Fragments of Light came up on my reading list at just the right time. June 6 was the seventy-sixth anniversary of D-Day (or Operation Overlord, as it was sometimes known), and this book revolves around D-Day.

This was my introduction to Michele Phoenix's writing and I am thrilled to have read this book.

Cal McElway was in the 506th paratroop group that dropped in France on D-Day. His chute got caught in a tree and sisters, Sabine and Lise, cut him down out of the tree and tended to his injuries after his fall.

Ceelie Donovan is fighting breast cancer, first by having a double mastectomy, and then by having chemo treatments. During her treatments, she meets Darlene, a wild woman in her seventies who has battled cancer before and knows what Ceelie is going through. After all of her treatments are done, Ceelie's husband, Nate, tells her he's leaving her.

Darlene has had a hate relationship with her absent father, Cal McElway, who left when she was still a baby. She convinces Ceelie to help her find out who he was, where he went, and possibly why he left. When Darlene's cancer comes back with a vengeance, Ceelie takes on the task with an extreme urgency. The task served as a way for Ceelie to deal with Nate's betrayal, and a way for her to reengage into her career as a newspaper journalist after being away from it during her cancer treatments.

Michele bounces back and forth between D-Day and present day to give background to the story. She keeps the reader involved from the beginning to the end.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a clue to help you understand your past.

Thomas Nelson and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

#FragmentsOfLight #NetGalley

This book is well written and I was drawn in from the first page. Two stories intertwined by a Missing in Action, WWII veteran. A story that delves into tough subjects, cancer, divorce, hatred and friendship. Two sisters near Normandy, France, during D-Day, help a young American. In modern day, Ceelia, is fighting her battle with breast cancer, when her entire world is turned upside down. A rare friendship, forms between Darlene, a woman in her seventies and a breast cancer survivor herself, and Ceelia, whose marriage is failing. The story is tender, and I loved the characters. Even though this book deals with hard subjects, it is a book that will stay with me.

A beautiful book that tackled some sad and emotional issues with love shining through each character. I really liked Darlenes character and her wit and attitude even through her rough journey. I enjoyed the back story from the paratrooper and how the ending wrapped up his story. Very good read.

Michelle Phoenix's Fragments of Light is officially my favorite of her books that I have read so far. I thought it was a beautiful story. I am giving it five plus stars.

To say that I enjoyed this book is a massive understatement. Its storyline and characters gripped me from the first chapter until well after the book ended. This beautiful tale has two interwoven storylines that come together so perfectly at the end. It tells the story of Ceelie, who supports a dying friend on a final attempt to make peace with the past, in the midst of intense heartache of her own; and Cal, a WW2 paratrooper, parachuting into occupied France on D-Day.. I wanted to reach out and hug Ceelie on so many occasions and I really want a Darlene in my life! The lessons that have come out so clearly to me from story are that war can leave scars that are invisible but cut so deep; and that it’s not just the families of those who die in war who suffer loss - just because someone comes home doesn’t mean they aren’t lost. A highly recommended read.

I had mixed feelings about this book. It was well-written in a literary voice--no fluff. However, from the first page the story was pretty depressing. The book deals with some heavy topics such as cancer, war, divorce, and death. I found myself having to push through at times to keep reading. It really may have just been me and the frame of mind I was in at the time. I did love the character of Darlene; we all need a friend like her. I could picture myself sitting and chatting with her and laughing at her antics. This was a time slip novel, which I love. The novel starts off with alternating chapters between present and past. However, partially through the book, the historical chapters stop until the very end, which I wasn't too thrilled about. Also, without giving away the ending, I did not agree with the choices Darlene's father made and did not find it heroic. I know my opinions may not be in the majority, and I hate to not give a glowing review of a novel, but I was given a copy of this novel from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley, and I feel obligated to give my honest opinion. Again, it is not a "bad" book, but it is just not what I needed to read at this time. I am sure others will love it.

I chose Fragments of Light because I was intrigued by the synopsis. How could an MIA soldier bring closure to a lifetime of heartache, who was Ceelie, and what had cancer stolen from her?
Typically, I enjoy the historical portions of split-time novels the most, but I didn’t feel the same bias as I read this story. While I thought Nate’s pronouncement on the day Ceelie rang the bell to signal the end of her cancer treatments was egregious, I held out hope that their twenty-three-year marriage would endure the storm. The other aspect of the modern-day storyline that I loved was the friendship between Darlene and Ceelie. Every woman needs a gnome collecting, purple car driving, cotton-candy haired older woman to tell it to her straight! As for the historical timeline, readers who enjoy an unfolding mystery rife with history will not be disappointed.

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I adore World War II novels. I have enjoyed a number of time-slip novels, so when I read the synopsis for Michele Phoenix's World War II time-slip novel, I jumped on-board. Most time-slip novels that I have read are usually 50/50 of the past story and the present story. Phoenix story is not. It is about 80% the present, and 20% of the past. There was a huge moment in the past, and it took a long time to go back and see what actually happened. Phoenix stayed in the present for a long time before returning and showing readers what occurred. The main heroine had a huge dilemma or many dilemmas to overcome, and I felt bad for her, but I think Phoenix made the issues not that big of a deal. It drove the force of the story, but the heroine kept moving on without much reaction to them. I wanted to feel something for the heroine, but I didn't feel it. Overall, Fragments of Light appeared to be missing parts of the plot and empathy for the readers to empathize with the characters. Not a book I would pick up again.

