This is an unpublished draft. "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I received a free electronic ARC of this novel from Netgalley, Michele Phoenix, and Thoms Nelson-Women's Fiction. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend this author to friends and family. Michele Phoenix writes a tight, intriguing story with personable protagonists and she paints a background you can close your eyes and envision. I have added her to my must-read-authors list.

This story takes place in Winfield, Illinois, USA, and Aubry-en-Douve, France, and follows two timelines - in June of 1944, and in the present day. This author chose different fonts for each timeline, which added a great deal of clarity to the tale. Our primary protagonists in the present day are Cecelia Donovan, undergoing breast cancer surgeries and chemo, with her husband of 24 years, Nate. And you are gonna love Darlene Egerton, two-time cancer survivor, the older lady who helps Cece work through her travails and keeps her focused on survival. Even after Darlene is diagnosed with her third bout with cancer, now inoperable, metastasized in her lungs, bones, and possibly also in her brain she is there for Cece. And it is through Darlene that we are tied into the past, onto Utah Beach in northern France just in time for D-Day.

Our French connection is with two orphaned sisters, Sabine who is about 14, and Lise, about 8 years old. The girls are able to help an American paratrooper who is injured and lost when his jump time is unavoidably delayed. They bring him to their home, a small, very old, a bit derelict castle just off of Utah Beach, where many people from the surrounding areas are staying, also seeking sanctuary in a world at war. The soldier, Callum Ian McElway, is a married American GI who would like to get this war over with so he can go home and meet his new daughter.

And then we have D-Day. None of the Allied objectives were met in the beginning. Allied casualties on day 1 were about 10,000. German casualties were estimated from between 4,000 and 9.000. Between the weather and bad luck, it was several days before allied troops held the five Normandy beaches and could begin their move inland to free France from German control. A lot can happen in just a few days. Lives - worlds can rise or fail. Can, and do.

pub date July 14, 2020

This novel draws you into its story from the first page. One storyline takes place in the US in current times and the other in the days following the invasion of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. When the two stories finally converge, the threads weave a redemptive and inspiring whole cloth that is not without the damage that real life inflicts.

I laughed and cried with the characters as they moved through the ups and downs of cancer, war, and death. Their flaws and their tenacity in the face of adversity made them come to life.

I highly recommend this book as well as all of Michèle Phoenix other works.

I was an early reader, thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers. All opinions are my own.

Ceelie's life has been upended by her cancer in more ways than one but she's found a good and loyal friend in Darlene, an older woman who is, sadly, experiencing much worse illness. Darlene confides and then enlists Ceelie in a search for the truth about her father Cal. Darlene's mother always portrayed him negatively but Darlene believes there is more to the story- and that's what Ceelie uncovers. This is a dual time line novel- set in the present with Ceelie and Darlene and in France during WWII with Cal. He parachuted into France, missed his landing spot, and was rescued by sisters Sabine and Lise. There was much more to Cal than even Darlene's mother knew. No spoilers from me but this is a lovely story of hope, faith, friendship, and determination. Great characters and an emotional story made it a very good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of historical fiction.

Ceelie’s body betrays her—although young and healthy, she finds herself blindsided by breast cancer. Darlene, a lively older woman helps her navigate the emotions of cancer treatment and brings light to an otherwise dark situation. Ceelie’s husband of 23 years, Nate, faithfully walks the journey with her.

At the end of her treatment, instead of celebrating, Ceelie finds herself betrayed once again. When Darlene’s condition worsens, she asks Ceelie to help her investigate the disappearance of her father—a World War II war hero. Ceelie agrees on the condition that Darlene travels with her.

For her entire life, Darlene has resented the father she never knew, the father who returned from the war but disappeared without a trace. Ceelie and Darlene travel to Missouri to find answers, only to discover a greater mystery.

Will either woman find hope and healing for their great betrayals?

Who Will Love This Book

You’ll love this book if you love novels that bring history to life as well as plumb the depths of human emotions. Phoenix not only accurately portrays the emotions and despair of a woman going through cancer treatment, but she delves into what happens to the caregiver, too. As a cancer caregiver, I can relate to Nate’s emotions and the fact that all too often no one offers support for caregivers.

Interspersed with Ceelie’s story, the reader will find Cal’s story. Cal, a paratrooper deployed over France on D-Day, ends up miles from his planned landing site. Two young French girls save his life and from that moment on, Cal’s life becomes inextricably joined to a small family in France.

Phoenix weaves the two stories together with a masterful touch and great historical accuracy. As the last survivors of World War II pass on, their untold stories and wisdom pass along with them. Fragments of Light helps the reader understand the ethos of the Greatest Generation.

