Moving story of two sisters in middle age. Sherrie and Kristin have been a duo since their single-parent mother died when they were teens. Now Sherrie has cancer and oncologist Kris needs to learn how to step away from her "fix it" role and become the support team for Sherrie. The two women have a deep bond and have carved out a family through the years. Sherrie draws on her faith while Kristin struggles. Their careers have been important to the women; maybe due to being cast adrift as teens.
Readers get a real glimpse into the demands of cancer and its interruption to life. The book has joy and love and compromise. Thanks, Kelly Irvin, for telling this important story.

This is an emotional story of two sisters, Kristen who is an oncologist and Sherri who just found out she has ovarian cancer. I really enjoy books by Kelly Irvin and this one is no exception. Just know the topics may be hard to read about but it's definitely as great as her other books.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 5 December 2023

This book was well written, and got me teary at several points throughout it. It goes through such a beautiful sister relationship while one is an oncologist and the other is going through ovarian cancer. It also shows the toll it can take on one’s families going through cancer and on the opposite and being the husband of someone who treats cancer. It shows how one needs to find a balance in life.

What a tear jerker! This book so well written is about two sisters and their families. One, Sherrie gets a stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis and two, Kristen, the oncologist who is always so busy trying to save people. It is told in three POV's; Sherrie, Kristen and Daniel (Kristen's husband). The girl's mother had died when Kristen, the younger sister was a teenager and Sherrie took over where their mom left off. They have a strong bond and connection. Their Dad had left when the girls were much younger. Sherrie is very religious and has great faith that helps her keep positive with her diagnosis. Her sister is on the fence since she feels how could God take away her mother and now maybe her sister. It is a story of choices, family and love. You become involved in the lives of these two women like they were your own family. You root for Kristen and hope she makes the right choice with her marriage and career. You root for Sherrie and hope she can fight that horrible cancer she has. It is an emotional book and when I read the author's note she tells of how this book centered around her cancer diagnosis and you realize that is why it was so well told. It pulls at your heart strings.
Thanks to #netgalley, #thomasnelson and @kelly_irvin for an ARC of this book.

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos
by Kelly Irvin
Pub Date 05 Dec 2023
Thomas Nelson--FICTION,Thomas Nelson
Christian| Women's Fiction


Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley sent me a copy of The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos to review:


Dedicated to saving her sister's life, Kristen drops everything to guide Sherri through a harrowing cancer treatment. The strain of caring for her patients, being a wife and mother, and trying to save her sister causes Kristen's carefully balanced life to crumble, starting with her marriage. Desperate to regain her footing, she vows to rebuild her broken relationships . . . as soon as she's sure Sherri will beat the odds stacked against her.She's desperate to regain her footing, so she vows to rebuild her broken relationships as soon as she's sure Sherri can beat the odds.


Sherri Reynolds has worked hard to keep her life balanced, unlike her sister. She's grounded by her kids, her job, and her strong faith--until her diagnosis sends her spiraling into the scary world of what-ifs and unknown outcomes. Sherri realizes that family history may repeat itself. With the clock ticking, she's determined to use whatever time she has left to heal old wounds and restore relationships.The clock is ticking, so she's determined to heal old wounds and restore relationships while she can.



I give The Year of Goodbyes and Hello's five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly Irvin is a deeply moving novel. This novel has great emotional resonance and the reader will be able to tell that the author truly understands what she is speaking about. This book is full of tragedy yet it is also full of hope and second chances. Cancer is dealt with throughout the book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

An emotive read chronicling the story of two sisters, one an overworked oncologist and the other a kindergarten teacher just diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer.

Deeply affecting and gripping. The author portrayed difficult subjects winsomely, with grace.

A very interesting story of a sister with cancer and a sister who treats those who have cancer. It is a very emotional ride through this book. Being someone who has lost both parents it was hard to read but also inspiring. Thanks fir the advanced copy.

