“History’s stains illuminate the future.” – Fragments of Light by Michele Phoenix

I thoroughly enjoyed this dual timeline, dual narrative historical fiction book.  It travels from the farmlands of  Missouri to the shores of Normandy as one woman takes on a quest to understand the past in order to move forward with peace into the future.  

Summary

Told in alternating chapters, the story follows a young paratrooper named Cal on June 6, 1944 as he jumps from his plane and lands off course in France on D-day.  At the same time, in present day Chicago, we step into the story of Darlene & Ceelie, two best friends who came together during cancer treatments.  As Darlene’s sickness grows, so does her desire to learn more about her history and the father she never knew.  Ceelie, while dealing with the collapse of her marriage, offers to help her track him down.  It gives them both purpose and a sense of adventure. 

“The opposite of courage isn’t fear, it’s resentment.”

Review

There was so much in this book that I loved – the insight into the ravages of cancer, the strength of female friendships, and the power of redemption after loss.  My Aunt is currently battling her third round of cancer and I couldn’t help but think of her throughout this book.  It is story of letting go and living well. While the main story centers around Darlene filling in the pieces of her family history, the love story and heartbreak between Ceelie and he husband keeps the story filled with hope.  

A fast paced, rewarding mystery and a sweet, clean romance about second chances.  It made the perfect summer reading book!

Giveaway

Enter to win your own copy of Fragments of Light by Michele Phoenix on my Instagram page today.  Promotion runs through 8/1. Get TWO extra entries if you leave a comment on this blog post below! Thanks for following along!

Thank you to TLC Book Tours, @Tnzfiction, and @shellphoenix for sharing this book with me! You know how much I love historical fiction and this one hit the spot.