaway Kindle Win from September 2023.

Read What I Own x100 Challenge

[Christina Dankert]

Where were you on 9/11? Piecing Falling is a different perspective on 9/11 as Ann loses her husband who was a New York City firefighter. I appreciated her honestly, reflection on the events that all seemed to blur together and then what she did as she navigates grief. Her faith is admirable and seems quite unshakeable even with all of her life events. Thank you for sharing your story Miss Ann.

[Rhonda Perry]

One word comes to mind, and that is "WOW!"
Thank you so much Ann Van Hine for sharing your story!

[Lisa Plasse]

Pieces Falling is beautifully written and gives the reader a glimpse of the aftermath of September 11th. Ann tells the story of how she and her two daughters face this unimaginable tragedy through faith, family and friends. From the moment I began reading their story, I couldn't put it down. Thank you for sharing your story. We will never forget.

[Book Reviewer]

Pieces Falling is a deeply personal and faith-filled memoir that traces the journey of Ann Van Hine following the tragic loss of her husband, Bruce, a New York City firefighter who perished in the September 11 attacks. The book isn’t just a recounting of that infamous day, it’s a layered narrative that stitches together memories of love, family life, and an unshakeable faith in God. From the first chapter, “Blessed,” where Bruce speaks those words just two days before his death, to the final reflections in “The Story Continues,” Van Hine invites readers into her home, her heartbreak, and ultimately, her healing.

Reading Pieces Falling was like sitting across from a friend at a kitchen table, sipping tea, hearing her speak with unwavering honesty. Van Hine’s writing doesn’t hide behind polished prose. It breathes. She doesn’t dramatize the trauma of 9/11, yet somehow, she makes it more human than any headline ever could. The chapter “My Free Day” captures the eerie calm of a normal morning unraveling into history. Her voice, clear and vulnerable, recounts everything from feeding the dog to hearing the second tower fall, all while praying Bruce would somehow come home. It’s raw and achingly intimate.

Ann doesn’t write as a victim. She writes as a mother trying to keep dinner on the table, as a widow asking God hard questions, as a woman trying to explain to her daughters why their dad isn't coming back. Her scene describing the family gathered in her bed on the night of the attack, making tea, trying to sleep, left me with tears in my eyes. But she never stays in sadness for too long. There’s humor. There’s humility. There’s joy in the ordinary. And I appreciated that balance more than I can say.

Faith pulses through this book. Not in a preachy way, but as a lifeline. Verses scribbled in the margins of her Bible. Dreams that felt like whispers from God. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that handled faith and grief with such a real-world tenderness. It made me reflect on my own ideas of control, surrender, and what it means to hope when there's no guarantee.

Pieces Falling isn’t just for people who lived through 9/11 or who know what it’s like to lose someone in uniform. This book is for anyone who’s ever had their life turned upside down and wondered how to stand again. It’s for the faithful and the questioning, the broken and the rebuilding. I would recommend it without hesitation to readers of memoir, especially those interested in stories of resilience, grief, motherhood, and quiet strength. Ann’s story is heartbreaking, yes. But it’s also comforting. Because in all the brokenness, she reminds us that light still finds its way through the cracks.

[Shadia Hrichi]

Although I was born and raised in New York, I was not living there when 9/11 happened. Like many other Americans, the experience of 9/11 was deeply shocking and traumatic, but apart from brief stories on the news, I had never really heard the full story of someone who personally suffered loss on that tragic day – until I read Ann Van Hine’s book. Ann shares the heartache of losing her husband, a FDNY firefighter who perished in the attack on New York’s Twin Towers. To suffer such loss is hard enough, but to suffer the loss in the midst of such a public event added layers of challenges onto her and her two teenaged daughters’ shoulders. But what makes Ann’s story unforgettable are the ways God brought beauty out from the ashes. Clinging to her family and faith, Ann courageously invites us into her journey of navigating the before, during, and after. I was blessed to read her story.

[Laura]

First and foremost, I think it's important to thank Ann Van Hine for sharing her story. Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable and allowing us to walk beside you if only for a moment. I also think it's important to thank Firefighter Bruce Van Hine for his service to our country. Equally as important to thank every other person who put their life on the line to help on that day and every other day before and after.

Everyone's story is different. No two people felt the same or walked the same route, but reading her story allows us to have a glimpse of what it was like for Ann and her family. This is a beautiful testament of love and faith. There's no way to avoid the tears, and yet it is necessary. As heartbreaking as it is, this story, Ann's story, is important and needs to be heard. Her strength in the face of all the tragedy she faced along with her family is inspiring.

