The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos

Sherri and Kristen are sisters who have weathered many losses. In this Christian based fiction, the sisters must comes to terms with Sherri's terminal cancer diagnosis. Kristen, an oncologist, knows her sisters's fate...yet can not understand her sister's faith. Sherri makes the point several times that God answers all prayers, just not always hope we expect or want....and that true faith shows in difficult circumstances.

During the cancer diagnosis and treatment, Kristen is also standing by as her 25 year marriage falls apart. During her sister's diagnosis and treatment, Kristen must decide what matters most and that time spent shows what really matters.

Thank you NetGalley, Nelson Publishers, and Kelly Irvin for this ARC.

This story grabbed me from the beginning and I could not put it down until the last page was turned.

Sisters, Sherri, and Kristen lost their mother to cancer at an early age, which caused Sherri to fill the role of mother to younger sister Kristen. Sherri later became a kindergarten teacher and Kristen an oncologist, determined to save the lives of all cancer victims. Kristen, however, so obsessed with her patient’s well-being, often made them her priority over her own family.

When Sherri is diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer, Kristen insists she come stay with her and be treated in the clinic where she works so she can oversee her care. Kristen puts everything else on hold, determined to save her sister.

This is an emotional, gripping, beautiful story that includes family, faith, and friendship, as well as forgiveness. It is somewhat of a roller coaster ride, which kept me on the edge of my seat with anticipation. A beautifully written story with relatable characters that I recommend straight from my heart.

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

This is a well written novel about the highs and lows of a family affected by a cancer diagnosis. It's such a serious and difficult topic but told in such a sweet way and from the perspective of the patient and the oncologist. Sherri and Chance were my favorite characters in the story.



Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is based on Irvin’s real life experience with stage four ovarian cancer. Irvin manages to convey her experience to the reader through the character of Sherrie who is diagnosed with cancer early in the story.

Sherrie is fifty-eight years old, a divorced mother and grandmother, and a kindergarten teacher. She’s a runner and a health nut. Kristen is Sherri’s younger sister, an oncologist, also a mother and grandmother, and married. Kristen smokes (yeah, the irony!).

Using her characters and the plot, Irvin addresses themes of familial love, marriage, childhood scars, and especially what we try to fix vs what we place in God’s hands.

You’d think a book about such a serious cancer diagnosis would be depressing. But the way Irvin portrays Christian faith and the sisters’ relationship through the midst of the crisis is uplifting.

If I have one complaint, it’s that the sisters and their surrounding friends and family seem obsessed with comfort food: cookies, lemonade, sweet tea, pies, cinnamon rolls, King Ranch casserole, and especially ice cream. The dissonance between trying to survive a health crisis and being surrounded by unhealthy foods twisted my brain. But maybe I’m being too judgy. If I had a serious cancer diagnosis, I’d probably curl up on the couch with chocolate, and my dear husband would probably get fat on pizza. So only half a star off.

Overall, this is an emotional, informative, and gripping story. 4.5 stars. Highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos. I am happy to post my personal thoughts about the book.

I had mixed emotions about reading this book with a deep topic because I gravitate towards books that are happy to escape the sadness and ugliness in the world. Let me say, I read and finished the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I laughed, I cried and my compassion for the characters was through the roof. I congratulate Kelly Irvin for being able to share her own stage 4 ovarian cancer story with her readers through this book. Such an emotional read complete with forgiveness, faith and new beginnings. I highly recommend this book and thank you Kelly for your insight ovarian cancer.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

Kelly Irvin's The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is by far my favorite I have read by her. I instantly felt connected to the characters and wanted to keep reading their story until I have finished. Five stars.

This is an evocative, complex story of two sisters who lost their mother to cancer as teenagers. So when Sherrie, the older sister, is diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer in her 50’s, it is an unfortunate and traumatic twist of fate for both women. Kristen, as the younger sister, will need to dig deep to care for Sherrie. Luckily, Kristen is an oncologist and is able to guide Sherrie through her illness.

As an oncologist, Kristen has an extremely busy life and this is causing her marital problems, which will need to be put on the back burner while she cares for her sister.