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is an emotional story of two sisters navigating the horrific world of cancer. One sister, diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the other sister an oncologist who has dedicated her life to trying to save patience from this horrible disease. This story is incredibly well written and well researched. Kelly Irvin is living this story herself, so she can write from a very unique perspective. As a mom who's 16 year old has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, there are parts of this story that are extremely emotional and difficult to read, but I also found it therapeutic and helpful. Almost like a friend that can relate in a unique way to what you are experiencing. I highly recommend this story! It's well thought out and executed!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wow! What an incredible emotional roller coaster this book was. I had so many ugly cries as I felt all the feels in this novels, which has a central Christian theme.

Kristen is a very successful oncologist who helps her patients 24-7. When her sister Sherri is diagnosed with cancer, she puts her life on hold to help her sister combat this awful disease. The emotional turmoil that Sherri and Kristen experience is so well described. Despite all of my tears, I really enjoyed the book.

Thank you to the author, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my feedback.

Thank you to the author Kelly Irvin, publishers Thomas Nelson, and TLC Book Tours, for an advance paperback copy of THE YEAR OF GOODBYES AND HELLOS. Thank you also to NetGalley for an accomanying widget. All views are mine.

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. I really enjoyed the religious messages written into this book, especially the call to connect to spiritual family in time of need. It's easy to isolate when there's trouble. The reminder to lean into our families is important in this story about terrible illness. Secular readers might find the frequency of religious discussion off-putting, while more conservative religious readers may take issue with such things as a divorced main character.

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. If you're interested in a plot that essentially follows a character's detailed experience with cancer treatment, which is unrealistic anyway for so many reasons, then you will probably like this book. Unfortunately, the plot has little conflict and thus little movement.

2. I was often not interested in what I was reading, as I found the secondary stories, mostly centering the protagonist's relationships, unauthentic and therefore difficult to relate to. For example, the fmc's sister is a successful oncologist who takes three months off to help the fmc navigate her condition and treatments. Setting aside all other judgments about these details, I just couldn't buy in because it is almost impossible for specialists to walk away from their patients for a week, let alone three full months. But besides that, in whatever capacity oncologist sis could serve the fmc, it wouldn't require full time attention. At least not at first. Then there is the fmc's ex-husband of eleven years. I don't recall how long they were married before the divorce. But they act like they are still married. It all feels needlessly complicated.

3. I absolutely hate the fake "cancer positivity" this book pushes. A good attitude in a patient does improve treatment results. That's a medical truism across disciplines. But the fmc keeps saying this horrible thing-- "there's no crying in cancer." I mean what the eff even? I'm here to say that if you're sick, it is perfectly okay to cry about it. Show yourself a little compassion.

4. A new perspective is introduced late in the book. It's possible this was meant to suggest how ignored the character was until this point, but I don't think so. At least, none of the rest of the novel has been this intentional. I just don't understand why Irvin swiveled the plot's camera from the fmc's cancer, to the sister's messed up relationships.

5. This is a decently long book with a significant plot turn just past the halfway point. I get the feeling the story in the second half of the book is the story Irvin really meant to tell. The entire first half of the book actually seems like backstory, which is why it is so flat and offers little conflict. The form of this book, with its beginning pegged deep before the plot's beginning, is well tolerated by some readers. Being a stickler for form, this is not a favorite for me and finally caused me to DNF at 74%, chapter 32.

Rating: 🩸🩸.5 blood draws
Recommend? Some readers will like it
Finished: Jan 13 '24
Format: Advance paperback, TLC, Digital copy, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🧑‍⚕️ medical stories
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 family stories, family drama
👭🏽 sister friendships
🧬 cancer stories
✝️ Christian fiction

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is based on the authors personal experience with ovarian cancer. Through the authors story we get a firsthand look at a womans cancer battle up close and personal in a way we wouldn’t have been able to without experiencing it ourselves.


