Fragments of Light, (Paperback)

Phoenix is an author who always challenges and inspires. In her latest entry, "Fragments of Light," main character Ceelie is facing cancer, which challenges her view of everything she holds dear--even her over 20 year marriage to Nate. As Ceelie begins to process the many changes in her comfortable life, she's thrust into a WWII mystery by her cancer buddy, Darlene, who is also facing another recurrence of the disease herself. Darlene enlists Ceelie to help her find Cal, the lost father she only remembers in photographs. She knows he was a paratrooper and that he spent a few years with her mother, but Darlene knows little else but the sting of growing up not knowing the man her mother once loved. Ceelie finds herself combing the back roads of Missouri and the shores of Normandy with the spicy Darlene by her side. Her boss at the newspaper has given her a week to craft a story that readers will invest in, and Ceelie will have a chance to help Darlene set the record straight about her absent father. All the while, Nate is attempting to do something he didn't always do--to tell Ceelie the truth and open up about his feelings. Together they sift through memories, rumors and finally, the truth that will shine a light on all the assumptions they carry. Should Ceelie give Nate another chance? Will Darlene find the answers she needs before cancer claims her? In this beautiful, heart-wrenching novel of difficult choices, both Ceelie and Darlene face the same question: How do you leave the past behind to work towards a brighter future? Phoenix is a master at creating relatable characters who are overcomers. I also love the fact that she has traveled to and experienced many of the actual historical places mentioned in the book, as she traveled to Normandy to help with a documentary, which ultimately inspired "Fragments of Light." If you're looking for an introspective time slip novel with people and places that will embed themselves in your heart, "Fragments of Light" is for you.

“Fragments of Light” was such an amazing read. I did not want it to end, but at the same time, I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next. Split timeline novels, including this one, are my absolute favorite. For the first handful of chapters, we were not shown the connection between the 1940s timeline and the present timeline, but eventually the connections and relationships between the two timelines were uncovered. There were several surprises along the way, which of course made me want to read more. Michele Phoenix writes so beautifully. I love the words she chose and the way she strung them together. There were so many quotes that I highlighted and created graphics for as I read through the novel. I felt like I was in each of the timelines, especially the WWII one. That is evidence for a truly talented author, when the readers can picture themselves in the room with the characters. The novel is a story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope. I want to say more, but I don't want to give the story away for you. I highly recommend reading it and can't wait to read more of Michele's books!! I was an early reader, thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers. All opinions are my own.