This is a character-driven story. The story takes a while to build up, but it's worth it. Many of us live life as if we're constantly driving on the highway. We forget to calm down, to cherish the people around us and to spread happiness. Saying sincere thank yous, paying for someone else's coffee, thinking of the less fortunate ... Our time with others isn't infinite, and we take many things for granted.

At first, I was annoyed with Sarah because I couldn't believe she's letting so many things pass her by, but she grows as a character. I don't want to spoil anything, but maybe this story is a contemporary look at Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. I also didn't like how her husband Joe approached the matter about Sarah's behaviour. He could have chosen his words more carefully, but everything seems to happen for a reason.

I like her son Mitchell. He's an innocent boy who doesn't want to see his parents fight. He also believes in angels. He happens to see one helping out with the scoreboards at the Cubs baseball game, but his parents attribute this to his wild imagination. Even though this book is considered christian fiction, I enjoyed it. There aren't any biblical references or anything of that sort, but simply that there is someone watching over you and that everyone is loved.

This is an easy read. If you're living on the fast lane and barely taking care of yourself, let alone those who are around you, you might want to consider slowing down and taking in the sights, literally. If you like contemporary christian fiction, give this one a shot. (bambireads.blogspot,com) ( )

Sarah Harper is driven by the need for approval. During her childhood her mother made her feel that she shouldn't been born. In her adult life she short changes her family for success in her career. This need causes her to drive wildly to beat a bridge coming up, in order to be on time for an important client. She ends in the Chicago River. She experiences an after death experience which dramatically changes her life. ( )

Sarah Harper has forsaken her family for the success she wants in her career. Her husband Joe, her son Mitchell, and her baby Kate are left without her more times than she cares to admit. She wants to be everything to everyone around her, but she's finding the pressure to please all is just too much.

Her view of life changes one rainy morning as she hurries to meet her boss and some new clients for an all-important meeting. Instead of reaching her destination, she drives off a bridge. What Sarah experiences as rescuers try to find her body will change her life, and the lives of the people around her, forever. The people she encounters during this time will show her what will truly make her happy. She will learn that the love and approval she has always sought from others was with her all along from our Heavenly father.

I absolutely loved this story. Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford have woven together a tale that speaks volumes in today's hectic-scheduled life. We all find ourselves at some point seeking the love and approval of people who make us feel less than we are. God is who we should seek. The conflicts between Sarah and Joe and the guilt she feels over her children happen in so many households today. Watching her spiritual growth was truly heartwarming. Ellen Archer was the best narrator I have ever heard. This is one inspirational story I know you will love just as I did. ( )

I loved this book even if it was a little cliche and I could not stop reading. It killed me to have to stop when I got to work with only about 40 pages left to read. Watching Sarah's character was like watching a whirlwind of efficiency blowing through life as she tried to be the perfect wife, mother, employee and yet never really satisfying anyone fully, including herself. After she drives her car off a bridge and plunges into the river she experiences something akin to The Christmas Carol in which she is taken to view pieces of her past, present and future. These experiences make her realize that in her rush she was missing out on some of the best parts of her life.

Although personality-wise I am unlike Sarah her character reminded me that sometimes you just need to slow down and enjoy what is going on around you whether it be your family or just a nice day in the park. Don't always be in such a rush to get from point A to point B that you can't soak what is around you.

I highly recommend this book as it will draw you in and even bring tears to your eyes at some points! ( )