It was good. Very eye opening about how consuming life can be and one doesn't have time for the most important----family. ( )

Sorry Joyce, but this novel did not appeal to me at all. It was very cliche, a sort of Angels in the Outfield in Chicago. The emphasis on Sarah's change after the accident seemed to be based more on good works than any form of grace. ( )

A very pleasant read. ( )

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. ( )

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! ( )