A story about sisters, one is an oncologist, one is battling cancer. In this battle to help her sister her marriage is falling apart.

The book is raw, gripping, very personal and emotional. I know it had to take a lot for the author to write this but I’m so glad she has. If this book can help even one woman with her cancer battle and the detection of it.

A compelling read, one every woman should read, and her partner should too as he may notice something she doesn’t. This needs to be on everyone’s keeper bookshelf.

Pub Date 05 Dec 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I LOVED this book! My mind was wandering for the first 2-3 chapters but when it grabbed me - it REALLY grabbed me!! Let's start with Kristen - I could barely stand her!!! She managed to alienate every single person that loved her - excpet Sherri. I get it - everyone and everything could "wait" until she had more time... Until they couldn't/wouldn't. I don't recall if I KNEW that this was christian fiction when I selected it - but I REALLY loved the faith aspect of this story. Sherri had it and Kristen didn't. The characters were well fleshed out. While I didn't like Kristen (until the very very end lol) I totally understood how she came to be who she was and was actually able to have a little empathy for her. I would totally recommend this to anyone - I honestly gave it 5 stars and Kelly Irvin is an author that I will actively seek out. Bless Daniel - he literally has the patience of Job (no religious pun intended lol). He loved her. The end. Thank you to Netgalley, Kelly Irvin and Thomas Nelson for and advanced readers copy of this fabulous book in exchange for an honest review.


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6046729146

A Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly Irvin is a poignant and emotional journey set against the backdrop of historical events. As the characters navigate personal trials and tribulations, Irvin skillfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, making this novel a moving and informative page-turner.

In A Year of Goodbyes and Hellos, Kelly Irvin delivers a powerful narrative that resonates with the heart. This Christian fiction novel explores themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Irvin's writing style is both compelling and evocative, drawing readers into the lives of characters who feel remarkably relatable.

The emotional depth of the story makes it a true page-turner. Irvin expertly captures the complexities of human relationships, making each goodbye and triumph feel intensely personal. The narrative unfolds seamlessly, immersing readers in a journey that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impact.

The characters in A Year of Goodbyes and Hellos are a standout element of the novel. They are well-developed, relatable, and authentically human. Irvin's portrayal of their struggles and triumphs adds a layer of authenticity to the story, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deep and emotional level.

Furthermore, the novel is not only emotionally resonant but also informative. Irvin seamlessly integrates medical elements into the narrative, providing readers with insights into the cancer journey. The blend of fiction and realism enriches the overall reading experience, offering a well-rounded story that engages both the heart and the mind.

As a reviewer, I had the privilege of receiving an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) from #NetGalley in exchange for this honest review. A Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is a four-star read that captivates with its emotional depth, relatable characters, and informative storytelling. Kelly Irvin's novel is a testament to the enduring power of love, faith, and human resilience.

What a powerful story! I was so proud of myself for not focusing on the cancer diagnosis throughout the majority of the book, concentrating instead on the other storylines so I wasn’t crying constantly. Cancer is a hard topic for me to read about but it was written in such a tender, sweet, sometimes funny way. However, toward the end of the book, I was so invested in all the characters that I couldn’t stop crying; yet before turning the last page, the tears stopped and I was almost smiling again. Ms. Irvin knows how to write! When I read about why she wrote this book, I was heartbroken again but yet have even more respect and admiration for her for writing about such a hard topic in such a tender way.

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This novel is a must-read for Gen X-ers like me, mostly because we're getting to the age where our friends/family (or even we, ourselves) are being diagnosed with cancer. And cancer is not an easy subject to tackle, but Irvin does such a wonderful (and heartfelt) job bringing us an insider's view of the process of being diagnosed/people's responses/treatments, wrapping this information in a storyline with characters we get invested in.

