I wanted to read this book based on the many, many readers who were recommending it. It seemed to be everywhere I looked and the title? It intrigued me.

The story was a little slow and sad to start. I mean--we are talking about deaths here. So, the sad part stuck around for me. It also struck a little too close to home, as one of my loved one fights an aggressive cancer. But there is a richness and a sweetness that can be found. It's a change of pace for me. A reflection.

It's the story of Mrs. Kip, an elderly woman, dying of cancer, and Aidyn, a journalist seeking to bolster her career with a great story. Instead, she works on an obituary and it's a story of friendship and transformation. About the tapestry of life and our impact in lives around us. The ripple effect.

There were times I had to walk away from the story, due to my current life circumstances with my own loved one and all that comes with it--but that's what we love about good writing, isn't it? It touches us at our core. We relate to the fictional characters and find meaning for their lives in our own real-life growth. Keep the tissues handy.

It's rare that a story leaves me speechless or unable to draft a review that reflects the absolute quality of it but this is one of those times. Brunsvold has given us a stunning story, her first, with a character, Mrs Clara Kip who shall live long in one's memory.

What most captured my heart was that we have a story categorised as Christian fiction that gives us a character in Mrs Kip who demonstrates Christ-likeness in how she lives on these pages of Brunsvold's story. It's a rare thing in my experience simply because it can be very hard to bring to the page a believer who is visibly overflowing with the love of Jesus. Mrs Kip is such a wonderful role model, not just for Christian novelists but also for those of us who seek to live a life to the glory of Jesus.

Interestingly and quite incredibly, this is a story of Mrs Kip's last week of life. Even though she's ready for her next adventure in the next life, we see Mrs Kip be very intentional in making each one of her final hours count. Whether it's loving Mr Slesher in his final days or more particularly in apprenticing Aidyn Kelley as the latter writes Mrs Kip's obit and life story.

Brunsvold's story is also a wonderful demonstration of how the love of an individual can profoundly impact another. Aidyn, only spends a few days with Mrs Kip, but in that time her life is completely transformed. Because of the love of Jesus pouring out of Mrs Kip. It's quite breathtaking to behold.

There is also a fascinating insight into how the Laotian refugee program got started in Kansas post-American's withdrawal from Vietnam plus the workings of a busy newspaper.

Congratulations, Sara Brunsvold and thank you. I can't wait to see what you have instore for your next story.

I am so pleased I was able to receive an early ebook copy from Revell via NetGalley as part of their bloggers program with no expectation of a positive review. I expect I'll be purchasing my own copy so I can have it for future reading pleasure.

I throughly enjoyed this well written book. The plot really drew me in and I couldn’t put the book down. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

I'm late to the party for The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, but I got here as soon as I started hearing all the rave reviews from friends with discriminating reading tastes. I must say they were so right! The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is one of the best books I've ever read! 5 stars, but that doesn't do it justice!

To be honest, at first glance the summary had me on the fence as to whether to read or not. Afterall, end of life experience isn't my normal topic of choice for reading material. But this story is so much more than that! It's truly unique and original, and in a class all its own. I've never read anything like it, and I've read thousands of Christian fiction books.

Sara Brunsvold has written an insightful classic into the meaning of life with an eternal perspective so spiritually inspiring I was left pondering it for days afterward. By story's end I was completely undone and speechless. Do yourself a favor and get to know the feisty, witty, engaging Clara Kip who never stops in her earthy mission to reach everyone with the love of God. Mrs. Kips explanation of what authentic love is and the great joy it brings is one of the most accurate and convicting lines ever written. You'll find it in chapter eighteen. Read The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kips and you'll be changed and challenged to live extraordinarily too.

Take a bow Sara Brunsvold, you've written a masterpiece for our time that reminds me of 2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal weight of glory that far outweighs them all."
I appreciate Revell Publishing making a copy of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip available for review. It was an honor to read. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

"I simply tried to love people as best I could for as long as I was privileged to be with them. We don’t stay long in each other’s lives— that’s the crux of our humanness. You have to be the friend people need while they are there with you, because it’s the only chance you’ll get.”

