Fragments of Light Paperback – July 14, 2020

Fragments of Light# by Michele Phoenix is a historical fiction book. This book is a masterpiece and so hard to put down. Michele grew up in France. She is an educator, writer and speaker. She taught for 20 years in Germany . The story is a time split between Cal who was a paratrooper on D day on June 6, 1944. and Cecile a breast cancer survivor 75 years later. The reader will feel like they have walked through the shoes of a D Day survivor after reading the book. The beginning of the book the reader will find Cal and the injuries of D Day. At the end of the book the veterans share their memories of D Day and the visitors go to a D Day exhibit. and demonstration and meet survivors in France. The story is so beautifully researched and written. Cal is a brave and determined character. Cecile goes through the trials of breast cancer in all its forms. She is brave and she endures so much loss and continues to move forward. It is wonderful to show the reader they too can be brave when they face difficulties. the author wants the reader to remember the sacrifices so many gave for our freedoms. The book is so hard to put down and an excellent read. I highly recommend this book. Thank you to the author , publisher, netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. I hope it is a huge success. I will post my review on facebook, Goodreads, bookbub, Barnes and Noble, cbd.com. , my blog.

Cancer can take more than your body; it can take your spirit. Ceelie understands that more than most. After undergoing a double mastectomy, chemotherapy treatment, and reconstructive survey, the day she is finally free of everything turns out to be worse than the initial diagnosis. Her husband wants out. He’s finished. This devastates Ceelie even worse than the cancer itself. The man who vowed to be by her side through sickness and health decides she isn’t worth it anymore. Shortly after this, her one friend and fellow cancer survivor, Darlene, finds out that her cancer has returned with a vengeance and after going through this twice, she is content to live out her days. But before she goes, she has a request of Ceelie. She wants her to help track down whatever happened to her father. He returned home from D-Day and only stayed a few weeks with her mom and her before he left them with no explanation. Darlene has harbored bitterness toward him her whole life but when some letters resurfaced, she decides she wants to know what really happened. Will Ceelie be able to help her find out before it’s too late?This was a powerful read, as Michele Phoenix books tend to be. The raw emotion over the surgery and recovery could only be painted by someone who had experienced this herself. All that pain was poured into Ceelie’s character and each reader could feel it alongside her. There are definitely some dark moments throughout the book, but as the title states, fragments of light make their way through the darkness. I loved Darlene’s character. She was so spunky and energetic for a woman in her 70s that I hope to be her at that age, always encouraging others and living life to her fullest. I also enjoyed the time slip aspect of this story set during Normandy on D-Day and what happened to change the life of Darlene’s father forever. It takes all the way to the end to find out the truth, and when it comes, it is understandable but so sad at the same time. I hope that readers find enjoyment and enlightenment through this book.

So this, it turns out, is not to be the book to read when you have a head cold and you’ve recently lost an elderly loved one. Just as Ceelie completes all of the treatment for her breast cancer, her elderly friend Darlene has a recurrence. Darlene’s new desire to know what happened to the father who abandoned her as a child soon becomes Ceelie’s mission. Putting her investigative journalism background to use, the story travels to Missouri and eventually to France, where D-Day celebrations lead to revelations of the past.Interspersed with Ceelie and Darlene’s storyline, as well as Ceelie’s marital issues, is the story of Darlene’s paratrooper father Cal landing off course and encountering two sisters and the villagers taking refuge in their home. Told first from the younger sisters point of view, then switching to Cal’s, the events on that fateful day in 1944 unfold. Ceelie’s husband is one of the low points of this story - leaving her as soon as her cancer treatment ends. But then, with part of the central storyline being a consequence of her friend Darlene’s father having deserted his family not long after returning from World War II, I suppose abandonment and reconciliation might be considered central-adjacent themes. And they do compliment the themes of bravery and healing.As always, Michele Phoenix delivers an emotional story of people facing difficult times in Fragments of Light, which just might be the most personal of her novels so far, drawing on her own life experiences of cancer, living in France, and working with World War II veterans.While I voluntarily requested and receive a digital NetGalley copy, courtesy of the publisher, this review refers to a purchased paperback. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

“Fragments of Light” was captivating from start to finish. I loved the complex character development of the main characters. There were many insights on Father-Daughter relationships, Mother-Daughter relationships, husband-wife relationships, care-giver to recipient of care, resilient civilians and dedicated soldiers, loyal neighbours...each persons decision having tremendous effect on the other’s lives. Our moments of cowardice or bravery have ripple effects through history.I appreciated the message of hope that it is never too late to fight for reconciliation. It was also very honouring to the deep sacrifice of our veterans and their families. Well worth the read - another impactful book from Michele Phoenix!

The whole story was wonderful. The battle of cancer can be so overwhelming. Michele knows only too well what this is like and the way she portrays this comes across so well written.

Wonderfully written book....heartfelt, relevant, thought provoking. Follow this writer, there’s gonna more good stuff coming!!