Books to Borrow Martinsburg Public Library Recommends

Dr. Kristen Tremaine is one of the best oncologists in the business. Her singular focus to not only treat people with cancer but also to find a cure is deeply rooted in the loss of her mother to the disease when Kristen was a young girl. Unfortunately, this dedication has come at a cost, namely her relationship with her husband and daughters.

Sherri Reynolds, Kristen’s sister, has lived her life the opposite way. She has worked hard to find a balance between her career as a teacher, her children, and her faith.

Both of their lives are rocked to the core when Sherri is diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer.

Kristen drops everything to become Sherri’s guide through this awful time, determined to make sure Sherri survives. Unfortunately, it is the last straw on Kristen’s tenuous marriage, and her husband Daniel moves out. He is supportive of his sister-in-law and what his wife is trying to do, but he has been pushed to the backburner so many times that he just cannot do it anymore. Kristen’s already crumbling world becomes even more bleak.

What unfolds is truly a “year in the life” of this family, with all the ups and downs that we all know life can bring. Will Sherri survive? Will Kristen’s marriage be over? Will both women and Daniel learn to forgive and move forward when everything seems so uncertain?

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is a realistic, deeply emotional book about love, redemption, faith and healing. It brings into focus the idea of time and making the most of what we are given. The story is told in the alternating perspectives of Kristen, Sherri and Daniel, giving readers the true 360 of emotions and strain for a family when a cancer diagnosis is given.

This book is near and dear to Irvin’s heart, as she is a stage 4 ovarian cancer survivor.