This book covers so many topics flawlessly and emotionally - cancer, grief, marriage, divorce, job dynamics, religious beliefs and family. It is written beautifully and is really a gut punch right in the feels. I highly recommend this 5-star book. Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC. This book hits the shelves on December 5, 2023.

This was a difficult book to read, but also a beautiful book. Much of the story has to do with a character who is diagnosed with cancer and her journey after that diagnosis and other main characters struggling with their marriage. Those are such heart-wrenching circumstances, but there is hope and even joy among the pain.

This book was a good read and I really enjoyed it and then I read the author's note and realized that, in some ways, Kelly was living this story and that raised the star level for me from a 4 to a 5.

Sherri is battling ovarian cancer and Kristen, her sister, is determined to save her, adding caretaking to her myriad of responsibilities she is trying to juggle. While on the surface it appears as if she is managing fine, her marriage is on the brink of ruin; the question is will she realize it in time?

There is much heart break and hope in this story. Sherri's only marriage had ended in divorce, but yet there was reconciliation. It's a story that makes you think about living in each moment and enjoying life while you have life and health. There is no guarantee.

I felt like the relationship to God was a little more surface than I want to have, and yet, I think, Sherri especially, was seeking to know Him and live for Him.

There did seem to be some confusion in the book as to what Sherri's daughter's husband's name was. Most of the time it was Zach, but at one point it seemed to be Trevor. I'm not sure if I missed something there or if it was an editing thing that got missed. Not a big deal, but....

I did really enjoy the book and want to take to heart the message to enjoy my family while I have them with me to enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly Irvin will be releasing soon, and you will want to make sure to put this on your to be read fiction pile! This was a turn pager and tear jerking read. A story about cancer, loss and death, relationship issues, and wrong priorities. What I didn’t realize while I was reading it until the end after I read the after thoughts from the author is that she wrote this based on her own cancer struggle with stage 4 ovarian cancer.

The book focuses on two sisters, one going through cancer and the other is an oncologist. Also, with how both deal with issues, while one is a Christian and the other is not. I learned a lot about the process of cancer treatments and enjoyed seeing the characters grow and change as they dealt with issues.

A couple highlights from the book:

I remind myself of when she asked me if I thought God was still good. If the answer is still yes, then I have to trust that He has a plan for me.
I figure once we finally see Him face-to-face, we can get our questions answered once and for all. In the meantime, we have to hang on, even in our unbelief.
Be in the moment. Treasure this moment in time.
Just because you didn’t get the answer you want doesn’t mean God isn’t real, or He isn’t good or that He doesn’t care.

This would make a great book club read, as there are discussion questions as the end of the book.

Be prepared with tissues before tackling this book! This was a very emotional read for me, since there is a history of cancers in my family, but I felt like it needed to be read. It is a must read for all women.
I'm happy the author wrote about the subject of ovarian cancer, especially since she went through the treatments herself. There is so much need for people to know and be aware of the symptoms and signs of this cancer.
Thank you to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book to review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What an emotional read, even more so knowing the author has battled with the same challenges in her own life.

Be prepared to shed a few tears as you read this touching novel.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

I just finished The Year of Hellos and Goodbyes by Kelly Irvin. This book is a fictional account of a very personal story. It is about love, loss and forgiveness. Two sisters find themselves navigating a crisis of marriage, family and health while coming to terms with major childhood losses. This story made me laugh, cry and really think about making the most of each day. I highly recommend reading this book.

When I first seen the cover of this book I wondered what it was about. I knew it was written by one of my favorite authors and I considered reading it. Then I heard that it was a story written about two sisters and one sister had just learned at the book’s beginning that she had Ovarian Cancer. The other Sister was an Oncologist who worked for a big cancer care center in Texas. I knew I wanted to read this book because my sister died from Ovarian Cancer in 2009. I spent a lot of time up in Canada with her and was there for her first chemotherapy treatment. As I started reading this book all the memories and feelings I had during my sisters fight for her life came flooding back to me. The book seemed very real and I could feel Sherri’s fear as her treatments started and her cancer advanced. The Author knows a lot about Ovarian Cancer because she also has this disease. Kelly Irvin is well researched on the topic of this type of cancer. I thought the book was very well written and the story though emotional was a warm story with a heart felt message to all women about how this type of cancer or any type of cancer can effect the patient and her family and support team. This was a book that I found impossible to put down. Though the story was sad it was also about learning what was really the important things in life. Now that I’ve finished the book I can truthfully say that this is the best book that I have read this year.