[Steph]

I think that this author was courageous for having to pick up the pieces of her families life after she lost her husband, best friend, and the father of her children on that historical day. This book is a real eye-opener to what can happen when you lose someone you love in an instant and you never have a chance to really say goodbye. I commend the author for bringing up her past and shedding light to us in the after light of the events of that particular time. Yes, it does bring up bad memories of that day, but it is also a reminder for us all to keep our faith alive!

Thank you to GoodReads & Illumify Media Publishing for an ebook copy in exchange for my honest opinion/review of this book!

[Karen McDowell]

Ann shares the powerful story of her life just before 9/11, the day of, and the days afterwards. Her husband, whose lifelong dream was to be a NY firefighter, lost his life when one of the towers collapsed. Her strong faith and family members helped her get through the days not knowing Bill's fate, caring for and comforting her daughters, dealing with the constant press presence, and navigating communications with the coroner's office, and other government agencies. Ann's writing feels very personal and honest, and you will cry and laugh with her as she figures out how to move forward after this devastating loss. The 25th anniversary of 9/11 is a good time to re-read Ann's story of hope and strength.

[Tammy Horvath]

In the USA, we all remember 9/11. This horrendous act affected some more than others. This book pulled at my heartstrings as I listened to how this family lost their husband/dad, yet they were strong and relied on their faith in God to get them through everything life had in store for the future. I, too, experienced this when I lost my husband and our son’s father in a fiery car crash. I can tell you it’s scary being a single parent, but I loved reading about how friends, family, and strangers came together to help this family. It just goes to show that we all need to be aware of what is going on around us and offer help when we can, even if it doesn’t involve a loss.

[Esther Bos]

This is a first person retelling of the day the author's world collapsed: September 11, 2001. Her husband was one of the firefighters who went in bravely to save the people in the World Trade Towers. And he was one of the firefighters who lost his life as the towers flamed and fell.

Ann Van Hine relates her story of that day and it's impact on her family's life for the next 20 years. It is a touching story of how her faith and her loss came together to give her new purpose in a life that was turned upside down.

[Holly Rose Holland]

I found this book to be excellent. It understandably carries a lot of emotion. Ann and her family are admirable in how they processed and lived after the death of her husband and their father. It is a story that includes sorrow, joy, triumph, grief, compassion, and support. I appreciate Ann's perspective. The behind-the-scenes events provide insight into a wide range of topics. The story is told beautifully and tugs at your heart. Anne's story is relatable.

[Jenell Bakey]

This was a very personal perspective on September 11, and while I didn't necessarily enjoy reading it (due to the heaviness of the topic, not the writing itself), I did appreciate learning about the event through the eyes of a first responder's spouse. There were a lot of facts shared in this book that I wasn't aware of, and as someone who has visited the memorial and remembers the event itself as a child, it really hit home what everyone went through during that time.

[Annette Becklund]

“Pieces Falling” by Ann Van Hine is beautifully written and is a true testament of faith, family, and most importantly, love. Ann took me on a journey through grief and resiliency. I participated in Ann, Emily and Meghan’s journey of shock, disbelief, sadness, and survival not only through 911, but through breast cancer. I smile at your triumphs, ladies. I applaud your faith in God. Good read!

[Joyce Schultz]

This is a story of faith in the midst of the unthinkable; it’s also about how one can continue to live when a loved one passes by pulling together as a family and relying not only on those who lovingly surround you but on the Lord to use you for His glory despite your pain and sorrow!!!

[Christy DuBois]

-GOODREADS GIVEAWAY WINNER-
I started this book tonight with the idea I would read a couple of chapters before bed....well I stayed up until I finished it. The book is very well written and such an inspiring story of getting through tragedy.

[Rachel]

A beautiful account of faith in the midst of tragedy.

[Rhonda]

What an amazing story of faith and trust! The authors strength in the midst of tragedy is such an example for all of us.

[Carol]

Interesting and touching story

[Beth Dav]

Moving store about grief and faith after 911, written by my old dance teacher, who lost her husband, a NY firefighter.

[Soon Perez]

Goodreads giveaway ✨️

Quick read.

"It goes on..."

[Brando]

This book was amazing. I received the book from Ann's sister-in-law (bruces sister). I talked about the book with her anytime I saw her and got to know a lot about their life.

[Honi]

An up close look at the experiences and life of a widow after 9/11.

[Tammy]

What a good book and such a reminder that no matter what we are going through God is always with us. Very well written and very inspirational also. Highly recommend to anyone.

[Kay Burky]

It’s a poignant reminder of the events surrounding 9/11 as well as many personal leadership lessons. Calming, worthwhile read.

[Marilyn]

Ann was the FDNY widow who had teenage children. Was in theatrical performance at Yonkers library honoring 25th anniv of 9/11.

[Linda A]

Great book! Honest, real, authentic... You will feel drawn in as the author shares her story, and you may not want to put down the book! Enjoy!!