Between Heaven and Earth by Michele Paige Holmes (Power of the Matchmaker series)

Between Heaven and Earth by Michele Paige Holmes

Summary from Goodreads:
Cassandra Webb’s every waking minute is devoted to being a great mother and wife. She takes five-year-old Noah to the library each week, volunteers in his kindergarten class, and even coaches his soccer team. She makes sure her husband’s uniforms are always laundered—even though he hasn’t worn them the last six years—always has his game day snacks on hand, and meets him for date night every Friday—which consists of one sided conversations at his bedside and watching his favorite take out remain untouched. 

Pearl, a mysterious visitor at the care center, suggests that it is only Cassie’s love still tying Devon to Earth when he has been ready to move on to Heaven for quite some time. If Cassie will but open her eyes and heart, she will discover the path she should travel, one that will bring relief to Devon and much joy to her own life. But Cassie vowed never to give up on him. She never has and she can’t now, even after meeting hapless, single soccer-dad Matt.

5 Stars

Received ebook in exchange for an honest review

My Review:
I find it interesting to read books about issues I have never thought of. This book brings up a situation that I think most of us never think about or at least never think will happen to us. I asked myself repeatedly while I read this book, "What would I do?" I asked my husband, "What would you do?" The story brings up questions of commitment, fidelity, joy, stagnancy, and hope.

I consider this a love story, but not a typical one. There are multiple loves in this story. The main character loves her husband, she loves her son, and, in the course of the book, falls in love with another man. Cassie loves others so much that she loses herself. I appreciate the reminder in this book that we each need to love ourselves to be able to love others. That means taking time to build ourselves up, taking time to find our own joy. It doesn't mean being selfish and thinking only of ourselves. But it does mean that we can give so much more when we are in an emotional place to do so. It does mean being self aware and knowing what we can do to be in that emotional place to love others and serve others.

This book got me thinking, a lot. I was glad to be able to have a conversation with my husband about some of the issues brought up in the book. I was happy to see Cassie work through her "rut" and find more joy, find more hope, and find more love.

Warnings: Death, loved one in permanent vegetative state

I would let my 15 year old read this book.

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