I recommend this book to all readers of women’s fiction, Contemporary Christian Fiction, and standalone novels. It is a story that all women should consider reading. This book is scheduled by be released on 12/5/23.

I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#TheYearofGoodbyesandHellos #NetGalley

I don't have enough positive words in my vocabulary for this book. I absolutely loved every minute of it. I laughed out loud. I cried. I worried. I wanted to pray for the characters. I loved each and every 0ne of them. They were so real, so relatable, and so full of life. By far, The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is my favorite book of the year. Kelly Irvin did a masterful job of weaving her own journey into a story for many. Is it sad in some places: yes. Does it make you want to hug the people around you: definitely yes! Is it worth every second that it takes you to read it: absolutely yes.
It is the story of two sisters who lost their mom to ovarian cancer when they were teenagers. Now, one of them has the same cancer, while the other fights to save her. Full of hope for the future, the truths of family and faith, and the reality of every day people seeking connections to each other, you won't want to miss this. Thank you for being brave enough to share a piece of your heart and your story with us, Mrs. Irvin. We are honored.

This book gutted me! Such a REAL account of a 25-year marriage, sibling illness, and how past traumas show up in the present. A moving tale with amazing character development. I love when a book is told from each character's perspective! This one hit all the right notes and reminded me of some of my own experiences. Highly recommend - you won't be sorry!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for an ARC of this wonderful book in exchange for a review.
Wow! What an emotional read, beautifully written, thought provoking and covering so many topics in one heartfelt story, grief, cancer, marriage, divorce, religious beliefs, family dynamics and relationships, it’s all there.
Kirsten and Sherrie are sisters, Sherrie is the older sister and she has just been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. Kirsten is an oncologist, she immediately has Sherrie come to stay with her, she takes over her care, she continues to oversee her own patients, her working days are long with often no clock off time. Kirsten and her husband Daniel, are approaching their 25th wedding anniversary, they have two grown up daughters, but with Kirsten’s hectic work schedule her family relationships often suffer.
Sherrie also has a grown up family, she is divorced, her ex husband is her best friend, and they have grandchildren..
The two sisters are estranged from their father, he walked out when they were young, their mother died from cancer when they were teenagers. Sherrie is keen to see their dad again, knowing that her cancer is not curable and her treatments are only buying small chunks of time.
The story follows Sherrie’s cancer journey, her treatments, her relationships with her grown up children, her ex husband, her father and her grandchildren and alongside Sherrie’s story there is Kirsten’s journey, her sisters illness, her demanding job, and her crumbling family relationships.. Sherrie is encouraging her to give their father a second chance and she knows she needs to repair her marriage before it is too late.
This book is beautifully written right to the end, it’s heart wrenching and a tear jerker but I am so glad I have read this very poignant story.

When Kristen and Sherri lost their mom to breast cancer back in their teens, Sherri took over the role of both mother and father at the tender age of 18. She guided her younger sister, Kirsten, through high school, college, and marriage. The wounds from their father’s abandonment and their mother’s death run deep, but each sister processed them differently.

Kristen launches herself into a cancer-curing career path as an oncologist. She vows to always be there for her patients—some of whom will need treatment for years or decades. Kristen carefully balances marriage to her one love, Daniel, and motherhood with her demanding occupation. Once their nest empties, Daniel and Kristen feel a growing rift between them.

Sherri relies on her faith to navigate life as a wife, mother, and teacher, and after her divorce, a single mom. When she receives an ovarian cancer diagnosis, Sherri turns to her little sister to help her navigate the frightening world of cancer. She doesn’t expect her faith to waiver nor her relationship with her ex to rekindle.

Kristen drops everything to guide her sister through treatment. Sort of. She can’t leave her patients high and dry, and she realizes too late the consequences of shortchanging Daniel. While her professional life offers her an opportunity to really make a difference in saving lives, Kristen must decide if the cost is too high.