This is the book of 2022 for me. Both purely on the merits of the book itself, and secondarily because it so acutely captured so many feelings from the ministry I left this year. One of the joys (and heartaches) of my life was ministering to the elderly - it was not actually my job description 😂 but it was something neither myself or they could avoid. God had me in the place he had me for a specific purpose - to love his children through some of the darkest, loneliest seasons they ever faced. I so deeply resonated with Mrs. Kip's character and her seemingly unreasonable desire to LOVE the person in front of her for as long as they were there.

This is a story about a young reporter who has been shamed for making a rookie mistake. What she thinks is a reprimand turns out to be an assignment that changes her life forever - getting to know Mrs. Clara Kip in her final days on earth. Whatever you think this title is about, I promise you are wrong in the best way - it is so so much more than that. This is Christian fiction at its absolute best. I cried all throughout this book. Read it. Have your friends and teens read it. Savor it and let it challenge you to LOVE LIKE CRAZY.

"The heart is designed to give far more love than the brain can calculate and to endure far more loss than the body anticipates."

"She had learned that where there is pain, there is a calling. A duty. And a great and wonderful commission."

Psalm 16:8
"I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken."

Brava, Sara Brunsvold 👏

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+❤️

This is the first book by Sara Brunsvold and it's a winner. I usually do not give 5 star reviews, I save those for the best and this is a 5 star winner.

The book is a Christian book but not preachy. It shows how an ordinary sinner, just like me, was saved and how she lived her life with gusto. It shows how an older Christian can make a huge impact on a young (not necessarily young in years) Christian's life for the better.

The story flows well, and the characters are well developed and believable. The storyline is unique and held my attention throughout. I was sorry to come to the end as I enjoyed spending time with the 2 main characters.

This book is well worth your time and it is not an effort to read. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.

The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Kip is exquisite. A beautifully written story of Clara Kip, nearing the end of her life, and Aidyn Kelly, a young reporter looking for her first big story. She found that, and much more, in Mrs. Kim. This is a very moving story that will not soon be forgotten.

Two favorite quotes:

“Even when it cost me something dear, I loved. No effort in Jesus’ name is ever wasted.”
“Lord, you are so good, and your love holds everything together.”

I received a copy of this book from Revell through Net Galley. The opinions are my own.

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is fiction based on truth. It's the story of Mrs. Kip who assisted in the Laotian refugee resettlement in Kansas City. In the mid-70's, the US withdrew support from Vietnam and Laos. During this time, Mrs. Kip began supporting refugees from Laos and raising support of all kinds from her church and the community. Mrs. Kip was a young widow with no children, who devoted her life to good works, through action and prayer. Yes, this is a book of Christian literature, but it's also a book of hope and encouragement. Young Aidyn is a fresh reporter for the local newspaper, hoping to make her mark, when she receives an unusual assignment...write an obituary for Mrs. Kip who is still alive but in her last days in hospice care. As Aidyn works her way through the assignment, she begins to realize that Mrs. Kip's story is much more than it appears on the surface. She has touched many lives and has an intriguing life story. When I began reading, I thought I was reviewing a murder mystery. (Check out the title) But, I found it was much more than your average whodunit. This is an inspiring story and I could not quit thinking about the characters. My thanks to Revell Books for the ARC. I recommend this one.

This is a story that I was very intrigued by and really did not know what I would be getting. It is not my usual genre; in fact, I was really hoping that I would not be depressed by the end of this book. Well, I am pleasantly surprised at how this story was told. It is about a woman, Mrs. Kip who is dying. She has cancer, she is in pain, and she doesn't have much time left here on earth. She knows it and everyone around her knows it. There are some who work in the hospice care that have a special gift and can help ease dying people. And there are most people who are just uncomfortable as they are faced with this situation and ultimately, we are faced with a mirror image of our own mortal bodies and what awaits us all. It makes us uncomfortable.