This was my first book by Phoenix and I'm so glad I took a chance on a new to me author.

This book is technically a time slip novel but to me it almost read more like a contemporary with flashbacks. I think what I'm trying to say is that I didn't feel jolted by the back and forth like I usually do in dual time books. I think Phoenix has a real talent for this style.

Ceelie and Nate ripped my heart out in the first chapter. I could barely put the book down after that. Cancer is awful but I'm thankful for authors who aren't afraid to brave writing about it. The physical, mental, and emotional pain of it needs to be written about. And Nate's part of the story needed to be written just as bad.

Darlene was quite the character. She is so spunky and spontaneous and I loved her. The mystery she brings to the story is so intriguing. The search for her father seemed so helpless since she didn't have much information, but what a journey it was.

I'm a big fan of any book that turns international so I loved the ending. I've also been an avid reader of WWII history since high school. I loved the Operation Overlord research in this book. I really felt like I was in the thick of things and it was terrifying. What the soldiers of that day did was nothing short of amazing and they deserve all of the recognition they receive and more. I loved the tribute to those men this book is.

This will definitely not be my last Phoenix book! I can't wait to read her backlist!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

The author as gifted us with a story that will have you page turning for answers. I felt as if I was ducking from the flack being shot at the paratroopers, and gingerly walking on floors that are about to collapse, and all the while searching for answers.
We are mainly with two woman both fighting the Big "C". and a beautiful friendship evolves between these two.
Because of this friendship we journey from present day to "D" in France, and back again. Keep turning the pages as answers to come, maybe not how you want them, but this is a fact of war.
A read that will linger, and full of emotions from one range to another, but mainly "Love".

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

If you enjoy WWII related fiction, this will be one book you do not want to miss. This dual timeline novel jumps back and forth between cancer survivor Ceelie in the current day and WWII paratrooper Cal during D-Day. When Ceelie's friend Darlene asks for her assistance in finding Cal- the father she never knew, the journey that follows is one full of heartbreak and healing...and one that I absolutely could not put down.

Admittedly, the start was a little bit slow. I would say that it wasn't until the second half of the story that it really took off for me. I also found that while I typically do enjoy historical fiction taking place during or around WWII, I much preferred the parts of this story that took place in the present day. Perhaps a lot of that has to do with Darlene who added a touch of humor in what could otherwise be a rather heartbreaking book... still, both parts were equally well written and worked together to create a book that I loved.

Though Cal and Ceelie's stories were quite drastically different... it was interesting to see the impact that both of their battles (Ceelie's with cancer and Cal during the war) had a lasting impact not just on their own lives, but on those who cared about them as well. It was a beautiful story of loss and forgiveness...and one that I could not get enough of.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Two momentous battles are fought in this enlightening new novel: one against the big "C" (Cancer) and the other against the Nazis on the historic "D" Day in Normandy. I was enthralled by the parallels that could be seen between the present fight of Ceelie and Darlene against breast cancer and the struggles experienced by the veterans. I needed my tissues and also found myself reflecting on my own marriage and the cancer fight that my husband is still recovering from. I also have to mention that in God's providence I was reviewing Psalm 37 in my quiet time on the same day when Psalm 37:8 was highlighted in the narrative. A perfect summer read for June when we are all remembering the Battle of Normandy. This one will remain in your heart after finishing that last page. Great for fans of Rachel Hauck and Susan Meissner.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a DRC.

Not an upbeat kind of story, but one that deals with real issues. Lots of tough things going on. There is some hope, but I think there could've been a little more... I know, I know, that's life, right, but I usually read as an escape from "real life". Maybe that's just me...
The story is well-written and researched. The characters are great, and the story interesting.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Alternating from present day to invasion of Normandy during WWII, the author weaves a story of mystery and intrigue. Present day Ceelie, fighting breast cancer meets Darlene during her treatment and her life is changed forever. Both women struggle with anger: Darlene because of a father who abandoned her and Ceelie because her husband abruptly leaves her when her cancer is gone. This is a story of anger, resentment and forgiveness that will resonate with readers. Love the history! Love spirited Darlene and her love of life. Highly recommend!

What a page turner! I read this book in 2 days. I could not put it down! I loved the way the modern day story tied into history. This story made me realize that our interpretation of a person's actions are not always correct. I loved all the mini stories going on in the big story of this book. I look forward to reading more books from Michele Phoenix!

4.25/5⭐️

This was my 2nd book from this author, and I’ve enjoyed both very much.