And let's talk about characters. The main character Kristen can be abrasive, yes, but she doesn't stay stuck there. The book is largely about the revelations that push her into growth. Anyone who knows (or is) a workaholic will recognize Kristen's incessant drive to do better for her patients, even to the point of ignoring her family. She literally can't SEE what she's doing by putting her job first.

The book has an excellent resolution to the workaholism and to Kristen's other childhood traumas, so we can finish knowing she's moving in the right direction, even after resisting it for so long.. In other words, there is character growth which makes her more relatable over time.

And Kristen's husband, Daniel. I'm guessing every reader has met a husband (or wife) like this--someone whose spouse's desires trump his own, to the point where he can't even talk to her about what he wants. This is an unusual marriage to be portrayed in Christian fiction, and I'd like to say kudos to Thomas Nelson for bringing us something different, yet highly believable with this story! It makes the reader think, which all the best books do. I loved seeing realistic marriages (and divorces) and how both partners grow over time.

I also appreciated the sobering but important thread that time is ticking for all of us.. I was impressed at how the storyline itself communicated deeper truths. Many Christian fiction books are extended sermons, full of pat answers, and, as anyone who's struggled with cancer knows (either themselves or their family/friends) there are many questions that might never get answered on earth. Yet the book continually points back to God's peace and the importance of TRUE faith, which I appreciated. The characters' struggles, laid bare for the reader, made us ponder if we're prioritizing the right things in the here and now, and their relationships and victories inspired readers.

I'll definitely be recommending this to those looking for a thought-provoking and realistic Christian fiction read.

This read was so good!! Hard--but good.

It was my first foray into this author's books; I'd seen her name before, but hadn't picked up one of her books until now as those I'd seen were primarily Amish-themed, and I'd ODed on those back in the 2000s, sad to say. (That might change given how much I enjoyed this--granted non-Amish--one; Irvin is quite a talented writer!)

Irvin juggled three narrators seamlessly here, and I particularly enjoyed that she included the husband of one of the sisters as a narrator. It added gravitas, a fresh perspective, and uniqueness one doesn't see too often in the multiple-narrator format.

Faith is woven throughout the read, as is the amount of research Irvin obviously did (which I learned in the afterword was in large part due to her own cancer diagnosis/experience--saaaad). Working in the healthcare industry myself, though not having much (any) oncology exposure, I was particularly interested and invested, and learned a lot. (And I felt suitably chastised for not having scheduled one of those joyous routine medical procedures available to women "of a certain age" whose ranks I recently joined, lol. <retreats behind a curtain>)

Really, really well done, and thought-provoking. As ever, timely to read around the holidays, a time I often spend at least to some degree in reflection about life, where I'm at now and where I'd like to be, and the people and things that really matter.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Two sisters. One is content in her life as a grade school teacher and beloved by all she comes in contact with- and she just received a cancer diagnosis. Another is a control freak who looks like she has it all- successful marriage, family, medical career in oncology. But underneath it all she is drowning and it’s all about to crumble. And she’s determined to heal her sister- it’s what she does for a living after all!

It’s a frustrating and sometimes hard book to read. It’s hard to watch these women battle their life’s struggles and it’s hard to watch it all fall apart. But there’s also a lot of redemption and self-awareness that had me pondering my own priorities in life.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What a heartrending story encompassing the hard subjects of a cancer diagnosis, divorce, estrangement, and spiritual questioning.
The characters and situations came across as very realistic. I applaud the author for using her own cancer experience to enlighten her audience. She truly has made lemonade out of lemons.
Forgiveness is a big theme as was getting your priorities straight, living in the moment and actively loving your family. It was told in several voices. Kristen was an oncologist who wholeheartedly gave to her patients. But she learned that she could not do enough when the patient was her sister, Sherri. The story showed how cancer affects the whole extended family, not just the person with the diagnosis.
Recommended for fans of women’s fiction.
*i received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

This book was emotional and heavy, but it was so thoughtful and well done. I cared deeply for these characters. This is the one I keep recommending to my friends.