This is why a lot of us would completely understand why Aidyn Kelley would feel uncomfortable with spending so much time with Mrs. Kip even though her editor requires it. However, the more Aidyn and we get to know Mrs. Kip, we sense and get a much bigger story of her life. With flashbacks to her heartbreak and pain, her growth and the great work that she accomplished, I was pulled into her story of this woman who made such a difference, despite the fact that her life's dreams did not pan out. And the time leading up to her death, well the author showed that Mrs. Kip was going to live her life to the fullest right up to her death.

For a book about a woman's dying days, I found much hope and peace within these pages. This was a remarkable story and as for her extraordinary deaths, yes plural, read the story.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

“The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip” by Sara Brunsvold is a triumph in the genre of Christian Fiction. I am sure it will become a staple of Christian readers’ libraries for decades to come. I am at a loss for words to describe how profoundly this book has impacted me. Nevertheless less, I shall try…

Synopsis:

Aidyn Kelley is a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star who craves a writing assignment that will allow her to better showcase her talents. Unfortunately, Aidyn’s boss misinterprets her pleas for a more important feature as cockiness and pretentiousness. Her punishment?—she must write a 100-word obituary for a 79 year-old hospice patient named Clara Kip.

Although Aidyn is initially off-put by Mrs. Kip’s vivaciousness, an unlikely friendship forges between the two, changing Aidyn’s life forever. Through a series of interviews, Aidyn learns that the source of Mrs. Kip’s unadulterated joy despite her dire circumstances is her strong relationship with the Lord❤️🙏🏻
Through getting to know Mrs. Kip, Aidyn reevaluates her life and refocuses her energies toward Kingdom-building instead of trying to climb the corporate ladder.

Review:

Clara Kip is the epitome of servanthood. With a bold personality and zest for life, Mrs. Kip takes every opportunity to bring glory to the Lord and show His love to others. She is truly an example to us all of how to walk by faith and trust in the Lord’s providence.

This book made me laugh numerous times at Mrs. Kip’s lively audaciousness, but it also made me think deeply about my walk with Christ and how I want to spend the time I have left this side of Heaven. This is an emotional read that made me tear up on multiple occasions and called me to thoughtfully consider how I want to live out my faith❤️ “The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip” is a novel not to be missed and I absolutely cannot wait to see what Sara Brunsvold has in store for us next!!

I was intrigued by the title, “Extraordinary Deaths” what could that possibly be? I’m so glad I was asked by the publisher to review this book. What a surprising, heart-warming debut novel. Readers are first introduced to an ambitious young journalist named, Aidyn Kelley, who is not thrilled about her current assignment. Aidyn‘s dream is to write a headliner piece, writing an obituary, for a hospice patient, named Clara Kip, was never on her bucket list. Little did Aidyn know what adventures, this brave woman had. There was an extraordinary story to share, but only if Aidyn digs deep and asked the right questions would she uncover the treasure.

Aidyn gets the facts of Clara’s life and thinks all is done when her co-worker shares some research on Clara Kip and her incredible work, done with the refugees living in Kansas in the 1970s” This stops Aidyn in her tracks. What?

This journalist soon learns, Clara Kip is a remarkable, 79-year-old women with astonishing faith, her outlook on life was astounding, and the fearlessness she showed in dangerous situations was amazing. Her spunk and desire to live life to the fullest, kept me reading. (Deep down I hoped I’d be like her) I also enjoyed the tender moments the author sprinkles throughout the novel, like the one where Clara introduces Aidyn to a dying man in hospice. Even tough Kip is in the same boat, she is determined to be courageous and have a positive attitude., till the end. Clara never desires to lose her sense of adventure (no matter what) she requests Aidyn to join her on this last quest.

This book chronicles the time Clara Kip and Aidyn spend together (kind of reminded me of Tuesdays with Morrie, except Clara Kip shares her life, her faith and her heart in a big way.) Her adventures show how Clara loved people God put in her life, by supporting them, any way she could, praying and providing scriptures for them to cling to. Mrs. Kip, says, “Despite what you’ve been told. I simply tried to love people as best I could for as long as I was privileged to be with them. We don’t stay long in each other’s lives – that’s the crux of our humanness. You have to be the friend people need while they are there with you, because it’s the only chance you’ll get… Friendship is a life changing gift.”

