Review: How To Save A Life by Kristin Harmel

Groundhog Day meets Grey’s Anatomy in this heartfelt novella with a hint of magic from the internationally bestselling author of The Sweetness of Forgetting and The Life Intended, in which a woman with only a short time to live discovers she can repeat the same day over and over until her life feels complete.

When a pediatric oncology nurse receives a devastating prognosis—she has just weeks left to live—she finds unexpected comfort from a patient. Her young friend shares a life- and death-changing secret: it is possible to live the same day over and over again until she’s experienced a truly full life. Thus begins a heartbreaking and joyful journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery, as the brave nurse only truly learns how to live in the face of death. Kristin Harmel, whose work has been called “immersive and evocative” (Publishers Weekly), “absorbing…well-paced and warmhearted” (Kirkus Reviews), and “absolutely enthralling” (Fresh Fiction), infuses her poignant, uplifting novella with a dash of magic and a hefty dose of heart.

ebook, 208 pages

Expected publication: April 25th 2016 by Pocket Star

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is April 25, 2016.

To start off with, this story deals with the C word.  Oh how I hate the C word, to the point that I can't even say it.  It seems that at every turn I hear about someone near and dear to me that has been diagnosed with this.  With that in mind this story hits close to home.  Add to that the story deals with children, it makes it even more tragic.

I will not go in to the plot as I feel the synopsis covers it fairly well.  I will discuss the powerful message that is evident throughout the pages.  It is that nobody is guaranteed a tomorrow and we have to do our best today to live life to the fullest.  It is about letting go of the baggage you carry and having no regrets.  It is about forgiveness and accepting the cards that you have been dealt with.

I found the message in this story extremely powerful.  For a read that was so easy, this story really packed a punch for me.  It made me realize that I shouldn't sweat the small stuff and to make today count, no matter what.  Although not in the same situation I can see how the message in this story can translate to my own life.

This is one of those stories that I will carry with me for a long time.  While the message is subtle and not in your face or preachy, it is no less impactful as a result.  While I admit the ending may have been a tiny bit cheesy I am so happy that I had the opportunity to read this story.  I would recommend it to almost anyone.

About the Author

Kristin Harmel is an international bestselling novelist whose books have been translated into numerous languages and are sold all over the world. After spending many years as a journalist (including more than a decade writing and reporting for People magazine) Kristin now freelances only occasionally, focusing on book tours, book club visits and, of course, writing her next books! THE SWEETNESS OF FORGETTING was a bestseller in many countries and in fact won the reader's choice prize for Romantic Novel of the Year in Germany in 2013. Her new novel, THE LIFE INTENDED, is out now from Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

Kristin graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications. She has lived in Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Boston and Miami and now resides in Orlando, Fla., with her husband, Jason.

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