Ceelie, a middle-aged woman meets 76 yo high-spirited Darlene as they are both battling cancer, one more successfully than the other. Darlene, who has lived with the bitterness of a desertion by her WWII vet father Cal, asks Ceelie to help her solve the mystery of his disappearance.

The story is told in dual timelines (present/WWII), and is a poignant story of love, duty, sacrifice, and heroism. It’s also a beautifully written story about a marriage facing a crisis from two different perspectives, about a loving friendship and about the healing power of forgiveness.

Nicely done.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

Choices and Relationships

This story was about courage, surviving, Friendship, and relationships. It was about the struggle of two women Cecelia and Darlene to beat cancer. When diagnosed they were with each other for treatment. Cecelia's husband was with her through the whole treatment. When she was finished and rang the bell on the way home he simply tells her I'm Done. Nate, her husband, then moves out of the house.

While she is still recovering from her bout with Cancer her friend Darlene finds out her cancer has returned and is not treatable and she is now looking at life's end. Before Darlene dies she wants to do one thing, find out about the father that abandoned her when she was 18 months old after he returned from WWII.

Since Cecelia is the editor of a newspaper Darlene wants her to use her Journalism skills and contacts to find her father or what happened to him. In the meantime Nate says he made a mistake and wants to stop the divorce.

The friends search for Darlene's father which brings in the story in WWII as to what happened. They go on one last road trip where Darlene becomes ill and ends up in the hospital and calls Nate to talk to him.

The second story contained within this story is that of Darlene's father Cal during WWII. Two young girls in a castle, German Soldiers, Cal and his friend Buck.

The story is about courage, heartbreak, tragedy, forgiveness, friendship, love and survival. It is about war and about war on Cancer. It is about the patient with cancer and the caregiver.
This story was sad and happy, and exciting at times. I couldn't wait to guess the secret of what happened to Darlene's father and would have never guessed the ending.

This was a good book, I loved the story, the characters, and the writing. I would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thanks to Michele Phoenix, Thomas Nelson Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review.

Ceelie and Darlene, a woman in her seventies, have something in common, cancer. Ceelie has breast cancer and is going through reconstructive surgeries. Darlene's cancer has returned and the prognosis is not good. Darlene shares her story with Ceelie. On D-Day her father was one of the paratroopers that landed going in to help the French against the Germans. His plane was flying too fast and too low but they made the jump anyway. Cal, her father was hung up in an oak tree. He knew if he didn't get out of sight quickly he would be found and killed. He has a concussion, and a broken foot. He cuts himself down. An old man and a fifteen year old girl hid him in a castle. While the younger sister climbs the tree and brings down his parachute. Everything is hidden including his uniform and he is dressed in farmer's clothing.
Darlene never knew her father, he wasn't around to help her mother or be a father. She resented him immensely. She would fly into rages when her mother mentioned him. No, in Darlene's eyes he was a dead beat dad the abandoned them when they needed him most. Now she is dying and she wants to k ow what happened to her father, why he never came home to stay.
A rich and invigorating book, that intertwines the past to the present.
Beautiful!!

These comments are based upon the Advance Reader Copy, not the completed novel. Good story and a fairly unexpected ending, but some characters were not well developed and dialogue was often not what would have me stay up all night reading this book. I'm hopeful that the publisher and editor give this the extra effort needed to lift it from mediocrity.

An emotional yet uplifting journey:
What an amazing book. It was poignant, thought provoking, tragic and heartbreaking; yet there was humour and healing too. I loved how it showed it is possible to be brave in the face of adversity and to persevere through trials
The power of friendships was a major theme and it was wonderful seeing Ceelie and Darlene support and care for one another. I thought the author did an amazing job of highlighting the strains and terrible ramifications cancer can have, not only on the individual but on their caregivers and families too.
I enjoyed the dual timelines and the way the author made us wait for further information was just wicked at times! It was fun journeying with them as they sought to uncover the mystery surrounding what happened to Darlene's father during the war and then in the years to follow.
Overall a fabulous book full of depth that is sure to stay with you for a long time.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Fragments of Light was a fantastic historical fiction book, alternating between being set around D-Day and present day. We find out how Cal, a young American soldier, comes to land his parachute off target on D-Day near a small castle in France. Sabine, a 14 year old local girl, finds an injured Cal and takes him in to treat his injuries. Sabine is a brave girl, the circumstances of her life making her wise beyond her years. She lives with her 7 year sister Lise and Albert, an old man who takes care of the girls after they lost their parents. As we alternate between what happened to Cal during those days after D-Day, we also read the story of his daughter, Darlene, in present time, along with her friend Ceelie. Ceelie is finally past her cancer treatments, but is dealing with a husband who left her, when she finds out that Darlene's cancer has come back. With the end of her life coming closer, Darlene decides she is ready to find out more about the father who abandoned her as a baby after he came back from the war. Darlene and Ceelie set out to learn more about Cal and why he came back from war, only to abandon Ceelie and her mom without any explanation. Fragments of Light is filled with emotion and the strength of humans in the worst of conditions.

