Wise beyond her thirty-three years, advice columnist, Lily Anne Fincher, relishes being the consummate wall on which everyone leans. It gives her life purpose and makes her feel needed and loved even when people ignore her advice. She never considers the possibility of her own happily ever after, until she catches the shy, handsome guy in a three-piece suit, watching her from behind a newspaper in the downstairs coffee shop.
Stoic investment banker, David Morris, never plans on falling for a younger woman, especially a stubborn, rough-around-the-edges, journalist. They come from such different backgrounds. It seems unfathomable, but her easy confidence and flirtatious smiles makes his blood pressure rise. When she finally works up the nerve to approach him, he can’t avoid her.
Determined not to allow anything to ruin their chance at forever, Lily ignores the signs of looming disaster. Is this the end of their fairy tale? Or just the beginning?
Assessment:
Plot: This is a gentle, small (yet not insignificant) story of a 33-year-old wife dying from uterine cancer in her home over her last few days. Her husband, Kisa, movingly cares for her while grappling with his own insurmountable pain; satisfyingly, his wife ultimately experiences what could be called a “good” death.
Prose/Style: The prose is heartfelt and poignant. The dialogue and actions feel organic and realistic, while the relative brevity of the narrative—paired with its sense of great immediacy—enhances its readability.
Originality: Many memoirs and novels today recount deaths; as such, the story itself is not wholly original, but is genuine and grounded in truth.
Character Development: Lily and Kisa are relatable, caring, and share authentic chemistry. Frankhouser particularly excels at portraying how the living well prepare for a loved one’s final transition. The author has hospice experience, which is clear from the nature of the characters and their actions and motives.
Date Submitted: April 02, 2020
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! "I look forward to reading this author's books and I was so happy to read this one. This was scuh an amazing story, I had a hard time putting this one down. It will definitely keep you intrigued and turning the pages... This was an emotional roller coaster ride and along the ride you get the most perfect loving moment."
AN EMOTIONALLY POWERFUL STORY "Beyond Forever' is a poignant and gripping novel, you will probably never forget. It's one of the most touching stories I have ever read. Because of the deep emotional issues, better bring a box of tissues, you might shed tears... If your book club or discussion group need reading recommendations, then Ms. Frankhouser's book, 'Beyond Forever,' is perfect for them."
AMAZING! "You never cease to amaze me. I have so enjoyed every book I have read from you. This one takes my breath away with the realism. It reminds me to cherish my time of health and cherish those around me. Truly another successful book from someone who is such an insightful writer."
BEST SELLER MATERIAL! "I have finished reading your novel, your masterpiece, your work of art. I will not lie, I had a terribly difficult time turning each page because of what I feared but could not resist continuing. At the same time, I didn't want the story to end but I'm elated to know this is the first in a series! It was gripping although so incredibly sad. I immediately fell in love with Lily and Kisa and their incredible love story. I felt as though I knew them. This book needs to become a movie! It is so beautifully written! I don't know how else to tell you what a Best Seller this should become. You are so gifted!"
Frankhouser deftly crafts a romance in the middle of a woman's dying process. It is a deeply personal story that gives great insight into death, strength and loss while swooping the reader into the kind of love story every human should read and emulate.
