"In her years alongside her friend Mai, she had learned that where there is pain, there is a calling. A duty. And a great and wonderful commission."

The title drew me into this book, and the characters kept me there. But I must admit that the plot had me concerned - could I really enjoy a book where the main character is telling her story while on hospice? The answer is a resounding "YES!"

Aidyn makes a major misstep in her journalism career, so when she is given the assignment to interview an older woman who wants help to write her obituary, she reluctantly agrees. Little does she know that meeting Mrs. Kip will change her life. I know that I definitely would be honored to have her heart and enthusiasm toward both fun and people as I continue to get older.

How do we make a difference in the lives of others? Do our actions matter? The life of Mrs. Kip does NOT go as planned. Yet she learns over time to continue to trust God. Throughout the book, I laughed many times, but I cried through multiple chapters as well. So inspiring. I highly, highly recommend this one - I already know it will be one of my top ten books of the year! SO glad to read this one on NetGalley - all opinions are my own.

Perhaps it is best to end this review with inspiring words from Mrs. Kip.

"I am nothing but a feeble bag "of bones with a decent smile. I did nothing good - not one solitary thing - apart from God. Whatever empowerment I had came from him. It's the same empowerment you have for the taking. It's walking at your right hand, as close as an ask. Whatever comes your way, you don't need to be shaken."

Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This was a moving and memorable debut novel that was inspired by the actual experiences of the Laotian refugee resettlement effort in Kansas City in 1975, during the Vietnam War era. But this isn't a story about war. It's a story about Mrs. Kip, a determined American widow with a vision for helping others, and Aidyn Kelley, the young cub reporter who meets her at the end of her life.

Unlike many Christian novels which just hint at faith, God is mentioned frequently - how He motivates and empowers Mrs. Kip, inspires Aidyn, and works in so many people's lives. Mrs. Kip frequently refers to the Bible, prays, and often shares wisdom from her life's experiences. But this is all delicately woven into the novel without heavy-handedness. There were so many encouraging observations and inspirational remarks that I found myself noting the memorable statements, just as Aidyn did while interviewing Mrs. Kip.

The story begins with inexperienced reporter Aidyn Kelley being assigned by her newspaper to write an obituary of Mrs. Clara Kip. Unbeknownst to Aidyn, Mrs. Kip has had an amazing history of assisting Hmong refugees after they have escaped Laos and Vietnam to resettle in Kansas City.

What made the book a page-turner for me was the relationship/friendship that developed between Mrs. Kip and Aidyn. They only had seven days together, yet grew so close and Aidyn learned so much about friendship, about God's power, and what is really important. Author Sara Brunsvold created a vivid personality with Mrs. Kip. She was bold, fun, strong, loving, encouraging, brave, feisty, and loyal. She was a great role-movel for Aidyn - and for any reader.

As another reviewer noted, even though the present day story takes place in a hospice, and I used many tissues toward the conclusion, the novel is one of hope and joy.

Young and eager reporter Aidyn develops a relationship with experienced, wise, and elderly Mrs. Kip, a hospice patient who has poured her life out for others. Mrs. Kip models Christ-like love and service to others for Aidyn, whose life is forever impacted positively. This is such an inspiring book--a keeper!

Emotionally charged, this novel takes you on a delightful journey through past and present as characters recall entertaining and teachable stories and discuss deep topics. I liked how even though the characters were fictional, the topics of conversation in the novel were very real and applicable to actual life. Mrs. Kip is spunky and sweet and I really enjoyed reading her tales. I also love the integration of spiritual truths effortlessly woven into the plot. An inspirational tale of women's fiction, this novel will grab your heart and not let go. I really enjoyed this story and recommend it highly!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I recommend having a box of tissues close by because this will bring you to tears. Clara and Aidyn are fantastic characters that show how humans should be. I love how Clara helps Aidyn become a better journalist and a better human being. Aidyn helps Clara realize her true self. I love that this book shows how we can be better people. This is sad and funny and inspirational. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.