Why I Loved This Book

Irvin paints a tender story of family, relationships gone awry, faith in crisis, a woman’s mid-life crisis, and redemption. Told from multiple points of view, readers will relate to the two sisters and Daniel. Daniel and Sherri feel emotionally abandoned by their spouses, and each reacts differently.

Reading books where a character has cancer isn’t easy for me (my husband has survived three different kinds of cancer), but The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos didn’t trigger any adverse emotions (unlike other books I’ve read where a character has cancer). Instead, I came away feeling hopeful about my relationship with God and his ability to handle my big questions and uncertainties.

While this book doesn’t fit into Irvin’s usual genres (romantic suspense and Amish romance), it’s a gem readers won’t be able to put down.

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly Irvin is an amazingly well written story that tackles the sensitive subject of cancer, it’s treatments and outcome. It also shows how it affects not only the patient but also their family and friends. This story is so good with several things going on at the same time in the life of oncologist Kristen and her family. Not only does this story cover the cancer issue very well, it also covers the issues couples with important careers deal with. This story shows the difference between Kristen and her sister Sherri, the way they both live their lives. It is sad to see the extreme struggles Kristen and her family go through because of her job and the decisions that have to be made.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

This is an emotional, yet uplifting story of two sisters who are best friends.
Younger sister, Kristen is a busy oncologist who cares for her patients and supports their family.
Unfortunately, this takes away from her own family and life.
Sherri is a teacher, with her own children and grandchildren and a strong believer in the power of prayer. She has always taken care of others as well, including her mom when she was sick and Kristen later on.
Now.. it appears that Kristen will need to care for Sherri in her time of illness. Can she do this? Will the treatment be enough?
There are many lessons in this wonderful novel and I truly enjoyed the reminders.
Life is shorter than we even realize and we must embrace each moment.

As an oncology/hospice nurse, I have to say this book is spot on in all areas.
This is also based on author, Kelly Irvin's journey and I commend her for sharing her story.
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Thomas Nelson--Fiction for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.
Well done.

What a story! I laughed, I cried, I cringed, and I sighed. I could not put this book down! The multiple points of view really added to the story. The theme of forgiveness and reconciliation was woven beautifully throughout. This story will stick with me for awhile. Highly highly recommend!

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

What a wonderful book. The story of two sisters one with terminal cancer and the other an oncologist.I throughly enjoyed this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

Wow, THE YEAR OF GOODBYES AND HELLOS is an emotional and thought-provoking novel that would be ideal for bookclubs. The author is not afraid to confront difficult issues, including cancer, family bonds, betrayal, and what it means to find hope in the midst of illness or other trying circumstances. This story will likely make you cry, but don't be afraid of that. Well-fought emotions like what the author evokes here can be so cathartic. Ultimately, this is a story about people digging deep to find courage and resilience.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the e-galley; all opinions in this review are 100% my own.

Although this book dealt with a difficult issue (cervical cancer), the author told the story in such a way that 5he book was almost unputdownable!

The story involves two sisters….one an oncologist and the other a cancer patient. To me what could’ve been a depressing story ended up not being that at all. I was left with a hopeful outlook about the end of life as well as for the good resolution of the sister with marital problems. I will certainly recommend this book to my book club!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Five stars!

I got to the end and said wow…that was a sad one. This was so beautifully written and kept me turning the pages faster and faster.

The sisterly love between Sherri & Kristen is a back and forth dance of taking turns caring for one another. Both are looking to help bring the other support and guidance during their time of struggles.

There are so many parts of the book that will hit home for many readers. I connected with Daniel’s feeling of loneliness and Kristen’s need to take care of herself. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to put my hands through the book and shake Kristen a few times!!!

This one really reminds you to make memories and make every minute count. You can’t get back time.

I can’t wait to add this to my bookshelf. Go press purchase and don’t forget to read the acknowledgments!!

Thank you Netgalley & Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of this book. My review and opinion are completely my own.


👉🏻This book has:
•Sisters •Marriage •Parenting •Family Dynamic •Death •Grief •Work/Life Balance •Forgiveness

🤔 What is on your bucket list that you plan on doing in 2024?