I received a complimentary copy of Fragments of Light by Michele Phoenix from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

I really loved this book! I always am a fan of WWII novels, especially when there is a dual timeline and this one did not disappoint. All of the characters had great depth and you couldn't help but root for every single one. Ceelie's strength throughout was very inspiring and though heartbreaking, you couldn't help but feel hopeful at the end. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC.

I recently read Fragments of Light by Michele Phoenix. This book has a dual timeline that switches from friends, Darlene and Ceelie, living in the present day that have bonded together in their fight against cancer to D-Day in World War II and a paratrooper named Cal. Cal was dropped into France and ends up injured at a castle where two young French girls are trying to survive during the war without their father. Phoenix has intertwined the two stories together in such a way that she draws us to keep reading hoping to find out what is the connection between these characters. She seamlessly goes back and forth between characters and their stories with ease. Ceelie is fighting cancer and wants to find out what happened to her father that she never knew. Darlene is fighting through cancer as well, but ultimately ends up fighting to save her marriage to Nate. I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. It was a good blend of historical fiction with a contemporary twist built in. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A beautifully written story that will keep your attention till the end. It is a book I would recommend friends read. The emotion in this book is so moving for me. I received and advanced copy from net galley and the publisher and this is my opinion.

Fragments of Light, by author Michele Phoenix, traces the journey of modern day cancer patients Cecelia Donovan and her friend Darlene, taking us on a from a farm in Missouri to the Normandy beaches of France as they attempt to trace Darlene's long absent father. Cal McElway disappeared just months after his return from World War II, leaving behind his loving wife and baby daughter. Why would a man everyone considered good and honorable just walk away from his family? Cecelia learns that "The opposite of courage isn't fear. It's resentment," as she struggles with anger against her husband and watches her friend Darlene come to grips with a lifetime of fury after being abandoned by her father. Book groups will find much to discuss in this powerful story of brokenness and forgiveness.

This book will captivate you attention from the first page...and will not let go until the final chapter. It is beautifully written with real characters. Give yourself the gift of reading this novel. Five stars.

This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It is full of emotions and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This is an outstanding book that you don't want to miss! Thank you Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I was blown away by the depth of emotion and insightfulness of the author has she shared Ceelie and Darlene’s battle with Cancer and also the way she portrays care-giving. in this novel Her friend tells Ceelie,“Everyone reacts to situations differently and that includes care-giving. It’s a hard job that can ruin relationships and your life if you let it.”

The story opens with Ceelie and her husband Nate preparing for yet another storm, in a long list of storms they’ve weathered in 22 years of marriage. Now they were facing cancer. The author quickly has readers care for this couple and their sweet love relationship as they prepare for reconstruction surgery.

Ceelie lays it all out for Nate in what to expect. Nate replies ,”……”I’ve gone to your appointments with you, I’ve watched the videos, I’ve read the articles….I know what’s coming. I know it’s going to be hard – really hard”

They had two weeks before everything happened and life as they’d known it would end. Nate wants them to think about “other” things. ..He’s prepared a special time for them. He looks are her and says, “shut up and dance with me.” Great moments like these that make you smile. (Love that song)

But nothing could have prepared them for the unexpected turn following surgery. Her best friend Darlene has a surprise of her own and seeks Ceelie’s help in completing a mission impossible. They were two broken women. Could they be put back together enough to complete Darlene’s mission? (which was the other story line in this novel) Could they get on with living life, not just surviving it and love again? Were there guarantees the people they loved won’t ever hurt them again? “NO”. Darlene tells her friend. “Forgiveness is difficult. It takes courage and a willingness to be hurt again.” Both Darlene and Ceelie come to this conclusion as they face life, love and Darlene’s personal mystery to uncover.

I enjoy time slip stories and this one is no exception. The author masterfully weaves two story lines in a remarkable way creating a mystery I wanted solved for everyone’s sake. These characters needed answers to their questions (and so did I!) Darlene tells her friend, “The opposite of brave is resentment.” From great tragedy comes hope.”

Her friend discusses their meltdown moment in care-giving with Ceelie,” Loving can be just as brutal as it is beautiful. Tears blurred their vision as they shared…”It was fear. It was weakness. It was battle fatigue. It was panic…It was cancer. But it wasn’t me.” Both were trying to make sense out of the caregiver’s actions.

There are so many thought provoking treasures to find in this heartwarming, story that choked me up a time or two. (keep a tissue handy – there are also happy tears) This was a book I’m still thinking about and I read it over a month ago. It would work well for your book club pick. The author includes discussion questions to help create an engaging time at your meeting. This is the first novel I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

A well written and entertaining inspirational book. A good dual time line plot with well developed characters. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

I really Enjoyed this! The two stories, written side-by-side, mashed beautifully and intertwined perfectly. This novel is well written, entertaining, suspenseful and heart-full.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this story and the characters. The author did a good job of telling a two tiered story and keeping you wondering how they would come together.
I received a complementary copy of this book for the purpose of an honest review.

I had never read anything by Michele Phoenix, so last week I downloaded a sample of her book Of Stillness and Storm. I could tell I really liked her writing, and I looked forward to this book. It was very good!

I like dual timelines in stories, and this one really hit the mark, particularly at the end! Very well written and wrapped up!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. 4-1/2 stars!

I have been waiting for Michele Phoenix to write another book. It was worth the wait. Well done.

Ceelie has survived cancer. After a long battle, many surgeries and treatments, she has won. On the day that should have been a celebration Cee husband announces he is all done and walks out. How do you survive this?

Ceelie's friend Darlene asks her to help find her long lost father, a veteran from WWII, to distract her and help her get on track.

I recommend to any and all that are looking for a good contemporary read that has an interesting WWII thread.