I've been a fan of Michele Phoenix's books since I read the amazing, heart-stopping book, The Space Between Words, so I was delighted to read her latest, Fragments of Light.
Although I finished reading it weeks ago, it has taken me this long to digest the book, ponder it, and allow the story to resonate. I suppose it touched me particularly because of how close Cancer has come to my friends and lately a close family member. Living through Ceelie's experiences was both hard and rewarding. Bittersweet and yet, enlightening, giving me a new empathy and appreciation for how much the support of others means to those fighting the disease. Also, all the complex emotions that are involved, both in those fighting Cancer and in their caregivers.  The same can be said for Cal's story. Phoenix has shed light on the horrors of war and duty in a way that touched me deeply. I hope you fall in love with Darlene as I did. She's awesome, spunky, and wounded.


This book was well written, sensitive, and thought-provoking and in places, hilarious, and it has stayed with me weeks after I finished the last chapter. Well worth the read.

When I finished Fragments of Light by Michele Phoenix, I was a little leary about writing a review because I was afraid I would not give the book It’s due. Michele Phoenix has crafted a beautiful story of love and friendship, loss and redemption that spanned the beaches of Normany in 1944 to Kinley, MO to Geneva, IL.

Cecelia (Ceelie) Donovan’s life was turned upside down with her cancer diagnosis. Through her surgery, treatments and reconstruction surgery her husband Nate was by her side until he decided that he couldn't handle the stress anymore. When he walked out, Ceelie’s life would have completely fallen apart had it not been for her dear friend and fellow cancer survivor Darlene Egerton. Darlene with her strength, witty sarcasm and crazy pink tipped hair saw her through the tough times giving her a reason to believe she still had a future and a life to live. But just as Ceelie starts to readjust to a new but different life, Darlene gets the devastating news her cancer has returned and the prognosis is not good. Darlene’s news and a now contrite spouse who wants a second chance, are more than Ceelie can bear. When it becomes obvious that Darlene’s days are numbered, she asks Ceelie for a favor. Find out why her father abandoned her and her mother after the war. Darlene’s father, Cal McElway, a highly decorated hero during WWII and part of Operation Overlord, came back after discharge and walked out a few months later never to return. For years Darlene harbored deep seated resentment for a father she never knew. Now she wants answers and prays the reporter in Ceelie can give her the answers she so desperately needs.

As Darlene takes a turn Ceelie reluctantly reaches out to Nate to assist her in her quest for answers. Nate, desperate to redeem himself, takes her up on her offer to return to the beaches of Normandy where it all began for Darlene’s father Cal, to find the truth about his departure and in finding the truth, a way back to their future.

I absolutely loved this story. Historical fiction at it’s finest. You will need a tissue when you read this as Michele Phoenix’s characters are so realistic and written with such raw emotion. There were times I felt like I was actually present watching everything play out. Other times I felt like I was eavesdropping on private conversations. It was that good. I shed more than a few tears too and I'm sure you will too. As far as a favorite character, that would be hard to say. Every role that was played was unique in their own way and even Nate redeemed himself at the end. All in all Fragments of Light is a beautiful piece of historical fiction that any reader would love to pick up and find it difficult to put down.

I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an ARC of Fragments of Light by Michele Phoenix. “Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own”!

I'm not crying, you're crying.

This beautiful work of historical fiction by Michele Phoenix goes between present day America and World War II, D-Day in Normandy. It tells the story of Cal McElway, an American soldier, and Cecilia, 'Ceelie,' Donovan, a journalist who has just won her battle with cancer, both warriors in their own right. Their stories intertwine beautifully, with common themes of love, loss and heartache.

I would imagine this would be an especially emotional read for anyone who has been personally affected by cancer, either themselves or a loved one. Not only does Cecilia endure it, but she also has a dear friend who goes through it, and the link to Cal is through this friends' journey for closure.

I did a bit of research on the author and she is a three time cancer survivor, so the eloquence with which she writes about these characters' journies is understandable and realistic.

This is a must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the ARC.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.