As Aidyn keeps going back to interview this spirited, caring woman, she finds herself having more questions. She finds Mrs. Kip’s journey from a young woman to where she is now was nothing short of incredible. You will to. This is a thought-provoking journey you don’t want to miss. It will be a great book club pick too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher/NetGalley. 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!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

To start with, here are my notes at the beginning of the book:

-At the end of chapter 1, I'm intrigued. What's going to happen, and how has she died so many times? Plus, Clara's just entertaining.

-At the end of chapter 2, my throat feels like it's closing up with tears. Heartbreaking.

-End of chapter 3-I love Clara's attitude and spunk. Reminds me of my mamaw.

-End of chapter 6-I'm grinning, anticipating Aidyn and Clara's relationship.

-I love Clara and her way of looking at things! Gregarious!

-In chapter 9, I'm crying at the ravages of age and how they humiliate the aged. Those who most deserve our respect, are many times most in need of us.

Then I got too into it to stop at the end of the chapters, so here's the actual review:

So many tears. Mrs. Kip reminds me of both of my grandparents who passed in May. My paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother both had her zest and zeal for life. They each also died a thousand deaths. I'll never forget the last time I saw my grandfather. We both knew it'd be the last time, and he was trying to prepare me. He said, "It's my turn now. Don't pray that I get better; pray that it's a quick, easy transition." It was.

Clara's way of looking at life reminds me so much of my maternal grandmother. She just loved people; especially kids. And all kids loved her. She had that compassion, that zeal, that...SOMETHING...that Mrs. Kip had.

I took so many quotes from this book that I don't even have room for them all. So many reminders of how I want to live my life. But I'll end the review of this must-read book with this quote. May it be my prayer also:

"Lord, my life is yours. Show me the way."

*I received this book to review from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*

This is not my usual reading preference, but after seeing it referred to as "the best book I've ever read" more than once on social media, I decided to dive in without so much as reading the synopsis. Hours later, I looked up after reading straight through the whole book in nearly one sitting (those pesky kids demanded dinner). What should have been a depressing account of a woman's final days on earth in a hospice facility with no family was actually a beautiful tale of a faith-filled life. It left me longing for a faith like Mrs. Kip, a prayer life so vibrant, a trust so deep, a heart so ready to serve.

I wouldn't say this is the best book I've ever read, mostly because it's not my genre of choice (give me some romance!), but it was beautifully written, thought-provoking, and heart warming. I would still recommend it.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is a book about dying that inspires you to live.

This debut novel from Sara Brunsvold, published by Revell, won’t leave you the same after you’ve read it.

In a unique friendship between a dying septuagenarian named Clara Kip and an ambitious twenty-something reporter named Aidyn Kelley we are shown a beautiful example of how to treat the dying and how to love the living.

When I read the title of the book I was supposed to read and review, I was a little skeptical. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold was a book I reluctantly started reading. Exactly how many times can one woman die?

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Mrs. Kip was a remarkable woman who lived a very remarkable life. The story begins with Mrs. Kip entering her final home, a sort of hospice where the terminally ill are cared for until their deaths. Mrs. Kip was terminally ill, but what a character! She wanted her death to be remarkable just like she was.

When cub reporter, Aidyn Kelley is assigned to write Mrs. Kip’s obituary and to meet with her before her passing for guidance, Aidyn is a little taken aback by the humor and charm of the old lady. Their meetings and subsequent friendship are the stories that Ms. Brunsvold is trying to tell. While reading this book a kind of peace came over me. I can’t explain it, but my whole attitude changed. Looking back at this woman’s life and the deep faith that made her believe that all things were possible, encouraged me. I have not been touched by a novel like this ever. Even though I know that the story is fiction, Mrs. Kip’s caring for others was so poignant that it created a sense of peace within me.

I highly recommend this book. I know the title is a bit different, but believe me, I think you will find yourself immersed in what you read. It may even change our outlook on your life.