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Posting to Goodreads 12/3/23
Posting to Instagram 12/4/23
Posting to Amazon 12/5/23

Wow. What a book. From an author who write during the pain of walking through a cancer diagnosis herself, this book is needed. Kelly Irvin shares with us the joys of living your life to the best with the time you have left, & the hurt that also comes when life is hard for real people and real families.
Kelly did a beautiful job at creating characters that you FEEL like you know. There were times I felt like I was walking with this family through this pain- it felt very real.
Also, I lived in San Antonio for a little bit, so I loved the little landmarks that were noted in the book!
I felt there were times the story moved super fast in the chapters, which made some scenes feel in unauthentic. But for the sake of time, I know why that had to happen!
There is a HIGH chance you will cry at some point or two during this book. If you love books that are family centered and less romance, you may enjoy it too!
➡️ swipe for synopsis

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins Christian and Thomas Nelson for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful book by Kelly Irvin and perfectly narrated by Jessica Holtan and Jeremy Childs - 5 stars!

Sisters Kristen and Sherri processed their childhood trauma differently. Their mom passed away and their dad left. Kristen became an oncologist and was all focused on her career, to the detriment of her husband and daughters. Sherri led a much more balanced life until her diagnosis of ovarian cancer threw her world off orbit. Kristen swooped in to manage and control every aspect of Sherri's care, moving her into the home she shares with her husband, Daniel. While Sherri is doing her best to mend relationships and live her remaining days with grace and happiness, Kristen's focus on her work implodes her marriage and family.

While this is certainly a serious subject, this book was just so wonderful that I couldn't put it down. I started reading it but quickly switched to the audio so that I could listen more. You can't help but feel for the sisters, and while Daniel could have been a bit more understanding, he was certainly at his wit's end as well. It's not a depressing story; it's instead filled with hope and faith bringing light into such darkness. The author's note with her own cancer experience makes it all more real.

A powerful book! Two sisters, impacted by the journey and death of their mother's cancer chose different paths to deal with the pain. Kristen, an oncologist dedicates her life to curing cancer to the point of almost destroying her family. Sherri, diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer has devoted her life to God and struggles with many questions. This story is told through the eyes of the sisters and Kristen's husband, Daniel. Raw, emotional, and heartbreaking. The importance of faith in God throughout. Highly recommended!

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is a meaningful, thought-provoking, sad, hopeful, fulfilling, and beautiful sister story.

Drawing from the author's personal experience with ovarian cancer, this story is beautifully written.

I noticed the book falls under the category of Christian fiction, which I don't typically read. However, this novel handles those themes without being preachy or heavy-handed. One sister is religious, the other is not. But the author makes it seamless and natural the way questions about God and faith weave through the novel. Facing the fear of death, it's natural to question faith, beliefs, and seek greater meaning.

I admired the close relationship between the two sisters as a reader. The book is filled with emotional depth and a genuine portrayal of life's emotions.

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is equal parts sad, joyful and full of hope, family and love.

I cried, laughed, and appreciated this beautiful novel very much. For me, it was a reminder not to wait too late to dedicate the time and care to our loved ones they deserve.

Oh, my goodness, where to start! This is one of the best books I've read in awhile.
Sherri has what people on the outside looking in would call the 'perfect life.' She's married to the love of her life. They've raised two wonderful daughters who are now both in college. Her husband, Daniel is a successful engineer with his own firm. He even designed their home! Sherri is an oncologist. They seem to have it all, but do they?
Daniel still loves his wife, but he is a terribly lonely man. Sherri's life is her work. Her own mother died of cancer when she was a child. Her sister, Kristen who is four years older, finished raising her. Sherri has a passion to help cancer patients, so that families don't have to experience what she and her sister did. But, in her zeal for helping others, she is seriously neglecting her husband as well as her daughters. She, recently, forgot her husband's birthday. The even bigger lapse was forgetting their 25th wedding anniversary. She was with a patient and then the patient's husband after her patient passed away. She couldn't leave the grieving man alone, could she? Meanwhile, back at home, her husband had prepared a dinner, lit candles, bought red roses, and the trip to Paris that they couldn't afford for their honeymoon.
After waiting and waiting for Sherri to come home, resigned, Daniel packed a bag and left. He had enough of being last on her list.
Then, Sherri's sister, Kristen gets a cancer diagnosis. Sherri has Kristen move in and change doctors so that she could oversee her care and see that she got the best of care. She has stretched herself even more.
Her daughters are very angry with their mother. They have seen what her priorities have been.
The story takes the reader on Kristen's journey-the ups and the downs. The strains on Sherri's marriage and family. Daniel's temptation. The story is very well written. I felt like I was in the story. Great characters. I cried. Can't say enough about this one!
Then, at the end, I discovered that the author, Kelly Irvin, had a diagnosis of Stage 4 Ovarian cancer just a few years ago. She still goes through the tests, scans and everything else associated with this disease.
Wonderful, wonderful story!
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

This book ripped my heart right out of my chest and made me cry so much. My heart ached but I didn’t want it to end. I fell in love with all of the characters. The story was told with three points of view, sisters Sherri and Kristen, and Kristen’s husband, Daniel. The sisters lost their mother to cancer and Sherri then got diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Sherri was my favorite sister while Kristen was not a fan favorite for me. She was too focused on her career and not her family.
Cancer is not a topic I like to read about, but Kelly Irvin used her own cancer experience to take you on an emotional and faith filled journey. I have read many of her Amish books so that is why I decided to check this out. And I’m glad I did!
Many thanks to the author, Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheYearOfGoodbyesAndHellos #KellyIrvin #NetGalley #ThomasNelson #BookLove #BooksSetInTexas #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks

Lightening strikes and the sisters world turns upside down. There are old wounds in this family, but what matters now? Beautifully written.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson fiction and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this book. The blurb tells you that it is the story of Sherri as she deals with cancer but I was especially drawn to her sister Kristen's story. An oncologist Kristen has always been driven in her work and her marriage is showing signs of wear and tear before Sherri is diagnosed. Kristen and Paul's story rang true to me as did Sherri's journey with cancer and the choices and challenges presented by it. At the end of the book we learn that the author is also dealing with cancer which makes this novel feel even more authentic and I am impressed by her ability to tell a story so grounded in her life.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos in exchange for an honest review. It is available now.

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos
by Kelly Irvin
Pub Date: December 5, 2023
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
*Christian fiction
In a novel inspired by the author's own cancer experience, two sisters seek a new balance in work, family, and love when one receives a diagnosis that sets the clock ticking.
Excellent book! I couldn't put it down!~
5 stars

This is a beautifully written story that is full of emotions. It is an emotional rollercoaster ride that deals with cancer, marriage, divorce and forgiveness. This story stays with you long after you turn the last page.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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.

This was a hard book for me to read, emotionally, because I have lost someone to ovarian cancer. I thought Ms. Irvin did an exceptional job at writing what it's like to be both the patient and the person on the other side who is taking care of their loved one and all the stress and emotions and heart ache that comes with that. I had to stop reading to cry numerous times but it was still a wonderful book

When I started reading The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly Irvin, the title cued me to anticipate a range of emotions. I didn't expect to read a profound novel with flawed and genuine characters who felt like real-life friends by its conclusion. The novel felt very "real" as its characters experience many hardships and challenges.

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is a raw, honest ... and beautiful ... story of a middle-aged woman's ovarian cancer journey and the people who support her, primarily her sister who's an oncologist. While fiction, the plot closely mirrors the author's ovarian cancer treatment experience.
Using her first-hand knowledge, Ms. Irvin shares every aspect of the journey, from diagnosis, treatment, and side effects to the responses of family, friends, and coworkers. Along the way, marriage, family, work/life balance, legacy, and grief are explored.

This is Christian fiction so faith is important and organic throughout. As in any family, members have varying levels of connectedness to their faith so most readers should be able to relate to at least one character.

Readers will be wise to keep the novel's title in mind as they read, both to anticipate the ending and to protect their emotions if cancer has impacted them or a loved one.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the review copy of this novel with special thanks to the author for using her deeply personal experiences to create a powerful novel that earns five shining stars from me.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.

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.

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!

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.