What an extraordinary debut novel!
The title in itself is intriguing. It has nothing to do with Mrs. Kip dying over and over (which made me think it might be a book about reincarnation or something like that!). It is a clever device that is revealed about halfway through the story (and isn’t about dying and coming back to life only to die again).
Aidyn Kelley is a young reporter who messed up big time. Now she’s been giving the menial task of writing an obit for a woman who is still alive. Armed with a list of questions, Aidyn goes to the hospice centre where Mrs. Kip isn’t expected to live much longer. A sweet friendship is forged between the two women, where Aidyn learns that life isn’t just a list of facts.
The story leads readers through events in Mrs. Kip’s life as she answers Aidyn’s questions. Glimpses into the past bring clarity to the true mission of Mrs. Kip and readers can expect to see how these events will shape the brief encounter with the young reporter. Readers of split time/dual time stories will enjoy the ease of passage from one time period to another.
Mrs. Kip is a firecracker, a loveable character who has gone through a lot. One gets a real sense of who the woman is, and she’s someone everyone can relate to. 
Aidyn Kelley is another relatable character. She’s a bit naive in the beginning, but she grows through the story as she listens to Mrs Kip's stories. Readers can empathize with her situation. However, her friend Rahmya gets her into hot water and isn’t the least bit sorry for it. This character was selfish and easily dislikable.
Many characters in the story are Christian, or at least are alluded to being one (including one character who is described as a difficult person to work with). In my humble opinion, this was the only downside to the story. Not everyone in every work setting is a believer, or demonstrates a silent testimony.  
There’s a lot of history packed into the historical timeline, but easily digested. 
This novel has all the feels that readers of women’s fiction stories want. Add a faith thread woven into nearly every page, it’s an excellent choice for readers who want the faith aspect included.
I received an e-copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

When I see a new book by a debut author, it really is a 50/50 on whether I want to read it or not. I think I have read the summary various times until I finally decided to give this debut a try. And I am glad I did.

“A leaf has the most extraordinary death. There is so much beauty to it.”

Mrs. Kip was such a lively and vibrant character and a great example of how to serve and love others unconditionally and with every opportunity. This book was also a reminder of the wisdom the elderly has from their life experience, and if we just spend time to sit and listen, we have so much to learn from them.

But hard things usually end in the biggest blessings.

Aidyn was like so many young ones today - driven and want that importance now, without really going through the learning steps to get to that next level. The lessons she had to learn was important and ones each of us can also take to heart and her character growth developed well through the story.

The book did slow down a bit after 50% but I still enjoyed the story.

I recommend this story to fans of contemporary stories, and if you have a history of needing tissues with emotional reads, keep your box with you.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

A beautiful story spanning decades, about living, loving and sacrifice.

Aidyn Kelley is a writer who wants her big break, but instead is tasked with writing the obituary of Mrs. Kip a hospice patient at the end of her life.

An inspiring and emotional read, I was intrigued by the title and am so glad that I picked it up. This stunning debut explores love and sacrifice, through the present and past. Clara was a courageous woman, through so many small acts she loved others and helped them to have a better life.

Mrs. Kip is a winsome and engaging woman, and I liked how her story helped put things in perspective for Aidyn. Aidyn grows a lot over the course of the story.

Overall, this was an inspiring and thought provoking read, emotionally deep, poignant read, and full of faith. I left this book so inspired by Mrs. Kip's deaths, and the message of love, sacrifice, and a life well lived.

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

Extraordinary story of love for every human. Mrs. Kip was a delightful character with much wisdom to share. She was just the person Aidyn, the young reporter needed. Beautiful story about life and death! Perfect story to emphasize and encourage people to show the love of Jesus. Highly recommended!

I'm at a loss for words and I'm not sure any review could do this book justice. It's breathtakingly beautiful and leaves you searching your heart and soul and examining your life.

I highlighted more in this book than in any other book. There are so many amazing truths and hidden gems within the pages of this book that as soon as I was finished, I wanted to start over and just sit with it for a while.

If you only read one more book this year, read this one. It's that powerful.

Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy for my honest feedback.